STRUCTURAL DELUSION, RELIGIOUS ANXIETY, AND A MELODRAMATIC PRIEST: EXPLORING MACRO AND MICRO INFLUENCES ON THE CÓRDOBAN MARTYRS

After escaping the assassination of the Umayyad royal family in Damascus, a member of this family, Abd al-Rahman I, fled to the Iberian Peninsula to establish a new Umayyad Empire (756-1492 AD). Famous for its pluralistic polity, unparalleled scholarship, artistic prowess, and more, this empire rightfully established itself as a powerful political force. Many scholars emphasize the unique convivencia, or coexistence, that characterized Islamic Spain during these centuries while others thoroughly question this reality, concerned that it ignores the cultural strain that is inevitable in such a diverse society. In this essay, we find ourselves balancing a middle position, recognizing that both perspectives offer truth and are essential in order to glean meaningful lessons on what it means to shape a society that thrives amidst diversity. Serving as a tangible example of the cultural tension in Andalusia is a group of radical Christians known as the Córdoban martyrs. These 48 Christians experienced structural restraints primarily as a result of Islamic law as well as individual religious anxiety, which led them to seek the unprecedented act of “voluntary martyrdom”. In order to fully understand the tension they experienced and how it contributed to the eventual dissolution of Umayyad Spain, both the micro and macro influences on their decision must be explored. Through their story, we witness the power that inhabits both their individual narratives and macro structures. Their experience offers meaningful contributions to the macro-micro discussion present across all disciplines and highlights the importance of the micro perspective that is often discounted, especially in sociological inquiry. Scholars from every discipline need to acknowledge and consciously wrestle with this relationship in order to engage in truly robust research. With more knowledge of the interaction between structural and the individual, we can better understand how to use both micro and macro sources of power to build a world where social structures are more just, and a diversity of individuals and groups can flourish

ARATA’s response to the NDIA’s assistive technology discussion paper

The Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) responds to the NDIA’s AT Discussion Paper, and advocates that roles for all stakeholders must be considered.  • Summary of ARATA\u27s key recommendations arising from the Discussion Paper: 1. Evaluate outcomes from AT provision in trial sites and other systems to inform in the development of procurement and service delivery policy, consumer supports, and continuing professional development. 2. Support practitioners and researchers to validate existing AT service models for use in Australia. 3. Assist ARATA and other key stakeholders to develop a national accreditation system for AT practitioners and suppliers. 4. Investigate and document the roles, activities, and scope of practice of suppliers and peer mentors in AT service delivery, and associated outcomes for AT users. 5. Ensure the coupling of AT devices with appropriate soft technology support for device selection, implementation and review. 6. Investigate the efficacy and potential expansion of existing peer and consumer networking channels. 7. Support research into consumer use of information and decision-making in AT provision. 8. Fund independent AT information services and explore options for facilitating consumer ratings of products and services. 9. Identify AT products not yet available on the Australian market. 10. Fund research into AT development and commercialisation in Australia.&nbsp

An instrument to measure mobile shower commode usability: the eMAST 1.0. Tables

Data from a preliminary evaluation of the eMAST 1.0s psychometric properties, with a crosssectional sample of Australian MSC users

Structures, snacks, sprints, and socialising: strategies to increase writing output for AT Practitioners

Assistive Technology Practitioners are often engaged in research, evaluation and other reporting activities, but struggle to complete publications reporting the work. This paper presents three evidence-based strategies for increasing writing output: (i) write to a structure; (ii) use snacks and sprints, and (iii) get social. These strategies may be useful for AT Practitioners wanting to increase their writing output

Clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury: An exploratory review

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore evidence concerning clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes used by adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: Searches of electronic databases, conference proceedings and key journals were undertaken with no restriction on language or study design. Keywords included spinal cord injury, lesion, sanichair, sanitary chair, shower chair, bowel chair and commode. Results: A total of 20 publications were included in this review. Common approaches to clinical assessments were questionnaires and observational analysis to assess bowel care routines, function and skin integrity. Design features addressed access for bowel care, postural support, transfers, stability, use in wet environments and skin integrity. Objective performance measures addressed requirements for static stability, backward-sloping seat angles, arm supports and seat materials. Conclusions: Evidence reviewed was of low methodological quality and lacking in validated instruments to guide clinical practice. Further high-quality research is needed to identify bathing, showering and personal hygiene tasks affecting mobile shower commodes use and to develop validated clinical assessment tools. Performance testing to published standards is also needed. Implications for Rehabilitation Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) use mobile shower commodes for functional activities including transferring, propelling, bowel care and showering, and the interactions between an adult with SCI, their mobile shower commode, and the physical environment are not well understood. Current mobile shower commode designs may not facilitate functional activities and may contribute to falls and development of pressure ulcers. Standardised and validated clinical assessment tools are needed to guide clinical practice, and should include questionnaires and observational analysis of functional activities performed in mobile shower commodes across all environments of use

Research culture and capacity in community health services: results of a structured survey of staff

Developing research capacity is recognised as an important endeavour. However, little is known about the current research culture, capacity and supports for staff working in community-based health settings. A structured survey of Division of Community Health staff was conducted using the research capacity tool. The survey was disseminated by email and in paper format. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. In total, 109 usable responses were received, giving a response rate of 26%. Respondents were predominately nurses (n≤71, 65.7%), with ∼50% reporting post-graduate vocational qualifications. The highest levels of skills or organisational success were in using evidence to plan, promote and guide clinical practice. Most participants were unsure of organisational and team level skills and success at generating research. Few reported recent experience in research-generating activities. Barriers to undertaking research included lack of skills, time and access to external support and funding. Lack of skills and success in accessing external funding and resources to protect research time or to 'buy-in' technical expertise appeared to exacerbate these barriers. Community health staff have limited capacity to generate research with current levels of skill, funding and time. Strategies to increase research capacity should be informed by knowledge of clinicians' research experience and interests, and target development of skills to generate research. Resources and funding are needed at the organisational and team levels to overcome the significant barriers to research generation reported

Developing an initial questionnaire for a modified-Delphi study on mobile shower commodes

Mobile shower commodes (MSCs) are commonly prescribed for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) to facilitate bowel care and showering. No screening tools currently exist to alert the user or their carers to problems that may require specialist intervention. A modified-Delphi study technique was chosen to develop a screening tool to be known as the Mobile shower commode Assessment Screening Tool (MAST). In the initial questionnaire development phase, a total of 50 elements were identified through content analysis of relevant literature. These elements were sorted into three broad categories: clinical/medical, functional / occupational health and safety and maintenance. Descriptors for a 5-point Likert scale were added along with an option of "Not applicable". The next phases of the modified-Delphi study include identifying the expert panel, determining conditions for consensus and gaining ethical clearance for the study

Assistive technology devices for toileting and showering used in spinal cord injury rehabilitation - a comment on terminology

A review of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering identified at least 15 separate terms across all studies, with another two identified in subsequent studies. Terms are often used interchangeably, and are often not defined or described. Inconsistencies in terminology affect the quality of evidence available to policy makers, researchers and clinicians. Researchers are encouraged to provide clear definitions and descriptions of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering under investigation. Implications for Rehabilitation At least 17 different terms have been identified for assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering. Inconsistencies in terminology make comparisons between studies difficult, and therefore affect the quality of evidence available to policy makers, researchers and clinicians. Providing clear definitions and descriptions of assistive technologies, products and devices for toileting and showering under investigation is encouraged