bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual-, Community-, and Health System–Level Barriers to Optimal Type 2 Diabetes Care for Inner-City African Americans: An Integrative Review and Model Development
Authors: Campbell Jennifer A. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this integrative review is (1) to elucidate the unique barriers faced by inner-city African Americans for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) care; (2) to identify effective interventions/programs for optimal T2DM care at the individual, community, and health systems levels; and (3) to integrate 2 behavioral models and 1 social ecological model for framing interventions for inner-city African American to optimize T2DM care.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed to systematically search PubMed, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. Integration of models was based on underlying principles of social ecological models.

Results

The search returned 1183 articles. Forty-six articles were synthesized after applying inclusion criteria. Multiple barriers for the individual level, community level, and health system level were identified. Major barriers include lack of knowledge, lack of social support, and self-management support. Interventions identified in this review show that among inner-city African Americans with T2DM, the focus is placed at the health systems level, with very limited focus toward addressing individual- and community-level barriers. Final synthesis includes development of a new integrated model that explains barriers to care across multiple levels.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the fragmentation that may be occurring between policy, research, and practice for achieving health equity and addressing health disparities for T2DM care among inner-city African Americans. The new model is an important step in the pursuit of equity in T2DM by specifying the complex barriers that occur across multiple levels. The application of this model using the 2017 National Standards for Diabetes–Self Management Education and Support are discussed.
Previously Diagnosed Reticulum Cell Hyperplasia in Decalcified Rat Bone Marrow Stain Positive for Ionized Calcium Binding Adapter Molecule 1 (Iba1): A Monocytic/Macrophage Cell Marker
Authors: Cora Michelle C. , Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Jensen Heather , Clayton Natasha , Travlos Gregory S.
Published: December 2019

Reticulum cell hyperplasia (RCH) was a term used for many years by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) to describe a certain non-neoplastic bone marrow lesion of rats. Retrospective microscopic evaluation of RCH lesions and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to reassess and further characterize these lesions. The NTP database was searched to identify femoral bone marrow specimens diagnosed with RCH from 1981 to 2014 (n = 254). The diagnosis last occurred in 2003, after which the term “cellular infiltration” was used. Eighty-three RCH slides, spanning 22 years, representing 34 different chemicals, were selected for microscopic review, and a subset (23) was chosen for ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunohistochemical staining; initial investigations revealed Iba1 worked as a macrophage marker on decalcified tissue. The following diagnoses were made upon reevaluation: 36 were consistent with cellularity increased, macrophage, 22 with histiocytic sarcoma, 8 with increased myeloid cells, 4 with autolysis, and 13 were normal appearance. All 23 RCH lesions stained positive for Iba1. Fifty-eight of 83 bone marrows previously diagnosed with RCH are consistent morphologically and immunohistochemically with cells of histiocytic origin. These results will help with interpretation of historical data and demonstrates that Iba1 can be used in decalcified bone marrow sections.
Bringing low-vision assessments and interventions to underserved seniors affected by age-related eye disease
Authors: Jacko Virginia A. , Brady-Simmons Carol , Dias Nihusa , Van Der Biest Raquel , Abdel-Moty Alma , Richard Lynne
Published: December 2019

General knowledge of eye health and low-vision services is poorly understood by the public, particularly those in underserved and minority communities. A program, funded by the Florida Blue Foundation with leveraged funding from the Peacock Foundation, Inc. and the James Deering Charitable Trust primarily for functional assessment and intervention services, was implemented by the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MLB) over a 3-year period (2016, 2017, and 2018) with three goals: (1) educate community-dwelling seniors about low vision; (2) provide assessment and intervention services to identified seniors living with low vision; and (3) educate healthcare professionals about best practices in serving this population. In this program, community sites serving seniors were identified and educational and screening programs implemented by a low-vision-certified occupational therapist. Seniors with an identified need received low-vision intervention. Pre- and post-program evaluation determined outcomes of educational and interventional services with the seniors. Professional education workshops were implemented annually and evaluated professional learning from low-vision services. This program served 1552 community-dwelling seniors who attended educational sessions on vision health. Participants averaged 76 years and were primarily identified as Hispanic (64%). The Low Vision Independence Measure and the Visual Function Index were used to measure functional performance outcomes. All scores indicated improved performance of functional tasks following the interventions. Three years of annual “Engaging the Low Vision Community Through Education, Research, and Service” workshops (attended by 108 healthcare professionals and students) demonstrated an interest in and improved knowledge of low vision among healthcare professionals and students. The MLB community-based program demonstrated success in increasing knowledge among community-dwelling seniors and healthcare professionals about low vision and the provision of effective low-vision services.
Middle School Teachers’ Academic and Behavioral Perceptions of Their Students and Expectations for High School Graduation
Authors: Williams Amanda L. , Giano Zachary , Merten Michael J. , Herring Angel , Delk Cheryl A. , Gallus Kami L. , Cox Ronald B. , Shreffler Karina M.
Published: December 2019

