Alphabetisierung auf dem Weg zum sozialintegrativen Arbeiten: Konzeption und Erkenntnisse zum Entwicklungsstand an Volkshochschulen

Die Sozialintegrative Alphabetisierungsarbeit greift Handlungsansätze der Integrativen Erwachsenenbildung und der Lebensweltorientierten Sozialen Arbeit auf und konkretisiert sie für die Arbeit mit funktionalen Analphabeten. Sozialintegrative Alphabetisierungsarbeit koordiniert unterschiedliche Handlungsprozesse, die Schriftsprachfähigkeiten spezifisch thematisieren: Lernangebote, Ansprache- und Beratungsprozesse und die Zusammenarbeit von Institutionen in Netzwerken. Durch eine bundesweit repräsentative quantitative Untersuchung an Volkshochschulen wurde ermittelt, inwieweit dort sozialintegrative Arbeit im Bereich der Alphabetisierung bereits erkannt und umgesetzt wird und welche Entwicklungsrichtungen erkennbar sind

Reichweite der Alphabetisierungskurse: Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Befragung an Volkshochschulen

Der Deutsche Volkshochschul-Verband hat im Rahmen des Projekts EQUALS statistische Daten zu Alphabetisierungskursen an Volkshochschulen erhoben, die im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellt und mit Daten aus dem Jahr 1994 verglichen werden. Die Zahl der Kurse ist gestiegen, die der Teilnehmenden auch. Die Leistung wird jedoch von weniger Einrichtungen als früher erbracht. Die Teilnehmenden sind im Vergleich zu 1994 älter und öfter Frauen. Die für den Volkshochschulbereich repräsentative Erhebung hat auch Gründe für den Abbruch von Kursen ermittelt - ein Ereignis, das 11 Prozent aller Kursfälle betrifft.This article asks whether international models can be applied as a means of finding well-differentiated literacy levels to map skills acquired during the literacy process. To this effect, the article examines the American "component approach", the English "entry levels" and the "lower rungs approach". One result is that the article leans towards the means of educational diagnosis known as "formative assessment". Based on this, the project develops "workforce literacy development" (Literalitätsentwicklung von Arbeitskräften, lea.) literacy levels 1 to 5 and puts them up here for discussion

Personal domains assessed in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) for healthcare student selection: A narrative synthesis systematic review

To examine the personal domains multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are being designed to assess, explore how they were determined and contextualise such domains in current and future healthcare student selection processes DESIGN: A systematic review of empirical research reporting on MMI model design was conducted from database inception to November 2017. Twelve electronic bibliographic databases. Evidence was extracted from original studies, and integrated in a narrative synthesis guided by the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews. Personal domains were clustered into themes using a modified Delphi technique. A total of 584 articles were screened. 65 unique studies (80 articles) matched our inclusion criteria of which seven were conducted within nursing/midwifery faculties. Six in 10 studies featured applicants to medical school. Across selection processes, we identified 32 personal domains assessed by MMIs, the most frequent being: communication skills (84%), teamwork/collaboration (70%), and ethical/moral judgement (65%). Domains capturing ability to cope with stressful situations (14%), make decisions (14%), and resolve conflict in the workplace (13%) featured in fewer than ten studies overall. Intra- and inter-disciplinary inconsistencies in domain profiles were noted, as well as differences by entry level. MMIs deployed in nursing and midwifery assessed compassion and decision-making more frequently than in all other disciplines. Own programme philosophy and professional body guidance were most frequently cited (~50%) as sources for personal domains; a blueprinting process was reported in only 8% of studies. Nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare professionals should develop their theoretical frameworks for MMIs to ensure they are evidence-based and fit-for-purpose. We suggest a re-evaluation of domain priorities to ensure that students who are selected, not only have the capacity to offer the highest standards of care provision, but are able to maintain these standards when facing clinical practice and organisational pressures

Projektbericht (Mediumfassung)

