389 research outputs found
The cathedral and the bazaar of e-repository development: encouraging community engagement with moving pictures and sound
This paper offers an insight into the development, use and governance of eârepositories for learning and teaching, illustrated by Eric Raymond's bazaar and cathedral analogies and by a comparison of collection strategies that focus on content coverage or on the needs of users. It addresses in particular the processes that encourage and achieve community engagement. This insight is illustrated by one particular eârepository, the Education Media OnâLine (EMOL) service. This paper draws analogies between the bazaar approach for open source software development and its possibilities for developing eârepositories for learning and teaching. It suggests in particular that the development, use and evaluation of online moving pictures and sound objects for learning and teaching can benefit greatly from the community engagement lessons provided by the development, use and evaluation of open source software. Such lessons can be underpinned by experience in the area of learning resource collections, where repositories have been classified as âcollectionsâbasedâ or âuserâbasedâ. Lessons from the open source movement may inform the development of eârepositories such as EMOL in the future
From videocassette to video stream: Issues involved in reâpurposing an existing educational video
Conventional video recordings can be converted into video streams but the process can be complex and problematic. The authorsâ experience of reâpurposing an existing video, Back Care for Health Professionals, for streaming is used to illustrate what was involved and to highlight the important issues. Financial, legal, technical and pedagogic issues are examined
Cross-sectional analysis of car restraint system use during transportation of children with special health care needs in the Western Cape
Background: Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in children and young adults. Children are at increased risk of fatalities and serious injury due to the differences in their body segment proportions affecting their body kinetics in a vehicle accident. Serious injury and death can be reduced by the appropriate use of car restraint systems (CRS). Children with special health care needs (CSHCN), particularly children with poor postural control, may need adaptive seating to improve postural support and sitting ability within the vehicle due to their additional physical needs. Standard CRS might be unsafe or inappropriate for children with physical disabilities. Research Aims: The thesis aimed to understand the current CRS usage as well as the parents' experiences and perspectives of transportation of CSHCN in the Western Cape, and to determine the postural support needs of CSHCN and the suitability of different CRS designs to meet these needs during transportation. This was achieved through a survey study, followed by a cross-sectional study. Assessing the use of car restraint systems in children with special health care needs; a Western Cape based survey study Objectives: To determine the modes of transport and the prevalence of the use of postural support systems by CSHCN. Along with describing the current use of seatbelts, standard or specialised CRS and exploring the challenges faced by parents of CSHCN during transportation. Methods: A descriptive quantitative survey was performed amongst a convenience sample of all parents of CSHCN between the age of 4 â 18 years enrolled at three special needs schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. Parents had to be able to read and understand English or Afrikaans to be eligible for enrolment in the study. Focus group discussions were conducted to validate the self-designed questionnaire. Results: Parents of 268 children were enrolled in the study (median (IQR) age 11.52 (14.63- 8.86) years; 58.96% male). The most common diagnosis was cerebral palsy (CP) (29.10%), and most children were transported to school with public transport, including school bus (73.13%). The mode of transport was linked to the distance travelled and affordability, and each had its own challenges. The main challenges of parents using private transport were transporting the wheelchair (10.82%) and the unavailability of demarcated disability parking bays (7.46%). When using public transport parents identified their child's poor sitting balance (6.34%) and lack of space within the vehicle (5.60%) as the greatest challenges. The majority of children (58.96%) came from low-to-middle income households (0.700, p0.879). This tool was used to identify CSHCN who had difficulty sitting independently on different types of seats. These participants underwent a standardised sitting balance assessment, using the Level of Sitting Scale (LSS), to identify eligible participants with postural support needs. Participants were excluded if they recently had surgery or had an unstable health condition which could alter their sitting balance. The ability of two standard CRS (Car Seat and Booster seat), two Specialised CRS (one locally and one internationally produced), and Seatbelt only to provide adequate postural support was investigated. Head and trunk postures were analysed and categorised, by deviation from the midline, by photographs taken from different viewpoints. Results: There were 78 CSHCN enrolled in the study (mean (SD) age 11.50 (3.70) years; 65.75% male), the most common diagnosis was CP (63.48%), the majority of participants did not require any support to maintain sitting balance and were categorised as levels 5-8 of the LSS (78.08%). According to the World Health Organisation anthropometric guidelines 54.79% (n=40) of the participants should still use a CRS, either a Booster Seat (42.47%, n=31) or a Car Seat (12.33%, n=9). The head or torso fully supported and between the side supports of the CRS