A pilot study of common outcome measurement of service-learning in Hong Kong

Since the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) at Lingnan University was established in 2006 as the first independent office dedicated to promoting service-learning (S-L) in Lingnan and among the higher education institutes in Hong Kong. OSL undertakes an important role to develop of service-learning in Hong Kong higher education. The Higher Education Service-Learning Network (HESLN) in Hong Kong was first established in 2007 to provide a platform to discuss the local development and opportunities of S -L. Its members include Lingnan University, Hong Kong University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Science and Technology, City Univers ity of Hong Kong, the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, the Baptist University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong Shue Yan University and the Hong Kong College of Technology. As different higher education institutes implement S-L in their teaching and learning the common outcome measurement (COM) of S-L is necessary to investigate the student learning outcome across different institutes to demonstrate the knowledge transfer model. Two pilot tests of COM were conducted in 2011 and 2012 in order to develop the standardized measurement for assessing student learning outcome in terms of nine domains (e.g. self-understanding/confidence, communication skills, problem-solving skills, civic engagement, social responsibility and willingness to contribute, team skills, self-reflection, general knowledge application, caring for others, intercultural competences). 189 and 197 university students from 5 different institutes have completed the pilot questionnaire in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The reliability test was applied for the scale reduction from 78 items to 36 items. For the preliminary findings of the 2nd pilot study, eight domains -- except intercultural competences -- reported an acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha (from 0.87 to 0.75). Also, the significant improvement in the mentioned 9 domains was found. Further development of the intercultural competences domain and a greater comprehensive and large-scale scale validation are needed to develop the common outcome measurement in Hong Kong

Service-learning impact on community engagement : from the graduates\u27 perspectives

Service-Learning (S-L) is pedagogy that has been newly introduced into Hong Kong\u27s higher education institutes. Thus, most local, recent studies focus on implication and evaluation of the S-L program for the existing students. There is lack of study about the long-term impact of S-L, especially for graduate students. Lingnan University (LU) as the only liberal art university in Hong Kong, aims to equip LU students with whole person development skills, as well as the capability to serve the community in the future. The Office of Service-Learning (OSL) was established in 2006 to promote S-L in Lingnan, echoing the university\u27s motto Education for Service. A study was conducted in 2011 to investigate the long-term impact of S-L on graduates\u27 whole person development skills, community engagement and career exploration. In this paper, we will focus on investigating the long-term impact of S-L on graduates\u27 community engagement (measured by civic responsibility) in terms of three subdomains: connection to community, civic awareness and civic efficacy. The comparison result between 424 graduates with S-L experience and 345 graduates without S-L experience will be used in this paper. The most prominent finding shows that graduates with S-L experience had significant higher scores than graduates without S-L experience in civic responsibility (Mwith S-L experience=5.80, SD=1.20; Mwithout S-L experience=5.16, SD=1.47; t=6.57,

Oral health of community dwelling elders in Hong Kong

Introduction: The world’s population is ageing and the elders are vulnerable to oral health problems. This project aimed to observe the oral health status of community dwelling elders in Hong Kong, investigate the oral health impact on their quality of life and nutritional status, and provide oral health education and preventive service. Methods: Community dwelling elders (65 or above) were recruited from five community centers. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed to collect information on their socio-demographic background and oral health perception/practice. Their oral health related quality of life (OHQoL) and nutritional status were measured by using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), respectively. Their tooth and periodontal status, oral hygiene and soft tissues were examined. Individualized advice, oral health education and scaling were provided. Results: A total of 195 elders participated. Despite their sound knowledge on dental caries, their awareness of the causes and risk factors of periodontal diseases was low. Several misconceptions of oral health were common and their expectation towards oral health was low. Although 81% brush their teeth at least twice a day, over 75% did not perform interdental cleaning mainly due to unawareness of the necessity (32%) and lack of skills (42%). Their dental visits were treatment-driven and mainly for pain-relieving and emergency care. Only 19% were regular dental attendees. The mean (SD) DMFT was 8.9 (7.8). Over 60% had periodontal pockets; 6% were edentulous and 38% had fewer than 20 teeth. The mean (SD) total GOHAI score was 56.4 (8.0); 60% reported negative impact of oral health on their quality of life. The mean (SD) MNA score was 25.2 (2.9); 30% had malnutrition or were at risk. Multivariate analysis showed that tooth loss and untreated decayed teeth (DT) were significant determinants of poor OHQoL; older age, higher education level, and poorer OHQoL were significantly associated with higher risk of malnutrition (all p<0.05). Conclusions: Oral health problems are common among community dwelling elders in Hong Kong. Their oral health awareness and practice are yet to be improved. Tooth loss and unmet treatment need for dental caries significantly compromise elders’ quality of life, which in turn increases their risk for malnutrition. Outreach oral health education and service are well received by the community.published_or_final_versio

A student development pathway in service-learning model in Hong Kong

The 2-level students ‘development pathway is developed in 2014 to further develop LU students as a community leader. First, students will take one or more than one credit-bearing courses with Service-Learning elements to have the basic knowledge of S-L and develop their whole-person development skills. Students reported the significant improvement in 7 learning outcome domains in the result of the pretest and posttest. (e.g. subject-related knowledge, communication skills, social competence, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, research skills and civic orientation). After that, part of the students can continue their Service-Learning Journey in six theme-based leadership training programs (e.g. Mainland and International Service-Learning Program, Service-Learning Teaching Assistant Position (TAP), Service-Learning Project Trainee (PT) Scheme, Service-Leadership Summer Practicum, Young Scholars\u27 Community Research-Based Research Program and Service-Learning Students Association (SLSA)). According to the case study from the six theme-based leadership training programs, students developed their leadership skills through real experience and participation in service-Learning related leadership training programs

Genome maps across 26 human populations reveal population-specific patterns of structural variation.