Teacher expectations of students have been consistently linked with student academic achievement. What is less known is how students’ actual behaviors and performance shape teachers’ perceptions of them, particularly when considering student gender and race/ethnicity. A diverse dyadic sample of 1,653 seventh graders with 63 reporting teachers was used to examine how teaching experience, student behavioral citations, and grade point average were related to teachers’ perceptions of each student’s antisocial behavior, academic motivation, and likelihood of graduating high school. Results showed that more experienced teachers perceived students more positively, which in turn shaped more favorable perspectives of student graduation. Unsurprisingly, when students were cited for behavioral disruptions, they were perceived more negatively by teachers. Similarly, when students were more academically successful, teachers perceived them more positively. However, several nuances were found based on student gender and race/ethnicity that point to a potentially significant role of teacher expectations in student outcomes.
Applicability of the Ego-Resilience Scale (ER89) in the Chinese Cultural Context: A Validation Study
Authors: Chen Xinjie , He Jinbo , Fan Xitao
Published: December 2019

This study examined the cross-cultural validity of the Ego-Resilience Scale (ER89) in the Chinese cultural context. The ER89 was translated and culturally adapted into Chinese by following the psychometric validation procedures, in an adolescent sample ( N = 943) of 13- to 18-year-olds. A series of psychometric analyses were conducted, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), analysis for measurement invariance across gender groups, analysis for criterion-related validity evidence, and internal consistency reliability estimates. The results supported the use of ER89 scale in the Chinese cultural context (ER89-C). The empirical findings suggest a two-factor structure of ER89-C (openness to life experiences [OL] and optimal regulation [OR]). The findings also revealed that ER89-C has the expected correlations with external and theoretically related constructs. Overall, ER89-C is shown to possess favorable psychometric characteristics for its use as an assessment tool for ego-resilience level of Chinese adolescents.
Words Matter: A Content Analysis of the Definitions and Usage of the Terms for Apparel Marketed to People Living With Disabilities
Authors: McBee-Black Kerri , Ha-Brookshire Jung
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to gain a baseline understanding of the terms currently used to define apparel for people living with disability (PLWD) and to encourage discussion for satisfying the apparel needs and wants of PLWD. The objectives were to conduct a literature review of the terms—adaptive, functional, universal design, and inclusive design—to survey how these terms are used in the marketplace, and to compare their usage to that in the literature. The results of a content analysis showed that adaptive is the most popular term used in the marketplace, yet, according to the literature review, reflects a medical model of disability. The term functional reflects a utilitarian purpose in the literature, with minimal application for PLWD in the marketplace. The terms universal and inclusive design are rarely used to define apparel for PLWD in the marketplace despite the heavy focus in the literature.
Initial renal histology and early response predict outcomes of Brazilian lupus nephritis patients
Authors: Vajgel G , Oliveira C B L , Costa D M N , Cavalcante M A G M , Valente L M , Sesso R , Crovella S , Kirsztajn G M , Sandrin-Garcia P
Published: December 2019

Objective

We analyzed baseline and follow-up characteristics related to poorer renal outcomes in a Brazilian cohort of admixture race patients with lupus nephritis.

Methods

Overall, 280 outpatients with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and previous kidney biopsy of lupus nephritis were recruited from August 2015 to December 2018 and had baseline laboratory and histologic data retrospectively analyzed; patients were then followed-up and data were recorded. The main outcome measure was the estimated glomerular filtration rate at last follow-up. Secondary analyses assessed the impact of initial kidney histology and treatment in long-term kidney survival.