was the most common posture in all the viewpoints of the different CRS except for the lateral head viewpoint of the CRS Car Seat (50.00%; n=4), the Booster Seat (60.00%; n=18), and the International Specialised CRS (60.61%; n=20), as well as the anterior torso viewpoint of the Seatbelt only (50.75%; n=34). The CRS that resulted in the largest proportion of unacceptable posture deviations from the standard position were the Seatbelt only (20.90%, n=56) and the Booster Seat (18.33%, n=22). Out of position (OOP) postures were observed in all the devices for the anterior and lateral head positions (3.03% - 20.00%). The Booster Seat, the Local Specialised CRS and the Seatbelt only devices had participants with OOP postures in all four viewpoints. A key observation in the current study is the lack of torso support for the majority of CSHCN in the anterior torso viewpoint of the Seatbelt Only CRS (55.22%, n=37), indicating that the use of a Seatbelt only does not provide adequate postural support for all CSHCN despite them meeting WHO anthropometric requirements. No significant association was found between the pre- and post-test postural analysis scores of the Seatbelt only (X2=2.14, p=0.144) which could be as a result of the large postural deviations pre-testing (41.79%, n=28) remained post-testing. However, there was a significant association between the preand post-test scores of the anterior head viewpoint of the Booster seat (X2= 7.94, p=0.005), indicating lateral head deviation. The post-test postural analysis score of the Booster Seat anterior head viewpoint was significantly associated with a deviated posture (X2= 7.94, p=0.005). Other OOP observations included postures that could not be categorised by head and trunk deviation from the midline including head or torso rotation, abnormal limb placement, body extension and slouching. Overall performance scores are a sum of the number of viewpoints where the CSHCN posture worsens post-test. an indication of the number of CSHCN whose posture worsened post-test in each of the viewpoints of the CRS. Although there was no correlation between the LSS score and the overall performance score of any CRS device which would indicate if the CSHCN balance influences CRS performance, the Booster Seat (80.00%, n=24) and the Seatbelt only (55.23%, n=37) devices had the greatest number of participants with a poor overall performance. The viewpoints which had the worst performance scores were the anterior and lateral head of the Booster Seat (46.67%, n=14 and 43.33%, n=13 respectively) and both viewpoints had majority of participants worsen their scores. All CRS performed adequately in the lateral torso viewpoint, indicating sufficient support of the torso in the sagittal plane. Conclusions: The postural support needs of CHSCN are unique and depend on the child's anthropometry and the severity of their disability. The currently available CRS designs may not provide the postural support needed for many CSHCN. Postural deviations of the head, torso and limbs were observed which could be dangerous in the event of an accident. This study was not able to determine specific characteristics of CSHCN that require specialised CRS, as there was no association between the LSS and the overall performance score for any of the CRS devices. However, devices that offer less head and torso lateral support, or do not offer additional harness support such as the Seatbelt Only and the Booster Seat showed the largest proportion of OOP postures in CSHCN. Thesis Conclusion: This thesis highlights the complex transportation needs of CSHCN in South Africa and how the different CRS can influence posture. Additional observational research is required to determine the CRS usage in the CSHCN population to compare to the prevalence of CRS usage found in this survey study. Future research could incorporate other specialised CRS designs, particularly ones that are suitable for CSHCN beyond standard CRS weight and height limits or those with severe physical limitations that could not be tested during this study's simulated course. Practitioners prescribing and advising parents on CRS devices for the safe transportation of CSHCN should integrate thorough patient assessment and knowledge of manufacturer CRS design specifications to promote CRS usage. Policies should consider and accommodate for the challenges faced by CSHCN and their families in accessing, affording and utilising transport services. Advocacy and education programs should be combined with legislation enforcement to support improved implementation of CRS usage amongst all children, regardless of their disability status. For effective implementation for CSHCN, CRS should be affordable, accessible, functional and accommodate growth and postural support needs
Twyla Roach and Kerry Phillips in a Joint Recital
This is the program for the joint piano recital of junior Twyla Roach and sophomore Kerry Phillips. The recital took place on March 13, 1981, in the Mabee Fine Arts Center Recital Hall
Surf zone currents and influence on surfability
Surfing headlands are shallow and exposed coastal features that provide a specific form of breaking wave allowing a board-rider to ride on the unbroken wave face. The seabed shape and refraction of the waves in relation to depth contours provide the greatest influence on the quality of the surf break. The large scale and orientation of the Raglan headland allows only the low frequency swells to refract around the headland to create seven different surfing breaks. Each represents a compartmentalization of the shoreline along the headland. This creates variability in wave and current characteristics depending on the orientation and bathymetry at different locations. This provides not only potential access points through the surf-zone (ie: smaller currents), but greater surfability in a range of conditions that is not possible on small scale headlands.
