Use of Theory to Guide Integration of Virtual Reality Technology in Nursing Education: A Scoping Study

Background: There is growing interest among academic nurse educators in using virtual reality (VR) environments as a pedagogical tool to enhance student learning. Purpose: The aim of this scoping study was to identify the theories or conceptual models that informed the application of virtual reality technology in nursing education programs. Methods: A scoping study using the Arksey and O\u27Malley (2005) framework was conducted. A search strategy recommended and executed by a research librarian yielded 18 final articles for review. Findings: There is limited use of theory or a conceptual model, particularly of nursing origin, to guide the integration of VR technology for student learning. Discussion: More research is needed to define best practices for application of VR technology for specific curricular needs, and for theory development based on specific concepts and disciplinary perspectives of learning

Combined Forward-Backward Asymmetry Measurements in Top-Antitop Quark Production at the Tevatron

The CDF and D0 experiments at the Fermilab Tevatron have measured the asymmetry between yields of forward- and backward-produced top and antitop quarks based on their rapidity difference and the asymmetry between their decay leptons. These measurements use the full data sets collected in proton-antiproton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt s =1.96$ TeV. We report the results of combinations of the inclusive asymmetries and their differential dependencies on relevant kinematic quantities. The combined inclusive asymmetry is $A_{\mathrm{FB}}^{t\bar{t}} = 0.128 \pm 0.025$. The combined inclusive and differential asymmetries are consistent with recent standard model predictions

Cultural/Transcultural Focus

Cultural/transcultural focus is the study of shared meanings within and among groups. Culture is derived from social, political, and historical processes that influence individual and community beliefs and behaviors. Nurse investigators pursue this focus to explicate the association between culture and health and to provide culturally congruent care. The growing recognition of cultural influences on health care disparities has reinforced the call for practitioner competence. Projections that racial and ethnic minorities will be the majority in the United States by 2030 has also increased focus on the need for more and better research to understand both individual preferences and social determinants of health