bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalar Assessment of the Family Caregiver Activation in Transitions Tool: An Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Gifford Angela , Green Rebecca K. , Jacobsohn Gwen C. , Cochran Amy L. , Caprio Thomas V. , Cushman Jeremy T. , Jones Courtney M.C. , Kind Amy J.H. , Lohmeier Michael , Shah Manish N.
Published: November 2022

The Family Caregiver Activation in Transitions (FCAT) tool in its current, non-scalar form is not pragmatic for clinical use as each item is scored and intended to be interpreted individually. The purpose of the current study was to create a scalar version of the FCAT to facilitate better care communications between hospital staff and family caregivers. We also assessed the scale's validity by comparing the scalar version of the measure against patient health measures. Data were collected from 463 family caregiver–patient dyads from January 2016 to July 2019. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the 10-item FCAT, resulting in a statistically homogeneous six-item scale focused on current caregiving activation factors. The measure was then compared against patient health measures, with no significant biases found. The six-item scalar FCAT can provide hospital staff insight into the level of caregiver activation occurring in the patient's health care and help tailor care transition needs for family caregiver–patient dyads. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48
(12), 35–42.]
Late Life Depression Education: Impact on Acute Care Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude, and Screening Practices
Authors: Barba Kate A. , Gautam Ramraj , Knotts Paula
Published: November 2022

Late life depression (LLD) in hospitalized older adults is associated with poor outcomes. Unfortunately, LLD is often unrecognized by health care providers because of inadequate knowledge and unfavorable attitudes. The purpose of the current study was to measure the effectiveness of LLD education on acute care nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and screening and referral practices. A one-group pre-/post-test design was used. Data were collected using the Late Life Depression Quiz, Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire, and closed and open-ended practice questions. Forty nurses attended a 15-minute presentation on LLD and the 5-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Nurses were educated to screen adults aged ≥65 years for depression and refer those who screened positive to a social worker. There was a significant increase between pre- and posttest knowledge and attitude scores (
p
< 0.001). Screening increased significantly (
p
= 0.006) post-intervention, but no difference was noted in referrals to social workers. Findings support that a brief educational intervention increased nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward depression and depression screening in hospitalized older adults. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48
(12), 43–51.]
Characteristics of Spontaneously Regressed Retinopathy of Prematurity at Termination of Acute Retinal Screening Examinations Using a Novel Grading System
Authors: Ness Peter J. , Andaluz-Scher Laura , Leverant Ryan M. , Chebolu Apoorv , Barry Gerard P.
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

To characterize and compare residual retinal changes of spontaneously regressing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at termination of acute-phase retinal screening examinations.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 521 infants screened for ROP from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Data were collected on patients with at least stage 1 ROP, but who were not treated. The primary outcome measure was presence of residual fibrotic retinal tissue at termination of acute ROP screening examinations. Secondary outcomes included: type of residual fibrotic retinal tissue, persistent avascular retina, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. A novel grading system was used to categorize findings. Comparisons between groups were made using Fisher exact tests.

Results:

A total of 255 eyes met inclusion criteria. A total of 206 of 255 eyes (81%) showed persistent avascular retina, whereas 57 of 255 eyes (22%) showed residual fibrotic retinal tissue at termination of acute screening. All eyes with previous stage 3 ROP showed residual fibrotic retinal tissue (8 of 8 eyes, 100%). Eyes whose highest stage of ROP was stage 2 showed more residual fibrotic retinal tissue at termination of acute screening (40 of 73 eyes, 55%) compared to eyes whose highest stage was stage 1 (9 of 174, 5%) (
P
< .0001). Stage 3 eyes were excluded from this comparison due to the small sample size. One eye had vitreous hemorrhage at post-menstrual age 44 1/7 weeks. No eyes had retinal detachment.

Conclusions:

Despite meeting at least one of the criteria for termination of acute ROP screening, residual fibrotic retinal tissue and persistent avascular retina are common after spontaneous regression of ROP. Further investigation into the long-term clinical significance of these residual changes is warranted.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2023;60(5):359–364.]
The Economic Downturn of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Its Impact on Access to Eye Care
Authors: Lee Karen E. , Sussberg Jake A. , Nelson Leonard B. , Thuma Tobin
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

To discuss the economic downturn of pediatric ophthalmology in the setting of an alarming decline in the number of residents pursuing pediatric ophthalmology and its impact on limiting access to eye care.

Methods:

Survey studies and articles examining the recent economic impact of reimbursement cuts and practice pattern changes in pediatric ophthalmology were reviewed. Population data from the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) were analyzed to illustrate provider-to-population relationships by state.

