Let’s Talk About it: Caregivers’ Perspective on Communication About Sexuality with Foster Youth

Foster youth are particularly at risk for pregnancy and are 2.5 times more likely to become pregnant by age 19 than their peers that are not in the child welfare system (Comlossy, 2013). Researchers have gathered that parents and children are commonly apprehensive when it comes to discussing sexual health and reproduction. Limited research has been conducted regarding the roles of caregivers as advocates for youth and caregivers’ perceptions of how to carry out this role as an educator. This study aims to further investigate caregivers’ beliefs of their self-efficacy levels in assisting youth with their sexual health and reproduction

How can technology assist in the effectiveness of after school programs?

This review examines how technology assists in the effectiveness of learning in after-school programs. There are different types of after school programs available to parents with school-age children. Results describe the use of technology and the influence it has on the learning ability of students who are at risk. Meaningful, engaged learning can be promoted through the use of technology. Experts in the field state that technology facilitates learning by addressing the need of the individual learner. This review\u27s conclusions indicate that a learning community can encourage personalized learning activities, collaboration, and motivation. The integration of effective technology into a learning environment will help students prepare for their future

Vasopressin attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury via reduction of oxidative stress and inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in rat hearts

Aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and oxidative stress in the cardioprotective effect of vasopressin (AVP) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Anesthetized male wistar rats were subjected to regional 30 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion and randomly divided into nine groups: (1) Control; saline was administered intravenously before ischemia, (2) vasopressin was administrated 10 min prior to ischemia, (3, 4) Atractyloside as MPTP opener, was injected 5 min prior to reperfusion without and with vasopressin, (5, 6) Cyclosporine A as a MPTP closer, was injected 5 min prior to reperfusion without and with vasopressin, (7) mitochondria were isolated from control group and CaCl2 was added as MPTP opener and swelling inducer, (8) isolated mitochondria from Control hearts was incubated with Cyclosporine A before adding the CaCl2 (9) CaCl2 was added to isolated mitochondria from vasopressin group. Infusion of vasopressin decreased infarct size (18.6±1.7% vs. control group 37.6±2.4%), biochemical parameters [LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase), CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-MB) and MDA (Malondialdehyde) plasma levels, PAB (Prooxidant-antioxidant balance)] compared to control group. Atactyloside suppressed the cardioprotective effect of vasopressin (32.5±1.9% vs. 18.6±1.7%) but administration of the Cyclosporine A without and with vasopressin significantly reduced infarct size to 17.7±4% (P<0.001) and 22.7±3% (P<0.01) respectively, vs. 37.6±2.4% in control group. Also, vasopressin, similar to Cyclosporine A, led to decrease in CaCl2-induced swelling. It seems that vasopressin through antioxidant effect and MPTP inhibition has created a cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injuries. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between Islamic work ethic, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in banking sector

Purpose – This research seeks to determine the impact of the IWE on job satisfaction and organizational commitment among the employees of Maskan Bank by examining the mediating role of intrinsic motivation. Design/methodology/approach – A model of the intrinsic motivation antecedent and consequences of IWE was examined in a survey conducted among employees working in Maskan Bank in Iran. Structural equation modelling (SEM) via Amos software was employed to gain insight into the various influences and relationships. Findings – The findings revealed a direct effect of IWE on job satisfaction, but there was no direct significant relationship between this variable and organizational commitment. Also, intrinsic motivation plays a partial and completely mediatory role in the relationship between IWE and job satisfaction, and IWE and organizational commitment. Research limitations/implications – The impact of participation in strategic planning on managers’ creation of budgetary slack: The mediating role of autonomous motivation and affective organizational commitment. Originality/value – Since the nature of bank employees’ work is such that it confronts them with numerous ethical choices, the adherence to ethical standards, particularly IWE, can greatly affect their enthusiasm and, as a result, their satisfaction and organizational commitment

Effects of Joint Spacing on Static Bearing Capacity of Rock Foundations in the case of Punching Failure

In this paper, using distinct element method, static bearing capacity of rock foundations containing one, two or three joint sets is investigated in the case of punching failure. The effect of joint spacing is incorporated in the analyses using a dimensionless factor, named spacing ratio (SR). Different values for SR are selected and variation of bearing capacity versus SR is monitored. Then, the magnitude of SR in which the bearing capacity is not changed significantly, is determined. The findings show that for SR30, joint spacing does not affect bearing capacity, significantly. Hence, SR=30 can be used as a criterion for analysis of rock foundations either as an equivalent continuum or a discontinuous medium. Using this criterion, it will tend to greatly reduce the time required for bearing capacity analysis of rock foundations

Role of mindfulness, psychological flexibility and integrative self-knowledge on psychological well-being among the university students

Background: Studies has shown the effect on environmental conditions on psychological well-being. In this regard, psychological characteristics have an important role. This study aimed to investigate the role of mindfulness, psychological flexibility and integrative self -knowledge amonge the university students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on the students of Kashan university of medical sciences (n=300) and based on quota sampling, a number of students (n=241) were selected based on the faculty and the major of the study. The administered tools were Ryff scale of psychological well-being (RSPWB-18), mindfulness (MAAS), acceptance and actions (AAQ-II) questionnaires and integrative self-knowledge scale (ISKS). Finally the data were analyzed using correlation and stepwise regression. Results: Pearson correlation disclosed a positive and considerable relation between mindfulness, integrative self-knowledge, psychological flexibility and psychological well-being. In addition, the findings showed significant role of mindfulness, integrative self-knowledge and psychological flexibility to predict the psychological well-being of the students; so these variables can predict 21 of psychological wellbeing changes. Conclusion: This study disclosed that the mindfulness, psychological flexibility and integrative self -knowledge can in part specify the variance of psychological well-being

Propofol-alfentanil vs propofol-remifentanil for posterior spinal fusion including wake-up test

Background. Wake-up test can be used during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) to ensure that spinal function remains intact. This study aims at assessing the characteristics of the wake-up test during propofol-alfentanil (PA) vs propofol-remifentanil (PR) infusions for PSF surgery. Methods. Sixty patients with scoliosis and candidates for PSF surgery were randomly allocated in either alfentanil (PA) or remifentanil (PR) group. After an i.v. bolus of alfentanil 30 μg kg-1 in the PA group or remifentanil 1 μg kg-1 in the PR group, anaesthesia was induced with thiopental and atracurium. During maintenance, opioid infusion consisted of alfentanil 1 μg kg-1 min-1 or remifentanil 0.2 μg kg-1 min-1, in the PA group and the PR group, respectively. All patients received propofol 50 μg kg-1 min-1. Atracurium was given to maintain the required surgical relaxation. At the surgeon's request, all infusions were discontinued. Patients were asked to move their hands and feet. Time from anaesthetic discontinuation to spontaneous ventilation (T1), and from then until movement of the hands and feet (T2), and its quality were recorded. Results. The average T1 and T2 were significantly shorter in the PR group 3.6 (2.5) and 4.1 (2) min than the PA group 6.1 (4) and 7.5 (4.5) min. Quality of wake-up test, however, did not show significant difference between the two groups studied. Conclusion. Wake-up test can be conducted faster with remifentanil compared with alfentanil infusion during PSF surgery. © 2006 Oxford University Press