The Social Competence of Homeschooled and Conventionally-Schooled Adolescents: A Preliminary Investigation

Homeschooling is a controversial educational option that has grown dramatically during the past two decades. Socialization concerns contribute strongly to this controversy. Research in this area is sparse, but it indicates that homeschooled students do well academically and socially. Many homeschooling studies suffer, however, from serious methodological issues. This investigation sought to discover whether differences in social competence existed between sample populations of homeschooled and conventionally-schooled students; research in the arena of competence and resilience served to guide the methodology. Where differences were found, specifics were elucidated and factors contributing to these differences were isolated. Forty-seven homeschooling and conventionally-schooling families participated (N = 47). Parents completed the Family Characteristics questionnaire, the parent version of the Social Involvement Report (SIR-P), and the Parent Rating Scales (PRS) which is part of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). The students completed the adolescent version of the SIR (SIR-P), the Self-Report of Personality (SRP) of the BASC, and a Friendship Task. Teachers provided information on thirty-two students by completing the Teacher Rating Scales (TRS) of the BASC. Results indicated that there were differences in the social competence of homeschooled and conventionally-schooled adolescents, particularly on the BASC scales. Mean scores on the PRS and TRS for homeschooled and conventionally-schooled students were in the average range on all adaptive and maladaptive scales, but homeschooled students were consistently rated higher on measures of social skills and on measures that support academic competence. Ratings for conventionally-schooled students were consistently higher on measures of school and social maladjustment. The significantly different family characteristics of homeschooling and conventionally-schooling families impacted several of the research findings. Parental employment status, family structure, father\u27s education, and religious involvement were factors that were particularly influential. Adolescents from complex step-families where parents worked full-time had the highest scores on measures of maladjustment. This study represented a strong first step towards increasing the available information concerning homeschooling and its impact on social competence. Additional studies are needed to further explore the development of competence in both homeschool and conventional school settings to understand the impact of educational environments on the development of social competence

The Clinical Nurse Leader: Improving Early Sepsis Identification on Inpatient Units

CNL students were invited to a large metropolitan hospital in an effort to create a quality improvement project related to sepsis in order to decrease cost, the length of stay, and improve patient outcomes. CNL students shadowed nurses in order to better un derstand the nursing culture and assess the microsystem. Chart audits were reviewed to determine whether nurses at the assigned units were completing sepsis screenings on time and used the appropriate vital signs and labs. Nurses’ questionnaires were provi ded to assess sepsis knowledge and their understanding of sepsis. Results showed a lack in compliance in completing sepsis screenings on time through observation, but it was discovered in the chart audits that nurses were changing the time of completion. A sepsis badge was created and a sepsis proce ss map was improved to better assist nurses with the identification of sepsis. A CNL and “Sepsis Champion” is recommended in order to implement sepsis screenings and improve patient outcomes

Learning to Teach in Mixed-Reality Simulated Virtual Environments at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty at a Hispanic serving institution shifted from face-to-face to totally online teaching. The authors describe two assignments for teacher candidates that required them to design and deliver lessons that focused on practicing two high-leverage practices utilizing Mursion, a mixed-reality simulation (MRS) software and platform. MRS sessions were delivered through Zoom video conferencing and were delivered asynchronously. Benefits, challenges, and limitations of using MRS in conjunction with Zoom in online courses were identified and discussed. Detailed logistics for planning, preparing, and executing MRS effectively were provided. The authors describe implications for remote learning as it related to teaching at an HSI located in one of the poorest areas of the U.S., with one of the most vulnerable populations

The Social Construction of Client Participation: The Evolution and Transformation of the Role of Service Recipients in Child Welfare and Mental Disabilities

This article presents a comparative analysis of client participation (CP) in child welfare and mental health and mental retardation systems. It identifies three rationales for client participation (philosophical, pragmatic, and political), along with the limitations surrounding each rationale. It uses social construction theory to examine the historical and ideological underpinnings of organized, institutionally-sanctioned client involvement inside and outside government. In order to enhance the capacity of clients to influence service and benefit systems, their role must evolve through the mutual efforts of government-strengthening client participation policies and independent organizing from the bottom up through community development and advocacy programs

Responses of Human Endothelial Cells to Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Leptospira Species