Results

Median duration of lupus nephritis was 60 months (interquartile range: 27–120); 40 (14.3%) patients presented progressive chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 and ≥10 ml/min/1.73 m2) or end-stage kidney disease at last visit. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that class IV lupus nephritis (odds ratio 14.91; 95% confidence interval 1.77–125.99; p = 0.01) and interstitial fibrosis ≥25% at initial biopsy (odds ratio 5.87; 95% confidence interval 1.32–26.16; p = 0.02), lack of complete or partial response at 12 months (odds ratio 16.3; 95% confidence interval 3.74–71.43; p < 0.001), and a second renal flare (odds ratio 4.49; 95% confidence interval 1.10–18.44; p = 0.04) were predictors of progressive chronic kidney disease. In a Kaplan-Meier survival curve we found that class IV lupus nephritis and interstitial fibrosis ≥25% were significantly associated with end-stage kidney disease throughout follow-up (hazard ratio 2.96; 95% confidence interval 1.3–7.0; p = 0.036 and hazard ratio 4.96; 95% confidence interval 1.9–12.9; p < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

In this large cohort of admixture race patients, class IV lupus nephritis and chronic interstitial damage at initial renal biopsy together with non-response after 1 year of therapy and relapse were associated with worse long-term renal outcomes.
Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement for predicting raised intracranial pressure in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Sun Hwa , Yun Seong Jong , Kim Dong Hyeon
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives:

No previous studies have investigated the relationship between the optic nerve sheath diameter and raised intracranial pressure in pediatric patients or have evaluated the usefulness of optic nerve sheath diameter in ocular ultrasound and brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. This study aimed to meta‐analyze the diagnostic performance of optic nerve sheath diameter for the diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure in pediatric patients.

Methods:

A database search of PubMed and EMBASE was performed to identify relevant studies. Bivariate modeling and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics modeling were performed to evaluate diagnostic performance. A pooled diagnostic odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, not including 1, was considered informative. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the modality (ocular ultrasound vs brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging). We performed meta‐regression analyses for heterogeneity exploration.

Results:

Eleven studies involving 546 patients were included. According to pooled diagnostic odds ratios, optic nerve sheath diameter was informative for the evaluation of raised intracranial pressure (diagnostic odds ratio, 47; 95% confidence interval, 11–206). Optic nerve sheath diameter showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.94), a pooled specificity of 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.95), and an area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.95) for the diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure. According to the subgroup analysis, ocular ultrasound (sensitivity, 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.96); specificity, 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.96)) showed higher sensitivity and comparable specificity than optic nerve sheath diameter measured on brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (sensitivity, 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.99); specificity, 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.00)). On meta‐regression analysis, the study design, number of patients, and reference standard were the sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

Optic nerve sheath diameter may be a useful method for predicting raised intracranial pressure in pediatric patients. We recommend that the measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter should be performed using ocular ultrasound for a more accurate diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure in pediatric patients.
Sexual Assault Survivors’ Post-Traumatic Growth: Individual and Community-Level Differences
Authors: Kirkner Anne , Ullman Sarah E.
Published: December 2019

Past research has focused on individual differences in post-traumatic growth (PTG) among survivors, but no studies to date have examined differences at the neighborhood level. This exploratory study uses data from a 3-year longitudinal study of women sexual assault survivors ( N = 1,863) living in a segregated city. We tested random intercept models of individuals nested within neighborhoods. Disrupted core beliefs, greater perceived control over recovery, less post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), religious coping, and positive social coping predicted more PTG. White survivors had lower PTG scores than the women of color in this study. Neighborhood-level differences in PTG scores persisted even though violent crime rate and neighborhood poverty did not emerge as significant in our model.
Intelligent integrated monitoring system for lathe equipment
Authors: Jian Bo-Lin , Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Guo Yu-Syong
Published: December 2019

During the production process of the components of precision machines, a stable quality is the key consideration of the vendors. During the production process of metal parts, a thermal expansion error of the spindle will occur due to long time operations, which causes machining errors during the production process. The chatter phenomenon that occurs during the production of components causes knife marks on the processing surface. Thus, chatter is also a major factor that affects the stability of quality. The occurrence of chatter phenomenon not only affects the quality of metal components, it also causes severe wear of the blade surface and shortens the life of the knife tool, and makes the cutting quality more difficult to control. Therefore, this paper uses the lathe machine to simulate the production process in the factory, to collect signals of the thermal expansion error of the spindle phenomenon and the coexistence of chatter, for timely compensation of the thermal expansion error and the development of the chatter suppression system, while spending extra efforts to implement real-time dynamic detection with the Lorenz chaotic system and applying spindle speed selection to control the chatter phenomenon, thus enhancing the processing quality and lengthening the longevity of the knife tool. As for the compensation of temperature, the system applies multi-regression analysis to detect the front and rear bearings of the spindle and room temperature and to compensate the error of the spindle in real time. The system takes real-time control of the chatter phenomenon and compensation of long-time thermal expansion error as its core architecture, while the secondary architecture combines the Internet of Things with Skymars to enable the machine to stabilize communication and to combine with heterogeneous machines such as robotic arm, milling machine, and grinding machine. It is a framework with horizontal development and establishes a database to record the critical value of the occurrence of chatter and implement two-time quality detection, achieving management of the production line, improvement of quality, and cloud information storage.
Faceless government: civic action in media photographs during the Venezuelan anti-governmental protests of 2017
Authors: Salojärvi Virpi
Published: December 2019

