Work Experiences of Nurses with Self-Identified Disabilities

Globally and in Canada, meaningful participation of disabled people in the labour market is a relatively new occurrence. While the literature about disabled people's experiences and perceptions related to employment is established, very little is known about disabled nurses' work experiences. The aim of this study was to produce a rich descriptive account of the practise experiences of disabled registered nurses (RNs) from their perspectives. The research aim was addressed through a qualitative descriptive study that explored the perspectives and experiences of study participants. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 female RNs residing and working in the province of Ontario. Data was analyzed using conventional content analysis and presented as textual summaries organized under categories. The study found that participants' experiences of practising with a disability were a mix of positive and negative aspects strongly influenced by factors relating to workplace milieu such as interactions with others in the work environment. Participants identified a greater number of facilitators to practising with a disability than barriers; however, the barriers identified corresponded with actual or desired facilitators. The findings of this study contribute meaningfully to knowledge on the topic of disabled nurses' work experiences by confirming the findings of previous studies and addressing the scarcity of detailed accounts on the topic. Additionally, the study lends support to a more universal understanding of nurses' work experiences that is not US-centric. The findings signal that the organizations and institutions that employ disabled nurses need to be more responsive to their situations and address barriers impeding their success. In the context of education, the findings encourage self-reflection and actions that will support the success of disabled students and inculcate positive attitudes and behaviours towards disabled nurses. Lastly, the findings highlight several areas where further research could be undertaken to inform policy, educational curricula, and attitudes and behaviours related to disabled nurses

The Role of Painting in Preschool Education (A Case Study in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana)

Painting as a vocation started far back as prehistoric era, where early man used it to enhance their painting expedition. As a vocation in our part of the world (Ghana), its impact is less felt through practices such surface preparation, brushing, spraying and more importantly in education. In contemporary world, painting has become a vocation where its significance in nation development cannot be over emphasized. The study recognizes the crucial role the vocation plays in preschool education through teaching-learning materials, and aesthetic enhancement of architectural structures. This study seeks to evaluate the role painting plays in preschool education. The study further seeks to assess job opportunities for painters through the teaching-learning materials in preschool environment. It therefore advocates the need for students to take painting as a vocation for national development. Descriptive research method based on quantitative research was adopted and this was used to describe research methodology through result discussion and findings. The results of the study indicate that, there are job opportunities for painters in preschool environment. The study concluded that, painters can generate income through the painting of interior and exterior walls of preschool structures, making of teaching-learning materials in the form of wall hangings, charts and murals for preschool betterment. Keywords: painting, preschool, preschool education, teaching-learning material

Exploring Simulation Utilization and Simulation Evaluation Practices and Approaches in Undergraduate Nursing Education

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is rapidly becoming one of the most significant teaching-learning-evaluation strategies available in undergraduate nursing education. While there is indication within the literature and anecdotally about the benefits of simulation, abundant and strong evidence that supports the effectiveness of simulation for learning and evaluation in nursing education is slow to emerge and has yet to be fully established. As the use of SBL increases in nursing education, the need to evaluate students appropriately, accurately, and in reliable ways intensifies. Furthermore, as nursing programs increasingly consider SBL as direct clinical replacement in the context of increased student enrolment and dwindling clinical placements, standardized evaluation must play a vital role. Our study investigated simulation utilization and simulation evaluation practices and approaches employed among undergraduate nursing educational programs in Ontario, Canada, using a mixed methods approach. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a confidential online survey. The goal of our study is to establish a “picture” of current trends, practices, and approaches related to simulation that is employed within this entire province. An overview of the study findings and recommendations that have potential to make a substantial contribution to the growing evidence for best practices in the science of simulation will be discussed. Keywords: Simulation; Simulation-based Learning, Evaluation; Undergraduate Nursing Educatio

Evaluation of the immune response to RTS,S/AS01 and RTS,S/AS02 adjuvanted vaccines : randomized, double-blind study in malaria-naïve adults