Headlands with surfing waves can be classified as mis-aligned sections of the coast, where the higher oblique angle of the breaking surf generates strong wave-driven currents. These currents are far greater than that found on coastlines in equilibrium with the dominant swell direction, where comparatively insignificant longshore drift is found. The strength and direction of wave-driven currents in the surf zone can influence the surfability of a break. At a surfing headland strong currents flowing downdrift along the shoreline make it difficult for a paddling surfer to get to the "take-off" location of the break, or maintain position in the line-up. In comparison currents flowing updrift along headlands makes getting "out the back" relatively easy, although surfers can be taken out to sea past the "take-off" point by a fast flowing current.
Field experiments at Raglan, on the west coast of New Zealand have been conducted to measure current speed and direction during a large swell event. Observations of surfers attempting to paddle through the breaking-wave zone, confirms the strength of the wave-driven currents with surfers being swept rapidly down the headland. Results from the experiments at Raglan, have shown strong currents in the inshore breaking wave zone with burst-averaged velocities attaining 0.8 ms-1, and maximum bed orbital velocities of up to 2.0 ms-1. Interestingly, further offshore the currents have been found to flow in a re-circulating gyre back up the headland. Comparisons are made from observations of waves and currents found at other surfing headlands around the world. The effect that strong currents may have on the surfability of artificial surfing reefs needs to be considered in the design process, if the surfing amenity is to be maximised for large surf conditions
Parents' and clinicians' views of an interactive booklet about respiratory tract infections in children: a qualitative process evaluation of the EQUIP randomised controlled trial
Background:
âWhen should I worry?â is an interactive booklet for parents of children presenting with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care and associated training for clinicians. A randomised controlled trial (the EQUIP study) demonstrated that this intervention reduced antibiotic prescribing and future consulting intentions. The aims of this qualitative process evaluation were to understand how acceptable the intervention was to clinicians and parents, how it was implemented, the mechanisms for any observed effects, and contextual factors that could have influenced its effects.<p></p>
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents and 13 clinicians who participated in the trial. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a framework approach, which involved five stages; familiarisation, development of a thematic framework, indexing, charting, and interpretation.<p></p>
Results:
Most parents and clinicians reported that the âWhen should I worryâ interactive booklet (and online training for clinicians) was easy to use and valuable. Information on recognising signs of serious illness and the usual duration of illness were most valued. The interactive use of the booklet during consultations was considered to be important, but this did not always happen. Clinicians reported lack of time, lack of familiarity with using the booklet, and difficulty in modifying their treatment plan/style of consultation as barriers to use. Increased knowledge and confidence amongst clinicians and patients were seen as key components that contributed to the reductions in antibiotic prescribing and intention to consult seen in the trial. This was particularly pertinent in a context where decisions about the safe and appropriate management of childhood RTIs were viewed as complex and parents reported frequently receiving inconsistent messages.