Results:

Survey studies demonstrated a deteriorating economic situation marked by progression in reimbursement cuts, reductions in pediatric ophthalmologists accepting Medicaid patients, and dwindling numbers of residents pursuing pediatric ophthalmology fellowships. Provider-to-population relationships revealed that pediatric ophthalmologists are not evenly distributed to meet population demand, and that many states are suffering from a shortage of pediatric ophthalmologists. Furthermore, many states with high percentages of Medicaid coverage simultaneously have lower AAPOS members/million person ratios.

Conclusions:

The simple economic principles of supply and demand reveal a crisis in access to pediatric eye and adult strabismus care. The economic downtown and change in practice patterns may produce rippling effects outside pediatric ophthalmology in fields such as pediatrics and comprehensive ophthalmology. An interdisciplinary effort among health care providers and governmental officials is needed to revive the field of pediatric ophthalmology and improve access to eye care.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2023;60(1):18–24.]
Numerical simulation and experimental study for ultrasonic vibration-assisted drilling of SiCp/AL6063
Authors: Ji Xu , Bai Fan , Jiang Jiang , Fu Hongge , Sun Qingjie , Zhu Weiyu
Published: November 2022

Thrust force and metal chips are essential focuses in SiCp/AL6063 drilling operations. Compared with conventional drilling (CD), the ultrasonic vibration-assisted drilling (UVAD) has attractive advantages: for instance, short chips, small cutting forces, etc. However, the mechanism of UVAD is still inadequate, especially in the thrust force prediction model and numerical simulation. In this study, a mathematical prediction model considering the ultrasonic vibration of the drill is established to calculate the thrust force of UVAD. A 3D finite element model (FEM) for the thrust force and chip morphology analysis is subsequently researched based on ABAQUS software. Finally, experiments of CD and UVAD of SiCp/Al6063 are performed. The results show that when the feed rate reaches 151.6 mm/min, the thrust force of UVAD decreases to 66.1 N, and width of the chip decreases to 228 um. As a result, the errors of the mathematical prediction and 3D FEM model of UVAD are about 12.1 and 17.4% for the thrust force, and the errors of the CD and UVAD of SiCp/Al6063 are 3.5 and 11.4% for the chip width, respectively. Compared with the CD, UVAD could reduce the thrust force and improve chip evacuation effectively.
A difference scheme for a triangular system of conservation laws with discontinuous flux modeling three-phase flows
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Diehl Stefan , Martí M. Carmen , Vásquez Yolanda
Published: November 2022

A triangular system of conservation laws with discontinuous flux that models the one-dimensional flow of two disperse phases through a continuous one is formulated. The triangularity arises from the distinction between a primary and a secondary disperse phase, where the movement of the primary disperse phase does not depend on the local volume fraction of the secondary one. A particular application is the movement of aggregate bubbles and solid particles in flotation columns under feed and discharge operations. This model is formulated under the assumption of a variable cross-sectional area. A monotone numerical scheme to approximate solutions to this model is presented. The scheme is supported by three partial theoretical arguments. Firstly, it is proved that it satisfies an invariant-region property, i.e., the approximate volume fractions of the three phases, and their sum, stay between zero and one. Secondly, under the assumption of flow in a column with constant cross-sectional area it is shown that the scheme for the primary disperse phase converges to a suitably defined entropy solution. Thirdly, under the additional assumption of absence of flux discontinuities it is further demonstrated, by invoking arguments of compensated compactness, that the scheme for the secondary disperse phase converges to a weak solution of the corresponding conservation law. Numerical examples along with estimations of numerical error and convergence rates are presented for counter-current and co-current flows of the two disperse phases.
Staggered loans: A flexible modality of long-term financing for SMEs in global health emergencies
Authors: Rambaud Salvador Cruz , Pascual Joaquín López , Santandreu Emilio M.
Published: November 2022

Context: The context of this paper is the unprecedented global situation which has been and is still experiencing all countries all over the world, due to the pandemic caused by Covid-19 and its variants. Apart from the important problem of health population, all countries are facing a sharp reduction in their main economic indicators: stock indices, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), rates of employment, closing down of businesses, etc. Results: In this paper, we have presented and mathematically analyzed the so-called staggered loans as a useful tool for SMEs to be applied after times of crisis. Moreover, their pros and cons, and the advantages for lenders and borrowers have been highlighted. Specifically, this kind of loan can help solve the problem of the scarce offer of credit due to monetary politics currently addressed to reduce inflation. Policy implications: Taking into account that this economic situation cannot continue for longtime, many countries are thinking about the next stages of the way-out from the crisis in all sectors of affected economies. Purpose: In this research, we seek to provide some information on the characteristics of the so-called staggered loans and the repayment system applied by some microfinance institutions in Latin America. This can help SMEs to obtain the liquidity necessary to reopen and develop their activity. Methods: Methodologically, we have presented risk-based measures able to guarantee the profitability of lenders and control the solvency of lenders and borrowers.
Gamification for the Acquisition of Leadership Skills and Formation of Efficient Work Teams: An Interactive Workshop Based on an Analysis of the Film “The Seven Samurai”
Authors: Taguas Encarnación V. , Fernández-Ahumada Elvira , Borrego-López Natalia , Ortiz-Medina Leovigilda , Benlloch-González María , Sánchez-Zamora Pedro , Gallardo-Cobos Rosa M. , Lara-Vélez Pablo , Guerrero-Ginel Jose E.
Published: November 2022