Visual media representations of protests are a part of politics in general. A protest is about creating a mediated political event with its own performative bodily and emotional aspects, and cultural memory, each of which affects a sense of citizenship. This article discusses how protest photographs serve as resources for political struggle by examining the visual media stream during the 2017 anti-governmental protests in Venezuela. The data consist of (social) media content and prominent photographs. The selected photographs are then discussed using five functions of iconic photographs proposed in Hariman and Lucaites’ (2007) book, No Caption Needed: Iconic Photographs, Public Culture, and Liberal Democracy, with the argument being that the context of the pictures should also be carefully considered when analysing specific photographs because it provides essential information about them. Since the pictures represented daily life and likewise had a special ‘truth effect’ and transmitted affect, they supported the opposition’s and anti-governmental protesters’ discourse on the government as a faceless enemy. This also gave room to the protesters to construct through performativity an emotional juxtaposition to the faceless power and, in this way, emphasize their humanitarian struggle. In particular, the article contributes to how visual representations function in terms of performing citizenship and the role of media photography within the context of an authoritarian government.
Transforming the national body: choreopolitics and disability in contemporary Cambodian dance
Authors: Rogers Amanda
Published: December 2019

This article analyses how dance traces geographies of nation and national identity. Focusing on contemporary dance in Cambodia, particularly in relation to disability, it examines how some dancers are shifting the constitution of the national ‘body’. The article extends geographical exchanges with dance studies by drawing upon the concept of choreopolitics and analysing how it produces variegated enactments of nationality. In the process, the article works across different approaches to the study of nations and extends our understanding of how the nation is a performed entity.
Correlation of happiness and professional autonomy in Iranian nurses
Authors: Mousavi Seyyedeh Roya , Amini Kourosh , Ramezani-badr Farhad , Roohani Mahin
Published: December 2019

Background

Happiness and professional autonomy in nurses increase job satisfaction, reduce turnover and improve the quality of healthcare services.

Aims

The present study aimed to examine the correlation between happiness and professional autonomy in Iranian nurses.

Methods

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 371 nurses in 2017. The participants were selected via two-step random sampling. Data were collected using the Oxford Happiness Inventory and Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale within the score ranges of 0–87 and 30–150, respectively. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16.

Results

Mean score of happiness among nurses was 43.1 ± 13.3 and the mean score of professional autonomy was 96.4 ± 13.5. According to Pearson's correlation coefficient, professional autonomy had a positive, significant correlation with happiness ( r = 0.481; p < 0.001). In addition, the results of regression analysis indicated that professional autonomy could predict 23% of the happiness variance in the nurses ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

According to the results, the level of happiness in Iranian nurses was favourable, whereas the level of professional autonomy was moderate. Considering the significant correlation between happiness and professional autonomy, attention should be paid to the simultaneous enhancement of these variables to improve the efficiency of nursing care.
Delivering direct patient care in the haemodialysis unit: a focused ethnographic study of care delivery
Authors: Wood Alison F , Tocher Jennifer , Rodgers Sheila
Published: December 2019

Background

Direct patient care is a term used within nursing and healthcare to help quantify and qualify care delivery. Direct patient care time is considered as a valuable measure by healthcare providers to indicate efficiency and to quantify nursing work, however little is understood of the patient experience and care delivery in haemodialysis settings.

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of patients’ and nursing staff perceptions and experiences of ‘direct patient care’ within one haemodialysis unit.

Methods

A focused ethnographic approach utilised participant observations, informal questioning, photographs and 27 semi-structured interviews of registered nurses, clinical support workers and patients. Observation notes and interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

The key finding was the construction and reconceptualisation of care delivery in this setting. Care was identified to be delivered in two distinct ways, both of which allowed patients to feel cared for. ‘Active care’ where patients feel cared for when they are being dealt with directly by staff and ‘Passive care’ where patients feel cared for through staff availability and visibility.

