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Scientific Articles (scientific + article)
Selected AbstractsEffectiveness of educational interventions on the improvement of drug prescription in primary care: a critical literature reviewJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2001Adolfo Figueiras PhD Abstract This paper is a critical review of studies of educational programmes designed to improve prescription practices in ambulatory care. Scientific articles were selected from the following bibliographical indices: MEDLINE, IME, ICYT and ERIC. The searches covered the time period between 1988 and 1997. The search criteria included: primary-care, educat*, prescription* and other related keywords. The inclusion criteria were studies describing educational strategies aimed at general practitioners working in ambulatory settings. The study outcome was change in prescribing behaviour of physicians through prescribing indicators. The following data were extracted: study design, target drugs, type of intervention, follow-up period of the prescription trends, type of data analysis, type of statistical analysis and reported results. We found 3233 articles that met the search criteria. Of these, 51 met the inclusion criteria and 43 studied the efficacy/effectiveness of one or various interventions as compared to no intervention. Among seven studies evaluating active strategies, four reported positive results (57%), as opposed to three of the eight studies assessing passive strategies (38%). Among the 28 studies that tested reinforced active strategies, 16 reported positive results for all variables (57%). Eight studies were classified as a high degree of evidence (16%). We concluded that the results of our review suggest that the more personalized, the more effective the strategies are. We observe that combining active and passive strategies results in a decrease of the failure rate. Finally, better studies are still needed to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of prescribing practices. [source] Developing students' ability to ask more and better questions resulting from inquiry-type chemistry laboratoriesJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING, Issue 7 2005Avi Hofstein This study focuses on the ability of high-school chemistry students, who learn chemistry through the inquiry approach, to ask meaningful and scientifically sound questions. We investigated (a) the ability of students to ask questions related to their observations and findings in an inquiry-type experiment (a practical test) and (b) the ability of students to ask questions after critically reading a scientific article. The student population consisted of two groups: an inquiry-laboratory group (experimental group) and a traditional laboratory-type group (control group). The three common features investigated were (a) the number of questions that were asked by each of the students, (b) the cognitive level of the questions, and (c) the nature of the questions that were chosen by the students, for the purpose of further investigation. Importantly, it was found that students in the inquiry group who had experience in asking questions in the chemistry laboratory outperformed the control grouping in their ability to ask more and better questions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 42: 791,806, 2005 [source] Problems of citation analysis: A study of uncited and seldom-cited influencesJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010M.H. MacRoberts To determine influences on the production of a scientific article, the content of the article must be studied. We examined articles in biogeography and found that most of the influence is not cited, specific types of articles that are influential are cited while other types of that also are influential are not cited, and work that is "uncited" and "seldom cited" is used extensively. As a result, evaluative citation analysis should take uncited work into account. [source] Continuing education self-assessment quiz: New standards for permanent tooth emergence in Australian childrenAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2003Article first published online: 12 MAR 200 In the scientific article by Diamanti and Townsend on page 39 in this issue a number of interesting issues are raised regarding tooth emergence in Australian children. Test you knowledge here by first reading the article entitled: New standards for permanent tooth emergence in Australian children, answer the following questions by indicating what you believe is the one best answer for each of the six questions and then forward the completed questionnaire to the Australian Dental Journal Office and we will let you know how you scored. Please note that the answers have been provided in good faith and to the best of our knowledge are correct. The Editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. [source] 1341: English scientific writing made easyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010BE DAMATO Purpose The publication of scientific results may be delayed or abandoned because the authors are unable to write English adequately. The aims of this presentation are to highlight some of the most common grammatical errors and how these might be avoided. Methods Scientific writing is widely regarded as an art, but can equally be considered as a skill, which can be gained by following some simple rules. Results By following simple protocols, it should be possible to write a scientific article in English more easily. Conclusion The aspiring scientific author should invest time learning basic rules so as to publish research results more efficiently. [source] CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR RESTORING MANDIBULAR INCISORS WITH PORCELAIN LAMINATE VENEERSJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 4 2008Robert D. Walter DDS Authors Porcelain laminate veneers have been proven to be a successful treatment modality for maxillary incisors in clinical practice and in controlled clinical studies. However, the data in clinical studies on the success of veneers for restoring mandibular incisors are limited. Clinically, the successful restoration of mandibular incisors with porcelain laminate veneers is one of the more challenging procedures in all of esthetic restorative dentistry. Limited coronal dimensions, the small amount of enamel available for bonding (particularly in the cervical areas), materials