In this work, we present a teaching experience based on emerging pedagogies and gamification to improve leadership skills and achieve efficient teamwork in scientific-technical areas of Engineering Projects. We designed the contents of a workshop and a virtual tool to create emotional contexts that improved the acquisition of soft skills. The combination of multi-sensory pedagogical strategies and hybrid inductive-deductive methodologies based on tests and team games, inspired by the story line of the classic film "The Seven Samurai" (Kurosawa, 1954), allowed us both to carry out, over a period of two academic years, an “on-the-ground” workshop-game, and a virtual tool to interact in the workshop, while under the COVID-19 restrictions.  Despite the different formats and gamification elements used over the two academic years, the metrics for evaluating the efficiency of acquiring these soft skills produced very positive results and, on the whole, did not show significant differences. The cinematographic language and empathy with the story and the characters led the students to identify with and internalize the elements of efficient teamwork and leadership. Movies can provide simple but effective narrative lines on which to build games. Here, we present the contents and details of both workshops as a transferable experience, as well as making the open virtual tool available for the educative community.
Automated Reading Detection in an Online Exam
Authors: Kadyrov Bakhitzhan , Kadyrov Shirali , Makhmutova Alfira
Published: November 2022

In this article, we study the deep learning-based reading detection problem in an online exam proctoring. Pandemia-related restrictions and lockdowns led many educational institutions to go to online learning environments. It brought the exam integrity challenge to an online test-taking process. While various commercial exam proctoring solutions were developed, the online proctoring challenge is far from being fully addressed. This article is devoted to making a contribution to the exam proctoring system by proposing an automated test-taker reading detection method. To this end, we obtain our own dataset of short video clips that resemble a real online examination environment and different video augmentation methods utilized to increase the training dataset. Two different deep learning techniques are adapted for training. The experiments show quite satisfactory results with model accuracy varying from 98.46% to 100%. The findings of the article can help educational institutions to improve their online exam proctoring solutions, especially in language speaking tests.
Healing Through Faith: The Role of Spiritual Healers in Providing Psychosocial Support to Canadian Muslims
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Mojab Fareed
Published: November 2022

Studies have documented on the role of religious leaders in providing psychosocial support to their members. However, there is a dearth of research in understanding the role imams play among Muslim communities in the Canadian context. The few studies that were undertaken in Europe and the United States revealed that imams played a significant role in addressing the psychosocial needs of their congregants, and this role increased in the post-9/11 era.This study explored experiences of imams in the provision of psychosocial support to Muslim Canadians, including new immigrants and refugees. We conducted in-depth, one-on-one interviews with faith leaders in a major metropolitan Canadian city. The data was transcribed and thematically analyzed using NVIVO. The study revealed that spiritual healing is considered the first line of care for psychosocial illness, and imams are considered the primary support network. The findings revealed that war-related traumas and post-resettlement challenges have significant impact on family functions and well-being.This study highlighted the need for culturally appropriate psychosocial support services for Muslim Canadians, including new immigrants and refugees. It also calls for better collaboration between service agencies and faith-based organizations in the communities to address these specific needs.
Quand les jeunes patients vivant avec la maladie de Duchenne négocient les actes de soin avec les adultes : personnalisation et pratiques de résistance
Authors: Perrot Adeline , Letellier Guy
Published: November 2022

Cet article est basé sur une étude socio-anthropologique menée auprès d’enfants et d’adolescents âgés de 6 à 15 ans vivant avec la dystrophie musculaire de Duchenne. La recherche ethnographique a été menée en France, entre 2019 et 2020, à partir d’observations de consultations pluridisciplinaires à l’hôpital et d’une série d’entretiens réalisés avec les jeunes patients, leurs parents et les soignants. L’étude a visé à examiner la négociation des actes de soin entre enfants et adultes lors des interactions sociales en consultations cliniques. Les résultats de la recherche mettent en évidence comment les jeunes patients s’opposent, résistent aux actes de soin et contribuent à façonner les manières dont les soignants agissent autour de leur corps. Malgré l’asymétrie des rapports d’âge et de santé avec les adultes, les enfants et les adolescents manifestent des compétences liées à la gestion de leur santé, leur bien-être, et à la participation au processus de décision.
« À nous d’ouvrir les yeux des autres »
Authors: Turrini Mauro
Published: November 2022

