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Að skilja dyslexíu: Vísindaleg nálgun á greiningu, stuðning og kennslu
Ritgerðin fjallar um dyslexíu, sértækan lestrarvanda af taugafræðilegum uppruna, sem getur haft víðtæk áhrif á nám, sjálfsmynd og félagslega aðlögun barna. Hér er alþjóðlega hugtakið dyslexía notað í stað íslensku þýðingarinnar lesblinda, þar sem hið síðarnefnda gefur ranga mynd af eðli röskunarinnar.
Fjallað er um þróun undirþátta lestrar og læsis frá frumbernsku, einkenna og birtingarmynda dyslexíu. Mikilvægt er að greina dyslexíu hjá börnum strax á leikskólaaldri. Árangursrík íhlutun felur í sér stuðning og kennslu sem er markviss og stigvaxandi, í formi skipulega uppbyggðrar lestrarkennslu og læsiseflandi kennsluhátta (e. Structured Literacy, International Dyslexia Association, 2023; Moats, 2020).
Rannsóknir sýna að ranghugmyndir og mýtur um eðli dyslexíu geta leitt til seinkaðrar greiningar, ómarkvissrar íhlutunar og neikvæðra viðhorfa, ásamt óskilvirkum kennsluháttum, sem hafa áhrif á sjálfsmynd og námsárangur barna (Gaab, 2020; Snowling og Humle, 2021). Algengasta mýtan er sú trú að börn með dyslexíu þurfi sérstakt letur eða litaðar glærur til að bæta lestrarfærni, en slík úrræði hafa ekki verið studd með haldbærum rannsóknum (Elliott og Grigorenko, 2024; Gaab, 2020). Þessi hugmynd er þó svo rótgróin að hún hefur í mörgum tilfellum orðið almenn regla og fast viðmið, jafnvel meðal fræðimanna. Önnur algeng mýta er sú að dyslexía sé aðeins tímabundinn lestrarvandi sem hverfi með æfingu, en rannsóknir sýna að dyslexía er langvarandi taugaþroskaröskun sem krefst sértæks stuðnings og skilvirkra kennsluhátta (Kilpatrick, 2015). Þessar mýtur eru ekki byggðar á vísindalegri þekkingu og geta haft neikvæð áhrif á námsframvindu barna og ungmenna með dyslexíu.
Með aukinni fræðslu um eðli og birtingarmynd dyslexíu, sem og undirliggjandi orsakir hennar, má stuðla að réttum stuðningi og markvissari kennslu sem mætir raunverulegum þörfum barna með dyslexíu. Með þeim hætti geta börn og ungmenni náð góðum framförum í öllum undirþáttum læsis, sem síðan leiðir til farsællar framvindu þeirra í námi.This thesis explores dyslexia, a specific learning disorder of neurological origin, which can have far-reaching effects on reading development, language processing, self-image, and the social adaptation of children. The international term dyslexia is used throughout the thesis instead of the Icelandic translation lesblinda, as the latter gives a misleading impression of the nature of the disorder.
The development of literacy, and its foundational components from early childhood, as well as the characteristics and manifestations of dyslexia, are discussed, and the need to identify dyslexia in children already at preschool age. Effective intervention involves support and instruction that is systematic and incremental, in the form of structured reading instruction and rich literacy activities (Structured Literacy, International Dyslexia Association, 2023; Moats, 2020).
Research shows that misconceptions and myths about the nature of dyslexia can lead to delayed diagnosis, ineffective intervention, and negative attitudes, as well as inefficient teaching practices, all of which affect children’s self-image and academic achievement (Gaab, 2020; Snowling og Hulme, 2021). The most common myth is the belief that children with dyslexia need special fonts or colored overlays to improve their reading skills, but such solutions have not been supported by research (Elliott og Grigorenko, 2024; Gaab, 2020). This idea is nevertheless so deeply rooted that it has, in many cases, become a general rule and standard practice, even among educators and academics. Another common myth is that dyslexia is merely a temporary reading difficulty that disappears with practice, but research shows that dyslexia is a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder that requires specific support and effective instructional methods (Kilpatrick, 2015). These myths lack scientific support and often result in vague diagnoses and ineffective instruction.
By increasing awareness about the nature and manifestations of dyslexia, as well as its underlying causes, it is possible to provide appropriate support and more targeted instruction that meets the real needs of children with dyslexia. In this way, children and young people can make good progress in all aspects of literacy, which in turn leads to their successful academic development.Ritgerðin verður ekki aðgengileg, opinberlega næstu tvö ár, en hægt er að hafa samband við höfund eða leiðbeinendur ef óskað er eftir aðgangi
Tilfinningar mínar eru tónar - smásagnasafn
Smásagnasafnið Tilfinningar mínar eru tónar hefur að geyma átta smásögur og er lagt fram sem lokaverkefni í mastersnámi í ritlist við Háskóla Íslands. Sögurnar voru unnar veturinn 2024-2025. Þær fjalla allar um konur á mismunandi æviskeiðum lífs síns en þær glíma við ýmis vandamál í hversdeginum. Sögurnar eru flestar á jaðrinum þar sem þær fjalla margar hverjar um kynbundið ofbeldi eða önnur samfélagsleg álitamál. Verkefninu
fylgir greinargerð um tilurð verksins
Ímynd lögreglunnar í krísu
Markmið þessara rannsóknar er að kanna hvernig íslensk lögregluembætti bregðast opinberlega við neikvæðri gagnrýni. Greining var gerð á fjórum þekktum málum hryðjuverkamálinu, njósna máli Lúðvíks, Handtöku blaðamanna og Sigríðar/Intra málinu og skoðað þróun orðræðunnar og svörun lögreglu.
