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Active Participation (active + participation)
Selected AbstractsPatients' perceptions of drug dispensing in a rheumatological in-patient unitMUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 4 2005Barbro Arvidsson RNT Abstract Introduction: The dispensing of drugs in medical care systems is, in most countries, strictly regulated, and nurses are responsible for distributing drugs to in-patients. Aim: To describe the perceptions of patients with rheumatic diseases regarding traditional drug dispensing during in-patient care and rehabilitation in a specialized rheumatological care unit. Method: Twenty in-patients who stayed in the Spenshult Hospital unit for 3,4 weeks and who were on continuous medication were chosen for the study. The phenomenographic approach was used for the collection and analysis of data. Findings: Three descriptive categories emerged , Relief, Active Participation and Dependence. These descriptive categories comprised: three perceptions for Relief (to experience security, to be ,served', to dare to bother), two for Active Participation (to rely on one's own ability, to search for knowledge) and two for Dependence (lack of independence, lack of information). Conclusion: The patients experienced relief due to the nurse assuming responsibility for the medication and its dispensation. Patients expressed a wish to be more active in the management of their medication, as they trusted their own ability. The patients articulated that they were dependent on the nurse to give them the correct medication and they also asked for more information about their medication. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Active Participation Instead of Passive Behaviour Opens Up New Vistas in Education of Veterinary Anatomy and HistologyANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 5 2009J. Plendl Summary Teaching morphology, a fundamental part of medicine curricula is traditionally based on lectures and practical trainings. We introduced peer-assisted learning (PAL) and student expert teams to the courses to give the students the possibility to improve their free speech and self-confidence. We involved students in active preparation of online materials such as labelled e-slides and e-pics. We offered online digital microscopy (ZoomifyTM) and dissection (CyberPrep) allowing repeating the learned material and studying veterinary morphology outside the dissection theatre. Over 60% of first and third semester students profited from being a peer or being taught by a peer and 50% said the expert teams were an excellent method to learn the topographic anatomy. Almost all students applied ZoomifyTM and CyberPrep and 75% of them found the digital microscopy and dissection to be a helpful or very helpful learning tool. In face of reduced contact hours, these forms of education compensated in part the lost teaching time. We observed improvement of rhetoric and presentation skills and self-confidence. The approaches should therefore find their constant place in the veterinary medicine curricula. [source] Vested Interests in Addiction Research and Policy Alcohol policies out of context: drinks industry supplanting government role in alcohol policies in sub-Saharan AfricaADDICTION, Issue 1 2010Øystein Bakke ABSTRACT Background In this paper, we describe an analysis of alcohol policy initiatives sponsored by alcohol producer SABMiller and the International Center on Alcohol Policies, an alcohol industry-funded organization. In a number of sub-Saharan countries these bodies have promoted a ,partnership' role with governments to design national alcohol policies. Methodology A comparison was conducted of four draft National Alcohol Policy documents from Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda and Botswana using case study methods. Findings The comparison indicated that the four drafts are almost identical in wording and structure and that they are likely to originate from the same source. Conclusions The processes and the draft policy documents reviewed provide insights into the methods, as well as the strategic and political objectives of the multi-national drinks industry. This initiative reflects the industry's preferred version of a national alcohol policy. The industry policy vision ignores, or chooses selectively from, the international evidence base on alcohol prevention developed by independent alcohol researchers and disregards or minimizes a public health approach to alcohol problems. The policies reviewed maintain a narrow focus on the economic benefits from the trade in alcohol. In terms of alcohol problems (and their remediation) the documents focus upon individual drinkers, ignoring effective environmental interventions. The proposed policies serve the industry's interests at the expense of public health by attempting to enshrine ,active participation of all levels of the beverage alcohol industry as a key partner in the policy formulation and implementation process'. [source] Growing Up in Guerrilla Camp: The long-Term Impact of Being a Child Soldier in El Salvador's Civil WarETHOS, Issue 4 2002Julia Dickson-Gõmez Many recent wars are characterized by high levels of civilian casualties, a large proportion of whom are women and children. Furthermore, an estimated 300,000 children are actively participating in 36 ongoing or recently ended conflicts around the world. However, there is a dearth of research on the long-term effects of war trauma experienced in childhood or children's active participation in armed conflicts. This article explores the long-term effects of children's active participation in the war in El Salvador by examining four young adults who fought with the guerrilla army as children and adolescents. Comparing these four cases with members of the community who joined and fought with the guerrilla as adults, it will be argued that traumatic experiences were even more devastating when they occurred in early childhood as they destroyed the ability to establish basic trust in competent and nurturing caretakers. Becoming a soldier created additional conflicts as these adolescent soldiers behaved in ways they felt were morally incorrect. Adolescent soldiers were also not given the opportunity to develop autonomy and learn adult peace-time roles. Both the psychological trauma suffered as children as well as continued economic scarcity and violence contribute to these campesinos' difficulties in creating meaningful lives as adults. [source] Contribution of NMDA receptor NR2B subunit to synaptic plasticity during associative learning in behaving ratsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 3 2007Mauricio Valenzuela-Harrington Abstract The difference in the amounts of NR2 subunits contained in NMDA receptors of the hippocampus has been related to their different involvement in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Here, we show that Ro 25-6981, a high-affinity and selective blocker of NMDA receptors containing NR2B subunits, is able to block the acquisition of a trace conditioning paradigm in adult rats, a task that requires the active participation of hippocampal circuits. Reconditioning with the same trace paradigm was also prevented by Ro 25-6981. In addition, we show that the slope of monosynaptic field excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked at the dentate gyrus by single pulses presented to the medial perforant pathway increases significantly across conditioning sessions and during reconditioning, in a linear relationship with the increase in the number of classically conditioned eyelid responses. Administration of Ro 25-6981 prevented these learning-related changes in synaptic strength at the perforant pathway,dentate granule cell synapse. The present results suggest the involvement of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in hippocampal functions related to both associative learning and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. [source] Mutual changes of thioredoxin and nitrosothiols during biliary cirrhosis: Results from humans and cholestatic rats,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Ignazio Grattagliano Cholestasis is associated with changes in NO metabolism and thiol oxidation. Thioredoxin contributes to regulate vascular tone and intracellular redox status by cleaving nitrosothiols and maintaining ,SH groups. This study investigated the changes in circulating thioredoxin and nitrosothiols and the relationship with protein sulfhydryls (PSH), hepatic concentrations, hyaluronate, and histology in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and in rats with bile duct ligation (BDL). PSH in erythrocytes were significantly decreased in stage III and IV PBC and at day 10 after BDL. Compared with controls, erythrocyte thioredoxin levels were higher in stage I through III PBC and lower in stage IV patients. Serum thioredoxin levels were significantly higher in PBC stages I and II and lower in stages III and IV. Serum nitrosothiols were higher in all PBC patients and inversely related to thioredoxin and hyaluronate. In rats, serum, hepatic, and mitochondrial thioredoxin had initially increased after BDL (day 1-3) and then decreased. After day 7 BDL, nitrosothiols were 10-fold increased in serum and liver, and even higher in mitochondria. In the liver, thioredoxin was inversely related to both nitrosothiols and PSH. In rats, the difference in time average changes from baseline among serum, hepatic, and erythrocyte thioredoxin suggests that most of circulating thioredoxin originates from the liver. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that cholestasis is associated with significant mutual and interrelated changes between circulating and hepatic thioredoxin and nitrosothiols. The increase of hepatic, mitochondrial, and circulating nitrosothiols with ongoing cholestasis suggests an active participation of NO in both liver injury and extrahepatic changes. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:331,339.) [source] Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 2 2008Deborah Parker BA, MSocSci Executive summary Objectives, The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Inclusion criteria, Types of participants, Adult caregivers who provide support for people with dementia living in the community (non-institutional care). Types of interventions, Interventions designed to support caregivers in their role such as skills training, education to assist in caring for a person living with dementia and support groups/programs. Interventions of formal approaches to care designed to support caregivers in their role, care planning, case management and specially designated members of the healthcare team , for example dementia nurse specialist or volunteers trained in caring for someone with dementia. Types of studies, This review considered any meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised control trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, case control studies and observational studies without control groups that addressed the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community. Search strategy, The search sought to identify published studies from 2000 to 2005 through the use of electronic databases. Only studies in English were considered for inclusion. The initial search was conducted of the databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO using search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group. A second more extensive search was then conducted using the appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords for other available databases. Finally, hand searching of reference lists of articles retrieved and of core dementia, geriatric and psycho geriatric journals was undertaken. Assessment of quality, Methodological quality of each of the articles was assessed by two independent reviewers using appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Data collection and analysis, Standardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each included study reported in the meta-analysis. Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software from the Cochrane Collaboration. Heterogeneity between combined studies was tested using standard chi-square test. Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible, the findings are summarised in narrative form. Results, A comprehensive search of relevant databases, hand searching and cross referencing found 685 articles that were assessed for relevance to the review. Eighty-five papers appeared to meet the inclusion criteria based on title and abstract, and the full paper was retrieved. Of the 85 full papers reviewed, 40 were accepted for inclusion, three were systematic reviews, three were meta-analysis, and the remaining 34 were randomised controlled trials. For the randomised controlled trials that were able to be included in a meta-analysis, standardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each. Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software and heterogeneity between combined studies was assessed by using the chi-square test. Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible, the findings are summarised in narrative form. The results are discussed in two main sections. Firstly it was possible to assess the effectiveness of different types of caregiver interventions on the outcome categories of depression, health, subjective well-being, self-efficacy and burden. Secondly, results are reported by main outcome category. For each of these sections, meta-analysis was conducted where it was possible; otherwise, a narrative summary describes the findings. Effectiveness of intervention type, Four categories of intervention were included in the review , psycho-educational, support, multi-component and other. Psycho-educational Thirteen studies used psycho-educational interventions, and all but one showed positive results across a range of outcomes. Eight studies were entered in a meta-analysis. No significant impact of psycho-educational interventions was found for the outcome categories of subjective well-being, self-efficacy or health. However, small but significant results were found for the categories of depression and burden. Support Seven studies discussed support only interventions and two of these showed significant results. These two studies were suitable for meta-analysis and demonstrated a small but significant improvement on caregiver burden. Multi-component Twelve of the studies report multi-component interventions and 10 of these report significant outcomes across a broad range of outcome measures including self-efficacy, depression, subjective well-being and burden. Unfortunately because of the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, no meta-analysis was possible. Other interventions Other interventions included the use of exercise or nutrition which resulted in improvements in psychological distress and health benefits. Case management and a computer aided support intervention provided mixed results. One cognitive behavioural therapy study reported a reduction in anxiety and positive impacts on patient behaviour. Effectiveness of interventions using specific outcome categories, In addition to analysis by type of intervention it was possible to analyse results based on some outcome categories that were used across the studies. In particular the impact of interventions on caregiver depression was available for meta-analysis from eight studies. This indicated that multi-component and psycho-educational interventions showed a small but significant positive effect on caregiver depression. Five studies using the outcome category of caregiver burden were entered into a meta-analysis and findings indicated that there were no significant effects of any of interventions. No meta-analysis was possible for the outcome categories of health, self-efficacy or subjective well-being. Implications for practice, From this review there is evidence to support the use of well-designed psycho-educational or multi-component interventions for caregivers of people with dementia who live in the community. Factors that appear to positively contribute to effective interventions are those which: ,,Provide opportunities within the intervention for the person with dementia as well as the caregiver to be involved ,,Encourage active participation in educational interventions for caregivers ,,Offer individualised programs rather than group sessions ,,Provide information on an ongoing basis, with specific information about services and coaching regarding their new role ,,Target the care recipient particularly by reduction in behaviours Factors which do not appear to have benefit in interventions are those which: ,,Simply refer caregivers to support groups ,,Only provide self help materials ,,Only offer peer support [source] Glocalizing protest: urban conflicts and the global social movementsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2003Bettina Köhler The emergence of global social movements is essentially symbolized by the names of cities like Seattle, Genoa or Porto Alegre. This is not accidental, because groups stemming from various parts of the world need places to constitute themselves as movements. But the role of cities in representing great parts of the movements' consciousness also hints at the importance urban struggles have for global protests. The article examines the relationship between urban conflicts and global social movements. By looking for continuities and ruptures between former and current urban conflicts it points out the specificity of the latter: to politicize the contradictions of neoliberal restructuring; to challenge the discursive and institutional terrains of urban politics which were shaped in the 1990s, often with active participation of former movement actors; and, finally, to act simultaneously on various spatial scales. In the last part of the article some examples of ,glocalized' urban protests are presented and analysed, pointing out their ambiguities as well as the specific contribution they can make to the strategic orientation of the global social movements: to fight the destructive influences neoliberal globalization exerts on everyday life and, thereby, to develop alternative forms of societalization. L'apparition des mouvements sociaux mondiaux est essentiellement symbolisée par les noms de ville comme Seattle, Gênes ou Pôrto Alegre. Cela n'a rien de fortuit puisque des groupes issus de plusieurs parties du monde ont besoin de lieux pour se constituer en mouvements. Toutefois, le rôle des villes dans la représentation de vastes pans de la conscience de mouvements suggére l'importance des luttes urbaines pour la contestation planétaire. L'article examine le rapport entre les conflits urbains et les mouvements sociaux mondiaux. En recherchant continuités et ruptures entre l'agitation urbaine antérieure et actuelle, il souligne la spécificité de cette dernière: politiser les contradictions de la restructuration néo-libérale; remettre en cause les terrains discursifs et institutionnels de la politique urbaine dessinés dans les années 1990, souvent avec la participation active d'anciens acteurs des mouvements; et finalement intervenir simultanément sur plusieurs échelles spatiales. La dernière partie de l'article présente et analyse quelques cas de contestations urbaines ,glocalisées', relevant leurs ambiguïtés, ainsi que la contribution qu'elles peuvent apporter à l'orientation stratégique des mouvements sociaux mondiaux: combattre les influences destructrices de la ,globalisation' néo-libérale sur la vie quotidienne et, ce faisant, créer de nouvelles formes sociétales. [source] Insights into the Role of New Palladium Pincer Complexes as Robust and Recyclable Precatalysts for Suzuki,Miyaura Couplings in Neat WaterADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 