Impact of Remittances on Refugees’ Lives in Canada: Views of Sudanese and Vietnamese Leaders and Settlement Counsellors

Focus groups were conducted with Sudanese and Vietnamese refugee leaders and settlement counsellors (twenty-seven participants) to identify their views about the effect of sending remittances on refugees in these two communities, and their suggestions about optimizing the situation. Leaders and counsellors noted that refugees feel pride at helping out and guilt at not being able to send sufficient money. They postponed education and skills upgrades, and worked several jobs to support family here and abroad. Newcomers were advised to focus first on settling in and creating realistic expectations about their resources before sending remittances. Changes in family reunification policy were suggested.Des groupes de discussions ont été organisés avec les représentants des réfugiés vietnamiens et soudanais et des conseillers en établissement (vingt-sept participants) afin de connaître leur point de vue sur l’impact qu’avait sur les réfugiés leurs envois de fonds dans leurs pays d’origine, et leurs suggestions pour améliorer leur situation. Les représentants et les conseillers ont noté que les réfugiés étaient fiers de pouvoir aider leur famille fi nancièrementou se sentait coupable de ne pouvoir le faire. En effet, ils remettent à plus tard leur éducation et la mise à niveau de leurs compétences et prennent plusieurs emplois pour pouvoir soutenir leur famille ici et à l’étranger. On a recommandé que les nouveaux arrivants se concentrent d’abord sur leur installation et sur des objectifs financiers réalistes avant d’envoyer des fonds à leur famille. On a également suggéré des changements à la politique de réunification des familles

Impedance-based cell monitoring: barrier properties and beyond

In multicellular organisms epithelial and endothelial cells form selective permeable interfaces between tissue compartments of different chemical compositions. Tight junctions which connect adjacent cells, control the passage of molecules across the barrier and, in addition, facilitate active transport processes. The cellular barriers are not static but can be deliberately modulated by exposure to specific external stimuli. In vitro models representing the essential absorption barriers of the body are nowadays available, thus allowing investigation of the parameters that control permeability as well as transport processes across those barriers. Independent of the origin of the barrier forming cells, techniques are needed to quantify their barrier integrity. One simple assay is to measure the permeability for given hydrophilic substrates possessing different molecular weights like sucrose or dextrans. However, this technique is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, radioactive or fluorescently-labeled substrates are needed to allow easy analytical detection. Finally, if transport processes are investigated, the standard permeant may interfere with the transport process under investigation or might even alter the barrier integrity by itself. Thus, independent, non-invasive techniques are needed to quantify the barrier integrity continuously during the experiment. Such techniques are available and are mainly based on the measurement of the transendothelial or transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of barrier forming cells grown on porous membranes. Simple devices using two sets of electrodes (so-called Voltohmeters) are widely used. In addition, an easy-to-use physical technique called impedance spectroscopy allows the continuous analysis of both the TEER and the electrical capacitance giving additional information about the barrier properties of cells grown on permeable membranes. This technique is useful as a quality control for barrier forming cells. Another impedance-based approach requires cells to be grown directly on solid, micro-structured electrodes. Here, we will discuss the physical background of the different techniques; advantages, disadvantages, and applications will be scrutinized. The aim is to give the reader a comprehensive understanding concerning the range and limits of the application, mainly focusing on endothelial cells.</p

Ergebnisse der NUBBEK-Studie zu Qualitätsdimensionen in der Kindertagesbetreuung: Interpretation aus bindungstheoretischer Sicht

"Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die verschiedenen Qualitätsdimensionen in der außerfamiliären Tagesbetreuung von Kindern im Kindergartenalter anhand der Daten der Nationalen Untersuchung zur Bildung, Betreuung und Erziehung in der frühen Kindheit (NUBBEK) näher zu betrachten und daraus Implikationen für Politik und Praxis abzuleiten. Die Bindungstheorie dient dabei als theoretisches Rahmenmodell. Verbesserungsbedarf zeigt sich vor allem im Bereich Betreuung und Pflege der Kinder, aber auch in den Bereichen Lesen, Mathematik, Naturwissenschaften und Diversität. Aus Sicht der Bindungstheorie sollten Verbesserungsmaßnahmen jedoch nicht isoliert auf einzelne Fähigkeitsbereiche abzielen, sondern immer den Beziehungsaspekt als wichtige Grundvoraussetzung für erfolgreiches Lernen mit einbeziehen." (Autorenreferat)"Using data from the national study on education and care in early childhood (NUBBEK), the authors examined different dimensions of center based child care quality. Attachment theory serves as a theoretical framework to formulate recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. The data suggest a need of improvement especially in the area of Personal Care Routines, but also in the domains Literacy, Mathematics, Science/Environment and Diversity. However, based on attachment theory efforts to improve quality should not only focus on single competence domains, but always take into account the studentcaregiver- relationship as a major precondition for successful learning." (author's abstract

