Probing the Reactivity of the Ce=O Multiple Bond in a Cerium(IV) Oxo Complex

The reactivity of the cerium­(IV) oxo complex [(L_OEt)₂Ce^IV(O)­(H₂O)]·MeC­(O)­NH₂ (<b>1</b>; L_OEt^– = [CoCp­{P­(O)­(OEt)₂}₃]⁻, where Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) toward electrophiles and Brønsted acids has been investigated. The treatment of <b>1</b> with acetic anhydride afforded the diacetate complex [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(O₂CMe)₂] (<b>2</b>). The reaction of <b>1</b> with B­(C₆F₅)₃ yielded [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(Me₂CONH₂)₂]­[B­(C₆F₅)₃(OH)]₂ (<b>3</b>), in which the [B­(C₆F₅)₃(OH)]⁻ anions are H-bonded to the O-bound acetamide ligands. The treatment of <b>1</b> with HCl and HNO₃ afforded [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂Cl₂] and [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(NO₃)₂], respectively. Protonation of <b>1</b> with triflic acid (HOTf) gave the diaqua complex [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(H₂O)₂]­(OTf)₂ (<b>4</b>), in which the triflate anions are H-bonded to the two aqua ligands. The treatment of <b>1</b> with phenol afforded the phenoxide complex [Ce^IV(L_OEt)₂(OPh)₂] (<b>5</b>). The oxo-bridged bimetallic complex [(L_OEt)₂(Me₂CONH₂)­Ce^IV(O)­NaL_OEt] (<b>6</b>) with the Ce–O_oxo and Na–O_oxo distances of 1.953(4) and 2.341(4) Å, respectively, was obtained from the reaction of <b>1</b> with [NaL_OEt]. Density functional theory calculations showed that the model complex [(L_OMe)₂Ce^IV(Me₂CONH₂)­(O)­NaL_OMe] (<b>6A</b>; L_OMe^– = [CoCp­{P­(O)­(OMe)₂}₃]⁻) contains a polarized CeO multiple bond. The energy for dissociation of the {NaL_OMe} fragment from <b>6A</b> in acetonitrile was calculated to be +33.7 kcal/mol, which is higher than that for dissociation of the H-bonded acetamide from [(L_OMe)₂Ce^IV(O)­(H₂O)]·MeC­(O)­NH₂ (<b>1A</b>) (calculated to be +17.4 kcal/mol). In hexanes containing trace water, complex <b>1</b> decomposed readily to a mixture of a tetranuclear cerium­(IV) oxo cluster, [Ce^IV₄(L_OEt)₄(μ₄-O)­(μ₂-O)₄(μ₂-OH)₂] (<b>7</b>), and a cerium­(III) complex, [Ce^III(L_OEt)₂(H₂O)₂]­[L_OEt] [<b>8</b>(L_OEt)], whereas the cerium/sodium oxo complex <b>6</b> is stable under the same conditions. The crystal structures of <b>3</b>, <b>4</b>·H₂O, <b>6</b>, and <b>8</b>(L_OEt) have been determined

Towards a global partnership model in interprofessional education for cross-sector problem-solving

Objectives A partnership model in interprofessional education (IPE) is important in promoting a sense of global citizenship while preparing students for cross-sector problem-solving. However, the literature remains scant in providing useful guidance for the development of an IPE programme co-implemented by external partners. In this pioneering study, we describe the processes of forging global partnerships in co-implementing IPE and evaluate the programme in light of the preliminary data available. Methods This study is generally quantitative. We collected data from a total of 747 health and social care students from four higher education institutions. We utilized a descriptive narrative format and a quantitative design to present our experiences of running IPE with external partners and performed independent t-tests and analysis of variance to examine pretest and posttest mean differences in students’ data. Results We identified factors in establishing a cross-institutional IPE programme. These factors include complementarity of expertise, mutual benefits, internet connectivity, interactivity of design, and time difference. We found significant pretest–posttest differences in students’ readiness for interprofessional learning (teamwork and collaboration, positive professional identity, roles, and responsibilities). We also found a significant decrease in students’ social interaction anxiety after the IPE simulation. Conclusions The narrative of our experiences described in this manuscript could be considered by higher education institutions seeking to forge meaningful external partnerships in their effort to establish interprofessional global health education

What Helps Oiled Wildlife Responders Care for Animals While Minimizing Stress and Compassion Fatigue