13 2009Blanca Inés Abstract Suzuki,Miyaura biaryl and diarylmethane syntheses via the coupling of arylboronic acids with aryl and arylmethyl bromides are performed in water by means of two new CNC-type palladium pincer complexes. Good to excellent results (including high TON values and extended recycling procedures) are obtained in most cases for a range of electronically dissimilar halides and boronic acids. On the basis of a series of kinetics studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mercury drop tests, and quantitative poisoning experiments, the real role of the latter palladacycles, closely linked to the formation and active participation of palladium nanoparticles, is discussed. [source] Parent's involvement in decisions when their child is admitted to hospital with suspected shunt malfunction: study protocolJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 10 2009Joanna Smith Abstract Title., Parent's involvement in decisions when their child is admitted to hospital with suspected shunt malfunction: study protocol. Aim., This paper outlines the protocol for a study aimed at exploring parent's involvement during professional,parent interactions and decisions about their child's care in the context of suspected shunt malfunction. Background., Hydrocephalus is a long-term condition treated primarily by the insertion of a shunt that diverts fluid from the brain to another body compartment. Shunts frequently malfunction, and parents of children with shunted hydrocephalus are responsible for recognizing and responding to shunt complications. Parents feel that interactions with professionals when they seek healthcare advice for their child do always not encourage active participation in care decisions. Methods., The study design is based on qualitative methodologies: a combination of conversation analysis applied to consultation recordings of professional,parent interactions when a child is admitted to hospital with suspected shunt malfunction, and semi-structured follow-up interviews with the same participants within 2 weeks of the consultation. Participants., This is a prospective study and participants will be purposefully selected. Parents of children who have been admitted to hospital with suspected shunt malfunction and healthcare professionals responsible for the initial assessment of the child will be invited to participate. Discussion., The study will identify how decisions about a child's care are negotiated between parents and healthcare professionals at key stages of the care pathway. In addition, examining interactions between healthcare professionals and parents may identify approaches that support or hinder parents in contributing to the decision-making processes when they seek advice from healthcare professionals. [source] Baylor University Roundtable on The Corporate Mission, CEO Pay, and Improving the Dialogue with InvestorsJOURNAL OF APPLIED CORPORATE FINANCE, Issue 1 2010John Martin A small group of academics and practitioners discusses four major controversies in the theory and practice of corporate finance: ,What is the social purpose of the public corporation? Should corporate managements aim to maximize the profitability and value of their companies, or should they instead try to balance the interests of their shareholders against those of "stakeholder" groups, such as employees, customers, and local communities? ,Should corporate executives consider ending the common practice of earnings guidance? Are there other ways of shifting the focus of the public dialogue between management and investors away from near-term earnings and toward longer-run corporate strategies, policies, and goals? And can companies influence the kinds of investors who buy their shares? ,Are U.S. CEOs overpaid? What role have equity ownership and financial incentives played in the past performance of U.S. companies? And are there ways of improving the design of U.S. executive pay? ,Can the principles of corporate governance and financial management at the core of the private equity model,notably, equity incentives, high leverage, and active participation by large investors,be used to increase the values of U.S. public companies? [source] ,Who Did What?': A Participatory Action Research Project to Increase Group Capacity for AdvocacyJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2009E. Garcia-Iriarte Background, This participatory action research (PAR) project involved a collaboration with a self-advocacy group of people with intellectual disabilities that sought to build group capacity for advocacy. Materials and Methods, This study used a focus group, sustained participatory engagement and a reflexive process to gather qualitative and quantitative data over 15 months. All methods were adapted to ensure accessibility and to support active participation. Results, The collaboration generated action products, including tools to support advocacy and an accessible action and reflection process. Research findings suggest that active participation is essential for group control, but alone does not automatically lead to control. The manner in which supports are provided, including member supports, advisor supports, strategy supports and systems supports, influences the extent to which members have a sense of control over decision making and participation and thus, improved capacity for advocacy. Conclusions, A PAR approach can be used to increase a group's capacity for advocacy and meaningfully involve self-advocacy groups in participatory research that leads to change. [source] Evaluating community participation as prevention: life narratives of youthJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Rich Janzen Community-based prevention programs strive to foster the composition of positive life stories, in part, by promoting active participation in community settings. This article used life narratives of youth to explore the experience of community participation and showed how such participation influenced their lives. Youth aged 18,19 years who participated in Better Beginning, Better Futures (n=62), a community-based prevention program, when they were aged 4,8 years, recounted stories of their lives that showed significantly higher levels of participation in community programs and greater personal impacts of that involvement compared with youth who were not involved in Better Beginnings (n=34). Qualitative analysis of a subsample of these youth (n=34) revealed individual and community characteristics that were instrumental in fostering positive outcomes of community participation. The findings indicated both the utility of using a narrative approach to evaluate community-based prevention programs and the value of community participation for children and youth. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Experimental study of the differential effects of playing versus watching violent video games on children's aggressive behaviorAGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 3 2008Hanneke Polman Abstract There is great concern about the effects of playing violent video games on aggressive behavior. The present experimental study was aimed at investigating the differential effects of actively playing vs. passively watching the same violent video game on subsequent aggressive behavior. Fifty-seven children aged 10,13 either played a violent video game (active violent condition), watched the same violent video game (passive violent condition), or played a non-violent video game (active non-violent condition). Aggression was measured through peer nominations of real-life aggressive incidents during a free play session at school. After the active participation of actually playing the violent video game, boys behaved more aggressively than did the boys in the passive game condition. For girls, game condition was not related to aggression. These findings indicate that, specifically for boys, playing a violent video game should lead to more aggression than watching television violence. Aggr. Behav. 34:256,264, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gender-related differences in computer-mediated communication and computer-supported collaborative learningJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 5 2007F.R. Prinsen Abstract A question associated with the introduction of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is whether all participants profit equally from working in CSCL environments. This article reports on a review study into gender-related differences in participation in CSCL. As many of the processes in CSCL are similar to those in computer-mediated communication (CMC), studies into CMC are also included in the review. Male dominance is found to play a role in many CMC settings. A learning culture with an explicit focus on participation by all students seems to be related to a more gender-balanced participation in CMC, however. A tendency for boys to be more active participants than girls is also present in CSCL environments, but it is less pronounced than in CMC. This may be explained by the fact that participation is explicitly promoted in most CSCL environments. Gender differences in the character of students' contributions are found in both CMC and CSCL. It is concluded that in order to avoid gender-stereotyped participation and communication patterns, it is necessary to explicitly address inclusiveness as an aspect of a collaborative classroom culture. A plea is made for further research into differential participation by students in CSCL, and the effects thereof on cognitive and affective learning outcomes. Research should also focus on the question how classroom cultures can be promoted that support active participation of all students aimed at collaborative knowledge construction. [source] Designing ubiquitous computing to enhance children's learning in museumsJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 4 2006T. Hall Abstract In recent years, novel paradigms of computing have emerged, which enable computational power to be embedded in artefacts and in environments in novel ways. These developments may create new possibilities for using computing to enhance learning. This paper presents the results of a design process that set out to explore interactive techniques, which utilized ubiquitous computer technology, to stimulate active participation, involvement and learning by children visiting a museum. Key stakeholders, such as museum curators and docents, were involved throughout the process of creating the exhibition, Re-Tracing the Past, in the Hunt Museum, Limerick, Ireland. The paper describes aspects of the evaluation of the exhibition, which involved 326 schoolchildren (ages 9,12-year-old), and which exemplifies important features of the design and use of the novel technology in the museum. The paper concludes by articulating a series of design guidelines for developing ubiquitous computing to enhance children's learning in museums. These guidelines relate 12 experiential criteria to five supporting design informants and resources. The guidelines encompass important dimensions of children's educational experience in museums, including collaboration, engagement, active interpretation, and materiality. While developed in a museum context, these guidelines could be applied to the development of novel computing to enhance children's learning in other educational environments, both formal and informal. [source] Being there, experiencing and creating space for dialogue: about working with children in family therapyJOURNAL OF FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 4 2008Peter Rober While most authors agree that it is important to mobilize the active participation of children in the family therapy session, a lot of family therapists exclude children from participating because they do not feel comfortable with children. Teaching family therapists to feel more comfortable around children is a good idea, but perhaps it is not enough. In this article, the author reflects on the complexity of the issue of the comfort of the therapist in a session with children and families. In the discussion of the case story of Elly and her mother, practitioners are reminded that the therapist's experiencing in the session can help her to understand something of what goes on in the families she is working with. [source] Expanding roles within mental health legislation: an opportunity for professional growth or a missed opportunity?JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 6 2007J. HURLEY msc nursing This paper aims to highlight both the necessity, and the way forward for mental health nursing to integrate proposed legislative roles into practice. Argued is that community mental health nursing, historically absent from active participation within mental health law in the UK, is faced with new and demanding roles under proposed changes to the 1983 Mental Health Act of England and Wales. While supporting multidisciplinary training for such roles, the imperative of incorporating nursing specific values into consequent training programs is addressed through the offered educative framework. This framework explores the issues of power, ethics, legislative thematics and application to contemporary service structures. [source] Learning