Childbirth experience questionnaire 2 – Icelandic translation and validation

Funding Information: We would like to thank the women who took time to participate in the study. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge Dr. Anna Dencker for the permission to translate the CEQ and useful advice regarding the translation and validation process. The study received financial support from The Icelandic Centre for Research and the Memorial Fund of Midwife Björg Magnúsdóttir and Farmer Magnús Jónasson. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Objective: The aim of this study was to translate the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ2) to Icelandic and assess its psychometric characteristics. Methods: The CEQ2 was translated to Icelandic using forward-to-back translation and tested for face-validity (n = 10). Then data was collected in an online survey to test validation in terms of reliability and construct validity (n = 1125). Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha for the total scale and subscales. Cronbach's alpha > 0.7 was regarded as satisfactory. Construct validity was measured using known-groups validation with data collected on women's birth outcomes known to be associated with more positive birth experiences. A comparison was made of CEQ2 subscale scores and total CEQ2 score for country of origin, social complications, parity, pregnancy complications, birthplace, mode of birth, maternal autonomy and decision making (MADM), and mothers on respect index (MORi). Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis H tests were used to compare scale scores between the groups. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was chosen to determine whether the Icelandic version of the CEQ had similar psychometric properties as the original version. Results: The face validity and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.85 for the total scale and all subscales) of the Icelandic version of CEQ2 was good. Our findings indicate that two of the items in the 'own capacity' domain were not sufficiently related to other items of the scale to warrant inclusion. Conclusions: The Icelandic CEQ2 is a valid and reliable measure of childbirth experience but further work is needed to determine the optimal number of items and domains of the Icelandic CEQ2.Peer reviewe

Translation and validation of the German version of the Mother-Generated Index and its application during the postnatal period.

the Mother-Generated Index (MGI) is a validated tool to assess postnatal quality of life. It is usually administered several weeks or months after birth and correlates with indices of post partum mood states and physical complaints. The instrument had not been translated into German before or validated for use among German-speaking women, nor have the results of the tool been assessed specifically for the administration directly after birth. This paper aims to describe the systematic translation process of the MGI into German and to assess the convergent validity of the German version of the instrument directly after birth and seven weeks post partum

Negative Impressions of Childbirth in a North-West England Student Population

Background: Socio-cultural childbirth representations can influence perceptions of childbirth negatively. In this paper we report on a survey study to explore factors associated with negative impressions of childbirth in a North-West England University student sample. We also explored whether different sources and perceptions of childbirth information were linked to fear of childbirth. Methods: All students received a survey link via an online messaging board and/or direct email. Female students who were 18-40 years of age and childless (but planned to have children in the future) were invited to participate. Demographics, birth preferences, a fear of birth and general anxiety measures were included as well as questions about what sources of information shaped students’ attitudes towards pregnancy and birth (i.e. visual/written media, experiences of friends/family members, school-based education, and other) and impressions of birth from these sources (i.e. positive, negative, both positive and negative and not applicable). Results: Eligible students (n=276) completed the online questionnaire. The majority were Caucasian (87%) with a mean age of 22.6 years. Ninety-two students (33.3%) reported negative childbirth impressions through direct or vicarious sources. Students with negative impressions were significantly more likely to report higher fear of birth scores. Negatively perceived birth stories of friends/family members, and mixed perceptions of visual media representations of birth were associated with higher fear of birth scores. Having witnessed a birth first-hand and describing the experience as amazing was linked to lower fear scores. Conclusion: First-hand observations of birth, especially positive experiences, had implications for salutary outcomes. Negative or conflicting perceptions of vicarious experiences were associated with increased levels of childbirth fear. While further research is needed, these 3 insights suggest a need for positive birth stories and messages to be disseminated to mitigate negative effects of indirect accounts

Gaining insight from future mothers : A survey of attitudes and perspectives of childbirth

