The impact of fluorescent and LED lighting on student attitudes and behavior in the classroom

Abstract Introduction: This study examined empirical research on the effects of high correlated color temperature light-emitting diodes (LED) and fluorescent lighting on students in the classroom. LED is becoming the most recent lighting option for optimal energy efficiency over fluorescent technology. Background: A review of the literature indicates correlated color temperature (CCT) of lighting has nonvisual effects on students, with higher CCT positively impacting attitudes and behavior. The review also revealed current studies regarding dynamic or tunable lighting that adjusts CCT based on desired activity and mood. Data from an original survey analyzed teacher insights and perceptions regarding student attitudes and behaviors associated with existing classroom lighting and the impact of higher color temperature LED. Methods: Participants were pre-K through high school qualified teachers from three schools and/or personal contacts of the principal investigator. Seventy-five teachers responded to the online questionnaire. The survey data suggests teachers perceive higher color temperature lighting positively impacts student alertness, attitude, and energy level; and adjusting light levels throughout a school day positively impacts student engagement. Results and conclusion: Results supported the perception of higher correlated color temperature lighting positively impacting alertness, attitude, and energy level. Findings also supported the ability to change light levels throughout the school day to positively impact student engagement and mood. There were mixed results regarding higher correlated color temperature impacting attention and on-task/off- task behaviors. Results regarding the impact of sound and flickering from fluorescent lights were not significant

An investigation into nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage and endotracheal suctioning in critically ill infants and children

Includes bibliographical references.This thesis investigated the effects on critically ill, mechanically ventilated paediatric patients of two related, frequently performed physiotherapy procedures: nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NB-BAL) and endotracheal (ET) suctioning. General aims: To investigate un- or poody-documented complications of paediatric NBBAL and ET suctioning, and to test a method for each procedure of reducing the incidence and/or severity of these complications

The role of physiotherapy in the respiratory management of children with neuromuscular diseases:A South African perspective

BACKGROUND: Respiratory morbidity is common in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) owing to chronic hypoventilation and impaired cough. Optimal, cost-effective respiratory management requires implementation of clinical practice guidelines and a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach. OBJECTIVES: To explore South African physiotherapists’ knowledge, perception and implementation of respiratory clinical practice guidelines for non-ventilated children with NMD. METHODS: An online survey was conducted amongst members of the South African Society of Physiotherapy’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (CPRG) and Paediatric special interest groups and purposive sampling of non-member South African physiotherapists with respiratory paediatrics expertise (N= 481). RESULTS: Most respondents worked in private healthcare, with 1–10 years’ experience treating patients with NMD. For acute and chronic management, most participants recommended nebulisation and 24-h postural management for general respiratory care. Percussions, vibrations, positioning, adapted postural drainage, breathing exercises and manually assisted cough were favoured as airway clearance techniques. In addition, participants supported non-invasive ventilation, oscillatory devices and respiratory muscle training for chronic management. CONCLUSION: Respondents seemed aware of internationally-endorsed NMD clinical practice guidelines and recommendations, but traditional manual airway clearance techniques were favoured. This survey provided novel insight into the knowledge, perspectives and implementation of NMD clinical practice guidelines amongst South African physiotherapists. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is an urgent need to increase the abilities of South African physiotherapists who manage children with NMD, as well as the establishment of specialised centres with the relevant equipment, ventilatory support and expertise in order to provide safe, cost-effective and individualised patient care

Student Success in Themed-Learning Communities

In a Themed-Learning Community students enroll with a cohort group of peers in a series of courses designed for their major area of study. Typically, these are freshmen students in their first semester of post-secondary education. They are new to their university, their campus, and their field of study. In theory, by enrolling with other students who are also beginning their college careers they benefit from comradery, a shared set of experiences in multiple classes, and a team of faculty members who work together to facilitate the themed-learning experience. At the conclusion of the freshman year, the hypothesis is that higher student retention will be realized by the cohort of Themed-Learning Community students as compared to other freshman-year students in the same program of study. The Themed-Learning Community program studied in this paper seeks to realize the benefits and minimize potential disadvantages of participation by its freshmen students. It analyzes results of numbers of students who continue in the field of study based on their participation in a Themed-Learning Community compared to students in traditional course enrollment who complete the same series of courses outside of the Themed-Learning Community framework. Both objective assessment instruments as well as student and faculty perception will be analyzed in addition to final retention results. After an initial offering of three successive years with freshmen classes in Themed-Learning Communities, the program’s faculty members seek to identify improvements to the program as well as to determine its level of success in student learning and improved student retention after the freshman year

Pneumocystis pneumonia in South African children diagnosed by molecular methods

Background: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an important cause of hospitalization and mortality in HIV-infected children. However, the incidence of PCP has been underestimated due to poor sensitivity of diagnostic tests. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for pneumocystis has enabled more reliable diagnosis. This study describes the incidence, clinical features and outcome of PCP in South African children diagnosed using PCR. Methods: A prospective study of children hospitalised in South Africa with suspected PCP was done from November 2006 to August 2008. Clinical, laboratory and radiological information were collected. Lower respiratory tract specimens were obtained for PCP immunofluorescence (IF), real- time PCR for pneumocystis, bacterial and mycobacterial culture. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were taken for immunofluorescence (IF), real-time PCR for pneumocystis and PCR for respiratory viruses. A blood specimen for bacterial culture and for cytomegalovirus PCR was taken. Children were followed for the duration of their hospitalisation and the outcome was recorded. Results: 202 children [median (interquartile range, IQR) age 3.2 (2.1– 4.6) months] were enrolled; 124 (61.4%) were HIV infected. PCP was identified in 109 (54%) children using PCR, compared to 43 (21%) using IF and Grocott staining (p < 0.0001). Most PCP cases (88, 81%) occurred in HIV-infected children. All 21 cases (19%) occurring in HIV- negative children had another risk factor for PCP. On logistic regression, predictive factors for PCP were HIV infection, lack of fever, high respiratory rate and low oxygen saturation whilst cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was protective (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5; p < 0.002). The case fatality of children with PCP was higher than those without PCP (32.1% versus 17.2%; relative risk 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 – 3.15). Amongst HIV-infected children, a CD4 less than 15% was the only independent predictor of mortality. Conclusions: The diagnostic yield for PCP is more than 2.5 times higher on PCR than other detection methods. PCP is a very common cause of severe hypoxic pneumonia and is associated with high mortality in HIV-infected African infants