Early experience of mobile telephony: A comparison of two villages in Papua New Guinea

This paper examines social change following the recent introduction of mobile telephony into rural communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It presents the findings of substantial fieldwork conducted in 2009, and suggests ways in which the new technology is already changing people’s lives and relationships. The paper identifies the roles of mobile telephones in two communities, the changes taking place, and how villagers are responding to them. Comparison of the two villages is strategic as it highlights similarities in perceptions of mobile phones in these two very different settings. An ethnographic approach is adopted, situated within an interpretative methodology. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews, orally-administered surveys and participant observation. The theoretical lens is focused on the ‘communicative ecology’ concept, which stems from the communication research tradition. This research is significant as it addresses changes currently occurring in the communication methods of whole communities

Which interval is most crucial to presentation and survival in gastroesophageal cancer: a systematic review

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the most crucial interval to encourage earlier diagnosis in with gastroesophageal cancer and to identify potential factors effecting this interval. Background: Gastroesophageal malignancy is the eighth most commonly presenting cancer with one of the worst survival rates. Identifying the most crucial period for intervention to inform earlier diagnosis is an important step towards improving survival. Design: Mixed methods literature review. Data Sources: CINAHL, MEDLINE and Academic search primer online databases were searched using keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Empirical evidence published between 2000–2016 with a focus on gastroesophageal cancer presentation and survival was reviewed to inform this study. Review methods: Twelve studies were extracted for further review. Selected studies were appraised and presented through Olensen's “delay interval” framework to inform the most crucial interval to survival in gastroesophageal cancer. Results: The findings identify the patient interval as the most critical period for encouraging earlier presentation and reducing advanced stage presentation in gastroesophageal cancer. The article also highlighted some methodological limitations to cancer research, such as a lack of consensus in definitions which prevent statistical meta-analysis of cancer data, survivor bias in gastroesophageal cancer studies and a significant lack of qualitative evidence to reveal patient experience in presenting with this cancer. Conclusion: Further research into the patient interval is required to elicit information on how and why patients present with their cancer symptoms

Mobile phone registration in Papua New Guinea: Will the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?

Commentary: The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has introduced a requirement for mobile phone registration. This commentary is a comprehensive analysis of the registration regulation, the process and key challenges. The paper is based on close observation of developments over several years, including attendance at court cases on the issue. The commentary includes: a description of the regulation, definitions of relevant terminology, a timeline of events, reflections on personal experiences, comparison to other countries, and discussion of related issues. In weighing costs against benefits, the author aims to determine the value of such a regulation. A key concern is the risk of poor and disadvantaged people being excluded from mobile phone ownership. While many countries in Africa and elsewhere have introduced similar requirements for registration with the stated objective of improving security, there is little evidence available that this measure does in fact reduce crime. Additionally, in Papua New Guinea, most people do not have any form of written identification documentation, which makes the process of mobile phone registration challenging

Can physical activity improve children’s academic-related outcomes?

This study explored how different intensities and types of physical activity are related to academic-related outcomes in children. It found that type and not intensity of physical activity was associated with better academic-related outcomes. Specifically, sport and short bouts of physical activity done in the classroom were associated with better focus in the classroom, which may lead to better academic achievement

Improving Reading Comprehension in Arabic English Language Learners

While working at a charter school where students first language is Arabic, there has been a concern that Arabic English Language Learners (ELLs) often struggle with reading comprehension and teachers strive to find ways to fit additional instruction in with their rigorous reading curriculum. Therefore, the topic of this project thesis is how to increase reading comprehension for Arabic English Language Learners. It will look at the causes of why some Arabic ELLs struggle with reading comprehension and will briefly explore the differences between the English and Arabic orthographies. An increase and focus on phonological processing skills (specifically phonological awareness) and vocabulary instruction will be highlighted as methods to help Arabic ELLs who struggle with reading become successful English readers. The participants will be Arabic ELLs from a charter school in Southeast Michigan. The results will be shared upon completion of the pre and post-tests before and after this project is completed. Some of the ways this project will suggest improving reading comprehension in Arabic ELLs is to use activities that promote phonological awareness skills such as creating CVC words, focusing on specific vocabulary instruction that is relevant to what the students are learning, and using computer-based programs to get the students actively engaged. At the conclusion of this project, it is hoped to see ways that teachers can bridge the achievement gap for the Arabic ELLs from Arabic to English