Research essentials: An introduction to qualitative research for the novice children’s nurse

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH is ‘a form of social inquiry that focuses on the way people make sense of their experiences and the world in which they live’ (Holloway 2013). Qualitative methods can explore complex issues where little is known, gaining new insights and a deep understanding of the individual perspective, and are invaluable when exploring the complexities of nursing and care delivery. Read More: http://journals.rcni.com/doi/abs/10.7748/ncyp.27.2.14.s1

Issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research

Evaluating the quality of research is essential if findings are to be utilised in practice and incorporated into care delivery. In a previous article we explored ‘bias’ across research designs and outlined strategies to minimise bias.1 The aim of this article is to further outline rigour, or the integrity in which a study is conducted, and ensure the credibility of findings in relation to qualitative research. Concepts such as reliability, validity and generalisability typically associated with quantitative research and alternative terminology will be compared in relation to their application to qualitative research. In addition, some of the strategies adopted by qualitative researchers to enhance the credibility of their research are outline

Anatomical curve identification

Methods for capturing images in three dimensions are now widely available, with stereo-photogrammetry and laser scanning being two common approaches. In anatomical studies, a number of landmarks are usually identified manually from each of these images and these form the basis of subsequent statistical analysis. However, landmarks express only a very small proportion of the information available from the images. Anatomically defined curves have the advantage of providing a much richer expression of shape. This is explored in the context of identifying the boundary of breasts from an image of the female torso and the boundary of the lips from a facial image. The curves of interest are characterised by ridges or valleys. Key issues in estimation are the ability to navigate across the anatomical surface in three-dimensions, the ability to recognise the relevant boundary and the need to assess the evidence for the presence of the surface feature of interest. The first issue is addressed by the use of principal curves, as an extension of principal components, the second by suitable assessment of curvature and the third by change-point detection. P-spline smoothing is used as an integral part of the methods but adaptations are made to the specific anatomical features of interest. After estimation of the boundary curves, the intermediate surfaces of the anatomical feature of interest can be characterised by surface interpolation. This allows shape variation to be explored using standard methods such as principal components. These tools are applied to a collection of images of women where one breast has been reconstructed after mastectomy and where interest lies in shape differences between the reconstructed and unreconstructed breasts. They are also applied to a collection of lip images where possible differences in shape between males and females are of interest

The Synagogue of Dura Europos: An Inclusive Narrative

In 1932, the discovery of the Synagogue of Dura Europos in Syria presented a turning point in the study of art, architecture, and Art History in general. The reason behind the turning point was the fact that this discovery yielded the first ever examples of Jewish art and architecture. Within the Synagogue were fresco panels telling stories from the Hebrew bible. The report of this discovery was felt throughout the entire Art History world not only at this point in time, but in the modern day as well. In addition to the continued discussion surrounding the frescoes, their legitimacy as examples of Jewish art and architecture continue to be a relevant topic. Furthermore, the chronicle of Dura Europos is an important subject in relation to this study. The city’s history up to the creation of the Synagogue, its destruction, and rediscovery are also important in understanding the overall discovery of Synagogue as well

Ultrastructure and Physical Properties of an Adhesive Surface, the Toe Pad Epithelium of the Tree Frog, Litoria caerulea.

Knowledge of both surface structure and physical properties such as stiffness and elasticity are essential to understanding any adhesive system. In this study of an adhesion surface in the tree frog, Litoria caerulea White, a variety of techniques including atomic force microscopy were used to investigate the microstructure and properties of an epithelium that adheres through wet adhesion. Litoria toe pads consist of a hexagonal array of flat-topped epithelial cells, separated by mucus-filled channels. Under an atomic force microscope, this `flat' surface is highly structured at the nanoscale, consisting of a tightly packed array of columnar nanopillars (described as hemidesmosomes by previous authors), 326±84 nm in diameter, each of which possesses a central dimple 8±4 nm in depth. In fixed tissue (transmission electron microscopy), the nanopillars are approximately as tall as they are broad. At the gross anatomical level, larger toe pads may be subdivided into medial and lateral parts by two large grooves. Although the whole toe pad is soft and easily deformable, the epithelium itself has an effective elastic modulus equivalent to silicon rubber (mean Eeff=14.4±20.9 MPa; median Eeff=5.7 MPa), as measured by the atomic force microscope in nanoindentation mode. The functions of these structures are discussed in terms of maximising adhesive and frictional forces by conforming closely to surface irregularities at different length scales and maintaining an extremely thin fluid layer between pad and substrate. The biomimetic implications of these findings are reviewed

Acceptance and commitment therapy for depression and anxiety : an interpretative phenomenological analysis of clients’ experiences in a group context

Rationale: There is accumulating evidence supporting the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a group context for individuals with depression and/or anxiety. However, there is limited qualitative research in this area. Aim: This thesis aimed to address this gap by exploring individuals’ experiences of an ACT group for depression and/or anxiety. This may provide an insight into how individuals understand ACT processes and the mechanisms for therapeutic change within ACT. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Three master superordinate themes emerged; Group Dynamics; The Journey of Therapy; Usefulness of Therapy. A description of these superordinate themes and the seven related subordinate themes are discussed. The findings highlighted the benefits and challenges of ACT tools and concepts as well as the group context. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are outlined

The Effects of the Food Stamp Program on Energy Balance and Obesity

The Effects of the Food Stamp Program on Energy Balance and ObesityFood Stamp Program (FSP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), obesity, body mass index (BMI), nutrition assistance, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q18, H53, I12, I18, I38,

Contemporary French Queer Cinema: Explicit Sex and the Politics of Normalization

This thesis examines how recent French queer films may mirror, interrogate and engage with sexual politics in France. The key political changes include the 1999 Pacte Civil de Solidarité legislation and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. The thesis focuses on French queer films which are sexually explicit, including simulated and unsimulated sex acts. Using Michael Warner’s The Trouble with Normal and Michel Foucault’s conceptions of homosexuality, the thesis suggests that the sexual politics in France ostensibly normalize and desexualize gay and lesbian modes of desire. This thesis ultimately argues that the explicit sex scenes in the films discussed are not gratuitous. Rather they are integral to the director’s engagement with contemporary French sexual politics. French queer cinema, as such, remains a key critical lens through which to analyze the global shift towards the legalization of gay marriage and the unpredictable social, sexual, and political implications of normalization