C’est à la suite de la médiatisation de l’accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC), attribué à la pilule, de Marion Larat qu’éclate, en France en 2012, la « crise de la pilule ». Cet article entend contribuer à la compréhension de ce phénomène, en explorant les témoignages publiés sur le site internet de l’Association des victimes d’embolie pulmonaire et d’AVC liés à la contraception hormonale (Avep). L’article les explore en se focalisant sur les stratégies discursives déployées pour rendre visibles des risques qui sont minimisés, voire cachés, par le discours médical (Turrini & Bourgain, 2021a). Cette prise de parole de femmes vise à critiquer le discours médical en produisant un savoir éminemment expérientiel, qui met en avant les émotions et les détails médicaux. Ces stratégies discursives préfigurent le témoignage autobiographique en ligne comme une nouvelle forme d’activisme non-représentative orienté vers la diffusion d’actions individuelles de contre-information.
Soin des corps et des vécus des personnes amputées : la prothèse comme technologie de soin singulière
Authors: Dalibert Lucie , Gourinat Valentine , Groud Paul-Fabien
Published: November 2022

L’amputation d’un membre inférieur ou supérieur et l’appareillage des personnes amputées relèvent en première instance d’une prise en charge médicale stricto sensu, au regard des problématiques de santé très souvent associées à la perte du membre. Cependant, loin de n’être qu’une simple technologie de soin(s) (cure) du corps, de réparation fonctionnelle, la prothèse s’inscrit dans une vision du prendre soin (care) qui tient compte des besoins singuliers des personnes amputées, leur parole, leurs projets, et s’attache à inclure dans cette prise en charge diverses dimensions bio-psycho-sociales. Du milieu hospitalier au retour à domicile, jusqu’au vécu quotidien à moyen et long terme avec la prothèse, cette contribution analyse les multiples pratiques de soin que sous-tend cette technologie de soin si particulière qu’est la prothèse.
Les négociations de « l’équipement qui convient » : enjeux relationnels dans la prise en charge du diabète de l’enfant
Authors: Bichet Lydie
Published: November 2022

La multiplication des maladies chroniques et l’évolution des traitements modifient la configuration des relations de soin alors que les patients sont aujourd’hui appelés à s’autonomiser en s’appuyant sur des dispositifs médicaux de plus en plus performants. Le traitement du diabète de type 1 donne à voir une multiplicité de ces objets techniques et technologiques. À partir d’une enquête menée auprès d’enfants atteints de diabète de type 1, l’article relève les enjeux relationnels présents dans la prise en charge de la maladie et dans les négociations ayant cours quant à l’équipement qui convient (Vinck, 2006). Il propose d’analyser les prescriptions médicales en tant que prescriptions à l’autonomie évoluant au cours de la trajectoire des enfants et de leur avancée en âge, tout en rendant compte des stratégies de réappropriation développées par ces jeunes malades qui, en contournant ou en détournant les scripts contenus dans ces objets, se constituent un corps pour soi et se construisent en tant qu’acteurs.
Une technologie qui redistribue l’attention : travail d’appropriation d’un outil de gestion du diabète de type 1
Authors: Danesi Giada , Pralong Mélody
Published: November 2022

La technologie occupe une place cruciale dans la division du travail entre les personnes vivant avec un diabète et les acteur·rice·s impliqué·e·s dans leur prise en charge. Au cours d’une recherche ethnographique menée en Suisse, nous avons étudié les usages des technologies dans la gestion du diabète au sein de larges réseaux de soin impliquant différents sites de prise en charge. À la suite des nombreuses recherches issues des STS prenant pour objet les technologies et les maladies chroniques, notre article souligne les mécanismes d’appropriation d’une nouvelle technologie et la manière dont elle façonne les interactions entre soignant·e·s et soigné·e·s, reconfigure leurs connaissances et pratiques respectives et redéfinit les relations de care. Nous documentons ainsi la manière dont les technologies – et plus particulièrement le FreeStyle Libre – reconfigurent l’attention que les personnes portent à l’évolution de la glycémie, qu’elle soit la leur, celle d’un·e proche ou d’un·e patient·e.
Aspects of the contribution of systemic functional linguistics to ESP, with particular reference to the physical sciences research article
Authors: Banks David
Published: November 2022

The study of a small sample of physical sciences research articles shows that although the overall rate of passive forms has changed little in recent years, individual articles display a wide range. Almost two thirds of passive forms are mental processes, including mathematical processes which form over half of the total. Some articles use first person pronoun subjects readily, while others use them hardly at all. Three quarters of the verbs with first person pronouns subjects occur with mental processes with half being mathematical. Nominalization has been common in scientific writing since the 18th century, and increased during the 20th century. This is frequently used within the thematic structure to build up the argument structure of a text. These features can be studied from a number of different theoretical perspectives, but systemic functional linguistics provides a total theory of language which shows how they form part of the same unified structure.
La théorie de la métaphore conceptuelle peut-elle rendre compte des métaphores constitutives de théories dans les domaines spécialisés ?
Authors: Resche Catherine
Published: November 2022