Höfundur ákvað að notast við eigindlega orðræðugreiningu sem greind var út frá krísustjórnunar kenningum almannatengsla. Greiningin beinir sjónum að því hvernig tungumál og orðræða móta merkingu í félagslegu samhengi. Leitast var eftir því hver neikvæða gagnrýnin var og hvernig lögregluembættin svöruðu, hvaða orð voru notuð og í hvaða samhengi.
Niðurstöðurnar sýna að viðbrögð lögreglu eru oft varnartengd, þar sem lögformlegar réttlætingar eru settar í forgrunn. Reynt var að lágmarka ábyrgð stofnunarinnar í stað þess að sýna fram á opin og gagnsæ samskipti og jafnvel mannlega afstöðu. Þá beitir lögreglan oft orðræðu sem byggir á valdi og reglum án þess að sýna auðmýkt og ábyrgðartöku sem fræðin telja nauðsynlega í slíkum aðstæðum.
Þá er mikilvægt fyrir opinbera stofnun með valdaheimild að hafa markvissa og almenna krísustjórnunaráætlun sem styður við lagalega varfærni með rannsóknarhagsmuni að leiðarljósi en hefur jafnframt mannlega nálgun.The aim of this study is to examine how Icelandic police institutions publicly respond to negative criticism. The research analyzes four well known cases, the alleged terrorism, the surveillance case involving former police officer Lúðvík, the arrest of journalists, and the Sigríður/Intra case focusing on the development of public discourse and police responses.
The author decided to use a qualitative discourse analysis alongside theories in crisis communication from the field of public relations. The analysis focused on how language and discourse shape meaning in a social context, exploring what the negative criticism entailed, how the police institutions responded, which words were used, and in what context.
Findings show that police responses tend to be defensive, emphasizing legal justifications. Efforts were made to minimize institutional responsibility rather than demonstrate openness, transparency, or a human centered approach. Police discourse frequently relies on authority and legal frameworks without displaying the humility and accountability that scholarly literature suggests is essential in such situations.
This highlights the importance of having a clear and consistent crisis
communication strategy in place—one that supports legal caution and investigative integrity while also embracing a more empathetic and transparent public tone
Áhrif kuldageymslu á gæði og lífefnafræðilega eiginleika blóðflagna
Platelet transfusions are a critical component of modern medical care, particularly for patients with thrombocytopenia or impaired platelet function. Traditionally, platelet concentrates (PCs) are stored at room temperature (20-24 °C) to preserve post-transfusion viability. However, this storage method is associated with increased risk of bacterial contamination and the progressive development of the platelet storage lesion (PSL), limiting shelf life to 5-7 days. Cold storage (1-6 °C) has been proposed as an alternative, particularly for actively bleeding patients, due to its superior haemostatic efficacy and reduced bacterial proliferation. Despite these advantages, cold storage induces structural and metabolic changes in platelets, impacting in vivo survival.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of cold storage on the biochemical properties and metabolic profiles of PCs, specifically comparing continuously cold-stored platelets (CSP) and delayed cold-stored platelets (DCSP). Using a pool-and-split design, buffy coat-derived PCs were stored either continuously at 4 °C (CSP) or transferred to 4 °C after 7 days at 22 °C (DCSP), with samples collected over a 14-day period. Quality control parameters – such as glucose, lactate, acetate, pH, gas tensions, and platelet indices – were analysed alongside metabolomic profiling performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Significant differences were observed between CSP and DCSP in glucose and acetate consumption, pH, oxygen tension, and mean platelet volume. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct storage temperature-dependent metabolic signatures, notably affecting glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and oxidative metabolism. Cold storage suppressed metabolic activity early, while delayed cold storage preserved a more active metabolic profile during the initial days.
These findings suggest that cold storage induces distinct biochemical changes in platelets, which may be leveraged to optimise transfusion strategies depending on the clinical context. Further research is warranted to assess clinical efficacy and the potential for extending platelet shelf life through optimised storage protocols.Blóðflöguinngjafir gegna lykilhlutverki í nútíma læknisfræði, einkum við meðhöndlun sjúklinga með blóðflögufæð (e. thrombocytopenia) eða skerta blóðflögustarfsemi. Hefðbundin geymsla blóðflagna við stofuhita (20-24 °C) stuðlar að lengri líftíma þeirra eftir inngjöf. Hins vegar fylgir þessari aðferð aukin hætta á bakteríumengun og þróun geymsluskemmda í blóðflögum (e. platelet storage lesion, PSL), sem takmarkar geymslutímann við 5-7 daga. Kæligeymsla (1-6 °C) hefur verið lögð til sem valkostur, sérstaklega fyrir sjúklinga með virka blæðingu, þar sem hún eykur storkugetu blóðflagna og dregur úr fjölgun baktería. Þrátt fyrir þessa kosti hefur kæling áhrif á bæði byggingu og efnaskipti blóðflagna, sem getur stytt líftíma þeirra í líkamanum eftir inngjöf.