Conclusion

Developing this understanding of patient care delivery in this specialism has highlighted some important aspects to the way care can be delivered which challenges current traditional understandings of direct patient care. Time spent with a patient is not the only important consideration to patient experience in haemodialysis. This understanding of passive care could improve care experiences in this setting.
A novel coumarin-derived dithioacetal chemosensor for trace detection of Hg2+ in real water samples
Authors: Ke Xing , Fan Yilei , Zhou Jing , Huang Zhongping
Published: December 2019

A novel coumarin-derived dithioacetal chemosensor, 8-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (LS), has been designed and synthesized. The sensor LS showed highly selective fluorescent sensing for Hg2+ with a low detection limit of 0.81 nM in the pH range from 6.15 to 9.96 in ethanol/water (1:1, v/v) solution. The sensing mechanism of LS toward Hg2+ was proposed and verified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies. Under an ultraviolet lamp, the fluorescence color changes could be easily detected by the naked eye. In addition, the sensor LS has been applied in the trace detection of Hg2+ in real water samples.
Blood pressure assessments of pregnant women in a Day Assessment Unit – A prospective observational study
Authors: Krishnan Vidhu , Makris Angela , Hennessy AnneMarie , Hollis Brian , Lee Gaksoo
Published: December 2019

Aim

We investigated the optimum time and number of observations for assessing women in the Day Assessment Unit.

Methods

A single centre prospective observational study was undertaken. Women referred for blood pressure assessment in the Day Assessment Unit were recruited.

Results

The blood pressure of women who subsequently developed preeclampsia was noted to change differently over the time of observation compared to women with other hypertensive disorders, most notably in the first and third hour (p = 0.042), although the averages at each hour did not differ between these two groups.

Conclusions

Mean blood pressure measured over four hours did not significantly differ compared to blood pressure measured over one hour. Women who subsequently developed preeclampsia had a different pattern of blood pressure change whilst in the Day Assessment Unit.
Suicide and Self-inflicted Injury in Diabetes: A Balancing Act
Authors: Barnard-Kelly Katharine D. , Naranjo Diana , Majidi Shideh , Akturk Halis K. , Breton Marc , Courtet Philippe , Olié Emilie , Lal Rayhan A. , Johnson Nicole , Renard Eric
Published: December 2019

Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains a challenge for many, despite the availability of modern diabetes technology. While technologies have proven glycemic benefits and may reduce excess mortality in some populations, both mortality and complication rates remain significantly higher in T1DM than the general population. Diabetes technology can reduce some burdens of diabetes self-management, however, it may also increase anxiety, stress, and diabetes-related distress. Additional workload associated with diabetes technologies and the dominant focus on metabolic control may be at the expense of quality-of-life. Diabetes is associated with significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide. The risk increases for those with diabetes and comorbid mood disorder. For example, the prevalence of depression is significantly higher in people with diabetes than the general population, and thus, people with diabetes are at even higher risk of suicide. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 24% rise in US national suicide rates between 1999 and 2014, the highest in 30 years. In the United Kingdom, 6000 suicides occur annually. Rates of preventable self-injury mortality stand at 29.1 per 100 000 population. Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of suicide, being three to four times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. Furthermore, adolescents aged 15 to 19 are most likely to present at emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries (9.6 per 1000 visits), with accidents, alcohol-related injuries, and self-harm being the strongest risk factors for suicide, the second leading cause of death among 10 to 24 year olds. While we have developed tools to improve glycemic control, we must be cognizant that the psychological burden of chronic disease is a significant problem for this vulnerable population. It is crucial to determine the psychosocial and behavioral predictors to uptake and continued use of technology in order to aid the identification of those individuals most likely to realize benefits of any intervention as well as those individuals who may require more support to succeed with technology.
Single-Dose Pinitol Ingestion Suppresses Post-Prandial Glucose Levels: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Suzuki Yoshio , Sakuraba Keishoku , Wada Takuya , Watabane Naoya , Wada Seijiro , Kitabayashi Yuri , Sunohara Miki
Published: December 2019

Limited studies have demonstrated that chronic consumption of pinitol improved glucose tolerance, and single-dose ingestion (0.6 g) 60 minutes prior to meals suppressed postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, higher doses (6 g) were required in healthy people who ingested pinitol with a meal. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted to clarify the effect of 0.6 g of pinitol with a meal on postprandial blood glucose levels in healthy adults. Twenty volunteers aged 18 to 25 years participated in this study. Participants visited the laboratory after an overnight fast. After measuring fasting blood glucose levels (FBG), they consumed test food (0.6 g of pinitol or placebo) and then ate breakfast (577 kcal; protein 14.0 g; fat 5.6 g; and carbohydrate 117.7 g). Blood glucose levels were measured immediately after eating and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after breakfast. Participants’ mean FBG level was 102.6 ± 8.2 mg/dL. Participants were categorized by their FBG as normal ( n = 5; ≤99 mg/dL) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) ( n = 15; 100-125 mg/dL). The incremental area under the curve of blood glucose over 120 minutes after the meal was significantly suppressed by pinitol in the IGT group ( P < 0.05), but not in the normal group. Therefore, pinitol was considered to maintain postprandial blood glucose levels in healthy people with IGT, and may contribute to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
The relational space of educational technology: Early childhood students’ views
Authors: Demetriou Kyriakos , Nikiforidou Zoi
Published: December 2019