L’objet de cette étude est de déterminer la pertinence du recours à la théorie de la métaphore conceptuelle pour analyser les métaphores constitutives de théories. Après un bref retour sur la linguistique cognitive et le tournant cognitiviste, et un examen des principes de la TMC, l’analyse se concentre sur les caractéristiques des métaphores constitutives de théories en s’appuyant sur des exemples tirés de la théorie économique au sens large. La confrontation entre les traits inhérents à ces métaphores et ceux mis en avant par la TMC permet de conclure que cette dernière n’est pas appropriée pour refléter la richesse et l’épaisseur culturelle des métaphores en question. Il convient de faire appel à d’autres approches que celle de la linguistique cognitive pour tenir compte des divers contextes qui ont présidé aux choix des scientifiques en matière de métaphores et pour aider les linguistes à se familiariser avec l’ossature métaphorique de domaines scientifiques qui sont étrangers à leur formation initiale.
« Se tenir à distance » dans La Nouvelle Atlantide de Francis Bacon : une formulation du « prendre soin » ?
Authors: Bou Assi Bachar
Published: November 2022

En revisitant l’utilisation du terme « social » dans « distanciation sociale », et en décomposant les significations distinctes entre « distance sociale » et « distanciation sociale », cet article vise à clarifier comment, près de quatre siècles plus tôt, dans sa fiction utopique La Nouvelle Atlantide (1627), Francis Bacon a réussi à éviter la confusion dans la description de cette mesure préventive, et à établir la distinction entre la distance physique, qui est une nécessité sinon une obligation, et le lien empathique ou moral, qui ne devrait pas être affecté mais plutôt renforcé par la première. Dans une tentative de fournir une définition à ce « care » baconien, je fais l’hypothèse qu’il y a dans le raisonnement de Bacon un équilibre inséparable mis en évidence entre l’empathie d’une part et l’aspect pratique d’autre part. Ainsi pouvons-nous nous demander s’il est possible de supposer que, tout au long de cette analyse diachronique d’une stratégie de prévention sanitaire, un ordre d’importance est jugé nécessaire pour construire une « société solidaire » et, par conséquent, pour caresser l’espoir d’une utopie réalisable ?
Soigner : la part de la peur, entre respirations des commencements et des fins
Authors: Aulniers Luce Des
Published: November 2022

Respiration, peurs, fondement de la culture et pratiques soignantes sont emmaillés, la peur native instituant le soin. L’incomplétude forge les apprentissages d’interdépendance et l’individuation. En émerge la vie symbolique : mises en liens des phénomènes comme des êtres. Les modulations du souffle portent la conscience de la mort et du temps, le caractère dynamique des peurs structurant tout processus de création. Cinq figures reliant souffle et pandémie révèlent des enjeux actuels du soin, leurs hésitations et leurs enchevêtrements interactionnels sur fond de peurs ataviques et récentes. La musique d’un autre sacré s’en dégagerait.
Les Robes Papillons
Authors: Auburtin Camille
Published: November 2022

While her grandmother Micheline, a former ballerina and dance teacher, is at the end of her life dying of Alzheimer’s disease, the director delves into her memories and tries to stimulate her memory. The film brings together different forms of images and movements and makes visible other bodies of this art form that faded into the shadows. Butterfly Dresses weaves the portrait of this intimate and deep relationship, of two generations of women, built from the very beginning through the prism of dance.
Emotional Intelligence Optimizes Servant-Leaders' Implementation of DEI Initiatives
Authors: Roe Katherine L. , Anderson Chris James
Published: November 2022

Servant leadership is optimized through demonstrated emotional intelligence (EI), which increases the likelihood of implementing I-CORT to advance the learning for all mission. Absent of demonstrated EI and an I-CORT mindset, the efficacy of one's desire to present as a servant leader is adversely impacted. Therefore, institutes of higher education (IHE) should develop curriculum explicitly requiring educational leaders and teacher candidates to demonstrate emotional intelligence, promote professional learning communities, and consistently exhibit mindfulness based on intentionality, care, optimism, respect, and trust (I-CORT) to effectively implement diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Pooling Strategies in Supply Chains
Authors: Jerbi Abdessalem , Jribi Haifa
Published: November 2022

The main aim of this chapter is to explore the carbon neutrality supply chain through pooling logistics strategies. Pooling logistics is one innovative supply chain management solution to improve its sustainability. The authors carried out a comparison-based simulation study of multi-pick, multi-drop, with hub and hybridization of hub and multi-drop pooling strategies effects on CO2 emissions of supply chains. Hence, the authors developed simulation models for all these strategies with ARENA software and used them in a case study. The main result is that all the pooling strategies outperform the non-pooled supply chains. Indeed, the four pooling scenarios showed much lower CO2 emissions than the non-pooled chain. In addition, the pooling hub with a multi-drop delivery strategy gives the best results.
Strategic Partnership for Family Leadership
Authors: Montemayor Aurelio M. , Chavkin Nancy Feyl
Published: November 2022

