Philanthropic Paths: An Exploratory Study of the Career Pathways of Professionals of Color in Philanthropy

This study, commissioned by the D5 Coalition, provides a nuanced picture of the career experiences of 43 philanthropic professionals of color ranging from Program Officers to CEOs working in an array of foundations. Through an exploration of the perceptions, analyses, and career histories of people of color working in the philanthropic sector, this study aims to advance the field's understanding of the following questions:What are the career pathways of people of color in philanthropy in terms of how they enter the field and advance to higher levels of seniority?What factors do philanthropic professionals of color view as posing the greatest barriers and contributors to career advancement in the sector?What is the perceived value of and challenges to achieving greater leadership diversity in foundations from the perspective of professionals of color in the field? While not generalizable to the broader population of people of color working in the sector, interviews conducted with these individuals surfaced a set of potentially common points of entry and career pathways among professionals of color in philanthropy, as well as the factors that helped shape those pathways

Redesign of a human powered battery charger for use in Mali

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2005.Includes bibliographical references.The design for a human powered battery charger was analyzed and a redesign was proposed. The original product was designed in the MIT ME course 2.009 to power a LED projector that will be used to teach literacy classes in Mali. The goals of the new design are to decrease the cost and usability of the alpha prototype, producing a minimum of 60W that is required to provide a 10:1 use to charge ratio for the 6W projector. The alpha prototype utilizes a modified rowing motion to move a device produces power through a constant force spring, a small motor. A voltage regulator safely charges the battery using the voltage output of the motor. The rowing motion requires a number of moving parts and expensive components and although the complex motion combines the power available from the leg and arm muscles, the movement is not simple to understand or particularly comfortable to use. A model was created to test a proposed redesign that simplifies the product in several areas. The new design will use the arm muscles only to provide the necessary power and will avoid costs by making the charger a stationary product. The model is made of a recoil spring and pulley mechanism mounted to a freewheel, which turns a shaft and flywheel. The shaft would then be connected to a motor to charge the battery in a similar manner to that of the alpha prototype.(cont.) The experiments performed and calculations on the model provided information that suggests that a flywheel based design does provide sufficient power for a 60W output. Further research will be needed to accurately ascertain the cost of a product and whether it can be manufactured for under $50. Preliminary analysis suggests that it is possible to meet both the cost and power requirements of the product.by Lisa Chandler.S.B

‘Journey without maps’: unsettling curatorship in cross-cultural contexts

Over the past twenty to thirty years, many art museums have sought to incorporate a more inclusive approach in the development and presentation of exhibitions. This has led to the adoption of more varied curatorial practices as institutions have increasingly acknowledged the perspectives of some of the differing cultures they claim to represent. As a result, many curators have been striving for greater plurality in the presentation of particular exhibitions. While there are various examples in museum literature of projects seeking to incorporate diversity, dialogue and difference there is less overt discussion of the disjunction between these ideals and their practical application. This paper seeks to draw attention to this disparity by examining the evolving curatorial philosophy and practices employed by the Queensland Art Gallery in mediating cultural exchange at the first three Asia-Pacific Triennials of Contemporary Art. It will be argued that there is a need to rethink expectations of curatorial coherence and closure if pluralism is to be genuinely incorporated into the development and presentation of exhibitions. Although this can entail a loss of curatorial control, the inclusion of multiple voices and diverse perspectives can create edgy exhibitions which unsettle expected ways of seeing

Negative pressure wound therapy for the management of foot wounds in the diabetic population: a review of the literature

Diabetes-related foot complications place a significant burden on the National Health Service (NHS) and the economy. The most common and costly sequelae of the disease includes ulceration, gangrene, infection, and ultimately amputation. Research suggests that these complications often have detrimental psychosocial effects on individuals who suffer with them. The management of diabetic foot wounds is a continuing battle for health services and therefore any intervention that promotes healing and possibly prevents the need for amputation could be extremely valuable.One such intervention currently being used throughout the NHS and globally is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), a technique that uses negative pressure to remove fluid from open wounds through a specialised sealed dressing placed into the wound cavity. The mechanism by which NPWT works is not yet fully understood but it is thought to be associated with the removal of exudate, increased blood supply to the area, and reduction of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases.AimThe objective of this review was to ascertain the effectiveness of NPWT as a treatment for diabetic foot wounds and consider the cost effectiveness of this intervention.MethodsA systematic search of the literature was carried out using a set of relevant key words to identify available literature published between January 2005 and January 2015. Ten primary research studies were identified as suitable for inclusion following critical assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) appraisal tools, the CONSORT statement, and other appropriate frameworks.Relevance/impactDespite the increasing use of NPWT there is an apparent lack of relevant and robust Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) to justify this. There is a large volume of literature regarding the use of NPWT for various wound types, but very few studies specific to foot wounds in the diabetic population. Furthermore, most of the studies that do exist include case studies, small cohort studies, and poor quality RCTs. Due to the promising results seen in the widespread use of NPWT by health services it seems that the gap in relevant research regarding this technology should be considered further.ResultsThe findings of this review indicate that NPWT has a positive effect on wound healing including reducing time to healing. However, the studies currently available are few and of varying quality, many with methodological flaws. Despite increased material costs compared to traditional wound care methods, research suggests that NPWT has the potential to lower care costs overall due to a reduced need for in-patient care.Discussion and conclusionThe need for further quality RCTs to assess the effectiveness of NPWT for the management of diabetic foot wounds is highlighted. The onus should be on large numbers of participants, robust patient relevant outcome measures, and mid to long term studies with objective outcome measures to provide evidence of clinical effectiveness. It is proposed that future research should focus on developing a set of national guidelines for the use of NPWT in diabetic wound management.<br/