The aim of this article is to explore early childhood students’ views on how variations in educational technology might impact young children’s learning experiences in the classroom. Initially, a meta-analysis of 33 studies was carried out in order to identify how technology is positioned in children’s lives (m = 4.8 years), identifying two key dimensions: one, regarding aspects of children’s learning and, the other, regarding their personal development. At a second stage, two online vignettes, informed by the meta-analysis findings, were completed by 45 university students studying early childhood studies (N = 45). Participants’ understandings of the interplay between the First Space (material space) and the Second Space (mental space based on perceptions and attitudes) were explored from the perspective of Soja’s Third Space which combines both First and Second Spaces. Data show that alterations in the First Space influence participants’ opinions on the relationship between technology and children’s learning and development. The implications of this study reflect the complexity of educational technology in early years settings where both First and Second Spaces play a significant role and provides the opportunity to implement a spatial perspective on how practitioners can become navigators, transformers and constructors of their own technological praxis and practice.
From foot to pencil, from pencil to finger: Children as digital wayfarers
Authors: Dardanou Maria
Published: December 2019

The aim of this article is to investigate ways that young children interact with touchscreen devices during museum visits and during the process of making a digital story in their kindergarten classrooms related to these visits. Drawing on children’s communicative embodied museum experiences and the notion of wayfaring and lines of movement, I discuss that digital stories become children’s visual lines of movement in time and place, and that through the process of making a digital story, children become digital wayfarers. Data include pictures, videos, children’s drawings and their digital story. In particular, I argue that this way back to the museum can be seen as children’s visual and digital ways of connecting with, interacting with and inhabiting the museum. This article gives insights on children as creative meaning makers, by looking at children’s perspectives and by exploring children’s visual lines of movement through their digital story.
“Anagrelide‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension”: a rare case of drug‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sumimoto Keiko , Taniguchi Yu , Matsuoka Yoichiro , Onishi Hiroyuki , Emoto Noriaki , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension can be associated with exposure to certain drugs or toxins. However, only a few cases of drug‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension have been previously reported. Anagrelide is an oral imidazoquinazoline agent that is prescribed for reducing elevated platelet counts in patients with myeloproliferative disorders. We report the case of a 70‐year‐old female patient who developed pulmonary arterial hypertension after taking anagrelide for the treatment of polycythemia vera. Pulmonary arterial hypertension promptly improved after the discontinuation of anagrelide. Anagrelide‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension is a very rare disease, and our case shows that it might be reversible.
The long-term impact of the location of concentration camps on radical-right voting in Germany
Authors: Hoerner Julian M. , Jaax Alexander , Rodon Toni
Published: December 2019

Of all atrocities committed by state actors in 20th century Europe, the systematic killings by Nazi Germany were arguably the most severe and best documented. While several studies have investigated the impact of the presence of concentration camps on surrounding communities in Germany and the occupied territories in terms of redistribution of wealth and property, the local-level impact on voting behaviour has not yet been explored. We investigated the impact of spatial proximity to a concentration camp between 1933 and 1945 on the likelihood of voting for far-right parties in the 2013 and 2017 federal elections. We find that proximity to a former concentration camp is associated with a higher vote share of such parties. A potential explanation for this finding could be a ‘memory satiation effect’, according to which voters who live in close proximity to former camps and are more frequently confronted with the past are more receptive to revisionist historical accounts questioning the centrality of the Holocaust in the German culture of remembrance.
Not so responsive after all: European parties do not respond to public opinion shifts across multiple issue dimensions
Authors: O’Grady Tom , Abou-Chadi Tarik
Published: December 2019