This chapter shares the organization background, theoretical frameworks, the case example of an Education CAFE model, challenges, and recommendations by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) from its more than 45 years of ground-breaking work in strategic partnerships focused on family leadership in education. The IDRA Education CAFE (Community Action Forums for Excellence) is a parent group that is rooted in a community-based organization, rather than in a single school. Its sole purpose is to collaborate with schools to improve the success of students in the community. IDRA developed the model through strategic partnerships with schools, families, and communities. It is the central focus of this case study illustrating lessons learned and next steps for successful strategic partnerships for family leadership in education.
Family Support Programs
Authors: Pirpir Devlet Alakoç , Çiçekler Canan Yildiz
Published: November 2022

Family support programs are defined as the programs which are organized to provide parents to take part in all the stages of their child's development and education periods. Through the family support programs, it is aimed for parents to gain their self-confidence about their child's development and education and increase their knowledge and skills they need. Therefore, it is very important to consider social and cultural views of the parents, prioritize the voluntariness and privacy, and establish a clear communication within the frame of respect while organizing programs aimed at this field. Many family support programs are being applied both in our country and abroad.
Creating Partnerships Between Schools and CLD Families
Authors: Fallah Soraya , Reynolds Bronte , Murawski Wendy
Published: November 2022

Teamwork and partnerships are inextricably related. They are the critical elements necessary for any institution pursuing its vision, achieving its goals, and accomplishing its objectives. For schools, this is especially true, and the makeup of a school's team must include those members of the educational community who are impacted by outcomes resulting from decisions made by the team. While conventional wisdom has the school's principal playing the role of the school team's leader, in fact, the leadership of a school's team is shared by the principal and distributed throughout the educational community, which includes parents. This chapter focuses on the concept of family/school partnerships and the inclusion of parents who are essential members of the leadership team. And, while this applies to parent representatives throughout the school's general population of families, it is critical to ensure that the parents of CLD children are included among the leadership team.
Delivering Integrated Early Childhood Education and Development Through Family in Focus
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: November 2022

This chapter explores the potential of home-based early childhood education in democratizing the sector especially for poor and disadvantaged children. Considering the huge number of children not accessing early learning centers, alternative ECD is optional. Family in Focus is one of the alternative ECDs formed in 1987 to cater for the needs of the poor and vulnerable children in the Western Cape Province. The focus of this programme is on the family as the primary source of care of young children. Through the FIF programme, home visitors are trained and supported to reach out to these children and their caregivers in order to develop the skills and capacity of caregivers to stimulate and develop their children effectively in their own homes. The chapter argues that the introduction of Family in Focus (FIF) as an alternative ECD programme could serve as a strategy to make ECD accessible to poor and disadvantaged communities.
Impacting Rural Middle Schools Through School-University Partnerships
Authors: Berryhil M. Blake , Morgan Holly G. , Wilson Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Effective family-school partnerships can enhance family-school involvement, and increase school and student outcomes. In low-resourced rural areas, many challenges hinder the development of such collaborative relationships, including expansive geographic distances between families and schools and the multiple roles that teachers and administrators assume. School-University partnerships can potentially help meet these challenges. This chapter describes a School-University partnership program, the Middle School Parent-Teacher Leadership Academy (MPTLA). MPTLA equips rural middle school parents and teachers to impact school and student outcomes. The chapter highlights the need for school-university partnerships in rural areas, discusses the uniqueness of the middle school context, explains the structure of the MPTLA and the partnership team model, provides two examples of the MPTLA partnership model in action, and recommends universities implement similar programs.
Experimental Study on Multi-Segmented Circular or Non-Circular Pipes to Determine the Pipe Stiffness
Authors: Chelot Devanand , Upadhyaya Priyank
Published: November 2022

A study was carried out to test unitary as well as multi-segmental circular and noncircular glass-reinforced plastic pipes under compression. Three pipe shapes were tested (box, semi-elliptical and round) under identical conditions using the ring stiffness method of testing. Hand layup technique was used for manufacturing the pipes. The pipes were designed with inner layers, central core and outer layers. The inner layer acts as the corrosion barrier layer, the core consists of blended sand impregnated with resin and the outer layer acts as the external layer which protects the pipe from impact. Based on the experimental results, it was concluded that multi-segmental pipes are stiffer and more flexible than unitary pipes because of the loading carrying capacity of the tongue and groove joint (TGJ).
Towards a Model-Based Approach for the Optimization of the Mechanical and Economical Properties of Laser-Based Plastic-Metal Joints
Authors: Berges Julius Moritz , van der Straeten Kira , Jacobs Georg , Berroth Joerg
Published: November 2022

