The Malawi Religion Project:

Scholars have recently become increasingly interested in the role religion plays in the responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we present the Malawi Religion Project (MRP), which provides data to examine the relationship between religion and HIV/AIDS through surveys and in-depth interviews with denominational leaders, congregational leaders and congregation members in three districts of rural Malawi. In the paper, we outline existing perspectives on the religion-HIV/AIDS link describe the MRP’s design, implementation and subsequent data; provide initial evidence for a series of general research hypotheses; and describe how these data can be used both to extend explorations of these relationships further and as a model for gathering similar data in other contexts. In particular we highlight the unique possibilities this project provides for analyses that link MRP data to the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project. These linked data produce a multi-level data set covering individuals, congregations and their communities allowing empirical research on religion, HIV/AIDS risk, related behaviors, attitudes and norms.AIDS/HIV, data collection, Malawi, religion

The effect of group size on social facilitation and social loafing as measured in productivity

In recent years, there has been increased awareness in the apparent change of individual behavior when placed in a group. This study was designed to examine the relationship between group size and productivity. All 48 participants took part in each of the three trials. In each trial they were given a word (duct tape, knife or water) and worked as an individual, pair, or group of four to generate uses for that word. It was a prediction of this experiment that individual productivity would increase when the participant worked as a pair. However, it was also expected that the individuals\u27 productivity would decrease when they were placed in a group of four. Data showed that individuals had the highest productivity while working as an individual and were the least productive while working in a group of four. However, data also showed that increasing group size led to an overall increase in the groups\u27 total productivity. Several variables were identified for further study

Boundary Spanning Roles in Communities & Organizations: Implications for Adult Educators

As adult educators, we work across communities, programs, and organizations. We serve as, work with, and build capacity of boundary spanners. Our collaborations connect people across boundaries and convince others to work together for a common goal. This manuscript explores boundary spanners in three contexts: community partners, contractors, and volunteers

A new simple six-step model to promote recruitment to RCTs was developed and successfully implemented

How a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is explained to patients is a key determinant of recruitment to that trial. This study developed and implemented a simple six-step model to fully inform patients and to support them in deciding whether to take part.Ninety-two consultations with 60 new patients were recorded and analysed during a pilot RCT comparing surgical and non-surgical interventions for hip impingement. Recordings were analysed using techniques of thematic analysis and focused conversation analysis.Early findings supported the development of a simple six-step model to provide a framework for good recruitment practice. Model steps are: 1) Explain the condition; 2) Reassure patients about receiving treatment; 3) Establish uncertainty; 4) Explain the study purpose; 5) Give a balanced view of treatments and 6) Explain study procedures. There are also two elements throughout the consultation: i) Responding to patients' concerns and ii) showing confidence. The pilot study was successful, with 70% (n= 60) of patients approached across 9 centres agreeing to take part in the RCT, so that the full-scale trial was funded.The six-step model provides a promising framework for successful recruitment to RCTs. Further testing of the model is now required

Designing Effective Habitat Studies: Quantifying Multiple Sources of Variability in Bat Activity

Common aims of habitat studies are to differentiate between (i) suitable and unsuitable sites for a given species, and (ii) sites used by different communities of species. To quantify differences between sites, field data of site use must be precise enough that true underlying between-site variability is not masked by within-site measurement error. We designed a pilot study to guide the development of a survey protocol for a habitat study on bats in an agricultural landscape in southeastern Australia. Three woodland sites and two scattered tree sites of 2 ha each were surveyed for nine consecutive nights. At three locations within each site (spaced > 50 m apart) one or two Anabat detectors were mounted 1 m above ground or in a tree (2 m above ground). We used mixed regression models to quantify multiple sources of variability in bat calling activity, and graphical data analysis to visualise how increases in survey effort were likely to affect inference. For the five most active species, we found that typically over 40% of variability in nightly detections occurred at the between-site level; approximately 10% occurred between locations within sites; approximately 20% was explained by night-to-night differences; and approximately 30% of variability was not attributable to systematic variation within experimental units. Differences in community composition between sites were clearly evident when two or more detectors per site were used for four or more nights. We conclude with six general considerations for the design of effective habitat studies. These are to (i) consider key contrasts of interest; (ii) use data from mild, calm, dry nights only; (iii) calibrate detectors; (iv) use multiple detectors where possible, or move a single detector within a site; (v) survey for multiple nights; and (vi) where vertical differentiation in habitat use is likely, mount detectors at different heights. These considerations need to be balanced within the context of financial and logistical constraints

