Soledad Puértolas: Una vida inesperada

Review of: Soledad Puértolas. Una vida inesperada. Barcelona, Anagrama, 1997, 318 pp

An Experimental Study of the Educational Effects of Grouping in a Fifth-Grade Arithmetic Class

It is the purpose of this study (1) to investigate the effects of ability grouping on the achievement growth rate; (2) to present any changes of satisfaction and/or frustrations of the children in the class; and (3) to show ways in which individual differences were met and encouraged in flexible class grouping, as revealed through an experimental study

Illness Representations, Emotional Distress, Coping Strategies, and Coping Efficacy as Predictors of Patient Outcomes for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus affects 20.8 million Americans in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Acute and chronic disease-related complications can have a devastating effect on the life of individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Reduction in acute and chronic complications can be best achieved by individuals’ adhering to appropriate lifestyle changes and maintaining tight glycemic control through a process of self-regulation. Self-regulation treatment decisions and lifestyle behavioral changes can be influenced by physiological and psychosocial factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between illness representations, emotional distress, coping strategies, and coping efficacy as predictors of outcomes (self-care behavior and A1c levels) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A descriptive, correlational design was used to examine the relationship between illness representations, emotional distress, coping strategies, and coping efficacy as predictors of outcomes for self-care behavior and metabolic control in individuals with Type 2 diabetes as it relates to diabetes management. A convenience sample of 119 men (46.2%) and women (53.8%) between the ages of 22 and 93 years of age living in two urban cities located in a southeastern state with documented type 2 diabetes were recruited. Participants were recruited from four endocrinology offices, one internal medicine office, two medical clinics, and three diabetes education centers. The majority of the participants were caucasian (74.8%). Inclusion criteria were that participants a) had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 1 year or more, (b) were able to read and write in English, (c) were 18 years of age or older, and (d) had an A1c level drawn within the past 30 days. Questionnaire booklets were mailed to participants. Participants’ A1c levels were obtained from their medical records. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, bivariate correlations, multiple linear regressions, and hierarchical multiple linear regressions. Participants perceived their diabetes to be a chronic, moderately cyclical condition with negative consequences and with moderate amounts of symptomatology that greatly influenced their emotional status. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that coping efficacy uniquely accounted for 9% of the variance in self-care behavior. Perceptions of higher coping efficacy were associated with higher beliefs of personal control and treatment control, a greater understanding of diabetes, engagement in higher levels of self-care behavior, and lower A1c levels. In addition, hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed illness representations, particularly timeline cyclical, accounted for 12% of the variance in A1c levels. Perceptions of a more cyclical disease course were predicted of higher A1c levels. Interestingly, a perception of diabetes being a less chronic illness was associated with higher self-care behavior. This study affirms the importance of how illness representations and coping efficacy influence self-care behavior and A1c levels. The findings from this study have important implications for nursing practice in the areas of assessment, diabetes management, coping skills training, behavior modification, motivational interviewing, and diabetes education. Further research is needed to expand the knowledge base and develop targeted interventions related to illness representations, especially timeline cyclical, and coping efficacy in the diabetes population

Perceptions of Value-Stream Costing and the Effect on Lean-Accounting Implementation

In response to the competitive global economy, lean manufacturing has become more prevalent in the United States. Manufacturing has changed, but cost accounting has not. Lean manufacturing has the potential to change the U.S. manufacturing economy, resulting in positive economic social change, yet it requires lean accounting to increase successful implementations. This study addressed the problem of lack of adoption of lean-accounting techniques like value-stream costing in lean-manufacturing enterprises. The purpose of this nonexperimental explanatory study was to investigate factors that influence the adoption of lean accounting. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM), based on the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior, this study examined whether management accountants- perceptions of the ease of use (PEOU), or perceived usefulness (PU) of value-stream costing may influence their intention (BI) to implement value-stream costing. The 2,307 attendees of the Lean Accounting Summit from 2005-2013 were invited to participate in an online survey; 70 attendees agreed to participate. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regressions were calculated. Statistically significant positive relationships emerged between PEOU, PU, and the intention to implement value-stream costing. Also, PEOU and PU for the individual accounted for 51% of the variance of BI, and PEOU and PU for the organization accounted for 49% of the variance of BI. This study added to the understanding how management accountants- perceptions positively influence their intention to implement value-stream costing. The relationships found by this study will create positive social change when used to influence the adoption of value-stream costing in order to increase the successful implementation of lean manufacturing in the U.S

The Effects of 12 Weeks of Instructor-Led Yoga Classes on Balance in Older Adults

Participation in a regular exercise program is an effective way to reduce and/or prevent a number of functional declines associated with aging (Chodzko-Zajo et al., 2009). Older adults are advised to participate in regular aerobic activity and practice muscle strengthening activities and exercise that maintains or improves balance (U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, [USDHHS], 2012). Less than one third of older adults engage in 30 minutes of low to moderate intense physical activity at least five days a week as recommended in current guidelines (USDHHS, 2012), and these guidelines fail to address losses in strength and flexibility seen among adults as they age. Extended periods of sitting or lack of movement can lead to muscular shortening, tightening, and weakening; joint deterioration; loss of flexibility; and lack of balance. Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-based Practice to Promote Quality Care and Kotter’s Eight Steps of Change as guides, this EBP project was implemented with the objective of evaluating the effect of 12 weeks of instructor-led yoga on physical balance of older adults residing in a retirement home. A pre- and post-intervention Berg Balance Scale (BBS) assessment was performed on15 older adults and scores were evaluated using paired sample t-tests. The BBS assessment score increased from M = 38.67 preintervention to M = 40.53 post-intervention, increase of 1.86 points (p = .001). Statistically significant increases were also noted in (a) standing unsupported with eyes closed (p = .001) and (b) sit to stand (p = .002). Overall, the yoga classes demonstrated a significant improvement in the balance of participants. These results indicated residents would benefit from continued yoga classes and implementation of a balance assessment

Discovering Ways That Influence the Older Nurse to Continue Bedside Practice

A descriptive qualitative approach was used to investigate older nurses practicing bedside nursing and to identify ways to influence older nurses to continue bedside practice. A purposive sample of 18 older nurses was recruited from a healthcare system located in the Southeastern United States. Interpretative analysis of interviews resulted in the identification of three constitutive patterns and eight themes. The first constitutive pattern identified was attributes of the older nurse. The themes comprising this pattern were (a) professional growth in confidence and skills through experience and (b) passion and love for nursing. The second constitutive pattern was enduring stress and frustration. The themes comprising this pattern were (a) physical and mental changes associated with aging, (b) increased patient acuity and patient load, (c) constant change, and (d) time constraints. The third constitutive pattern was enhancements needed for older nurses to continue bedside nursing. The themes comprising this pattern were (a) work environment enhancements and (b) organizational relationship enhancements. Findings may provide a better understanding of the older nurse's role in bedside nursing

Using Technology 24/7 for Regional Assistance After Shutdown of Major Industries

People facing unemployment or who are underemployed need access to community and financial information and resources 24/7. Collaborating with community agencies and organizations, FCS educators developed a website with comprehensive local and state resources and educational tools that the consumer might otherwise not have been aware were available. Although the website was developed for five specific counties, statistics have shown that people in other counties, states and countries have found some of the information valuable. An additional tool, a Facebook page, provides updates on current issues each week