This phase II, randomized, double-blind study evaluated the immunogenicity of RTS, S vaccines containing Adjuvant System AS 01 or AS 02 as compared with non-adjuvanted RTS, S in healthy, malaria-naive adults (NCT00443131). Thirty-six subjects were randomized (1:1:1) to receive RTS, S/AS 01, RTS, S/AS 02, or RTS, S/saline at months 0, 1, and 2. Antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) and hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigens were assessed and cell-mediated immune responses evaluated by flow cytometry using intracellular cytokine staining on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Anti-CS antibody avidity was also characterized. Safety and reactogenicity after each vaccine dose were monitored. One month after the third vaccine dose, RTS, S/AS 01 (160.3 EU/mL [95%CI: 114.1-225.4]) and RTS, S/AS 02 (77.4 EU/mL (95%CI: 47.3-126.7)) recipients had significantly higher anti-CS antibody geometric mean titers (GMTs) than recipients of RTS, S/saline (12.2 EU/mL (95%CI: 4.8-30.7); P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0011, respectively). The anti-CS antibody GMT was significantly higher with RTS, S/AS 01 than with RTS, S/AS 02 (P = 0.0135). Anti-CS antibody avidity was in the same range in all groups. CS- and HBs-specific CD4(+) T cell responses were greater for both RTS, S/AS groups than for the RTS, S/saline group. Reactogenicity was in general higher for RTS, S/AS compared with RTS, S/saline. Most grade 3 solicited adverse events (AEs) were of short duration and grade 3 solicited general AEs were infrequent in the 3 groups. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, in comparison with non-adjuvanted RTS, S, both RTS, S/AS vaccines exhibited better CS-specific immune responses. The anti-CS antibody response was significantly higher with RTS, S/AS 01 than with RTS, S/AS 02. The adjuvanted vaccines had acceptable safety profiles

The Drone tour guide

Applied Thesis submitted to the Department of Computer Science, Ashesi University, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, April 2018This paper examines the implementation of a navigation and tour planner module using a drone as a tour guide. The project is a buildup on a subsequent project during a robotics class project at Ashesi University College. This was to aid the admissions team reduce pressure on Student Ambassadors and to also have tour guides available at all times. This paper describes the implementation of the navigation and tour planning modules. Planning a tour is formulated by the Wavefront Algorithm. Also described in this paper, is how Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm is applied in conjunction with permutations to develop a tour planning module. Proper testing and evaluation were done to check the validity of the system

An Evaluation of Teaching – Learning of Drawing at School of Applied Arts, Takoradi Polytechnic

Drawing is described as the bases of all art work when an art idea is conceived. It can only materialize into concrete form when it has gone through a process of designing which basically involves drawing. The ability of an artist to draw is very paramount in the art profession. The bases for selecting students to pursue an art programme is their ability to pass the requisite examination which includes drawing but still this research would show that standard of drawing among some students in Takoradi Polytechnic is very low. Descriptive research method based on qualitative research approach was adopted. This method was used to describe research methodology, through results discussion and findings. This paper examines the problem of poor drawing standards in an attempt to find solutions. The paper would provide insight into the problems which include poor foundation of students drawing abilities, inadequate facilities for teaching drawing in the polytechnics, the methodology used in teaching and the general attitudes of students towards drawing lectures. The paper finally prescribes remedies that would address the listed problems above. Keywords: drawing, teaching, learning, methodology, facilities

Design of Solar Drying Technology Equipment for Drying Food Consistent with Farmers' Willingness to Pay: Evidence from Ghana

In this study, a survey of two hundred and fifty-five (255) farmers, sampled from the Akuapim South District in the Eastern Region and the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana was undertaken to determine their willingness to adopt and pay for solar drying technology for drying food. Using descriptive statistics, farmers’ awareness, willingness to adopt and willingness to pay for solar drying technology were analyzed. A Logit model analysis was employed in identifying factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt the technology. The empirical results reveal a low level of awareness of the solar drying technology (27%) among the farmers. However majority (94.5%) were willing to adopt the technology and (88.2%) willing to pay for the technology. The modal amount farmers were willing to pay was GH¢100.00 and the highest amount GH¢1000.00. The modal amount of GH¢100.00 ($66.00) can produce a 4sq meter simple box type solar dryer that has a drying capacity of 50kg per sq meter, which guarantees the farmers shorter drying time and lower final moisture content. The study also found incentive provision, total monthly income of farmers and space to accommodate a solar dryer as the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt the solar drying technology. In this respect, sensitization campaigns should be intensified to create more awareness of the solar drying technology among small holder farmers. In doing so, farmers should be introduced to varied designs and varied costs of the technology in order for them to make their own choice. Solar dried food products should be differentiated and considered for higher prices, ready market and export to motivate farmers to adopt the technology. Further, there is the need for the provision of space (land) by the District Assemblies in the various communities where these farmers can conveniently place their solar dryers for the purpose of drying the food products. Finally, since income is a factor that significantly influences farmers’ adoption of the technology, it is imperative that the government provides the solar drying equipments at vantage points in the communities that farmers could use to dry their products, even if at an affordable fee.Key words: Design, solar drying technology, drying food, adoption, farmers’ willingness to pay amount, Binary Logit Model, Ghan

