Western involvement in the Middle East: Imperialism and its effects

This study explores Britain\u27s and the United States\u27 relationship with the Middle East, as specific examples of the theory of imperialism. The economic motivations for Britain\u27s involvement in the Middle East are shown to be similar to those of the United States\u27 involvement, and both of these are consistent with the theory of imperialism

Combining Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence to Understand and Improve the Professional Development of K-12 Teachers

Creating meaningful and effective professional development (PD) programs for K-12 teachers is an ongoing challenge. The problem is exacerbated when PD models are implemented without fully aligning PD resources and plans with the training needs of teachers and the organization. The guiding question sought to understand the experiences of teachers at an online charter school about the implementation of PD as a means for improving student outcomes. The purpose of the study was to find ways to enhance PD in order to improve student outcomes at the school. The conceptual framework for this study is interwoven through the constructs of student-centered learning, adult learning theory, transformational learning, self-directed learning, and emotional intelligence (EI). A qualitative case study was used in an appreciative inquiry approach that included a document review, written response survey, a positive assessment of EI skills, and focus group interview with 5 teacher participants. The EI data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to create an average EI profile for the group, and qualitative data were analyzed using inductive and comparative techniques. The results indicated that the teachers desired more focused PD that aligns to organizational goals, is collaborative, and includes support from leadership. Results informed the design of a workshop for school administrators focused on designing a PD implementation plan. This study promotes positive social change by increasing understanding of teachers\u27 professional learning experiences and proposes a research-derived PD planning and implementation cycle in order to increase student achievement at the school

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Pediatric Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia: Impact of Age on Procedural Methods and Durable Success

Background Catheter‐based slow‐pathway modification (SPM) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). We sought to investigate the interactions between patient age and procedural outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing catheter‐based SPM for AVNRT. Methods and Results A retrospective cohort study was performed, including consecutive patients undergoing acutely successful SPM for AVNRT from 2008 to 2017. Those with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and accessory pathways were excluded. Patients were stratified by age quartile at time of SPM. The primary outcome was AVNRT recurrence. A total of 512 patients underwent successful SPM for AVNRT. Age quartile 1 had 129 patients with a median age and weight of 8.9 years and 30.6 kg, respectively. Radiofrequency energy was used in 98% of cases. Follow‐up was available in 447 (87%) patients with a median duration of 0.8 years (interquartile range, 0.2–2.5 years). AVNRT recurred in 22 patients. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling identified atypical AVNRT (hazard ratio [HR], 5.83; 95% CI, 2.01–16.96; P=0.001), dual atrioventricular nodal only (HR, 4.09; 95% CI, 1.39–12.02; P=0.011), total radiofrequency lesions (HR, 1.06 per lesion; 95% CI, 1.01–1.12; P=0.032), and the use of a long sheath (HR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.23–10.03; P=0.010) as predictors of AVNRT recurrence; quartile 1 patients were not at higher risk of recurrence (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.10–1.97; P=0.29). Complete heart block requiring permanent pacing occurred in one quartile 2 patient at 14.9 years of age. Conclusions Pediatric AVNRT can be treated with radiofrequency‐SPM with high procedural efficacy and minimal risk of complications, including heart block. Atypical AVNRT and dual atrioventricular nodal physiology without inducible tachycardia remain challenging substrates