bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anxiety and Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Authors: Geueke Anna , Morley Michael G. , Morley Katharine , Lorch Alice , Jackson MaryLou , Lambrou Angeliki , Wenberg June , Oteng-Amoako Afua 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Some persons with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) suffer significant anxiety because of their visual hallucinations, while others do not. The aim of the study presented here was to compare levels of anxiety in persons with low vision with and without CBS. Methods This retrospective study compared the level of anxiety in 31 persons with CBS and 26 persons without CBS. These participants were recruited voluntarily from senior centers, a low vision support group, and an ophthalmology practice in October and November 2010. All were administered surveys to measure cognitive function (TICS: Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status), anxiety (STAI: State and Trait Anxiety Inventory), and general health (GHQ: General Health Questionnaire). The responses of the two groups were compared. Results The participants with CBS exhibited higher levels of anxiety than did those without CBS on both the STAI and GHQ surveys, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. The proportion of participants who were pharmacologically treated for anxiety was four times higher in the CBS cohort than in the cohort without CBS: CBS: 36% (11 of 31), those without CBS: 9% (2 of 22), p value = .03. The participants with CBS who took medication for anxiety scored higher on the STAI and GHQ than did those without CBS, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Discussion The findings indicate that persons with CBS have higher levels of anxiety than do those without CBS. The highest levels of anxiety occurred in the participants with CBS who were being treated for anxiety with medications. Although the findings did not reach statistical significance, they suggest that anxiety is an important consideration when treating individuals with CBS. Implications for practitioners Persons with CBS who have difficulty tolerating visual hallucinations may benefit from interventions that are directed at managing anxiety, such as counseling, visual rehabilitation, and pharmacological treatment.
Preferences and Practices among Students who Read Braille and use Assistive Technology
Authors: D'Andrea Frances Mary 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Students who read braille use assistive technology to engage in literacy tasks and to access the general curriculum. There is little research on the ways in which technology has changed the reading and writing practices and preferences of students who use braille, nor is there much research on how assistive technology is learned by students with visual impairments. Methods This article describes the first phase of a mixed-methods study that was conducted to investigate the current use of paper braille and assistive technology among students aged 16–22, and the students’ attitudes toward braille and technology as tools for classroom learning in high school and college. The first phase of the study consisted of 12 structured interviews of students from across the United States, which were transcribed, analyzed qualitatively, and coded for themes reported here. Results The practices used by students fell into three broad themes, (1) the wide variety of devices used for reading and writing, (2) the types of tasks they performed using specific devices, and (3) the ways students learned practices for using braille and technology. Their attitudes fell into three themes as well: (1) preferences about braille and of technology tools, (2) how students chose to use those tools for specific tasks, and (3) the role teachers played in learning to use technology. Discussion Results of the study indicated the changing nature of how students use various tools and how they select approaches to completing their class work, and the importance for students of being able to make choices regarding tools and strategies. Implications for practitioners These themes suggest that for students to take advantage of the many choices available to efficiently complete school tasks, they must be proficient in multiple methods and tools for learning.
The Relationship between Computer and Internet use and Performance on Standardized Tests by Secondary School Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Zhou Li , Griffin-Shirley Nora , Kelley Pat , Banda Devender R. , Lan William Y. , Parker Amy T. , Smith Derrick W. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The study presented here explored the relationship between computer and Internet use and the performance on standardized tests by secondary school students with visual impairments. Methods With data retrieved from the first three waves (2001–05) of the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2, the correlational study focused on secondary school students with a primary disability of visual impairment who were capable of taking standardized tests. The unweighted sample sizes ranged from 210 to 280. The relationships between using a computer for homework and for the Internet and students’ performance on standardized tests on synonyms and antonyms, comprehension of passages, calculation, applied problems, science, and social studies were investigated using multiple regression analyses, with other variables held constant, including gender, severity of vision loss, household income, multiple disability status, and race or ethnicity. Results When gender, the severity of vision loss, household income, multiple disability status, and race or ethnicity were held constant, using a computer for the Internet had a significant positive relationship with students’ performances on the passage comprehension test (p = .034), calculation test (p = .027), and science test (p = .000). However, using a computer for homework had no significant relationship with students’ performances in any of the six tests that were examined. Discussion Students who used a computer for the Internet scored significantly higher than did those who did not on the passage comprehension, calculation, and science tests. But students who used a computer for homework performed at the same level as those who did not on all six tests that were examined. Implications for practitioners Internet use by secondary school students with visual impairments may be beneficial to the students’ performance on passage comprehension, calculation, and science tests and therefore should be encouraged. Special assistance for students from low-income families, whose rate of Internet use was significantly lower than those from high-income families, should be considered.
Videophone Technology and Students with Deaf-Blindness: A Method for Increasing Access and Communication
Authors: Emerson Judith , Bishop John 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Seeing the Possibilities with Videophone Technology began as research project funded by the National Center for Technology Innovation. The project implemented a face-to-face social networking program for students with deaf-blindness to investigate the potential for increasing access and communication using videophone technology. Methods Ten students with deaf-blindness aged 16 to 20 in four southeastern states were recruited through the network of Deaf-Blind Project offices throughout the United States. Criteria for selection to participate in the study were that the participants needed to have enough functional visual acuity to access a 22-inch videophone monitor and use manual sign language as a mode of communication. After a videophone was installed in each participant's home and school, data were collected over six months, using three primary methods of collection. The data were analyzed through a qualitative design method. Results The primary outcomes were increased accessibility for interpersonal communication among the students with deaf-blindness, seen notably in subscales of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and through the development of themes involving the cultivation and maintenance of friendships with peers through interaction using videophone technology. Discussion With the role of interactive technologies in our ever-increasing digital landscapes, timing is ripe for research that aids the advancement of accessibility to information and social interaction, particularly among populations that have historically been marginalized in traditional educational systems. Implications for practitioners Dissemination of the results of the project through the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness and the American Association of the Deaf-Blind will encourage practitioners in the field to replicate the project's activities with videophone technology to benefit youths who are deaf-blind.
Assessment and Instruction of Object Permanence in Children with Blindness and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Bruce Susan M. , Vargas Claudia 
Published: January 2019