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic infection that primarily affects residents of tropical regions, but causes infections in animals and humans in temperate regions as well. The agents of leptospirosis comprise several members of the genus Leptospira, which also includes non-pathogenic, saprophytic species. Leptospirosis can vary in severity from a mild, non-specific illness to severe disease that includes multi-organ failure and widespread endothelial damage and hemorrhage. To begin to investigate how pathogenic leptospires affect endothelial cells, we compared the responses of two endothelial cell lines to infection by pathogenic versus non-pathogenic leptospires. Microarray analyses suggested that pathogenic L. interrogans and non-pathogenic L. biflexa triggered changes in expression of genes whose products are involved in cellular architecture and interactions with the matrix, but that the changes were in opposite directions, with infection by L. biflexa primarily predicted to increase or maintain cell layer integrity, while L. interrogans lead primarily to changes predicted to disrupt cell layer integrity. Neither bacterial strain caused necrosis or apoptosis of the cells even after prolonged incubation. The pathogenic L. interrogans, however, did result in significant disruption of endothelial cell layers as assessed by microscopy and the ability of the bacteria to cross the cell layers. This disruption of endothelial layer integrity was abrogated by addition of the endothelial protective drug lisinopril at physiologically relevant concentrations. These results suggest that, through adhesion of L. interrogans to endothelial cells, the bacteria may disrupt endothelial barrier function, promoting dissemination of the bacteria and contributing to severe disease manifestations. In addition, supplementing antibiotic therapy with lisinopril or derivatives with endothelial protective activities may decrease the severity of leptospirosis

Individual Incentives versus Team Performance: Lessons from a Game of Charades

In this article, we describe a modified game of Charades that was developed to facilitate a discussion on the basic principles of effective reward system design. Students are organized into small groups. Incentive schemes are then manipulated so that one player within the group strives for an individual incentive, while the rest of the team play for a group reward. Through this simple and “fun” activity, students learn firsthand what happens when individual and team interests and incentives are not aligned. This experiential learning activity also offers excellent opportunities to discuss group dynamics, communication and coordination, and the importance of maintaining a systemic view of organizational performance

Individual Incentives versus Team Performance: Lessons from a Game of Charades

In this article, we describe a modified game of Charades that was developed to facilitate a discussion on the basic principles of effective reward system design. Students are organized into small groups. Incentive schemes are then manipulated so that one player within the group strives for an individual incentive, while the rest of the team play for a group reward. Through this simple and “fun” activity, students learn firsthand what happens when individual and team interests and incentives are not aligned. This experiential learning activity also offers excellent opportunities to discuss group dynamics, communication and coordination, and the importance of maintaining a systemic view of organizational performance

Sustainable Development as a Solution To Inequality Amongst Rural Women Of El Salvador: an Exploratory Case Study

Agencies and NGOs were selected by a convenience, purposive sample due to the impact they have had on women when referring to their rights, poverty issues and sustainable development projects. Semi-structured interviews were performed with each aid group which in turn helped support the secondary data. Furthermore, 61 rural women agreed to participate in a survey with an open-ended question that allowed the investigator to glimpse into their life structure as well as to see the levels of impact aid groups have had in their lives and to see if projects in the area of sustainable development have positively impacted their lives. The results of this study show that rural women who implemented sustainable development projects into their daily routine had improved living conditions and a more positive outlook on life when compared to women who had no exposure to sustainable development projects.International Studie

Peritubular myoid cells from rat seminiferous tubules contain actin and myosin filaments distributed in two independent layers

In the mammalian testis, peritubular myoid cells (PM cells) surround the seminiferous tubules (STs), express cytoskeletal markers of true smooth muscle cells, and participate in the contraction of the ST. It has been claimed that PM cells contain bundles of actin filaments distributed orthogonally in an intermingled mesh. Our hypothesis is that these actin filaments are not forming a random intermingled mesh, but are actually arranged in contractile filaments in independent layers. The aim of this study is to describe the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in PM cells from adult rat testes and its changes during endothelin-1-induced ST contraction. For this purpose, we isolated segments of ST corresponding to the stages IX-X of the spermatogenic cycle (ST segments), and analyzed the actin and myosin filament distribution by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. We found that PM cells have actin and myosin filaments interconnected in thick bundles (AF-MyF bundles). These AF-MyF bundles are distributed in two independent layers: an inner layer toward the seminiferous epithelium, and an outer layer toward the interstitium, with the bundles oriented perpendicularly and in parallel to the main ST axis, respectively. In endothelin-1 contracted ST segments, PM cells increased their thickness and reduced their length in both directions, parallel and perpendicular to the main ST axis. The AF-MyF bundles maintained the same organization in two layers, although both layers appeared significantly thicker. We believe that this is the first time this arrangement of AF-MyF bundles in two independent layers has been shown in smooth muscle cells, and that this organization would allow the cell to generate contractile force in two directions.Fil: Losinno, Antonella Denise. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Morales, Alfonsina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Darío. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, Luis Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; Argentin

