bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disoriented and Immobile: The Experiences of People with Visual Impairments during and after the Christchurch, New Zealand, 2010 and 2011 Earthquakes
Authors: Good Gretchen A. , Phibbs Suzanne , Williamson Kerry 
Published: December 2018

Introduction On September 4, 2010, at 4.35 a.m., a shallow 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the South Island of New Zealand, followed by a deadly 6.3 magnitude aftershock on February 22, 2011, centered under the city of Christchurch, which killed 185 people. This research explores the experiences of 12 visually impaired Christchurch residents who lived through more than 12,000 aftershocks throughout 2010 and 2011. The participants shared suggestions about how to be better prepared for such an emergency. Methods Qualitative research involved 12 face-to-face semi-structured interviews conducted in 2011 prior to the fatal February earthquake. In February 2012, seven of the original participants were reinterviewed about how more than a year of earthquakes had affected their lives. Results Participants highlighted the importance of communication and technology, personal and agency support, orientation and mobility, health, rebuilding independence, rehabilitation, coping, and resilience. Discussion Participants demonstrated creative problem-solving abilities, resilience, and community spirit. Findings also indicate that older visually impaired persons are vulnerable in disasters, and that more work needs to be done to prepare communities, agencies, families, and individuals for potential disasters. Implications for practitioners Participants provided suggestions for disaster preparedness for people who have impairments and for the agencies that provide services to people with disabilities.
A Customized Transportation Intervention for Persons with Visual Impairments
Authors: Crudden Adele , Antonelli Karla , O'Mally Jamie 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Transportation can be an employment barrier for persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments. A customized transportation intervention for people with visual impairments, based on concepts associated with customized employment, was devised, implemented, and evaluated. Methods A pretest and posttest intervention and comparison group design evaluated changes in participants’ social problem-solving skills, transportation self-efficacy, and transportation knowledge. Participants worked with a transportation coordinator to plan and secure work-related transportation. Surveys assessed participant satisfaction with the intervention. Results The intervention group had significantly higher scores for social problem-solving skills at posttest after considering pretest scores. The intervention group responded favorably to measures of satisfaction with the intervention. Discussion The customized transportation intervention had a positive effect on social problem-solving skills and the participants were satisfied with the intervention, although the impact of the intervention on employment outcomes remains unclear. Attrition in the study and lack of a random sample mean the results must be interpreted with caution. Implications for practitioners Engaging individuals with visual impairments in discussions about transportation to work may educate them about new options or assist them in thinking of unexplored options. Persons who appear to have good problem-solving skills and confidence in their abilities may still benefit from these discussions.
Development and Standardization of an Alienation Scale for Visually Impaired Students
Authors: Punia Poonam , Berwal Sandeep 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The present study was undertaken to develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring a feeling of alienation in students with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision). Methods In this study, a pool of 60 items was generated to develop an Alienation Scale for Visually Impaired Students (AL-VI) based on a review of the literature and discussions with colleagues and experts in the field. The items were organized into six dimensions of alienation, namely powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, social isolation, self-estrangement, and cultural estrangement, and were rated on the five-point Likert scale. The standardization of the scale was completed with 118 students with visual impairments in the age group of 10 to 25 years, selected randomly from specialized and inclusive schools in the state of Haryana, India. Results The item analysis was done by calculating t- and r-values; seven items were deleted, and a final 45 items were retained. The calculated value of Cronbach's alpha and split-half correlation came out to be 0.87 and 0.86, respectively. The construct validity was determined by computing the coefficient of correlation between scores of this scale and the scores obtained by using the Student Alienation scale (SAS) of R. R. Sharma (Sharma, 2012). The percentile norm for the scale was determined after verifying normality of the scores by using a Q-Q plot. Discussion The findings of the present study suggest that the AL-VI may serve as a useful tool in future research to assess alienation in persons with visual impairments in India. The findings further demonstrate that the AL-VI produced scores that are reliable and valid. The AL-VI can be used outside India after determining its reliability and validity in context-specific conditions. Implications for practitioners The AL-VI scale is applicable to students with visual impairments, teachers of students with visual impairments, principals, social workers, psychologists, and rehabilitation professionals. Practitioners could use this tool for assessing and understanding the level of alienation among students with visual impairments, thereby helping them in planning and executing strategies for remediating alienation.
What Mathematical Images Are in a Typical Mathematics Textbook? Implications for Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Emerson Robert Wall , Anderson Dawn 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Visually impaired students (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) have difficulty accessing curricular material in mathematical textbooks because many mathematics texts have visual images that contain important content information that are not transcribed or described in digital versions of the texts. However, little is known about the extent to which this issue exists within texts and what sort of information is contained in visual material in mathematics texts. This article describes a process undertaken to classify images in a selection of math textbooks that are currently being used in grades 5,8, and 11. Methods Representative textbooks were chosen that aligned with Common Core Standards. An exhaustive and mutually exclusive set of image categories was developed, researchers became reliable on coding procedures, and then all images in the representative texts were coded. Results The most common images involved student interest, motivation, and organization, but contained little or no math content. The second most common area of image categories often contained large amounts of math content but were difficult to describe succinctly or might have been described without including important mathematical information. This grouping included tables, line graphs, and images specifically related to a single question. The final group of less frequently appearing images included ray or line diagrams, number lines, pie charts, bar graphs, and maps. Discussion To improve access to visual math content, the focus should be on images that appear frequently and contain math content such as tables, scatter or line graphs, shapes, equations, and images specifically related to a single question. Less common image categories such as models, line diagrams, pictures of calculator keys, and number lines lend themselves easily to description. Implications for practitioners Optimization of limited instructional time would be accomplished by having teachers focus on students’ understanding of the most common types of images, such as tables and line graphs.
Development of a Mobility-Related Quality-of-Life Measure for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Authors: Lethbridge Emma Marie , Muldoon Chris 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Scientifically valid measures of functional vision and quality of life, designed to explore individuals’ experiences of vision impairment (that is, blindness and low vision) are widely available; however, there is a paucity of measures specifically considering the quality of life afforded by an individual's mobility. The aim of this research was to develop a mobility-related quality-of-life measure. Methods An 11-item measure was developed by adapting the Seeing It My Way (Vision Strategy UK, 2011) theoretical framework of outcomes for measuring quality of life when living with vision impairments to explore the effect of mobility. These items are on a seven-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree to form the Mobility-Related Quality-of-Life measure (MRQoL). Results Data from 688 participants revealed that the MRQoL had appropriate reliability, with the items on the scale being highly related and demonstrating sufficient internal consistency. When tested over time without significant intervention, the MRQoL was observed to be stable, with high test-retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two distinct sub-factors: factor one, representing a construct containing aspects of independent mobility; and factor two, comprised of the skills and knowledge that enhance mobility. Together, the constructs accounted for 52.2% of the variability within in the data. Discussion The MRQoL is evidentiarily reliable and has a useful two-factor structure exploring both independent mobility and mobility-enhancing skills and knowledge. Implications for practitioners The MRQoL is a practical, sensitive, and reliable tool for use in assessing mobility-related quality of life in individuals with vision impairments. The measure is appropriate for use within research or in the field to assess the mobility-related quality of life of individuals or demographics with vision impairments, as well as the success of individual training, group mobility training, or other interventions. The MRQoL measure can be used as a stand-alone tool or alongside other measures.
Functional Vision Screening of Older Adults in Nursing Homes: A Study from Galicia (Northwest Spain)
Authors: Sánchez M. Covadonga Vázquez , Prieto Luz M. Gigirey , Del-Oro-Sáez Carlos P. , Piñeiro-Ces Antonio , Crego Manuel Gandoy 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the functional vision of a sample of older adults living in nursing homes in Galicia in northwestern Spain. The study is aimed at raising the awareness of clinicians, as well as researchers working in the field of vision and the Spanish Social and Equality Services, regarding the need to develop visual screening protocols in nursing homes, which are currently lacking in Spain (Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, n.d.). Methods Presenting visual acuity (visual acuity with current eyeglasses or contact lenses, if worn) was assessed to determine the functional vision of a sample of older adults living in nursing homes. We tested monocular and binocular high-contrast visual acuity using the directional-E screening test (3.70 scale) for distance vision, and the Rosenbaum near vision chart for near acuity. Visual impairment (distance and near vision) was defined as a binocular presenting visual acuity of less than 6/18 (20/63). Results The prevalence of visual impairment for distance and near vision reached 23.1% and 16.4%, respectively. We did not find any significant differences in the mean values of presenting visual acuity (far and near vision) between genders. The prevalence of visual impairment for distance vision increased with age (p < 0.01), reaching 25.8% among senior citizens between 80 and 89 years of age, and 50% in the case of nonagenarians. Nevertheless, we did not find any association between age and functional near vision (p > 0.05). Discussion The findings confirm the high prevalence of visual impairment among this population group. Many of the residents we examined have a level of vision that affects their typical daily activities and quality of life, so it is urgent to develop standard visual screening protocols in nursing homes. Implications for practitioners Developing visual screening programs in nursing homes would allow for the early detection of visual impairment and help other professionals working in nursing homes—especially clinicians, nurses, and caregivers—to optimize the care of the residents.
Evidence that Maternal Age Influences the Occurrence of Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Authors: Ivy Sarah E. , Hatton Deborah D. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study evaluated the influence of maternal age on the presence of optic nerve hypoplasia. Methods Logistic regression analysis was used to find the best-fit model to explain the presence of optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), and to estimate the unique variance accounted for by maternal age, in a sample of 4,269 children with severe visual impairments who entered early intervention programs in the United States between 2004 and 2010. Results Maternal age, birth weight of infant, and gestational age were found to be significant predictors of ONH compared to other visual conditions. Maternal age was found to be negatively associated with the probability of having ONH in this sample. Discussion Findings are consistent with previous reports of increased incidence of ONH in children born to young mothers (Garcia-Filion, Fink, Geffner, & Borchert, 2010; Tornqvist, Ericsson, & Källén, 2002). Implications for practitioners Early interventionists, social workers, and health professionals working with young mothers of children with severe visual impairments should be aware of the dangers and warning signs of associated endocrinopathies, and should encourage at-risk families to discuss this with their pediatrician.
The 1Touch Project: A Pilot Study of a Program to Teach Individuals who Are Visually Impaired Self-Defense
Authors: McCarthy Tessa , Brown Miranda D. , Nicholls Stephen H. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This pilot study evaluated the percentage of skills participants in the 1Touch Project Coaching Certification Course mastered after intensive training, as well as the maintenance of these skills six months after the initial training session. In addition, the potential psychosocial benefits of the training were evaluated. Methods In this posttest-only, pre-experimental study, participants with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) were trained in skills, and observers assessed the accuracy of participants on each of 76 skills. Participants completed surveys before and after training to indicate self-perceived psychosocial growth as a result of participating in the training. Results On average, participants mastered 84.75% of the 76 steps involved in the key skills of the 1Touch program, with a range of mastery from 60.53% to 100.00%. When assessed six months after the initial training, the average level of skill mastery was 89.68%, with a range of 53.95% to 100.00%, indicating there was not a noteworthy decline in the skills that had been mastered just after training. The return rate on the surveys measuring psychosocial benefits was too low to allow accurate statistical analysis, but potentially promising trends were identified based on the increased average response from pretest to posttest. Discussion These benefits were achieved after a brief training that could be conducted in virtually any geographic location with relatively few resources. Implications for practitioners Providing accessible instruction in self-defense using a program like 1Touch may lead to both physical and psychological benefits.
Influence of Sports Camps and Vision on Perceived Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents who Are Visually Impaired
Authors: Brian Ali , Taunton Sally , Haibach-Beach Pamela , Lieberman Lauren J. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Children with visual impairments (that is, those who have low vision or blindness) often demonstrate lower levels of perceived and actual motor competence and physical activity compared to peers who are sighted. The purpose of this study was to assess the way in which seven-day sports camps specially designed for children with visual impairments affected perceived motor competence as compared to a control condition. Methods Children with visual impairments (N = 79), ages 9 to 19 years (M = 12.71, SD = 2.38) completed either the Self-Perception Profile for Children (ages 9 to 13 years) or the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (ages 14 to 19 years) two to three times at two summer camps or at a school for blind students. Two separate 3 (group) × 4 (vision) ANOVAs assessed pretest and posttest differences for perceived motor competence. A 3 (group) × 2 (time) × 4 (vision) repeated-measures ANOVA examined the effects of camp on perceived motor competence from pretest to posttest. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to reveal if levels of perceived motor competence remained stable from posttest to maintenance. Results Camp and control groups revealed nonsignificant and similar levels of perceived motor competence at the pretest. By the end of camp one, children improved their perceived motor competence to a much greater and significant degree than did those in the control condition. Similar effects occurred for those who enrolled at camp two, and those participants also revealed significantly greater gains than did those in the control group. A small subsample maintained their gains six weeks after camp one, while control children also remained stable with no change after six weeks. Discussion Children's perceived motor competence can be improved through accessible sports camps. This finding is important, since this measure powerfully associates with physical activity. Implications for practitioners Physical education teachers can model camp conditions to benefit perceived motor competence throughout the academic year.