Metabolic Requirements of Farmers/Ranchers Performing Simulated Occupational Tasks: Recommendations for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Current ACSM guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) return to work state that exercise training should mimic the muscle groups, movements, and energy systems utilized in a patient’s occupational tasks. The aims of this study were to evaluate the metabolic costs of typical farming/ranching tasks, determine the pattern of movement and muscle groups involved in these tasks, and determine the approximate duration of these tasks. Methods: Participants (n=29) were employed in the farming/ranching field and ranged in aged from 18-57 years. The participants performed four tasks: loading 10 hay bales, digging a fence post hole, filling eight seed hoppers, and shoveling grain. Results: Ranges for mean metabolic equivalent (MET) levels of the tasks were 5.9-7.6 while respiratory exchange ratio (RER) values ranged from .85-.93. Mean times (min:sec) for task duration were 1:42-3:34. Conclusion: MET levels recorded in this study are in agreement with the Compendium of Physical Activities for farming tasks and meet the standard requirements for cardiovascular training in cardiac rehab (~ 8 METS). However, these tasks are of high intensity and require an exercise prescription based on specificity of training for the muscle groups and energy systems involved. In accordance to ACSM guidelines, this study includes recommendations for exercise prescription specific to supervised resistance training appropriate for a farmer/rancher population in cardiac rehab settings

What does a good RCT recruitment consultation look like? A new simple six-step model to promote information sharing and recruitment to RCTs

Objective: The mode of delivery of trial information is a key determinant of recruitment to randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which can be modified in order to encourage patients to participate. This paper presents the development and initial validation of a simple six-step model to support recruitment. Study design and setting: 92 recruitment consultations with 60 new patients were recorded and analysed during a pilot RCT comparing surgical and non-surgical interventions for hip impingement. Recordings were analysed using techniques of thematic analysis and focused conversation analysis pioneered in previous studies. Analysis of recordings continued during the full-scale trial. Results: The pilot study was successful, with 70% of patients approached across 9 centres agreeing to take part in the RCT, and the full-scale trial has achieved 75% recruitment in 19 centres. A simple six-step model providing a framework for good recruitment practice was developed at the pilot phase and then validated, and tested in the main trial. The model enabled recruiters to explain the design and conduct of the RCT and provide reassuring information for patients in the context of consultations very different from routine practice. Conclusion: The six-step model provides a useful framework for recruitment to RCTs. It encourages the implementation of good RCT recruitment practice and provides strategies to support recruiters. The model requires further testing in a wide range of RCTs and clinical contexts

A Subtle Profile With a Significant Impact: Language and Communication Difficulties for Autistic Females Without Intellectual Disability

From Frontiers via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2020-10-26, collection 2021, accepted 2021-07-19, epub 2021-08-09Publication status: PublishedThe presentation of autism in females is poorly understood, which is thought to contribute to missed or later- age diagnosis, especially for those without intellectual disability. Dedicated research into social and behavioral differences has indicated a specific female phenotype of autism. However, less has been done to explore language and communication profiles, despite known sex/gender differences in typically developing populations. This article provides a synthesis of recent work from this small but emerging field. It focuses on a series of four preliminary and explorative studies conducted by the authors and embeds this within the wider literature. Findings suggest a specific profile of language and communication strengths and weaknesses for autistic females without intellectual disability (compared to autistic males and typically developing females). Furthermore, despite the relatively subtle presentation of difficulties (compared to autistic males), the impact on functionality, social inter-relations and emotional well-being, appears to be equitable and significant. The discussion highlights the need for further empirical research and proposes areas for investigation. Implications for clinical practice include the need for better recognition, testing and provision of interventions dedicated to the language and communication difficulties for autistic females. This has relevance for diagnostic, mental health and speech and language therapy services

Physical activity and fundamental motor skill performance of 5–10 year old children in three different playgrounds

Playgrounds provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activity and develop their fundamental motor skills. The aim of this descriptive pilot study was to examine whether playground design facilitated different levels of physical activity and fundamental motor skills. Children aged 5 to 10 (n = 57) were recruited from three independent playgrounds located in Melbourne (Australia). Whilst playing, children wore accelerometers which measured time spent in physical activity and direct observations recorded fundamental motor skills and play equipment use. A general linear model with playground type as the predictor and adjusting for monitor wear-time identified whether mean time in physical activity was different for the three playgrounds. Frequencies and a one-way ANOVA assessed whether the observed mean number of fundamental motor skills varied between playgrounds. On average, 38.1% of time (12.0 min) was spent in moderate- vigorous-intensity physical activity. Children in the traditional playground (n = 16) engaged in more moderate-intensity physical activity (9.4 min) than children in the adventure playground (n = 21), (5.6 min) (p = 0.027). There were no significant associations with vigorous-intensity physical activity or fundamental motor skills between playgrounds. Children performed few fundamental motor skills but used a wider variety of equipment in the contemporary and adventure playgrounds. Playgrounds need to maximise opportunities for children to engage in physical activity and develop fundamental motor skills