Conclusions:
The âWhen should I worryâ booklet, which is effective in reducing antibiotic prescribing, has high acceptability for clinicians and parents, helps address gaps in knowledge, increases confidence, and provides a consistent message. However, it is not always implemented as intended. Plans for wider implementation of the intervention in health care settings would need to address clinician-related barriers to implementation
The psychofortology of women undergoing infertility treatment at a privately managed health care unit
Infertility, the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to birth, is an age-old concern, the anguish and disappointment of which is universal regardless of the etiology. Although technological advancement in the field of reproductive medicine has led to the possibilities of near miraculous procedures, infertility treatment offers the hope of conception without guaranteeing it and places the couple under tremendous emotional and financial strain. A moderate amount of research has explored the coping of individuals and the couple experiencing infertility, but has been primarily orientated to a clinical and medical focus as well as an exploration of the pathological symptoms that individuals may experience. This study has adopted a psychofortigenic focus and explored and described the coping (i.e., the coping resources and sense of coherence) and subjective well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life and happiness) of women undergoing infertility treatment. An exploratory descriptive research design was used and the participants were selected by means of non-probability purposive sampling. The sample consisted of 61women who were aged 30 years and older and required that they had received infertility treatment at a privately managed health care unit. Contextual and biographical data were gathered by means of a biographical questionnaire. Hammer and Martingâs (1988) Coping Resources Inventory was used to assess the participantâs coping resources. Antonovskyâs (1987) Orientation to Life Scale was used to measure the construct of Sense of Coherence. The Satisfaction with Life Scale by Diener, Emmons, Larsen and Griffin (1985) was used to assess respondentsâ overall satisfaction with life while Kamman and Flettâs (1983) Affectometer-2 (AFM-2) was used to measure participantsâ subjective happiness. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. The results of the CRI indicated a total coping resources score slightly below the mean of 50 as established by Hammer and Marting (1988). Results revealed that the highest mean score was obtained on the spiritual/philosophical subscale. Results from the SOC-29 indicated that the women sampled had an average Sense of Coherence. In terms of the construct of satisfaction with life as measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the results indicated that the participants were slightly satisfied with their lives. Results from the AFM-2 revealed that the majority of participants experienced a below average feeling of happiness. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters that differed significantly across the four measures
âCare-less whispersâ in the academy during COVID-19: A feminist collaborative autoethnography
This collaborative autoethnography (Bochner and Ellis, 2016) has created a space for three women academics from working-class heritage, navigating the liminal and temporal space of the COVID-19 pandemic within a post-1992 Higher Education Institution, to explore the social relations of one Higher Education Institution and confront their lived experiences. The stories shared in this paper are analysed through a âcare-lessâ (Rogers, 2017) lens, which asks the academy to recognise and confront the duplicity and self-glorification of policy and practice, that might be viewed as acts of normalising and supporting care-less cultures and behaviours. The paper raises questions about social justice, diversity and inclusion, the intersectionality of class and gender, and the inequity of the lived experiences from those who sit on the margins. The paper is the first collaborative writing project from a newly formed staff network of academics who come from working-class backgrounds, and we are intentional in our commitment to support each other as new researchers, giving agency in support of the other to find their voice
Predictive ethoinformatics reveals the complex migratory behaviour of a pelagic seabird, the Manx Shearwater
Understanding the behaviour of animals in the wild is fundamental to conservation efforts. Advances in bio-logging technologies have offered insights into the behaviour of animals during foraging, migration and social interaction. However, broader application of these systems has been limited by device mass, cost and longevity. Here, we use information from multiple logger types to predict individual behaviour in a highly pelagic, migratory seabird, the Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus). Using behavioural states resolved from GPS tracking of foraging during the breeding season, we demonstrate that individual behaviours can be accurately predicted during multi-year migrations from low cost, lightweight, salt-water immersion devices. This reveals a complex pattern of migratory stopovers: some involving high proportions of foraging, and others of rest behaviour. We use this technique to examine three consecutive years of global migrations, revealing the prominence of foraging behaviour during migration and the importance of highly productive waters during migratory stopover
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