and techniques for the bonding procedures, and the response of the tooth,veneer complex to forces generated during the incisal loading in both functional as well as parafunctional contacts must be considered as potential sources of success or failure. This Critical Appraisal reviews three recent scientific articles to shed some light on these issues and, as in all research endeavors, leads the reader to identify additional areas of concern that might stimulate further scientific inquiry. The first publication studied predictors for enamel thickness for mandibular incisors. The second examined bonding protocols for exposed dentin and suggested immediate dentin sealing. The third paper addressed fracture behavior of mandibular incisors restored with porcelain laminate veneers in vitro. [source] The communication of meaning and the structuration of expectations: Giddens' "structuration theory" and Luhmann's "self-organization"JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Loet Leydesdorff The communication of meaning as distinct from (Shannon-type) information is central to Luhmann's social systems theory and Giddens' structuration theory of action. These theories share an emphasis on reflexivity, but focus on meaning along a divide between interhuman communication and intentful action as two different systems of reference. Recombining these two theories into a theory about the structuration of expectations, interactions, organization, and self-organization of intentional communications can be simulated based on algorithms from the computation of anticipatory systems. The self-organizing and organizing layers remain rooted in the double contingency of the human encounter, which provides the variation. Organization and self-organization of communication are reflexive upon and therefore reconstructive of each other. Using mutual information in three dimensions, the imprint of meaning processing in the modeling system on the historical organization of uncertainty in the modeled system can be measured. This is shown empirically in the case of intellectual organization as "structurating" structure in the textual domain of scientific articles. [source] Effects of conventional and problem-based learning on clinical and general competencies and career developmentMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 3 2008Janke Cohen-Schotanus Objective, To test hypotheses regarding the longitudinal effects of problem-based learning (PBL) and conventional learning relating to students' appreciation of the curriculum, self-assessment of general competencies, summative assessment of clinical competence and indicators of career development. Methods, The study group included 2 complete cohorts of graduates who were admitted to the medical curriculum in 1992 (conventional curriculum, n = 175) and 1993 (PBL curriculum, n = 169) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Data were obtained from student records, graduates' self-ratings and a literature search. Gender and secondary school grade point average (GPA) scores were included as moderator variables. Data were analysed by a stepwise multiple and logistic regression analysis. Results, Graduates of the PBL curriculum scored higher on self-rated competencies. Contrary to expectations, graduates of the PBL curriculum did not show more appreciation of their curriculum than graduates of the conventional curriculum and no differences were found on clinical competence. Graduates of the conventional curriculum needed less time to find a postgraduate training place. No differences were found for scientific activities such as reading scientific articles and publishing in peer- reviewed journals. Women performed better on clinical competence than did men. Grade point average did not affect any of the variables. Conclusions, The results suggest that PBL affects self-rated competencies. These outcomes confirm earlier findings. However, clinical competence measures did not support this finding. [source] The True and the False: Pixel-Byte SyndromePEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Mario Cutrone MD The possible use of retouched images for fraudulent purposes in scientific articles, posters, and conferences is not a future but a present possibility (probably already used) that poses serious questions as to the need for additional control mechanisms other than scientific peer quality review in evaluating and accepting articles. We propose the term "pixel-byte syndrome" to illustrate how easy it might be to electronically create a new syndrome for fraudulent purposes. The aim of this article is to stimulate discussion among professionals, add some examples of easy-to-realize frauds and sow the seeds of doubt in the minds of some of the referees of journal articles and the scientific secretariat of congresses in reviewing digitally retouched images. [source] Putting the community back in community ecology and education: the role of field schools and private reserves in the ethical training of primatologistsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2010P.A. Garber Abstract In 1993 and 1999, with the assistance of a Nicaraguan family, we founded La Suerte Biological Research Station in northeastern Costa Rica and Ometepe Biological Research Station in southern Nicaragua as a privately owned conservation-oriented business. Our goal was to develop a program of sustainable community ecology focused on education, research, and the conservation of primates and tropical forests. In order to accomplish this we developed field courses in which undergraduate and graduate students conduct scientific research, experience local cultures, and learn about conservation. Over 120 of these students have received doctoral degrees or are currently in graduate programs. Four doctoral dissertations, several MA theses, and some 20 scientific articles have been published based on research conducted at our field stations. In order to achieve our long-term goals of preserving the environment, we also needed to engage directly with local communities to address their needs and concerns. To this end, we developed a series of community-based initiatives related to health care, bilingual education, and conservation education using traditional and on-line teaching tools. In this article, we describe our efforts in Costa Rica and Nicaragua teaching conservation-oriented field courses and working with the local human communities. Building upon these experiences, we outline a set of ethical considerations and responsibilities for private reserves, conservation-oriented businesses, NGOs, and conservancies that help integrate members of the local community as stakeholders in conservation. Am. J. Primatol. 