Introduction This article discusses the impact of blindness and low vision on the development of object permanence and provides suggestions for assessment and instruction. Methods The reviewed literature was identified by searching both ERIC and Psych Info using combinations of search terms such as object permanence and visual impairment or low vision and blindness. Books, assessment tools, and nonpeer-reviewed literature were also reviewed. Results Although children with low vision use vision as the basis to master object permanence, children who are blind rely primarily on their tactile experiences of objects. Recommended instructional practices include the consistent and repeated naming of the concealed object, concealment of motivating and varied objects, and direct reinforcement. Discussion Direct instruction that is grounded in careful assessment may accelerate the mastery of object permanence, with unique strategies being applied to the instruction of children who are blind, including the coactive concealment of objects. Implications for practitioners Practitioners may use the structured informal assessment and the identified items within commercially produced assessment tools to identify a child's current knowledge of object permanence. Practitioners may integrate the research-based and promising practices to improve instruction.
User Interface Preferences in the Design of a Camera-Based Navigation and Wayfinding Aid
Authors: Arditi Aries , Tian YingLi 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Development of a sensing device that can provide a sufficient perceptual substrate for persons with visual impairments to orient themselves and travel confidently has been a persistent rehabilitation technology goal, with the user interface posing a significant challenge. In the study presented here, we enlist the advice and ideas of individuals who are blind with respect to this challenge, for an envisioned camera-based aid to navigation and wayfinding. Methods We administered a short questionnaire about user preferences and needs for such a device to a sample of 10 well-educated, employed (or retired) visually impaired participants with light perception or less, who were familiar and comfortable with assistive technology. Generally, the items were rankings of relative priority. Results Participants preferred speech as a communications medium for navigating the environment; preferred controlling the auditory display by querying the system rather than interacting via a menu or receiving a stream of continuous speech; and preferred providing input to the system through a keypad rather than through a voice recognition system. Architectural features such as doors and stairs were ranked the most important environmental objects to be located with such a device (over furniture, persons, personal items, and even text signs). Discussion Our sample reported a desire for devices that can guide them to architectural features of their environment. They appear to prefer device interfaces that give them control, and would rather query a system than interact with a menu. They prefer unobtrusive input on a device via keypad rather than through voice recognition. Implications for practitioners Designers of camera-based navigation devices may wish to consider the preferences of our sample by incorporating a query-based interface with simple keypad input and speech output, and to include in their object recognition efforts the goal of identifying architectural features that are significant to users who are blind in navigation.
Severe Visual Impairments in Infants and Toddlers in the United States
Authors: Hatton Deborah D. , Ivy Sarah E. , Boyer Charles 
Published: January 2019