Evaluation of the Kudoh method for mycobacterial culture: Gambia experience

AbstractObjective/backgroundTo evaluate the Kudoh swab method for improving laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in Gambia.MethodsA total of 75 sputa (50 smear positive and 25 smear negative) were examined. Sputum samples were collected from leftover routine samples from the Medical Research Council Unit, Gambia TB Diagnostic Laboratory. The samples were processed using the standard N-acetyl-l-cysteine-NaOH (NALC-NaOH) methods currently used and Kudoh swab method. These were cultured on standard Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) and Modified Ogawa media, respectively, and incubated aerobically at 36±1°C for mycobacterial growth. To determine if the decontamination and culture methods compared could equally detect the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) highly commonly isolated in Gambia, spoligotyping was done.ResultsIn total, 72% (54/75) of MTBC were recovered by both LJ and Modified Ogawa methods. The LJ method recovered 52% (39/75) and Modified Ogawa recovered 56% (42/75) of the MTBC, respectively. Spoligotyping showed Euro-American 35% (19/54), Indo-Oceanic 35% (19/54), Mycobacterium africanum (West African type 2) 26% (14/54), Beijing 2% (1/54), and M. africanum (West African type 1) 2% (1/54).ConclusionThe Kudoh method is simpler and cheaper than the NALC-NaOH method. There was no significant difference in recovery between the methods. The Kudoh method is ideal in overburdened TB laboratories with poor resources in developing countries. The predominant lineages were Euro-American and Indo-Oceanic, followed by M. africanum (West African type 2)

Design of a phase III multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in children across diverse transmission settings in Africa

BACKGROUND\ud \ud GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative are working in partnership to develop a malaria vaccine to protect infants and children living in malaria endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa, which can be delivered through the Expanded Programme on Immunization. The RTS,S/AS candidate vaccine has been evaluated in multiple phase I/II studies and shown to have a favourable safety profile and to be well-tolerated in both adults and children. This paper details the design of the phase III multicentre efficacy trial of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate, which is pivotal for licensure and policy decision-making.\ud \ud METHODS\ud \ud The phase III trial is a randomized, controlled, multicentre, participant- and observer-blind study on-going in 11 centres associated with different malaria transmission settings in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A minimum of 6,000 children in each of two age categories (6-12 weeks, 5-17 months) have been enrolled. Children were randomized 1:1:1 to one of three study groups: (1) primary vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 and booster dose of RTS,S/AS01; (2) primary vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 and a control vaccine at time of booster; (3) primary vaccination with control vaccine and a control vaccine at time of booster. Primary vaccination comprises three doses at monthly intervals; the booster dose is administered at 18 months post-primary course. Subjects will be followed to study month 32. The co-primary objectives are the evaluation of efficacy over one year post-dose 3 against clinical malaria when primary immunization is delivered at: (1) 6-12 weeks of age, with co-administration of DTPwHepB/Hib antigens and OPV; (2) 5-17 months of age. Secondary objectives include evaluation of vaccine efficacy against severe malaria, anaemia, malaria hospitalization, fatal malaria, all-cause mortality and other serious illnesses including sepsis and pneumonia. Efficacy of the vaccine against clinical malaria under different transmission settings, the evolution of efficacy over time and the potential benefit of a booster will be evaluated. In addition, the effect of RTS,S/AS01 vaccination on growth, and the safety and immunogenicity in HIV-infected and malnourished children will be assessed. Safety of the primary course of immunization and the booster dose will be documented in both age categories.\ud \ud CONCLUSIONS\ud \ud This pivotal phase III study of the RTS,S/AS01 candidate malaria vaccine in African children was designed and implemented by the Clinical Trials Partnership Committee. The study will provide efficacy and safety data to fulfil regulatory requirements, together with data on a broad range of endpoints that will facilitate the evaluation of the public health impact of the vaccine and will aid policy and implementation decisions.\ud \ud TRIAL REGISTRATION\ud \ud Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00866619