Oil spills are environmental disasters and their long-term impact is not just a concern for the environment and economy, but also for first responders’ health and wellbeing. Wildlife, such as aquatic birds and certain marine mammals, are highly susceptible to physiological effects of oiling, and oiled wildlife responders are crucial to provide measures for their survival. The purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of oiled wildlife responders and what factors and conditions have helped or inhibited the responders to care-affected wildlife. This study collected responses (n = 50) from a survey of responders who attended either the New Zealand MV Rena or US Refugio pipeline oil spills. Study participants were mostly older (&gt;40), highly educated females. We found there were significant differences in compassion satisfaction, resilience, burnout and overall satisfaction based on age, gender and role. While most responders have only attended limited numbers of oil spill incidents, they reported positive experiences and found it rewarding. Findings from responders indicated that to lessen stress and compassion fatigue during an incident, provision of training and support from professional organizations equips responders with knowledge and skills that can support their personal resilience to respond to disaster events

Using the capability approach to understand the determinants of subjective well-being among community-dwelling older people in New Zealand

© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.Background: as the longevity of the population increases, attention has turned to quality of life of older people as a component of healthy ageing. The objective of this study was to use Welch Saleeby's model of the capability approach to explore the determinants of subjective well-being among older people. Methods: this analysis used data from a sample of older people, aged 50-87, from 2012 wave of the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NZLSA) (n = 2,793). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the relationships between the commodities (number of chronic conditions reported, physical and mental health), and personal and environmental factors (economic living standard and discrimination), on the capabilities of older people to achieve well-being. Results: the findings supported Welch Saleeby's model. Capabilities mediated the relationship between commodities and wellbeing, indicating that increasing the range of real opportunities available to older people is a key step in increasing well-being. Age and gender were also found to be significant moderators of these relationships. The relationship between economic living standards and well-being was weakest for the oldest participants, but experiences of discrimination had a stronger effect on well-being in this age group. Conclusion: Welch Saleeby's model of the capability approach provides a useful framework for advancing the ethics of care as it highlights the multidimensional nature of well-being in later life. Focusing on expanding capabilities for older people enables policymakers and practitioners to understand the resources and supports required to enable well-being in the context of health challenges

An investigation of citizenship participation of young adults with and without cerebral palsy

Citizenship participation by young adults has reciprocal benefits for both individuals and society. Capacity to participate in activities that positively influence the community is indicative of healthy individuals and healthy communities. While there are some studies on citizenship participation among adolescents, little empirical evidence exists regarding the meaning of, or practical participation in citizenship activities by young adults in contemporary Australia society, and particularly those who have a disability such as cerebral palsy (CP).This study investigated citizenship participation and identified factors that influenced citizenship participation in young adults with and without a disability, particularly CP. The study occurred in three phases: (1) a qualitative phase; (2) a quantitative, cross-sectional phase; and (3) a consultation phase.The aim of Phase 1 was to develop a measurement of citizenship participation based on literature and consultation with key stakeholders. Before proceeding to the item development, the ideas of how young adults in general perceived the underlying meanings of citizen participation and how they classified social and civic activities were explored through focus groups and individual interviews. A pool of 36 items was initially developed based on a critical review of participation instruments. The process of developing a suitable measurement was undertaken by item reduction, thus generating a list of 29 items. This led to the development of a self-report survey instrument of the Citizenship Inventory (CI) to measure citizenship participation. Psychometric properties of the CI were evaluated.Phase 2 involved identifying potential factors influencing citizenship participation. Supported by qualitative findings and propositions in the literature, it was predicted that citizenship participation was shaped by a number of factors labelled as civic communication, sense of place, life values and physical and social conditions, via the mediators of self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Measures of proposed independent variables and the two mediating factors identified above were then employed with a sample of 434 typical young adults, using a cross-sectional survey design. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to investigate the interrelationships of the variables and for testing the goodness-of-fit. The identified variables contributing to citizenship participation in the typical young adults were used to compare against 60 young adults with CP.The results from modelling demonstrated that: 1) citizenship participation is influenced by the personal, social and environmental factors, which is multidimensional and subject to ongoing changes; 2) early positive activity participation creates later engagement in citizenship activities; 3) young adults’ social contexts are important socializing agents that promote citizenship participation; 4) young adults’ values influence civic participation; and 5) life satisfaction and self-efficacy are important mediating factors of citizenship participation.Similar to the typical young adults, young adults with CP developed their capacity for civic service and participation through social relationships and social memberships (formal and informal). The overall results suggest that that young adults with and without disabilities must be supported across many contexts – homes, jobs, social and community situations – to utilize their skills and abilities to actively participate in citizenship activities.Phase Three involved consulting key stakeholders, based on the research findings from the previous two phases, to identify key priorities for enhancing citizenship participation specifically for young adults with CP. These key priorities in turn helped shaping a framework of recommendations for future directions on how to promote and sustain citizenship participation in young adults with CP. The expert panel consisted of eight stakeholders who identified key priorities during a group discussion meeting using Nominal Group Techniques (NGT). Several key topics were evident in this list of priorities nominated by this group. Many of the ideas endorsed by the expert panel on enhancing citizenship participation mirrored the outcomes from the citizenship participation model. They stemmed from the principles of focusing on positive social networks, ongoing skills development, providing customised services, support and information, adopting a holistic lifespan perspective, and linking and providing real-world opportunities and experiences. Priorities identified were grouped into four main recommendations: (1) customise the types of services for each individual; (2) develop strategies to increase positive family and peer support; (3) young adults with a disability seen as competent community builders; and (4) building individual capacity.The present research sought to add to the current knowledge in understanding the changing experiences of citizenship participation of young adults living in Australia and whether young adults with a disability, particularly those with CP shared the same or different citizenship experiences as their non-disabled peers. Findings demonstrate that ideas about citizenship participation are not homogenous as they depend on circumstances. For young adults with and without CP, their citizenship identity is believed to be shaped by age, by societal expectations and by personal experiences. This thesis provides practical implications and a framework for service providers and policy makers that can be implemented to promote positive citizenship participation. This thesis also provides a rationale for further research to investigate other methodologies that enables researchers to explore the positioning and experiences of young adults’ participation in social and civic actions in this changing world