Markmið rannsóknarinnar var að kanna áhrif kæligeymslu á lífefnafræði-lega eiginleika og efnaskiptaferla í blóðflögum með því að bera saman tvær geymsluaðferðir: annars vegar stöðuga kæligeymslu (CSP) og hins vegar kæligeymslu sem hófst eftir sjö daga við stofuhita (DCSP).
Blóðflöguþykkni var framleitt úr hvítfrumulagi (e. buffy coat) með „pool-and-split“ aðferð og einingarnar annað hvort geymdar við 4 °C frá upphafi (CSP) eða fluttar í kæli eftir sjö daga við 22 °C (DCSP). Sýni voru tekin yfir 14 daga tímabil og metin með tilliti til gæðaþátta eins og glúkósa, laktat, asetat, pH-gildi, þéttni lofttegunda og blóðflöguvísa. Að auki var framkvæmd greining á efnaskiptum með háafkastavökvaskiljun og massagreiningu (e. ultra-high performance liquid-chormatography-mass spectrometry, UHPLC-MS). Markverður munur kom fram milli CSP og DCSP, meðal annars í notkun á glúkósa og acetati, pH-gildi, súrefnisþéttni og meðalstærð blóðflagna. Niðurstöður sýndu að geymsluhitastig hafði afgerandi áhrif á helstu efnaskiptaferla, þar á meðal glýkólýsu, pentósafosfatsferil og oxunarefnaskipti. Kæligeymsla dró úr virkni efnaskipta strax í upphafi, en í DCSP hópnum hélst virknin meiri þar til kæling hófst.
Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar gefa til kynna að geymsluhitastig hafi veruleg áhrif á lífefnafræðilega eiginleika blóðflagna. Þessar upplýsingar gætu nýst við þróun á árangursríkari geymsluaðferðum og bætt meðferð sjúklinga með mismunandi klínískar ábendingar. Frekari rannsóknir eru nauðsynlegar til að meta áhrif þessara geymsluaðferða á klínískan árangur og möguleika á að lengja geymslutíma blóðflagna
The women eat last: traditions, table manners and gender narratives at the Romanian dining table
The Performance and the Person, Women’s Experiences in PR work
This lecture will explore the complex identity work embedded in public relations roles, examining the dual aspects of performance that define the profession. On one level, PR practitioners engage in visible, literal performances—media relations, events, presentations, and public appearances. On a deeper level, however, they navigate the subtle, ongoing performance of professional identity.
This lecture draws on Goffman's dramaturgical lens to explore how individuals present themselves within organisational and societal expectations”
A Systematic Review of Burnout Among Nursing Students: Impact on Academic Performance, Psychological Well-Being, and Strategies for Prevention
Aims/Background Burnout among nursing students has become a critical issue, negatively impacting their academic performance, psychological well-being, and professional development. This systematic review aims to synthesise literature on nursing student burnout and explore its effects on self-concept, engagement, and psychological health, along with strategies to mitigate burnout. Methods This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included studies published between January 2015 and January 2024. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed studies identified in databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS, focusing on burnout among undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Results A total of 28 articles were included in the review. Three major themes emerged: (1) burnout’s negative effect on student self-concept and self-efficacy, (2) the protective role of academic and clinical engagement in preventing burnout, and (3) interventions such as resilience training and mindfulness-based programs that help reduce burnout. Promoting self-concept, fostering engagement, and building resilience were identified as key strategies to alleviate student burnout. Conclusion Burnout in nursing students is linked to poorer academic performance and psychological distress. Early interventions, such as resilience training and mindfulness, should be integrated into nursing programs to help mitigate burnout. Nurse educators and clinical supervisors can play a pivotal role by creating supportive and engaging learning environments that reduce burnout and promote students’ well-being
Neural correlates of implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorders: an fMRI meta-analytic review
Unmasking pulmonary vein thrombosis: a rare mimic of pulmonary embolism
A female in her 50s was referred by her general practitioner (GP) with a 6-day history of left calf pain and swelling. She had a history of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a strong family history of thrombosis involving her mother and sibling. On examination, there was mild tenderness in the left calf with <3 cm asymmetry. Blood tests were normal apart from an elevated D-dimer. Doppler ultrasound ruled out DVT. However, an ECG performed at the GP clinic confirmed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and the patient also reported palpitations and shortness of breath at that time. Her Wells score for pulmonary embolism was 7.5, warranting urgent CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and initiation of therapeutic enoxaparin. CTPA demonstrated acute pulmonary vein thrombosis rather than pulmonary embolism. A multidisciplinary team discussion was held, and apixaban was commenced following haematology consultation. Follow-up CTPA confirmed complete resolution of the thrombus