Funding Information: We thank Dr. Caroline Stretton (AUT University, School of Public Health & Interdisciplinary Studies) and Dr. Jean Rankin (University of the West of Scotland, School of Health and Life Sciences) for their contribution to this article in its early inception. Not applicable. Publisher Copyright: © 2022Objective: To determine whether participant characteristics and/or birth preferences of future mothers are associated with a fear of birth. Design: A cross-sectional survey was used to determine if fear of birth could be profiled in specific participant characteristics and birth choices. Setting: Urban New Zealand university. Participants: A convenience sample of women (final n = 339) who were 20 (‘severe’) for depression on DASS-21 scale (n=11, mean CFPP=44.8, SE=1.7, p < 0.0001) were all positively associated with CFPP. Post-hoc analyses revealed that mean CFPP was higher for those that perceived birth technologies as easier, safer, necessary, and required. Conclusions: Women born outside of New Zealand and/or suffering ‘severe’ depression were more likely to have a fear of birth. Fear of birth was associated with the participants choices towards medicalised childbirth. Familiarising women with the provision of maternity care in New Zealand and identifying mental health status early could reduce fear of birth and possibly support the vaginal birth intentions of future parents.Peer reviewe

The MASCOT Magnetometer

The Mobile Asteroid Scout (MASCOT) is a small lander on board the Hayabusa2 mission of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the asteroid 162173 Ryugu. Among the instruments on MASCOT is a fluxgate magnetometer, the MASCOT Magnetometer (MasMag). The magnetometer is a lightweight ( ∼280 g∼280 g ) and low power ( ∼0.5 W∼0.5 W ) triaxial fluxgate magnetometer. Magnetic field measurements during the landing period and during the surface operational phase shall provide information about any intrinsic magnetic field of the asteroid and its remanent magnetization. This could provide important constraints on planet formation and the thermal and aqueous evolution of primitive asteroids.Thomas F. PetersonUnited States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Emerging Worlds Progra

Translation and validation of the German version of the Mother-Generated Index and its application during the postnatal period

a b s t r a c t Objective: the Mother-Generated Index (MGI) is a validated tool to assess postnatal quality of life. It is usually administered several weeks or months after birth and correlates with indices of post partum mood states and physical complaints. The instrument had not been translated into German before or validated for use among German-speaking women, nor have the results of the tool been assessed specifically for the administration directly after birth. This paper aims to describe the systematic translation process of the MGI into German and to assess the convergent validity of the German version of the instrument directly after birth and seven weeks post partum. Design: prospective two-stage survey. Setting: two rural hospitals in the south of Germany and in the north of Switzerland. Participants: all women giving birth between 1st October and 15th December 2012 with sufficient knowledge of German and whose babies were not referred to a neonatal care unit; 226 women were eligible to participate. Measurement instruments: two questionnaires including questions relating to socio-demographic factors and perinatal care, and incorporating the MGI, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Postnatal Morbidity Index (PMI). All instruments were subjected to forward and back translation and pilot-tested; the first questionnaire was then administered in the first two days after birth and the second six weeks post partum. Parametric and non-parametric tests were computed using SPSS. Findings: 129 surveys were returned an average of three days after birth and 83 after seven weeks. Higher postnatal quality of life showed a significant correlation with a lower anxiety and depression score (po0.01), fewer maternal physical complaints (po0.05) and more favourable baby adjective scores (po0.05) after birth. Significant associations were found between MGI scores and sufficient help (p¼0.03) as well as ability to cope at home (po0.01). MGI scores three days and seven weeks after birth correlated highly significantly and positively (po0.001). Key conclusions: convergent validity of the MGI with the HADS and the PMI suggests that the German version of the MGI is a valid indicator of physical and emotional post partum well-being. Implication for practice: the German version of the MGI can be used in the post partum period to identify women whose quality of life is impaired during the first days after birth, in order to initiate extended midwifery care and referral if necessary

A cross-country survey of attitudes toward childbirth technologies and interventions among university students

Problem & Aim: Cultural beliefs that equate birth technology with progress, safety and convenience contribute to widespread acceptance of childbirth technology and interventions. Little is known about attitudes towards childbirth technology and interventions among the next generation of maternity care users and whether attitudes vary by country, age, gender, childbirth fear, and other factors. Methods: Data were collected via online survey in eight countries. Students who had never had children, and who planned to have at least one child were eligible to participate. Findings: The majority of participants (n= 4569) were women (79.3%), and the median age was 22 years. More than half of students agreed that birth technology makes birth easier (55.8 %), protects babies from harm (49.1 %) and that women have a right to choose a medically non-indicated cesarean (50.8 %).Respondents who had greater acceptance of childbirth technology and interventions were from countries with higher national caesarean birth rates, reported higher levels of childbirth fear, and were more likely to report that visual media or school-based education shaped their attitudes toward birth. Positive attitudes toward childbirth technology and interventions were also associated with less confidence in knowledge of birth, and more common among younger and male respondents. Discussion/Conclusion: Educational strategies to teach university students about pregnancy and birth in ways that does not frighten them and promotes critical reflection about childbirth technology are needed. This is especially true in countries with high rates of interventions that reciprocally shape culture norms, attitudes, and expectations