from and responding to students' questions: The authoritative and dialogic tensionJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING, Issue 2 2010Orlando G. Aguiar Abstract In this study we present an analysis of classroom interactions initiated by students' wonderment questions. Our interest in such events arises from their potential to stimulate active intellectual engagement in classrooms, which can impact upon the subsequent development of the classroom discourse. In investigating this issue we shall address the following research question: How do student questions impact upon the teaching explanatory structure and modify the form of the ongoing classroom discourse, in selected science lessons? From data collected in a Brazilian secondary school we have selected three classroom episodes, with large differences in both the context in which the student's question emerges and in the communicative approach developed in response to it. The analysis, based on the framework proposed by Mortimer and Scott [Mortimer and Scott (2003). Meaning making in secondary science classrooms. Maidenhead: Open University Press], shows that questions made by students are important in providing feedback from students to the teacher, enabling adjustments to the teaching explanatory structure. These adjustments sometimes occur smoothly, at other times with major changes to the features of the classroom discourse, and elsewhere with misunderstanding and disagreement. The data also suggest the need to consider students' intentions and their active participation in the negotiation of both the content and structure of classroom discourse. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47:174,193, 2010 [source] Multidisciplinary Teaming to Promote Effective Management of Type 1 Diabetes for AdolescentsJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 6 2001MaryAnn Tapper Strawhacker BSN, RN Special Education Nursing Consultant ABSTRACT: Intensive diabetes therapy can reduce the long-term microvascular complications of Type 1 diabetes and improve glucose control. Managing the demands of intensive therapy however, often poses a burden on adolescents and their families. Through multidisciplinary teaming, the school health office can facilitate active participation in treatment, coordinate services, and maximize use of community resources. This paper presents a general overview of intensive diabetes therapy, psychosocial implications of chronic illness in adolescence, effects of chronic illness on the family, and behavior change strategies to improve adherence with disease management guidelines. [source] Insecticide-treated cattle for tsetse control: the power and the problemsMEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2000J. W. Hargrove Summary Trypanosomiasis control increasingly involves financial input from livestock owners and their active participation. If control is carried out on smaller scales than in the past, methods such as aerial and ground spraying and sterile insect techniques will have reduced application. There will be increased reliance on trypanocidal drugs, and bait methods of tsetse control , where flies are attracted to point sources and killed. If drug resistance develops, cheap and simple bait methods offer the only means of disease control that might be applied, and paid for, by stockowners themselves. The methods have been effective in some circumstances, but not in others, and it is important to understand the reasons for the successes and the failures. Analysis is presented of the results of two Tanzanian tsetse control campaigns involving the use of insecticide-treated cattle. Between 1991, &, 1996, following the introduction of widespread dipping in the Kagera Region, trypanosomiasis declined from > 19 000 cases to < 2400 and deaths from > 1000 to 29. On four ranches in the region, tsetse have been almost eliminated and trypanosomiasis prophylaxis is no longer used. Similarly aggressive use of pyrethroids on Mkwaja Ranch in Tanga Region has not had such dramatic effects. Tsetse and trypanosomiasis are still common, despite high levels of prophylaxis and the deployment of , 200 odour-baited targets. The difference in the results is attributed to a combination of the much smaller area covered by treated animals at Mkwaja, a greater susceptibility to re-invasion and a more suitable habitat for the flies. A better understanding of the dynamics of the use of insecticide-treated cattle is needed before we can predict confidently the outcome of particular control operations. [source] Rheumatology nurse practitioners' perceptions of their roleMUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 2 2006Leslie Goh MRCP(UK) Abstract Objectives:,To identify the current practices of rheumatology nurse practitioners and ascertain their perceptions of how their role could be enhanced. Method:,A cross-sectional questionnaire study of currently employed nurse practitioners in rheumatology in the United Kingdom (UK) was undertaken. Results:,200 questionnaires were distributed and 118 nurses responded. Ninety-five respondents met the inclusion criteria for undertaking an advanced nursing role. Typical conditions dealt with included: rheumatoid arthritis (96.8%); psoriatic arthritis (95.8%); osteoarthritis (63.2%); ankylosing spondylitis (62.8%); systemic lupus erythematosus (51.6%); and scleroderma (34.7%). Drug monitoring, education, counselling of patients and arranging basic investigations were routinely performed by more than 80% of respondents. A smaller proportion performed an extended role that included dealing with referrals, research and audit, the administration of intra-articular injections, and admission of patients. Specific attributes identified as being necessary for competence were: knowledge and understanding of rheumatic diseases (48.4%); drug therapy (33.7%); good communication skills (35.8%); understanding of the roles of the team (27.4%); working effectively (23.2%) as part of a multidisciplinary team; assessment of patients by physical examination (28.4%); teaching (26.3%), research (17.9%); organizational skills (14.7%); and the interpretation of investigations (9.5%). Factors that could enhance their role included: attendance at postgraduate courses (30.5%); obtaining further qualifications (13.7%); active participation in the delivery of medical education (41.1%); training in practical procedures (31.6%); protected time and resources for audit and research (11.6%); formal training in counselling (11.6%); and implementation of nurse prescribing (10.5%). Conclusion:,Nurse practitioners already have a wide remit and play an invaluable part in the delivery of modern rheumatology services. An extended role could improve patient care and enhance nursing career pathways in rheumatology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The tension between data confidentiality and national security in higher educationNEW DIRECTIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 146 2010Cathe LesterArticle first published online: 20 JUL 2010 This chapter briefly reviews the history of statistical confidentiality in the U.S. Census Bureau, the tension between statistical confidentiality and the need for information in the current national security environment, and the importance of institutional researchers' awareness and active participation in the debate surrounding confidentiality. [source] How many Australian deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided by a small reduction in population cholesterol levels?NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2009Rachel HUXLEY Abstract Aim:, To quantify the number of premature deaths from coronary heart disease and ischaemic stroke that potentially could be avoided annually among the Australian population if a sustained 10% reduction in the mean population level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were to be achieved. Methods:, Data were obtained on the number of deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke in the Australian population, subdivided into age and sex strata, and on the mean population level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Published relative risks (95% CI) from a meta-analysis of lipid-lowering therapy were used to calculate the reduction in the relative risk for coronary heart disease and stroke associated with a 5%, 10% and 15% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The expected number of deaths from coronary heart disease and ischaemic stroke avoidable with a 10% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was modelled. Secondary analyses were performed assuming reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 5% and 15%. Results:, A 10% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol would prevent 2279 deaths from coronary heart disease (95% CI: 2025,2531 deaths) and 641 deaths from ischaemic stroke (95% CI: 440,881 deaths). The projected benefits are greatest among the elderly, although some benefit would be expected in all age and sex groups and among individuals with a broad range of baseline levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions:, A small leftward shift in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol distribution of the adult Australian population has the potential to save about 3000 lives from coronary heart disease and stroke annually. Achieving this goal will require the active participation of key public health, food industry and government stakeholders. [source] A case study of a five-year-old child with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified using sound-based interventionsOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2009Amy J Nwora Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of The Listening Program (TLP) in treating a child with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Using a single-subject case study design, one child with PDD-NOS was administered a 20-week TLP intervention focused on improving sensory processing and language function. Data collection included pre- and post-evaluations using video footage, and Sensory Profile and Listening Checklist questionnaires. Results of the study indicated improved behaviour and sensory tolerance in the post-intervention video footage, including active participation in singing and movements to song. Sensory Profile and Listening Checklist questionnaires indicated significant improvements in sensory processing, receptive/expressive listening and language, motor skills, and behavioural/social adjustment at the post-intervention assessment. Although small in scope, this study highlights the need for continued research by occupational therapists into sound-based interventions. Particularly, occupational therapists need to perform larger-scale studies utilizing TLP to verify the efficacy of this alternative treatment method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] EARLY IRON AGE BALANCE WEIGHTS AT LEFKANDI, EUBOEAOXFORD JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2008JOHN H. KROLL Summary. This report analyses the 16 stone balance weights and fragments recovered in 1994 from the ninth-century BC Tomb 79 in the Toumba cemetery at Lefkandi, Euboea, the tomb of the ,Warrior Trader'. In material, shapes, and mass standards, the weights are for the most part virtual duplicates of common LBA balance weights from Cyprus and the Levant and attest to (a) the long-term continuity of maritime trading across the Bronze/Iron Age divide in the Cypro-Levantine world, and (b) the active participation of Euboeans in this commercial sphere no later than the early ninth century. Discussed also is the relationship between some of these weights and the later Euboeic weight standard. [source] On Integrating Immigrants in GermanyPOPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW, Issue 3 2006Article first published online: 8 SEP 200 Immigration to Germany in the decades following World War II made the Federal Republic the host of the largest number of immigrants in Europe. The size of the population with an immigration background is on the order of 15 million, nearly one-fifth of the total population. (Many of these are ethnic German returnees.) Although restrictive policies and a less dynamic economy in recent years slowed the annual number of immigrants and asylum seekers, the interrelated demographic influences of very low fertility, negative natural population increase, and population aging make continuing future immigration likely and, judged by influential domestic interests, desirable. Anxieties about inadequate integration of immigrants in German society are, however, apparently strongly felt by large segments of the native population. The "Grand Coalition" government that took office in November 2005 considers the formation of an effective policy of integration a high priority. On 14 July 2006 an "Integration Summit" was convened in the Chancellery with the active participation of representatives of immigrant groups. Chancellor Angela Merkel called the Summit "an almost historical event." Reproduced below in full is a non-official English translation of a government statement (entitled "Good coexistence,Clear rules") presented to the participants at the opening