17390 research outputs found
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Piecing everything together again: Exploring the experiences of ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses and how to support them
No full textFormer members of high-control religions can face numerous challenges after leaving their religious groups and require support to heal from the harms associated with disaffiliation. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to explore the experiences of 20 ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses in the UK. Participants described experiencing a wide range of difficulties and trauma that had lasting impacts on their daily lives. The participants’ recoveries were complex, idiosyncratic, and embedded in their social and cultural contexts. Developing new identities, relationships, and worldviews after leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses was often slow and difficult, but these processes were an important part of their healing. Our analysis shows that with adequate support these vulnerable individuals could rebuild new lives outside the organization and experience post-traumatic growth. Increasing awareness of the experiences and needs of individuals like our participants will enable professionals to better provide the support and care they need.
Bridging the gap in rhinoplasty training: The effectiveness of 3D-printed models in surgical education
No full textBackground
Rhinoplasty is a common facial plastic surgery (FPS) procedure for both functional and aesthetic indications. The use of 3D models has been reported as a potential method to provide hands-on training for learning rhinoplasty without jeopardizing patient care.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to develop and validate a novel model that can be used for rhinoplasty training.
Methods
The rhinoplasty models were designed and produced using proprietary 3D printing technology. Face and content validity were assessed during a rhinoplasty course involving 53 surgeons. Whilst, criterion validity was evaluated in a training session with 20 surgical residents, measuring improvements in surgical skills after using the 3D models with an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSAT).
Results
All surgeons (n=53, 100%) stated that the rhinoplasty model aided in their learning and development. 91% (n=48) of surgeons rated the realism of the model as excellent or very good in comparison to cadaveric specimens. Assessment of criterion validity showed a statistically significant improvement in OSAT scores among surgical residents, increasing from a baseline of 11.7/40 (SD ± 1.80) to 21.6/40 (SD ± 1.79) post session (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
The 3D rhinoplasty models showed good content, face, and criterion validity, objectively improving residents’ surgical performance. Rhinoplasty 3D models could serve as a pre-cadaveric training adjunct, equipping trainees with fundamental skills before cadaveric dissection, or as a primary training modality in countries with limited cadaver access. Thus, the models offer an innovative approach to training the next generation of rhinoplasty surgeons
Using simulation exercises to improve the confidence and competence of Higher Education staff in making referrals to Prevent in the UK
No full textShould we call time on the NHS Haemodialysis Best Practice Tariff?
No full textThe National Health Service (NHS) operates a best practice tariff which pays a higher rate for dialysis sessions using arteriovenous fistulae or grafts than for sessions using dialysis catheters. Marissa Dainton argues that there is now sufficient evidence that the NHS tariff should be reviewed, as it has not only not achieved its original aims, but arguably had detrimental effects for patients who may have been inappropriately referred for access surger
Factors affecting UK household financial risk-taking and their implications for consumption of financial investments
No full textHousehold financial risk-taking (FRT) diminishes during economic downturns or periods characterized by high cost of living to preserve household wealth, economic safety and wellbeing, leading to significant reductions in consumption. Yet the exact mechanisms behind these changes in FRT are not understood. The study investigates FRT within households residing in the UK using a structured questionnaire survey on 215 families. The study is designed around the theory of planned behavior. Data are analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling. Results are validated using bootstrapping. Multiple regression analysis and mean difference tests are conducted to examine sensitivity of FRT to various demographic and social factors. The results indicate profound influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, alongside culture, on FRT practices within UK households. We forward that FRT is intentional, utilized in situations where it is deemed safe for the family and eschewed by families with a higher level of behavioral control. Results also imply an urgent need to address effectively the key aspects pertaining to household wellbeing, gender diversity, and power sharing among partners within the family