Introduction This article describes the most prevalent visual conditions and other demographic characteristics of 5,931 young children with severe visual impairments in 28 states in the United States, the largest sample reported to date. The information presented in this article can assist in planning and implementing programs. Method The data were collected at the time of entry into specialized early intervention programs for young children with visual impairments through reviews of records, interviews, and direct observations. They were sent to Babies Count: The National Registry for Children with Visual Impairments, Birth to 3 Years at the American Printing House for the Blind. The data were collected and entered between January 2005 and April 2011. Results Cortical visual impairment, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and optic nerve hypoplasia were the three most prevalent diagnoses. Approximately 60% were identified as being legally blind, and 65% had disabilities in addition to visual impairments. The mean age of the children at the time of diagnosis was 4.9 (SD = 5.7) months, referral to specialized programs was at 10.5 (SD = 7.8) months, and entry into specialized programs was at 11.6 (SD = 8.0) months. There was an average lag of 5.6 months between the diagnosis and referral. Discussion Cortical visual impairment, ROP, and optic nerve hypoplasia continue to be the leading causes of severe, uncorrectable visual impairments in children in the United States. ROP appears to be decreasing in prevalence; however, more children with ROP appear to have additional disabilities. The lag of 5.6 months between diagnosis and referral, a longer lag than was previously reported, is of concern. Implications for practitioners Information about the characteristics of children with severe uncorrectable visual conditions is valuable for communicating with families, planning and implementing early intervention and educational programs, and collaborating with medical professionals.
Development and Adaptation of an Employment-Integration Program for People who are Visually Impaired in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Wittich Walter , Watanabe Donald H. , Scully Lizabeth , Bergevin Martin 
Published: January 2019

Introduction In the Province of Quebec, Canada, it is estimated that only about one-third of working-age adults with visual impairments are part of the workforce, despite ongoing efforts of rehabilitation and government agencies to integrate these individuals. The present article describes the development and adaptation of a pre-employment program specifically designed for English-speaking visually impaired persons in Quebec. Methods Based on a model program introduced at the University of Texas in the United States, and further developed with the Royal National Institute of Blind People in the United Kingdom, the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre (MMRC) adapted the training materials for its pre-employment program to the local requirements. Its effectiveness was appraised using posttraining employment status as well as responses by participants, using the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Tool to Assess Preparedness for Employment (TAPE) measure of employment readiness. Results Of the eight participants who completed the four-week program, five had found employment and, of those, four had maintained employment within the eight-month follow-up period (one full-time, three part-time). Further, two of those employed part-time also returned to school part-time. An additional two participants chose to continue their education in order to improve their employability. Scores on the CNIB TAPE subscale of communication showed statistically significant post-training improvement (p = .01) that was maintained after eight months. A statistical trend indicated improvement on the technology subscale following participation in training (p = .10). Discussion MMRC's pre-employment training program was developed to address the need for a structured employment preparation program that was integrated with the available rehabilitation services for English-speaking visually impaired individuals in a predominantly French-speaking environment. Implications for practitioners The multidisciplinary nature of this approach facilitated a common language and shared perspective for practitioners across disciplines that are involved in preparing clients for the job market.
Effects of periodontal therapy on eradication and recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection after successful treatment
Authors: Tongtawee Taweesak , Wattanawongdon Wareeporn , Simawaranon Theeraya 
Published: January 2019

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of periodontal therapy on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication and on the recurrence of infection after eradication. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized trial on 698 gastric H. pylori-infected patients, of whom 347 received gastric H. pylori treatment alone and 342 received gastric H. pylori treatment plus periodontal therapy. The presence of H. pylori and associated virulence genes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results After eradication of gastric H. pylori infection, the recurrence of gastric H. pylori was significantly lower in the gastric H. pylori treatment plus periodontal therapy group than in the group receiving gastric H. pylori treatment alone (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99), whereas the eradication rate was not significantly different (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98). There was a close relationship between the presence of H. pylori in saliva and its presence in the stomach. Conclusions The oral cavity is an important reservoir for gastric H. pylori infection. Adjunctive periodontal therapy could enhance the efficiency of H. pylori treatment and reduce the recurrence of gastric H. pylori infection.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Snizek-revised Hall’s Professionalism Inventory Scale
Authors: Chen Xiaoqian , Yu Qi , Yu Feifei , Huang Yixiang , Zhang Lingling 
Published: January 2019