of the meeting. Intended as a "start of the development of a national integration plan," the statement highlights existing deficiencies of integration, especially problems with second- and third-generation immigrants: lack of mastery of the German language, weaknesses in education and training, high unemployment, lack of acceptance of the basic rules of coexistence, and violation of the law. The importance of these issues is underlined by a demographic fact noted in the statement: by 2010 it is expected that in Germany's large cities 50 percent of the population under age 40 will have an immigrant background. The statement recognizes the government's responsibility to help immigrants learn German and become better informed about the country's laws, culture, history, and political system. In turn, it demands reciprocal efforts from migrants living permanently and lawfully in Germany. The original German text of the statement is available at the Bundeskanzleramt home page: «http://www.bundesregierung.d» [source] Leading by Example: Female Members of Parliament as Political Role ModelsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Christina Wolbrecht One argument advanced in favor of descriptive representation is that female politicians serve as role models, inspiring other women to political activity. While previous research finds female role models affect women's psychological engagement, few studies report an impact on women's active participation, and none have done so in cross-national research. Our work also is the first to consider whether the impact of female role models is, as the term implies, greater among the young. Using three cross-national datasets, we find that where there are more female members of parliament (MPs), adolescent girls are more likely to discuss politics with friends and to intend to participate in politics as adults, and adult women are more likely to discuss and participate in politics. The presence of female MPs registers the same effect on political discussion regardless of age, but the impact on women's political activity is far greater among the young than the old. [source] Feasibility of an Interactive Voice Response Tool for Adolescent Assault VictimsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009Mercedes M. Blackstone MD Abstract Background:, Assault-injured adolescents who are seen in the emergency department (ED) are difficult to follow prospectively using standard research techniques such as telephone calls or mailed questionnaires. Interactive voice response (IVR) is a novel technology that promotes active participation of subjects and allows automated data collection for prospective studies. Objectives:, The objective was to determine the feasibility of IVR technology for collecting prospective information from adolescents who were enrolled in an ED-based study of interpersonal violence. Methods:, A convenience sample of assault-injured 12- to 19-year-olds presenting to an urban, tertiary care ED was enrolled prospectively. Each subject completed a brief questionnaire in the ED and then was randomly assigned to use the IVR system in differently timed schedules over a period of 8 weeks: weekly, biweekly, or monthly calls. Upon discharge, each subject received a gift card incentive and a magnetic calendar with his or her prospective call-in dates circled on it. Each time a subject contacted the toll-free number, he or she used the telephone's keypad to respond to computer-voice questions about retaliation and violence subsequent to the ED visit. Using Internet access, we added $5 to the gift card for each call and $10 if all scheduled calls were completed. The primary outcome was the rate of the first utilization of the IVR system. The numbers of completed calls made for each of the three call-in schedules were also compared. Results:, Of the 95 subjects who consented to the follow-up portion of the study, 44.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.0% to 54.8%) completed at least one IVR call, and 13.7% (95% CI = 7.5% to 22.3%) made all of their scheduled calls. There were no significant differences among groups in the percentage of subjects calling at least once into the system or in the percentage of requested calls made. The enrolled subjects had a high level of exposure to violence. At baseline, 85.3% (95% CI = 76.5% to 91.7%) had heard gunshots fired, and 84.2% (95% CI = 75.3% to 90.9%) had seen someone being assaulted. Twenty-eight adolescents (29.5%, 95% CI = 20.6% to 39.7%) were reached for satisfaction interviews. All of those contacted found the IVR system easy to use and all but one would use it again. Conclusions:, Interactive voice response technology is a feasible means of follow-up among high-risk violently injured adolescents, and this relatively anonymous process allows for the collection of sensitive information. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing of calls and cost-effectiveness in this population. [source] Managing global shark fisheries: suggestions for prioritizing management strategiesAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 4 2005Michael J. Barker Abstract 1.Over the past two decades the number of fisheries targeting shark resources has increased dramatically. A combination of factors, including relatively slow growth rate, low fecundity and late age of maturity, result in low recovery rates from exploitation for most shark species. This, in turn, is reflected in the poor record of sustainability of shark fisheries. 2.One of the greatest challenges is to find a way to deal with the substantial levels of shark bycatch taken in many non-target fisheries. Poor general recording of shark landings and paucity of shark landing data at the species level also undermine the development of effective shark management strategies.3. This paper reviews the problems that must be faced worldwide if shark resources are to be managed sustainably and lays out a comprehensive set of prioritized management strategies to facilitate the sustainable management of global shark fisheries. It is acknowledged that the majority of sharks are harvested in developing countries and that the management of shark resources in developing and developed countries will need to incorporate different management strategies relevant to local socio-economic agendas. The management recommendations deal with methods to improve the global regulation of fisheries, ways to improve global conservation ethics and encourage active participation in management, as well as means by which specific management strategies may be implemented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||