The application of laser-structured metal surfaces to combine plastics and metals is a promising option to enable low-cost lightweight and resource-efficient multi-material joints. The mechanical properties (especially strength), as well as production time and costs, depend on the microstructure of the metal surface (e.g. the number, distance and shape of cavities). Thus, in order to design optimal joints, the properties from the mechanical, as well as production and cost domain, must be considered simultaneously during product development. Therefore, in this paper, a model-based optimization approach is presented with the goal of identifying an optimum between the strength of the joint and laser manufacturing costs. Parameterized models for the strength estimation, as well as calculation of laser manufacturing time and costs, are developed. The models are linked in an optimization workflow and the optimum positioning and shape of the cavities on the joining zone is determined using a genetic optimization algorithm. The results show that, compared to a benchmark, the manufacturing costs can be reduced by 82 % for the same strength using the proposed model-based optimization approach.
Optimization of Resistance Spot Welding Parameters in a Shop Floor Environment to Achieve Desired Spot Size in Low Carbon Steel Sheet
Authors: Bagali Jagadeesh , Nanjundaradhya N.V. , Sharma Ramesh S.
Published: November 2022

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) is widely employed in automotive, electronics, furniture, Coach building and package industries. Although various spot weld methods, such as Friction Stir Spot Welding, MIG Spot welding, Laser Spot welding and Ultrasonic Spot welding are in use, Resistance spot welding is a versatile and easy method to adopt in simple fabrication shop. It is well known that various factors significantly influence the spot size and its quality. Designers, while selecting RSW process are particularly interested in fixing the appropriate spot size and pitch distance for a specific application. Against the above background, this study has been carried out to arrive at desired spot size by varying the parameters using a simple shop-floor spot welder which is readily available in any fabrication shop. Three levels of power input, three levels of welding current time and many levels of weld cycle time have been adopted for 2mm thick low carbon steel sheet of IS 513 grade. A novel technique has been developed to apply adequate torque to shear the spot weld joint without any damage or distortion. Spot size has been determined by using vernier and profile projector. The nugget quality has been examined using optical microscope at different magnifications. The bond strength of the spot weld has been determined by tensile shear test. By adopting this simple technique, it is possible to achieve desired spot size which is defect free and having excellent penetration. Keywords: Low carbon steel sheet, Resistance Spot welding, Nugget size, welding parameters, macro & micro examination.
Autonomy in English Language Teaching and Learning During Secondary Education: A Study of Autonomous Language Learning Experience Recollections Among Engineering Students in a Sri Lankan State University
Authors: Batuwatta Saumya , Premarathna C. D. H. M.
Published: November 2022

Autonomy is a central concern of language teaching and learning that has various sources and wide-ranging implications. There are several advantages of autonomous learning practices in a country like Sri Lanka, where the English language learning contexts are non-egalitarian. Autonomy is a concept that impacts both teachers and learners. It does not mean that the learners are fully independent and alone in this practice. In reality, teachers have a prominent role in fostering autonomy among learners, and it is a process to be started at the secondary education level. Mainly the teachers’ willingness to shift the English as a Second Language (ESL) pedagogy from teacher-centered to learner-centered mode is significant in this context. This basis the learners get from the school makes them lifelong and independent learners, which also minimizes the reluctance and difficulties of using the English language among people from all walks of life. Realizing the importance of the teacher’s role in teaching autonomous learning, this study focuses on collecting data through the recollections of 300 engineering undergraduates in a state university in Sri Lanka who had their secondary education from various schools island-wide. A questionnaire was distributed via a link, and the collected data were thematically and statistically analyzed. The data were collected on multiple language learning experiences the learners had from the autonomous learning point of view and the impact of the teachers’ involvement in this regard. The study concludes that most learners are unsatisfied with their secondary ESL education and emphasize the importance of increasing speaking practices. Most importantly, the respondents suggest that even though the teachers assigned them various extra activities, the outcome and teachers’ awareness of autonomous teaching and learning practices are questionable. Significantly, all the participants emphasized the importance of learning the English language and being independent learners.
COVID-19 and neurological complications: A review
Authors: Dabagh-Gorjani Feryal , Fatehchehr Mohammad-Ali
Published: November 2022

Infections with viruses have detrimental effects on neurological functions, and even cause severe neurological damage. There is mounting evidence that coronaviruses (CoV) as well as SARS-CoV-2 exhibit neurotropic abilities and might cause neurological problems. Neuroinvasive viruses are not fully understood, which makes it important to investigate their impact on the nervous system. In this paper, we review research into neurological complications associated with CoV.
Leukemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Verma Ritesh , Gidwal Kriti , Kakkar Shruti , Selhi Pavneet K. , Verma Amita S.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve is a neuro-oncologic emergency and also a sign of extramedullary central nervous system relapse. It presents a clinical dilemma in the early stages due to multiple differentials. Patients with leukemia receive radiation and chemotherapy are thus, susceptible to inflammatory, toxic, and infectious causes of optic neuropathy, besides infiltration with tumor cells.