Many studies have found that European parties change their policy positions in response to changes in public opinion. This is both theoretically and normatively appealing, suggesting that European party politics operates in a way that is consistent with spatial models. Nonetheless, virtually all previous studies are based on a single, uni-dimensional measure of public opinion: left–right self-placement from the Eurobarometer surveys. This measure has a number of flaws, including the fact that political conflict in Europe now occurs across multiple issue dimensions beyond the classic divide on state involvement in the economy. We used new measures of Europeans’ ideological positions across four different issue dimensions and 26 countries from 1981–2016, together with data on parties’ policy positions from their manifestos, to re-evaluate findings on responsiveness. Across many different model specifications, samples and outcome measures, we found virtually no evidence that European political parties respond to public opinion on any issue dimension. Our findings suggest that scholars may require better measures of party positions, more nuanced theories of responsiveness (for example to sub-groups, or across longer time horizons), or may need to refocus their attention towards responsiveness via policy outcomes rather than parties’ policy commitments.
Exploring the Nature of Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Australian Press
Authors: Ghauri Muhammad Junaid , Umber Salma
Published: December 2019

National press is considered as integral institution in articulation, propagation, and dissemination of the national agenda. The press helps general public in interpreting news stories. This article is set to explore the nature of representation of Islam and Muslims in the editorials of the Australian newspapers during January 01, 2016, to March 31, 2017. This study has employed van Dijk’s ideological square and lexicalization approaches within the critical discourse analysis paradigm to examine editorials from two leading Australian newspapers. The findings showed that both the newspapers The Age and The Australian produced entirely opposite discourses in their editorials regarding Islam and Muslims. The findings have demonstrated that The Age portrayed Islam and Muslims positively and favorably while The Australian constructed Islam and Muslims in a critical and negative way. In the editorial contents of The Age, predominant themes regarding Islam and Muslims were “victimization,” “understanding,” “multiculturalism,” “solidarity,” “cohesion,” and “harmony.” On the contrary, predominant discourse in the editorial contents of The Australian were “securitization,” “Othering,” “violence,” “categorization,” and “stereotyping.”
Health State Utilities in Children and Adolescents With Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee
Authors: Adjei Joshua , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Zhang Yi , Do Huong T. , Green Daniel W. , Dodwell Emily R. , Fabricant Peter D.
Published: December 2019

Background:

The impact of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee on a child’s health-related quality of life has not previously been quantified. Preference-based health utility assessment allows patients to assign quality-of-life valuations (utilities) to different health states and conditions.

Purpose:

To determine (1) patient-reported utility scores for health states associated with pediatric OCD lesions of the knee and (2) whether these scores are associated with patient demographics or disease severity.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Children, adolescents, and young adults being treated for OCD of the knee were interviewed to assess utilities for each of the 6 health states commonly encountered in the treatment of OCD: (1) symptomatic lesion, (2) nonoperative rehabilitation, (3) postoperative rehabilitation, (4) intermediate treatment success, (5) early degenerative knee changes, and (6) successful treatment (asymptomatic). Patients were asked to assign health utilities to each state using a standardized feeling thermometer (scale, 0-100), which were converted to a health state utility (scale, 0-1 [1 = perfect health]). Utilities were reported with descriptive statistics, and comparative analyses were performed to test whether assignments were associated with patient age, sex, or whether the OCD lesion required surgical intervention.

Results:

A total of 100 participants treated or undergoing treatment for OCD were prospectively enrolled; 74% were male (n = 74). The median age at the time of survey was 15 years (interquartile range, 13-16.5 years). Utility scores were as follows: symptomatic OCD lesion, 0.15; nonoperative rehabilitation, 0.30; postoperative rehabilitation, 0.30; early degenerative changes, 0.58; intermediate treatment success, 0.65; and successful treatment, 1.0. Utility scores were not associated with age, sex, or whether the participant underwent surgical treatment for the OCD lesion.

Conclusion:

The current study quantified patient-reported utilities for 6 OCD lesion health states, which may be used for future health-related quality of life, decision analysis, and quality/safety/value studies. These utility scores were stable and not affected by patient age, sex, or treatment strategy.
Patient Satisfaction, Quality Attributes, and Organizational Characteristics: A Hierarchical Linear Model Approach
Authors: Otani Koichiro , Deng Yihao , Herrmann Patrick A , Kurz Richard S
Published: December 2019