Digital Fibromyxoma Of The Hallux Nail Bed: A Case Report

Background &amp; Aims A 29-year-old male presented to a university podiatry clinic, complaining of a slow growing mass under the right hallux nail. The growth was mostly asymptomatic except for mild discomfort in footwear. The clinical appearance of the tumour resembled a subungual exostosis, but on examination the mass was not deemed to be osteophytic and an x-ray was arranged. The radiographic report confirmed no significant bony protuberance in the hallux which supported clinical diagnosis that this was not an exostosis, but instead a soft-tissue neoplasm. Following pre-operative assessment, the patient was scheduled for total nail avulsion surgery with view to excising the subungual tumour and confirming diagnosis. Vascular and neurological findings were unremarkable and there were no contraindications to surgery. The surgical practitioner, a Podiatrist and Senior Lecturer, had recently undertaken extended scope training in Skin Surgery and the procedure was performed at the university teaching clinic. Method Following successful analgesia and total nail avulsion, a semi-solid spherical mass was exposed. Longitudinal excision through the lesion revealed a well-circumscribed neoplasm which macroscopically resembled connective tissue. On revealing the depth of the lesion and confirming no cartilage or bone involvement, the mass was excised in two halves using a 15 blade and skin forceps. Any remaining fibrotic debris was curetted from the nail bed. The excised specimen was sent for histopathology analysis. Results Microscopy revealed a circumscribed but nonencapsulated dermal tumour measuring 20x10x5mm and 18x10x5mm, comprising of bland spindle and stellate cells within a myxoid stroma and with prominent vessels. There were no malignant features, but margins were not clear of the tumour. In view of histopathological features and immunochemistry findings (Positive staining: CD34 stains blood vessels and lesional tissue, SMA stains blood vessels only. Negative staining: CD99, S100, BCL2, EMA), the lesion was diagnosed as Digital Fibromyxoma. Discussion Digital fibromyxoma is a rare, benign fibromyxoid neoplasm, presenting as a slow-growing, nodular tumour of the subungual or periungual region. The clinical presentation, age and gender of the patient, and histological features support the diagnosis. This case highlights the benefit of the described approach in ruling out malignancy such as fibromyxoid sarcoma. The case further highlights the benefits to podiatrists in undertaking extended scope Skin Surgery training and reducing referral waiting times<br/

Digital Fibromyxoma Of The Hallux Nail Bed: A Case Report

Background &amp; Aims A 29-year-old male presented to a university podiatry clinic, complaining of a slow growing mass under the right hallux nail. The growth was mostly asymptomatic except for mild discomfort in footwear. The clinical appearance of the tumour resembled a subungual exostosis, but on examination the mass was not deemed to be osteophytic and an x-ray was arranged. The radiographic report confirmed no significant bony protuberance in the hallux which supported clinical diagnosis that this was not an exostosis, but instead a soft-tissue neoplasm. Following pre-operative assessment, the patient was scheduled for total nail avulsion surgery with view to excising the subungual tumour and confirming diagnosis. Vascular and neurological findings were unremarkable and there were no contraindications to surgery. The surgical practitioner, a Podiatrist and Senior Lecturer, had recently undertaken extended scope training in Skin Surgery and the procedure was performed at the university teaching clinic. Method Following successful analgesia and total nail avulsion, a semi-solid spherical mass was exposed. Longitudinal excision through the lesion revealed a well-circumscribed neoplasm which macroscopically resembled connective tissue. On revealing the depth of the lesion and confirming no cartilage or bone involvement, the mass was excised in two halves using a 15 blade and skin forceps. Any remaining fibrotic debris was curetted from the nail bed. The excised specimen was sent for histopathology analysis. Results Microscopy revealed a circumscribed but nonencapsulated dermal tumour measuring 20x10x5mm and 18x10x5mm, comprising of bland spindle and stellate cells within a myxoid stroma and with prominent vessels. There were no malignant features, but margins were not clear of the tumour. In view of histopathological features and immunochemistry findings (Positive staining: CD34 stains blood vessels and lesional tissue, SMA stains blood vessels only. Negative staining: CD99, S100, BCL2, EMA), the lesion was diagnosed as Digital Fibromyxoma. Discussion Digital fibromyxoma is a rare, benign fibromyxoid neoplasm, presenting as a slow-growing, nodular tumour of the subungual or periungual region. The clinical presentation, age and gender of the patient, and histological features support the diagnosis. This case highlights the benefit of the described approach in ruling out malignancy such as fibromyxoid sarcoma. The case further highlights the benefits to podiatrists in undertaking extended scope Skin Surgery training and reducing referral waiting times<br/