Clinical Description:

A 15-year-old boy treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and in remission for 7 months, presented with the unilateral decreased vision for 7 days. A structured evaluation was done, comprising visual acuity, color vision, field of vision, fundus, ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound b-scan, and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit. The final diagnosis was leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed the presence of atypical lymphocytes.

Management:

The patient was diagnosed with extramedullary relapse of ALL. Since there are no standard guidelines, a literature review was performed, and the treating team decided to start the patient on stand-alone chemotherapy. Symptomatic resolution became apparent within 10 days. On follow-up, the optic nerve lesion resolved with residual gliosis in the surrounding retina. The CSF has become clear, and the patient is now considered to be in remission.

Conclusion:

It is important to use a structured clinical approach coupled with investigations to recognize the ocular involvement of ALL (especially in younger patients). There is a need for a regular routine ophthalmological examination in patients in remission for early detection of a relapse. There is a strong felt need for pediatric hemato-oncologists to plan research in this area to generate data so that recommendations for the management of extramedullary relapses are formulated.
An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Pneumonia in a Child
Authors: Madhusudan Manoj , Ramesh Venkateswari , Manikavasagam Singaravelu
Published: November 2022

Background:

Recurrent pneumonia is defined as at least two episodes of pneumonia in a year or three episodes during a lifetime, with clinical and radiological improvement in between.

Clinical Description:

A 5-year and 8-month-old boy presented with a history of three episodes of fever and fast breathing of variable duration over 8 months. In between, he had a persistent moist cough with intermittent fever, weight loss, and darkening pigmentation. He had three prior admissions for the same, with X-rays showing multilobar pneumonia. Routine investigations were normal. Tuberculosis workup was negative. Computerized tomography showed changes in consolidation without any evidence of structural abnormality. The child became asymptomatic with short courses of antibiotics and nebulization during these admissions. He was referred to us for further evaluation, and we reviewed his history, examination, and medical records.

Management:

The darkened complexion was suggestive of Addisonian pigmentation, but serum electrolytes were normal. However, very low levels of morning cortisol and high adrenocorticotrophic hormone were suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Retrospective history revealed dysphagia with nocturnal cough suggesting aspiration. Barium swallow confirmed achalasia by the presence of a dilated esophagus with distal narrowing. The clinical phenotype was suggestive of Triple A (AAA) syndrome with Addison's disease, alacrimia, and achalasia. A positive Schirmer's test confirmed alacrimia and established the clinical diagnosis. He was started on replacement hydrocortisone and later taken up for Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy with fundoplication. On follow-up, his appetite improved, his cough subsided, he had adequate weight gain, and the pigmentation had decreased.

Conclusion:

Achalasia should be considered a differential in recurrent pneumonia. AAA syndrome has isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Therefore, hyperpigmentation in the presence of normal electrolytes should not preclude considering the possibility of adrenal insufficiency.
Computerized tomography-based first order tumor texture features in non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiation: A simplistic and potential surrogate imaging marker for survival
Authors: Nayak Prashant , Sinha Shwetabh , Goda Jayant S. , Sahu Arpita , Joshi Kishore , Choudhary Oindrilla Roy , Mhatre Ritesh , Mummudi Naveen , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

This study examines the role of tumor texture on computed tomography (CT) images as a complement to clinical prognostic factors in predicting survival in patients of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treated with radical chemo-radiation (CRT).

Methods:

A total of 93 patients with confirmed NSCLC treated with CRT accrued in a study approved by the institutional ethics committee were analyzed for CT-based radiomic features. Pretreatment CT images were used to contour the primary tumor and texture features were computed by the image filtration method to differentially highlight fine to coarse textures. Texture parameters included mean intensity, entropy, kurtosis, standard deviation, and mean positive pixel and skewness. Optimal threshold cut-off values of the above tumor texture features were analyzed. These features were explored as imaging biomarkers to predict survival using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard model.

Results:

Median follow-up of the entire cohort was 23.5 months [Interquartile range, IQR: 14–37] while for alive patients, median follow-up was 31 months (IQR: 23–49), 47 (50.6%) patients had died at the last follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed certain features like age, gender, response to therapy, and texture features like mean and kurtosis in CT images to be significant predictors of survival. In multivariate analysis, age (P = 0.006), gender (P = 0.004), treatment response (P < 0.0001), and two CT texture parameters: mean (P = 0.027) and kurtosis (P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors of survival.

Interpretation and Conclusion:

CT-derived tumor heterogeneity (mean and kurtosis) complements clinical factors for predicting survival in NSCLC patients treated with CRT. Tumor radiomics warrants further validation as potential prognostic biomarkers for these patients.