72:785,793, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Introducing undergraduate students to scienceBIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010Paulo De Ávila Jr. Abstract Understanding the scientific method fosters the development of critical thinking and logical analysis of information. Additionally, proposing and testing a hypothesis is applicable not only to science, but also to ordinary facts of daily life. Knowing the way science is done and how its results are published is useful for all citizens and mandatory for science students. A 60-h course was created to offer undergraduate students a framework in which to learn the procedures of scientific production and publication. The course's main focus was biochemistry, and it was comprised of two modules. Module I dealt with scientific articles, and Module II with research project writing. Module I covered the topics: 1) the difference between scientific knowledge and common sense, 2) different conceptions of science, 3) scientific methodology, 4) scientific publishing categories, 5) logical principles, 6) deductive and inductive approaches, and 7) critical reading of scientific articles. Module II dealt with 1) selection of an experimental problem for investigation, 2) bibliographic revision, 3) materials and methods, 4) project writing and presentation, 5) funding agencies, and 6) critical analysis of experimental results. The course adopted a collaborative learning strategy, and each topic was studied through activities performed by the students. Qualitative and quantitative course evaluations with Likert questionnaires were carried out at each stage, and the results showed the students' high approval of the course. The staff responsible for course planning and development also evaluated it positively. The Biochemistry Department of the Chemistry Institute of the University of São Paulo has offered the course four times. [source] Teaching energy metabolism using scientific articlesBIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010Implementation of a virtual learning environment for medical students Abstract This work describes the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) applied to the biochemistry class for undergraduate, first-year medical students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The course focused on the integration of energy metabolism, exploring metabolic adaptations in different physiological or pathological states such as starvation, diabetes, and exercise. The VLE was designed to combine online activities with traditional course content and presented guided inquiry-based activities to assist in the use of original scientific articles as educational resources. Based on the analysis of a semi-open questionnaire, the results provided evidence that the VLE encouraged students' engagement in activities and improved feedback. The results also suggested that guided inquiry-based activities were an effective way to stimulate students to critically read relevant scientific articles and to acquire skills to build and contextualize their knowledge through content association. In addition, most of the students involved in this experience considered the use of these resources important to become familiar with scientific language and to learn how to obtain up-to-date scientific information during their professional life. [source] PUBLICATION ETHICS AND THE GHOST MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL PUBLICATIONBIOETHICS, Issue 6 2010SERGIO SISMONDO ABSTRACT It is by now no secret that some scientific articles are ghost authored , that is, written by someone other than the person whose name appears at the top of the article. Ghost authorship, however, is only one sort of ghosting. In this article, we present evidence that pharmaceutical companies engage in the ghost management of the scientific literature, by controlling or shaping several crucial steps in the research, writing, and publication of scientific articles. Ghost management allows the pharmaceutical industry to shape the literature in ways that serve its interests. This article aims to reinforce and expand publication ethics as an important area of concern for bioethics. Since ghost-managed research is primarily undertaken in the interests of marketing, large quantities of medical research violate not just publication norms but also research ethics. Much of this research involves human subjects, and yet is performed not primarily to increase knowledge for broad human benefit, but to disseminate results in the service of profits. Those who sponsor, manage, conduct, and publish such research therefore behave unethically, since they put patients at risk without justification. This leads us to a strong conclusion: if medical journals want to ensure that the research they publish is ethically sound, they should not publish articles that are commercially sponsored. [source] Tips and tricks for writing a manuscriptACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009B DAMATO Purpose The aims of this presentation are to highlight some pearls and pitfalls in writing scientific articles. Methods It is not possible to write a good manuscript unless you have a good message to share. If you are reporting research results this means that you will need to have conducted the research properly, with good statistics, measures to avoid bias, complete data and, of course, an important hypothesis to test. If possible, expert advice should be obtained before the study is started so as to ensure that the trial design is appropriate and that the statistics are correct. Results The key to writing a good manuscript is to divide the paper into sections and to sub-divide each section into components, making sure that the sequence of ideas is in the correct order. The internet is full of good advice on how to write a good manuscript. This information be summarized in this presentation, which will also guide participants to useful sources of information. Conclusion Writing a manuscript is not difficult and should be a pleasurable and rewarding experience as long as one follows a few simple rules, which will be discussed in this talk. [source] | |||||||||||||