Seed scarification and plant extracts enhanced germination, seed health and seedlings vigour of Tetrapleura tetraptera
No full textSeed dormancy and seed-borne fungi are main biological constraints to the domestication of edible non-timber forest products such as Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermal and mechanical scarification on seed dormancy and the efficacy of three plant aqueous extracts (Cymbopogon citratus, Callistemom viminalis, Tephrosia vogelii) against seed-borne diseases and seedlings vigour of T. tetraptera. Treatments consisted of soaking the seeds in water at 80˚C for 2 and 4 hours, scarification of seeds with abrasive paper at 1 mm and 2 mm depths. The antifungal activity of plant extracts was evaluated both in vitro (by the poising method on agar medium) and in vivo at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg/mL. Momtaz (Imidacloprid 250 g/kg + Thiram 200 g/kg) was used as a positive control. Dormancy was lifted by scarification at 2 mm depth; this treatment had the highest germination percentage (92.33%) and the lowest infection rate (20.67%). The more frequent seed-borne fungi isolated belong to Aspergillus sp. (18.43% - 21.78%). The pathogenicity test was positive with Alternaria alternata, A. fumigatus and Cercospora sp. T. vogelii extract totally inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi at all the concentrations tested. Seed infection obtained with T. vogelii (4.12%) extracts at 7.5 mg/mL was significantly similar to Momtaz (3.33%). The extract of C. viminalis had the highest vigour index (674.42) at 7.5 mg/mL. Mechanical scarification using abrasive paper and seed treatment with plant extracts of T. vogelii could be used in the domestication process of the species
Playing conservatively with a radical legacy: Digital heritage and institutional tension at Prospect Cottage
No full textHow do we navigate institutional conservatism and contrasting stakeholder views when creating digital heritage work with a radical cultural context? Our project to create a digital version of Derek Jarman's Prospect Cottage reveals how the adoption of game technologies, and indeed the language of videogames and play, generates discourses that simultaneously complement and challenge heritage interpretation
Circular logic? Analysing the Professional Standards Framework for Higher Education
No full textThe Professional Standards Framework (PSF) issued by the UK’s Advance HE in 2023 aims to be a globally-recognised systematisation of HE provision. Announcing both improvements in practice and its own ideological neutrality, the organisation claims to be “benchmarking success within HE teaching and learning” by enhancing effectiveness, impact and inclusivity. To understand the Framework’s assertions, ambitions and ambivalences, I suggest it involves a discursive process wherein context shifts to co-text and, ultimately, pretext. These steps matter because they involve a shift from actual practices to statements about these practices (using forms of recognition such as descriptors) and figures which establish the overtly circular nature of the claims made. Highlighting the fundamentally tautological structure of the document’s assertions and diagrams, I treat it as a “diagram” which, in the Deleuzean sense (Deleuze, 1986; 1991; 2023) produces events rather than representing them. This diagrammatic approach questions the Framework’s empty centre, its neutrality and, therefore, its claim to build spaces where “all learners feel respected, valued and have equity in opportunity to succeed” (Advance HE, 2023a)
Learning needs including preferences and digital technologies: A study of mature students in higher education in England
No full textInterviews with eight students individually returning to higher education later in life evidence a variety of personal drivers, including financial betterment, career advancement, personal amelioration, subject appeal, formal accreditation and network enlargement. Fashioned by earlier practices, professional goals and societal influences, these factors suggest a need for approaches marked by flexibility and digital integration, including platform-based tools, artificial intelligence (AI)-supported systems, cloud functionality and IoT-enabled resources. Prominence falls on wider societal contributions of governance innovation, ecological responsibility, healthcare improvement and commercial educational reform. With mature learners presenting marked expectations and contexts, attention re-focuses on technology-supported environments, climate-conscious content and practice-led teaching. The authors recommend further exploration in areas related to engagement, curriculum relevance and achievement enhancement
The benefits of collective learning through a decolonising occupational therapy special interest group
No full textWorkshop (45 mins)
Meaning of decolonising and application for transforming curriculum using the wheel framework (Ahmed-Landeryou 2023b).
Learning outcomes
1. Clarification of terms within the decolonising approach
2. Develop a decolonising vision and mission statement
3. Develop a starting action plan for change