Large structural variants (SVs) in the human genome are difficult to detect and study by conventional sequencing technologies. With long-range genome analysis platforms, such as optical mapping, one can identify large SVs (&gt;2 kb) across the genome in one experiment. Analyzing optical genome maps of 154 individuals from the 26 populations sequenced in the 1000 Genomes Project, we find that phylogenetic population patterns of large SVs are similar to those of single nucleotide variations in 86% of the human genome, while ~2% of the genome has high structural complexity. We are able to characterize SVs in many intractable regions of the genome, including segmental duplications and subtelomeric, pericentromeric, and acrocentric areas. In addition, we discover ~60 Mb of non-redundant genome content missing in the reference genome sequence assembly. Our results highlight the need for a comprehensive set of alternate haplotypes from different populations to represent SV patterns in the genome

Expressions 2010

https://openspace.dmacc.edu/expressions/1026/thumbnail.jp

Physiological concentration of protocatechuic acid directly protects vascular endothelial function against inflammation in diabetes through Akt/eNOS pathway

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been the major cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes. However, new approaches are still warranted since current diabetic medications, which focus mainly on glycemic control, do not effectively lower cardiovascular mortality rate in diabetic patients. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a phenolic acid widely distributed in garlic, onion, cauliflower and other plant-based foods. Given the anti-oxidative effects of PCA in vitro, we hypothesized that PCA would also have direct beneficial effects on endothelial function in addition to the systemic effects on vascular health demonstrated by previous studies.Methods and resultsSince IL-1β is the major pathological contributor to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, the anti-inflammatory effects of PCA specific on endothelial cells were further verified by the use of IL-1β-induced inflammation model. Direct incubation of db/db mouse aortas with physiological concentration of PCA significantly ameliorated endothelium-dependent relaxation impairment, as well as reactive oxygen species overproduction mediated by diabetes. In addition to the well-studied anti-oxidative activity, PCA demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP1, VCAM1 and ICAM1, as well as increasing the phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt in the inflammatory endothelial cell model induced by the key player in diabetic endothelial dysfunction IL-1β. Upon blocking of Akt phosphorylation, p-eNOS/eNOS remained low and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines by PCA ceased.ConclusionPCA exerts protection on vascular endothelial function against inflammation through Akt/eNOS pathway, suggesting daily acquisition of PCA may be encouraged for diabetic patients

「環保先鋒」之關懷長者計劃成效報告書

本計劃期望透過一系列的環保活動，讓青少年（中學生／大學生）深入了解自然生態的轉變和將會帶來的後果，以及認識如何在日常生活中實踐環保，減少污染環境。為加強長者的環保意識，嶺大會邀請長者參與有關的活動。過程中，青少年不僅可以向長者傳遞環保訊息；同時，亦可以向有需要的長者表達關懷，加強兩代之間的溝通和了解。 本計劃的目的可歸納為以下五項： --向青少年闡析環境保護的重要性，從而提升他們的環保意識及加強他們對環保議題的關注 --利用實際例子，教導青少年如何締造綠色生活，並鼓勵他們身體力行以支持環保 --在活動的過程中，鼓勵青少年主動與長者溝通以加深對長者的了解，從而改善彼此的觀感 --透過邀請長者參與環保活動／探訪長者，向他們傳遞環保訊息 --將環保活動與現有課程結合，協助老師通過一個整合的模式來進行日常課堂和環保教

「二人三足」鄉郊長者探訪計劃暨鄉郊長者關懷行動 : 鄉郊長者的需要及生活質素調查報告書

本計劃期望能促使長者享有一個「積極樂頤年」，以提升其生活質素。計劃會透過連續性的探訪及兩次大型參觀活動，爲長者提供參與社會的機會。在探訪期間，義工會因應自己的才能及長者的興趣，爲長者安排一些學習班，如：英文、魔術及手工藝等，鼓勵他們終身學習。 另外，義工會透過閒聊的方式，了解長者的需要，從而提供相關的轉介；義工同時會關心長者的健康狀況，如：教導長者如何預防流行性感冒、叮囑長期病患者定時覆診等，以保持身體健康。 本計劃的目的可歸納爲以下四個： 透過連續性的探訪，爲屯門鄉郊的獨居和雙老長者送上關懷 在探訪過程中，利用問卷及閒談方式探討鄉郊長者的需要，並提供適當的支援/轉介 爲長者安排參觀嶺南大學及香港國際機場，鼓勵鄉郊長者參與社會 通過一系列的探訪和參觀活動，促進長者和青少年(嶺南大學學生義工）的溝通，從而建立跨代支援網絡 是次的調查主要希望 探討鄉郊長者的需要； 量度鄉郊長者的整體生活質素的轉變； 評估長者和青少年的相互觀感的轉變；及 了解他們對區內設施的意見和使用平安鐘的習慣