Patient satisfaction studies have gained more and more attention, and there are many patient satisfaction studies. These studies assume that patients were selected randomly and independently, but patient satisfaction surveys are described as a multistage or hierarchically structured sample. Thus, there is a need to conduct a hierarchical linear model (HLM) analysis with a large number of hospitals. This study utilized an HLM to investigate both the individual patient-level effect on the overall satisfaction rating and the effect of hospital characteristics on the combining process of patient’s overall satisfaction rating. This study used patient satisfaction data collected from 100 hospitals with the sample size of 85 766. The hospital-level characteristics include total expense per personnel, payroll expense per personnel, number of staffed beds per personnel, and number of admission per personnel. This study found that hospital characteristics influence overall rating of the hospital through the doctor, staff, and room attributes. When considering the complex nature of the overall patient rating process of hospitals, it makes more sense to analyze hospital characteristics that are interacting with attributes rather than treat hospital characteristics as independent of these factors.
Does Curriculum Analysis in Clinical Residency Training Need to be Different?
Authors: Taha Mohamed Hassan , Abdalla Mohamed El Hassan , Ahmed Yasar
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Curriculum analysis is an essential process in exploring the validity of assumptions behind the curriculum and judging its perspectives, goals, and objectives. This study analysed the curriculum of the Internal Medicine Residency Programme at the Sudan Medical Specialisation Board, exploring the programme’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative descriptive analysis method using Harden Ten Questions framework was used, implemented through document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to categorise the findings following the Harden Ten Questions framework.

Results:

The analysis of this curriculum using Harden Ten Questions framework revealed that it is built on needs assessment, with clear objectives and contents, good organisation of the contents and a precise management process. However, there is a need to improve the areas related to training strategies, training methods, assessment methods and the learning environment.

Conclusions:

This study showed that the curriculum is built to meet the needs of the Sudanese community. The contents fit for internal medicine clinical residency and the methods of training are likely to foster long-life learning. The curriculum needs some improvement particularly in the following areas such as clinical teaching, trainee assessments, and learning environments. Harden Ten Questions framework for curricula was practical to some degree in analysing the postgraduate curriculum. However, some suggestions have been made regarding the original framework to make it more adaptable to curriculum analysis at postgraduate level. The systematic analysis is transferable to the analysis of other undergraduate or postgraduate medical curricula in Sudan.
Degrees of Freedom at the Start of the Second 100 Years: A Pedagogical Treatise
Authors: Rodgers Joseph Lee
Published: December 2019

Degrees of freedom is a critical core concept within the field of statistics. Virtually every introductory statistics class treats the topic, though textbooks and the statistical literature show mostly superficial treatment, weak pedagogy, and substantial confusion. Fisher first defined degrees of freedom in 1915, and Walker provided technical treatment of the concept in 1940. In this article, the history of degrees of freedom is reviewed, and the pedagogical challenges are discussed. The core of the article is a simple reconceptualization of the degrees-of-freedom concept that is easier to teach and to learn than the traditional treatment. This reconceptualization defines a statistical bank, into which are deposited data points. These data points are used to estimate statistical models; some data are used up in estimating a model, and some data remain in the bank. The several types of degrees of freedom define an accounting process that simply counts the flow of data from the statistical bank into the model. The overall reconceptualization is based on basic economic principles, including treating data as statistical capital and data exchangeability (fungibility). The goal is to stimulate discussion of degrees of freedom that will improve its use and understanding in pedagogical and applied settings.
Natura Siberica: Challenging Entry in OrganicCosmetics Business
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Sultana Hafiza , Ahmed Asma , Chhikara Ritu
Published: December 2019

The case study analyzes the organic cosmetics and toiletries industry, along with its major players, and opportunities and challenges, with special focus on Natura Siberica. To investigate how the brand has been successful at home and abroad, the study also analyzes its marketing mix and internationalization strategies. Natura Siberica is not only natural and herb-based cosmetics but also the first Russian certified organic cosmetics. It uses Siberian herbs and plants in production, with the objective to offer youth and beauty to consumers’ skin and hair. The organization has 70 brand stores in Russia and six foreign countries, while its products are available in more than 40 countries. With the predicted growth of the global organic cosmetics market, the brand has significant opportunities to expand into new product lines and geographic markets in future. In addition, it needs to promote its sustainable business model to the customers. On the other hand, the organization needs to confront the competitive pressure from existing players and potential new entrants offering organic beauty products. It also needs to emphasize its image as a global brand instead of the Russian origin in order to successfully enter in markets like the USA.
Is Corporate Governance an HR Responsibility?
Authors: Busrai Aquil
Published: December 2019

Often there is a question about who owns responsibility for corporate governance. Is it only the CEO’s responsibility or is it the responsibility of HR function? Busrai provides a holistic view of how HR can, and should, play as a guardian angel in the organisation to maintain high level of governance and ethics. A refreshing viewpoint that raises HR’s contribution to a new level in the organisation.