99mTcO4-/99mTc-MIBI dual-tracer scintigraphy for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas
Authors: Huang Zhongke , Lou Cen 
Published: December 2018

Objective To investigate the accuracy of dual-tracer scintigraphy for locating parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Methods We reviewed 268 patients with PHPT. All patients underwent technetium-99m pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) scintigraphy and technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) dual-tracer scintigraphy of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, respectively. 99mTcO4- planar scintigraphy was carried out initially followed by dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT the next day. The findings were combined and interpreted. Individual 99mTc-MIBI and dual-tracer scintigraphy were both analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined in relation to surgical findings. The average interval between scan and surgery was 13 days. Results The positive and negative predictive values of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT were 92.0% and 71.3%, respectively, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.3%, 79.2%, and 85.8%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of dual-tracer scintigraphy were 96.3% and 82.3%, respectively, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 92.9%, 90.3%, and 92.2%, respectively. Youden’s index for dual-tracer scintigraphy and 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT were 0.83 and 0.63, respectively. Conclusions These finding suggest that 99mTcO4- and 99mTc-MIBI dual-tracer scintigraphy is more accurate than other scintigraphy methods for detecting parathyroid adenoma, and may thus be the most suitable imaging technique in patients with PHPT.
Analysis of Stock Market Development, Foreign Private Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Anthony-Orji Onyinye I. , Orji Anthony , Ogbuabor Jonathan E. 
Published: December 2018

The study estimated the impact of stock market development and foreign private investment on economic growth in Nigeria over the period of 1985–2016, using secondary data from various publications of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The ordinary least square (OLS) technique was employed in this study, while the Engel and Granger co-integration approach was applied to determine the long-run relationship between the variables. The result showed that market capitalisation, all share index and real exchange rate have statistically significant impact on economic growth, while foreign direct investment, trade openness and gross national savings have insignificant impact on growth. The study also showed that there is a long-run relationship among stock market development, foreign private investment and economic growth in Nigeria. The error correction model (ECM) results showed that the model adjusts to equilibrium in the short run and that about 51 per cent of the disequilibrium between gross domestic product and the independent variables is corrected each year. The study recommended that policymakers and monetary authorities should gear efforts towards formulating policies that will fine-tune stock market performance and reduce issues, such as, unpaid dividends, delay in dividend payments and unhealthy transfer of stocks. This is pertinent to encourage greater population of the citizenry to invest in the stock market. Finally, the study concluded that provision and improvement of infrastructure and power as well as enforcement of investor-friendly policies by the government is needed as these will encourage the establishment of more firms and industries that will participate in the stock market, thereby contributing to the growth of the economy. JEL Classification: E22, F21, F43, O16
Integrated Model of Computable General Equilibrium and Social Cost Benefit Analysis of an Indian Oil Refinery: Future Projections and Macroeconomic Effects
Authors: Chaudhuri Sumana , Ray Shovan , Ganesh-Kumar  
Published: December 2018

Cost benefit analysis (CBA) has long been used as a useful tool to appraise and evaluate the value of a range of investment projects to a society. Certain aspects of this method such as the appropriate discount rate is an important concern, because the choice of discount rates deeply affect the valuations of future income streams. Other aspects concerning financial flows and appropriate ‘shadow prices’ have also received considerable attention. However, when a megaproject with the character of a ‘universal intermediate’ is considered, its multiplier effects may be wide-ranging and permeate several economic and social layers and may be captured only in the aggregates. This study examines the costs and benefits of Vadinar refinery in Gujarat with a focus on this welfare dimension on society for the project. The framework explores a methodological breakthrough in CBA studies. In constituting the macroeconomic effects of expansion of the mega oil refinery, the wider economic impact (WEI) is estimated using the computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and incorporated into the CBA. This assimilation of CBA with macroeconomic externality obtained from the CGE model framework is perhaps only one of its kind in economic analysis of major infrastructure projects of any country. CBA when combined with CGE as an analytical tool can be gainfully employed to appraise or evaluate large scale projects like oil refineries. JEL Classification: B41, C51, C52, C53, C54, C55, D50, D58, D60, D61, D62, H23, H43, L71, O22, Q43