Negative pressure wound therapy for the management of foot wounds in the diabetic population: a review of the literature

Diabetes-related foot complications place a significant burden on the National Health Service (NHS) and the economy. The most common and costly sequelae of the disease includes ulceration, gangrene, infection, and ultimately amputation. Research suggests that these complications often have detrimental psychosocial effects on individuals who suffer with them. The management of diabetic foot wounds is a continuing battle for health services and therefore any intervention that promotes healing and possibly prevents the need for amputation could be extremely valuable.One such intervention currently being used throughout the NHS and globally is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), a technique that uses negative pressure to remove fluid from open wounds through a specialised sealed dressing placed into the wound cavity. The mechanism by which NPWT works is not yet fully understood but it is thought to be associated with the removal of exudate, increased blood supply to the area, and reduction of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases.AimThe objective of this review was to ascertain the effectiveness of NPWT as a treatment for diabetic foot wounds and consider the cost effectiveness of this intervention.MethodsA systematic search of the literature was carried out using a set of relevant key words to identify available literature published between January 2005 and January 2015. Ten primary research studies were identified as suitable for inclusion following critical assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) appraisal tools, the CONSORT statement, and other appropriate frameworks.Relevance/impactDespite the increasing use of NPWT there is an apparent lack of relevant and robust Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) to justify this. There is a large volume of literature regarding the use of NPWT for various wound types, but very few studies specific to foot wounds in the diabetic population. Furthermore, most of the studies that do exist include case studies, small cohort studies, and poor quality RCTs. Due to the promising results seen in the widespread use of NPWT by health services it seems that the gap in relevant research regarding this technology should be considered further.ResultsThe findings of this review indicate that NPWT has a positive effect on wound healing including reducing time to healing. However, the studies currently available are few and of varying quality, many with methodological flaws. Despite increased material costs compared to traditional wound care methods, research suggests that NPWT has the potential to lower care costs overall due to a reduced need for in-patient care.Discussion and conclusionThe need for further quality RCTs to assess the effectiveness of NPWT for the management of diabetic foot wounds is highlighted. The onus should be on large numbers of participants, robust patient relevant outcome measures, and mid to long term studies with objective outcome measures to provide evidence of clinical effectiveness. It is proposed that future research should focus on developing a set of national guidelines for the use of NPWT in diabetic wound management.<br/

Type 2 Diabetes Education Programmes - Focusing on Patient's Perceptions

ObjectiveThe prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the UK during 2013 was 0.6%, equating to 3.2 million people. Forecasts indicate that three people will be diagnosed every ten minutes by 2025. Ineffective methods or delays in thorough patient education leaves the patient at risk of developing foot complications among wider issues of morbidity. This research aimed to test the efficacy of patient education for Type 2 Diabetes by analysing patients’ views following their educational programme. The project aimed to highlight the value of such education programmes and to encourage wider holistic awareness of education in patient management.MethodWith School of Health ethical committee approval, a focus group was formed using a random sample of seven consenting Podiatry patients from a UK School of Podiatry. All patients had a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes and had attended an educational programme at some point over the last 12 years. The researcher initiated discussion with questions to the group and a one hour discussion was transcribed. This was defined using Nvivo 10 software and thematic analysis was employed to look at quality, recurrent themes and their significance in relation to the existing evidence base. The primary outcome measure was comprehension. Positive and negative perceptions were defined into subthemes to measure specific outcomes.OutcomeThis qualitative research study considered the efficacy of educational programmes for patients with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes, using patients’ perceptions. Contexts around stabilisation of glucose levels, quality of life, patient adherence and relationships were analysed. Although diet was quantifiably discussed, reference to comprehension and consistency of patient education were defined in order to answer the research question. Compared to current evidence, measures of group versus individual education, biomedical outcomes in the disease process and perceptions via questionnaires, this study found structure of education programmes to be the underlying key to successful outcomes.DiscussionEffectual education is reliant upon collaborative interventions of all Health Care Professionals, so that consistent information is delivered and patients get the practical skills required to self-manage their Diabetes. Furthermore, patients’ knowledge of their condition plays a valuable adjunct to basic awareness of Diabetic foot disease. Though there are many programmes available, it is evident that some patients newly diagnosed and some with long standing Type 2 Diabetes have limited knowledge of their condition. They feel anxious and confused, however; the majority of patients embrace the chance to share their story and knowledge, feeling empowered upon doing this.This study has served as a useful pilot study and compared existing literature with the presenting qualitative evidence, however; for future research in this area a wider study is recommended to further investigate patient trends in a larger population. Moreover recommended are all practitioners involved ensure patient education forms part of a treatment plan and that we ensure, as professionals, we constantly question our practice. How do we educate best, and are the messages consistent in our delivery of patient education