Der Mediumbericht fasst die einzelnen Teile des Berichts in der Langfassung zusammen. Zunächst wird anhand von statistischen Zahlen und Fakten nachgewiesen, dass das männliche Ernährermodell noch immer sehr prägend für die Existenzsicherung von Frauen und Männern in Deutschland ist. Dies wird darauf zurückgeführt, dass im bundesdeutschen Recht diverse Schnittstellen des ehelichen Unterhaltsrechts mit dem Arbeits-, Sozial- und Steuerrecht existieren, die das Ernährermodell voraussetzen, faktisch auch auf Unverheiratete ausdehnen und gleichzeitig perpetuieren. Da aber auch der Gleichberechtigungsgrundsatz für Frauen und Männer gilt und ein Staatsziel sogar die "tatsächliche Durchsetzung der Gleichberechtigung" fordert, sind normative Wertungswidersprüche entstanden, die nach einer Reform der Schnittstellen und der Gesamtkonzeption der Berücksichtigung von Unterhalt und finanzieller Paarsolidarität in verschiedenen Regelungsbereichen verlangen. Anschließend an die Darstellung und Kritik der Schnittstellenregelungen wird am Beispiel der Anrechnung von Partnereinkommen und -vermögen gemäß SGB II ("Hartz IV") die subjektive Seite der sozialrechtlichen Einstandspflicht beleuchtet, indem Ergebnisse einer Befragung von Betroffenen referiert werden. Ein abschließendes Kapitel resümiert den Reformbedarf und skizziert die nötigen politischen Entwicklungen und Maßnahmen zur Überwindung der noch immer starken Stellung des männlichen Ernährermodells in Deutschland.200

Comprehensive Analyses of Coagulation Parameters in Patients with Vascular Anomalies.

BACKGROUND Vascular anomalies comprise a diverse group of rare diseases with altered blood flow and are often associated with coagulation disorders. The most common example is a localized intravascular coagulopathy in venous malformations leading to elevated D-dimers. In severe cases, this may progress to a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy with subsequent consumption of fibrinogen and thrombocytes predisposing to serious bleeding. A separate coagulopathy is the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in kaposiform hemangioendothelioma characterized by platelet trapping leading to thrombocytopenia and eventually consumptive coagulopathy. Our previous work showed impaired von Willebrand factor and platelet aggregometry due to abnormal blood flow, i.e., in ventricular assist devices or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. With altered blood flow also present in vascular anomalies, we hypothesized that, in particular, the von Willebrand factor parameters and the platelet function may be similarly impacted. METHODS We prospectively recruited 73 patients with different vascular anomaly entities and analyzed their coagulation parameters. RESULTS Acquired von Willebrand syndrome was observed in both of our patients with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. In six out of nine patients with complex lymphatic anomalies, both the vWF antigen and activity were upregulated. Platelet aggregometry was impaired in both patients with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon and in seven out of eight patients with an arteriovenous malformation. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of coagulation parameters in our patients with vascular anomalies advanced our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies of the observed coagulopathies. This may lead to new treatment options for the, in part, life-threatening bleeding risks in these patients in the future

The Production of Biogenic Silica from Different South African Agricultural Residues through a Thermo-Chemical Treatment Method

A thermo-chemical treatment method was used to produce biogenic amorphous silica from South African sugarcane and maize residues. Different fractions of South African sugarcane (leaves, pith, and fiber) were processed for silica production. The biomass samples were leached with either 7 wt% citric acid or 7 wt% sulfuric acid at 353 K for 2 h prior to being rinsed, dried and combusted using a four-step program ranging from room temperature to 873 K in a furnace. The characterization of the pre-treated biomass samples was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and elemental analysis (CHN), while the final products were characterized by XRF, X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Citric acid pre-treatment proved to be an attractive alternative to mineral acids. Amorphous biogenic silica was produced from sugarcane leaves in good quality (0.1 wt% residual carbon and up to 99.3 wt% silica content). The produced biogenic silica also had great textural properties such as a surface area of up to 323 m2 g−1, average pore diameter of 5.0 nm, and a pore volume of 0.41 cm3 g−1

Implementing a toolkit for the prevention, management and control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in English acute hospitals trusts:a qualitative evaluation