Problemas Psicológicos y Psicodinámicos de los niños y adolescentes obesos: informe de investigación

objective: Description and discussion of the main psychological and psychodynamic aspects of obese child and adolescent considering individual variables and psychological conducts according to the needs or intensity of the problems found. Method: Cross-sectional, retrospective study based on database of psychological assessments of 491 selected cases over the period 1991-2007. The database was organized from a preliminary study to characterize the main problems, individual variables and approach methods. The data were treated according to the frequency distribution and presented in tables. Results: The results showed that 32.4% of the cases were ascribed to super protective parents or mother symbiotically bound to son, 24.4% to maternal rejection and lack of affection, 7.9% lived with alcoholic or drug addict parents, 12.2% had parents with important mental illness problems, suffered from abuse and violence, 14.3% experienced circumstantial distress, but had good self resources, and 8.8% presented serious emotional immaturity. The disturbed family psychodynamics led children to anguish, voracity, sedentarism and difficulties at school, isolation or aggressiveness. Complains of social discrimination and low self-esteem were found in many cases as well as uncontrollable anguish complains leading to exaggerated food consumption. Conclusions: From the 491 assessed cases, only 14.3% were cases without emotional commitment, being circumstantial anguish cases ascribed to the existential moment. The 85.7% remaining cases demonstrated deep intricate roots in the familiar psychodynamics, requiring care, guidance and psychotherapy directed not only to the patient but also to the family.objetivo: Describir y discutir los principales problemas psicológicos y psicodinámicos de niños y adolescentes obesos considerando las variantes individuales y las conductas psicológicas indicadas de acuerdo con la necesidad/ gravedad del asunto. Método: Estudio transversal y retrospectivo basado en el banco de datos de evaluaciones psicológicas de 491 casos de obesidad exógena seleccionados desde 1991 a 2007. El banco de datos está organizado a partir de un estudio preliminar para caracterizar los principales problemas, variantes individuales y conductas. Los datos son analizados por distribución de frecuencia y presentados en forma de tablas. Resultados: Resultados indicativos de 32,4% de casos de padres sobreprotectores o de madres simbióticamente unidas al hijo; 24,4% de casos de rechazo materno y consecuente carencia de afecto; 7,9% con padres alcohólicos o drogadictos; 12,2% con padres portadores de graves problemas de salud mental, sufriendo violencias y malos tratos; 14,3% pasando angustias circunstanciales pero con buenos recursos internos; 8,8% de casos graves, presentando inmadurez emocional. La psicodinámica familiar perturbada llevó a los niños a angustias, voracidad, sedentarismo, dificultades escolares, aislamiento o agresividad. Quejas de discriminación social y baja autoestima fueron encontradas en gran parte así como quejas de incontrolable ansiedad que llevan a exageraciones alimentares. Conclusión: De los 491 casos evaluados, solamente 14,3% eran casos sin compromiso emocional y eran de angustias circunstanciales, conectadas al momento existencial. Los demás casos, o sea, 85,7% mostraron raíces profundamente intrincadas en la psicodinámica familiar y requerían cuidados, orientaciones y psicoterapia dirigidos no sólo al paciente como también a su familia.objetivo: Descrever e discutir os principais problemas psicológicos e psicodinâmicos de crianças e adolescentes obesos, considerando as variáveis individuais e as condutas psicológicas indicadas de acordo com a necessidade/ gravidade dos problemas apresentados. Método: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, baseado no banco de dados das avaliações psicológicas de 491 casos selecionados de obesidade exógena de 1991 a 2007. O banco de dados foi organizado a partir de estudo preliminar para a caracterização dos principais problemas, variáveis individuais e condutas, e os dados analisados por distribuição de frequência, apresentados sob a forma de tabelas. Resultados: Resultados indicativos de 32,4% de casos de pais superprotetores ou de mães simbioticamente ligadas ao filho, 24,4% de casos de rejeição materna e consequente carência de afeto, 7,9% com pais alcoólicos ou drogadictos, 12,2% com pais portadores de graves problemas de saúde mental, que sofriam violências e maus tratos, 14,3% que passavam por angústias circunstanciais, mas com bons recursos internos e 8,8% de casos graves, que apresentavam imaturidade emocional. A psicodinâmica familiar perturbada levava as crianças a angústias, voracidade, sedentarismo, dificuldades escolares, isolamento ou agressividade. Queixas de discriminação social e baixa autoestima foram encontradas em grande parte, assim como queixas de incontrolável ansiedade, que levavam aos exageros alimentares. Conclusão: Dos 491 casos avaliados, somente 14,3% eram casos sem comprometimento emocional, tratando-se de angústias circunstanciais, ligadas ao momento existencial. Os demais casos, ou seja, 85,7%, mostravam raízes profundamente intrincadas na psicodinâmica familiar e requeriam cuidados, orientações e psicoterapia dirigidos não só ao paciente como também à sua família.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL