title: Using quotitive division problems to promote place-value understanding

authors: Bicknell, Brenda

abstract: Using quotitive division problems to promote A robust understanding of place value is essential. Using a problem-based approach set within meaningful contexts, students' attention may be drawn to the multiplicative structure of place value. By using quotitive division problems through a concrete-representational-abstract lesson structure, this study showed a powerful strengthening of Year 3 students' conceptual understanding of place value.

text: Using quotitive division problems to promote place-value understanding Using quotitive division problems to promote A robust understanding of place value is essential. Using a problem-based approach set within meaningful contexts, students' attention may be drawn to the multiplicative structure of place value. By using quotitive division problems through a concrete-representational-abstract lesson structure, this study showed a powerful strengthening of Year 3 students' conceptual understanding of place value.

year: 2017

title: Staying safe on a surf beach: What are rip currents?

authors: Pitman, Sebastian J.

abstract: Everyone enjoys visiting the beach and playing or swimming in the water, but sometimes, waves breaking on beaches can create strong, narrow currents that can pull you out of your depth and into deeper water, where you may find yourself in trouble. We call these rip currents, and they are the main cause of drowning and rescues on surf beaches. The best way to stay safe at the beach is to always swim near lifeguards and avoid swimming if there are none around. Two important things to know about rip currents are: (1) how to spot them; and (2) what to do if you get caught in one. That is what we want to tell you about in this article!

text: Staying safe on a surf beach: What are rip currents? Everyone enjoys visiting the beach and playing or swimming in the water, but sometimes, waves breaking on beaches can create strong, narrow currents that can pull you out of your depth and into deeper water, where you may find yourself in trouble. We call these rip currents, and they are the main cause of drowning and rescues on surf beaches. The best way to stay safe at the beach is to always swim near lifeguards and avoid swimming if there are none around. Two important things to know about rip currents are: (1) how to spot them; and (2) what to do if you get caught in one. That is what we want to tell you about in this article!

year: 2019

title: Patient-reported diagnostic intervals to colorectal cancer diagnosis in the Midland region of New Zealand: a prospective cohort study

authors: Blackmore, Tania Louise

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Background and objectives
New Zealand (NZ) has high rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) but low rates of early detection. The majority of CRC is diagnosed through general practice, where lengthy diagnostic intervals are common. We investigated factors contributing to diagnostic delay in a cohort of patients newly diagnosed with CRC.

Methods
Patients were recruited from the Midland region and interviewed about their diagnostic experience using a questionnaire based on a modified Model of Pathways to Treatment framework and SYMPTOM questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population characteristics. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse factors influencing diagnostic intervals.

Results
Data from 176 patients were analysed, of which 65 (36.9%) experienced a general practitioner (GP) diagnostic interval of >120 days and 96 (54.5%) experienced a total diagnostic interval (TDI) > 120 days. Patients reporting rectal bleeding were less likely to experience a long TDI (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.78) and appraisal/help-seeking interval (OR, 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.59). Patients <60 were more likely to report a longer appraisal/help-seeking interval (OR, 3.32, 95% CI: 1.17–9.46). Female (OR, 2.19, 95% CI: 1.08–4.44) and Māori patients (OR, 3.18, 95% CI: 1.04–9.78) were more likely to experience a long GP diagnostic interval.

Conclusion
NZ patients with CRC can experience long diagnostic intervals, attributed to patient and health system factors. Young patients, Māori, females, and patients experiencing change of bowel habit may be at particular risk. We need to increase symptom awareness of CRC for patients and GPs. Concentrated efforts are needed to ensure equity for Māori in access to screening, diagnostics, and treatment.

text: Patient-reported diagnostic intervals to colorectal cancer diagnosis in the Midland region of New Zealand: a prospective cohort study Background and objectives
New Zealand (NZ) has high rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) but low rates of early detection. The majority of CRC is diagnosed through general practice, where lengthy diagnostic intervals are common. We investigated factors contributing to diagnostic delay in a cohort of patients newly diagnosed with CRC.

Methods
Patients were recruited from the Midland region and interviewed about their diagnostic experience using a questionnaire based on a modified Model of Pathways to Treatment framework and SYMPTOM questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population characteristics. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse factors influencing diagnostic intervals.

Results
Data from 176 patients were analysed, of which 65 (36.9%) experienced a general practitioner (GP) diagnostic interval of >120 days and 96 (54.5%) experienced a total diagnostic interval (TDI) > 120 days. Patients reporting rectal bleeding were less likely to experience a long TDI (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.78) and appraisal/help-seeking interval (OR, 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.59). Patients <60 were more likely to report a longer appraisal/help-seeking interval (OR, 3.32, 95% CI: 1.17–9.46). Female (OR, 2.19, 95% CI: 1.08–4.44) and Māori patients (OR, 3.18, 95% CI: 1.04–9.78) were more likely to experience a long GP diagnostic interval.

Conclusion
NZ patients with CRC can experience long diagnostic intervals, attributed to patient and health system factors. Young patients, Māori, females, and patients experiencing change of bowel habit may be at particular risk. We need to increase symptom awareness of CRC for patients and GPs. Concentrated efforts are needed to ensure equity for Māori in access to screening, diagnostics, and treatment.

year: 2021