An exploratory study examining the relationships between the personal, environmental and activity participation variables and quality of life among young adults with disabilities

Purpose: Despite the apparent importance of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework in influencing the relationships between participation and quality of life (QoL), limited research has been given to comprehensive modelling of their influence. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between ICF components, participation factors and QoL among young adults with disabilities. Methods: This study tested a theoretically and empirically based explanatory model on 119 young adults with disabilities to examine how the variables of functional impact, financial behaviour, self-efficacy, neighbourhood environment, social support, social and community participation, satisfaction with participation influenced QoL. Analyses were performed with AMOS maximum likelihood parameter estimation. Results: The final model accepted in this study showed a well-fitted model, which explained 65% of the variance in QoL. Results from the statistical modelling indicated that all the ICF components and satisfaction with participation influenced the level of QoL in young adults with disabilities in either a direct or indirect manner. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that young adults with disabilities have a very complex interaction of their activity participation, social membership, community connectedness, life satisfaction, suggesting that their context of QoL is shaped by how they make sense not only with their functional status, but also the social and community environment. Current findings further demonstrate that the ICF model of functioning and disability should be thought of as multidimensional and more than instrumental in character when being used by health and rehabilitation professionals.Implications for RehabilitationThis study supports the ICF model to include the concept of QoL as the outcome.Rehabilitation practitioners are encouraged to view the ICF model as multidimensional when designing interventions.Social context and support should be included when developing strategies to enhance QoL in youth transition to adulthood

Examining citizenship participation in young Australian adults: a structural equation analysis

As citizens, young adults should be supported and encouraged to enact their basic rights and responsibilities to partake in decision-making that affects their lives and development. Recent studies in several Western countries, including Australia, have suggested that levels of political and community activities among young adults have significantly decreased. This study tested a theoretically and empirically based explanatory model of citizenship participation on 434 young Australian adults to examine how the variables of social milieu, citizen communication networks, self-efficacy and life satisfaction contributed to citizenship participation (social and civic activities). Structural equation modelling corroborated a meditational model in which citizen communication networks and social milieu accounted for significant variance in self-efficacy and life satisfaction which in turn accounted for social and civic participation. Results demonstrated that citizenship participation is influenced by the social environment, which is multidimensional and the person–environment interaction is subject to ongoing changes. Young adults' social contexts are important socialising agents that promote citizenship participation