Objective This study was performed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Snizek-revised Hall’s Professionalism Inventory Scale (C-SR-HPIS). Methods Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate the construct validity of the C-SR-HPIS. The average variance extracted (AVE) and square root of the AVE were calculated and correlation analyses were performed to test the convergent validity and discriminant validity, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient was used to test the internal consistency reliability. Results Data for 355 clinical nurses in mainland China were collected. Five factors were extracted, accounting for 58.86% of the total explained variance, and 20 items were selected for the C-SR-HPIS. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested good fitness of the modified model. The AVE was acceptable for convergent validity. The square roots of the AVE of the five factors were larger than their correlation coefficients with other factors, showing suitable discriminant validity. Cronbach’s α coefficient of internal consistency reliability of the overall scale was 0.76, indicating good reliability of the scale. Conclusions This study demonstrated good reliability and validity of the C-SR-HPIS and provides a quantitative tool for the assessment of nursing professionalism in China.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and decreases interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in elderly patients with refractory depression
Authors: Zhao Xiangxiang , Li Yanpeng , Tian Qing , Zhu Bingqian , Zhao Zhongxin 
Published: January 2019

Objective To investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in elderly patients with refractory depression. Methods A total of 58 elderly patients diagnosed with refractory depression between January 2015 and December 2016 were divided randomly into two groups: 29 patients who received rTMS and 29 controls without rTMS. Thirty healthy individuals were also enrolled and all received rTMS. Serum levels of BDNF, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured before the study (0 days), and at 48 hours and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the first TMS treatment. Results BDNF levels gradually increased with treatment duration in the rTMS group and were significantly higher compared with the control group. In contrast, IL-1β and TNF-α levels gradually decreased and were significantly lower than in the control group. None of the serum factors were affected by rTMS in the healthy individuals. BDNF levels were negatively correlated and IL-1β and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 scores. Conclusion These results suggest that rTMS may increase BDNF and decrease IL-1β and TNF-α serum levels in elderly patients with refractory depression.
Initial free cortisol dynamics following blunt multiple trauma and traumatic brain injury: A clinical study
Authors: Kusmenkov T , Braunstein M , Schneider HJ , Bidlingmaier M , Prall WC , Flatz W , Boecker W , Bogner V 
Published: January 2019

Objective To determine free and total cortisol serum concentrations in the first 24 h after trauma and to evaluate the influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on their dynamics. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled patients who had experienced multiple trauma and were admitted to a level 1 trauma centre. The patients were divided in two groups based on the presence of TBI according to clinical and radiological findings. Blood was collected initially as well as at 12 h and 24 h after the traumatic injury. Total cortisol, corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) and free cortisol levels were determined. Results The study analysed data from 49 patients (36 males and 13 females) with a mean ± SD age of 45.0 ± 16.0 years. Of these, 36 presented with TBI and 13 had multiple injuries without TBI. Patients with TBI showed significantly lower concentrations of total cortisol and free cortisol compared with patients without TBI. Repeated measures analysis revealed different concentration dynamics in patients with TBI, with no increase in cortisol after trauma. Conclusion Multiple trauma patients with TBI are at risk of acute impaired cortisol secretion and show an attenuated stress response as early as 12 h after injury.
WIL-Power: Towards a Signature Pedagogy in Journalism
Authors: Woolley Bruce 
Published: January 2019

Capstone courses in undergraduate education, especially in professional schools such as journalism, usually try to teach students to think and perform like the future practitioners they intend to become. Internships, practice-based subjects, work experience courses—they all aim to bridge the students’ knowledge from the largely theoretical to the urgently practical; knowledge that will be essential in the workplace, whether it’s a doctor in a hospital, a lawyer in a courtroom or a teacher in a classroom. Shulman’s ground-breaking insight was to articulate these as Signature Pedagogies and to define them clearly in three dimensions—to think, to perform, and to act with integrity—just as experienced practitioners in the field are doing. This article contends that overseas Work Integrated Learning (WIL) courses such as those examined here, conducted by the researcher for the University of Queensland (UQ), are a Signature Pedagogy because the student participants are required to behave, think and perform ethically, just as foreign correspondents must do.