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem in hospitals world-wide. Following other countries, English hospitals experienced outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), a bacterial infection commonly resistant to last resort antibiotics. One way to improve CPE prevention, management and control is the production of guidelines, such as the CPE toolkit published by Public Health England in December 2013. The aim of this research was to investigate the implementation of the CPE toolkit and to identify barriers and facilitators to inform future policies. METHODS: Acute hospital trusts (N = 12) were purposively sampled based on their self-assessed CPE colonisation rates and time point of introducing local CPE action plans. Following maximum variation sampling, 44 interviews with hospital staff were conducted between April and August 2017 using a semi-structured topic guide based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour Model and the Theoretical Domains Framework, covering areas of influences on behaviour. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The national CPE toolkit was widely disseminated within infection prevention and control teams (IPCT), but awareness was rare among other hospital staff. Local plans, developed by IPCTs referring to the CPE toolkit while considering local circumstances, were in place in all hospitals. Implementation barriers included: shortage of isolation facilities for CPE patients, time pressures, and competing demands. Facilitators were within hospital and across-hospital collaborations and knowledge sharing, availability of dedicated IPCTs, leadership support and prioritisation of CPE as an important concern. Participants using the CPE toolkit had mixed views, appreciating its readability and clarity about patient management, but voicing concerns about the lack of transparency on the level of evidence and the practicality of implementation. They recommended regular updates, additional clarifications, tailored information and implementation guidance. CONCLUSIONS: There were problems with the awareness and implementation of the CPE toolkit and frontline staff saw room for improvement, identifying implementation barriers and facilitators. An updated CPE toolkit version should provide comprehensive and instructive guidance on evidence-based CPE prevention, management and control procedures and their implementation in a modular format with sections tailored to hospitals' CPE status and to different staff groups

Challenges and solutions for N-of-1 design studies in health psychology

Theories of behaviour change and health behaviour change interventions are most often evaluated in between-person designs. However, behaviour change theories apply to individuals not groups and behavioural interventions ultimately aim to achieve within-person rather than between-group change. Within-person methodology, such as N-of-1 (also known as single case design), can circumvent this issue, though has multiple design-specific challenges. This paper provides a conceptual review of the challenges and potential solutions for undertaking N-of-1 studies in health psychology. Key challenges identified include participant adherence to within-person protocols, carry-over and slow onset effects, suitability of behaviour change techniques for evaluation in N-of-1 experimental studies, optimal allocation sequencing and blinding, calculating power/sample size, and choosing the most suitable analysis approach. Key solutions include involving users in study design, employing recent technologies for unobtrusive data collection and problem solving by design. Within-person designs share common methodological requirements with conventional between-person designs but require specific methodological considerations. N-of-1 evaluation designs are appropriate for many though not all types of interventions. A greater understanding of patterns of behaviours and factors influencing behaviour change at the within-person level is required to progress health psychology into a precision science

The production of biogenic silica from different South African agricultural residues through a thermo-chemical treatment method

A thermo-chemical treatment method was used to produce biogenic amorphous silica from South African sugarcane and maize residues. Different fractions of South African sugarcane (leaves, pith, and fiber) were processed for silica production. The biomass samples were leached with either 7 wt% citric acid or 7 wt% sulfuric acid at 353 K for 2 h prior to being rinsed, dried and combusted using a four-step program ranging from room temperature to 873 K in a furnace. The characterization of the pre-treated biomass samples was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and elemental analysis (CHN), while the final products were characterized by XRF, X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Citric acid pre-treatment proved to be an attractive alternative to mineral acids. Amorphous biogenic silica was produced from sugarcane leaves in good quality (0.1 wt% residual carbon and up to 99.3 wt% silica content). The produced biogenic silica also had great textural properties such as a surface area of up to 323 m2 g −1 , average pore diameter of 5.0 nm, and a pore volume of 0.41 cm3 g −1 .The National Research Foundation of South Africahttps://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainabilityChemical Engineerin

Reducing Primary Care Attendance Intentions for Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a theory and evidence-based, parent-targeted online intervention, combining microbiological local syndromic surveillance data, symptom information, and home-care advice, to reduce primary care attendance for self-limiting, low-risk pediatric respiratory tract infections (RTIs). METHODS: The effect of this novel intervention on primary care attendance intentions was evaluated in an online experimental study. A representative sample of mothers (n = 806) was randomly assigned to receive the intervention material before (intervention) or after (control) answering questions concerning attendance intentions for an RTI illness scenario and mediating factors. Both groups provided feedback on the material. Group comparisons, linear regression, and path analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Intervention participants reported lower attendance intentions compared with control participants (d = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.55-0.83), an effect that remained when controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics (B = −1.62, 95% CI, −1.97 to −1.30). The path model highlighted that the intervention effect (B = −0.33, 95% CI, −0.40 to −0.26) was mostly indirect and mediated by infection and antibiotic knowledge, symptom severity concerns, and social norm perceptions concerning attendance. Information on when to attend was rated as the most important intervention component 227 times, followed by symptoms rated 186 times. Information on circulating viruses was rated as least important 274 times. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was effective in reducing primary care attendance intentions by increasing knowledge, lowering attendance motivation, and reducing the need for additional resources. The contribution of individual intervention components and effects on behavioral outcomes requires further testing