21 research outputs found
Declaring Conflict of Interest – Current State of Affairs in the Ophthalmic Literature
No full textThe importance of transparency with financial ties in biomedical research is widely recognized, and most peer-reviewed journals require declarations of Conflicts of Interest (COI). Nonetheless, variability in the consistency of declarations of COI has been sparsely assessed. To assess consistency and rates of COI declarations in the ophthalmic literature and the effectiveness of journal COI policies. We analyzed consistency and completeness of declaration of COI in the ophthalmic literature and compared the levels of completeness to specific journal requirements. Six-hundred forty-two peer reviewed articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. In 64%, COIs were unreported, in 25% declaration of COI was incomplete, and 11% of the articles reviewed had complete declaration of COI. Of the 33 journals in which the most frequently published authors' articles appeared, 10 required the authors to complete the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) form or an equivalent form, but this did not affect the rates of COI declaration. In a random sampling of the most frequently published authors in the field of ophthalmology, declaration of COI was low and highly inconsistent. Requiring a standardized COI form has no significant effect on the rate of accurate COI reporting. Our findings lend support to the growing body of literature that shows that journals and editors may need to take a more active role in ensuring accurate and consistent COI reporting.UatB Center for Clinical Ethics Patrick Romanell fun
A Novel 3D-printed Silicone Simulation Model for Effective Instruction of Marginal Eyelid Laceration Repair
No full textPurpose We performed a prospective study to determine the efficacy of a novel silicone eyelid model in helping train residents to repair marginal eyelid lacerations. Methods 3D design software was used to create a scaffold for a silicone eyelid mold. A total of 18 ophthalmology residents participated in a training session on marginal eyelid laceration repair, practicing on these models. Prior to and following the session, residents anonymously responded to a survey assessing their degree of confidence in repairing marginal and non-marginal eyelid lacerations, as well as their overall opinion of the workshop. Questions related to their confidence and ability utilized a five-point Likert Scale, with higher numbers representing more positive responses. The responses were compared using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. Results Following the training session, the residents showed a significant improvement in confidence and knowledge in the repair of marginal eyelid lacerations. Amongst all residents, the median confidence level for repairing marginal eyelid lacerations increased from 2.00 to 3.00 (p=0.042). The residents with no prior marginal eyelid repair experience reported a larger increase in the degree of confidence with median scores rising from 1.00 pre-session to 2.00 post-session (p=0.01). Residents found the simulation to be beneficial with a median score of 5.00 (IQR 4.00-5.00). When compared to other eyelid simulation models for training, the silicone model was found to be superior with a score of 4.50 (IQR 4.00-5.00). Conclusions 3D printed silicone eyelid models provide an effective and realistic simulation of marginal eyelid laceration repair
Genetic diversity in the Leishmania donovani complex.
No full textThe Leishmania donovani complex comprises four described species: L.
donovani, L. archibaldi, L. infantum and L. chagasi. L. chagasi is the only New World
species and has been considered similar to L. infantum, although some authors insist
on maintenance of its independent species status. L. donovani has at least two major
epidemiological subgroups whose relationships are poorly understood.
In this thesis, molecular biological techniques were used to investigate the
taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships within the L. donovani complex, with
isoenzyme analysis (lEA) as reference technique. Random amplification of
polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to provide anonymous genetic markers which
allowed overall comparisons of genomes. Selected target genes and intergenic
regions were also amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), namely the
major surface protease (msp or gp63), the mini-exon and the ribosomal internal
transcribed spacer (ITS). PCR products of intergenic regions between msp genes
(ITG/CS and ITG/L), mini-exon and ITS were analysed by restriction fragment length
polymorphism (RFLP). Phylogenies generated from each of the methods were
compared with that of IEA.
L. infantum and L. chagasi were found to be synonymous, whilst L. donovani
was found to be more polymorphic than L. infantum and a fourth possible species in
the complex, L. archibaldi, was not supported. Six genetic groups of strains were
identified in the L. donovani complex, based on all DNA based analyses, which
agreed with IEA typing. Pooled data from RFLP and RAPD analyses generated
robust phylogenies which were congruent with ITG/CS RFLP and msp DNA
sequence based phylogenies, but not with lEA phylogenies. The evolutionary history
of the L. donovani complex is analysed in the light of the present results. The diverse
typing methods were also evaluated and genetic markers suggested, that are
applicable to classification and typing of L. donovani species and strains
Inventory of current EU paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes
No full textObjective: To examine the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes in Europe. Methods: Themes for comparison of screening programmes derived from literature were used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing, and public health screening. Tests used, professions involved, age, and frequency of testing seem to influence sensitivity, specificity, and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, otolaryngologists, and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU full-member, candidate, and associate states. Answers were cross-checked. Results: Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35 countries, in 71% of these more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years of age, but is usually before age five. At age three and four, picture charts, including Lea Hyvarinen, are used most; in children over four, Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing screening test, otoacoustic emission is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory brainstem response in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing programmes are staged; children are referred after 1–4 abnormal tests. Vision screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists, or nurses. Funding is mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but reporting was often not first-hand. Conclusion: Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1–4), and funding sources (8). © 2015, The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav
"Disney is the Tiffany’s and I am the Woolworth's of the business": A critical re-analysis of the business philosophies, production values and studio practices of animator-producer Paul Houlton Terry
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Animator-producer Paul Houlton Terry has been portrayed as having little passion for the animation he produced and being more concerned with making a profit than producing entertaining cartoons with high production values. The purpose of the dissertation is to re-evaluate Terry‘s legacy to animated cartooning by analyzing his business philosophies, production values, and studio practices.
Application of four psychodynamic factors to the early life and career of Terry, 1887-1929, found that his economic decision making was characterized by: an external locus of control, risk-averse financial behaviour, extreme saving behaviour through precaution, and shrewd money management practices. Based on Terry‘s historical responses to twelve major economic, technological, or institutional forces of change for the period 1929-1955, the psychodynamic factors were found to provide accurate explanations for his studio practices and production decisions.
There was no evidence to support the conclusion that three early career disappointments undermined Terry‘s intrinsic motivation to create animated cartoons. Rather, Terry‘s lack of risk taking, external locus of control, tight studio production schedule, desire to compete with neighbour studio Fleischer, difficulty in separating financial rewards from creative processes in animation, and practice of undertaking surveillance measures on staff may have undermined his and his studio‘s creativity. Archival research found Terry to possess strong passions for and to have made significant creative contributions to the field of animation.
Biographical research found that Terry retained a stable nucleus of highly talented artists who dedicated a significant portion of their working careers to the studio. An analysis of the cel aesthetics of a random sample of animated cartoons produced during the years 1930-1955 found that Terry created animated cartoons with above average cel aesthetics when compared to the other studios thereby supporting an inference that Terry was motivated to producing quality crafted animation. Further research is suggested into the role psychodynamic factors and economic decision-making play in the film production process and a clarification of Terry‘s legacy to the field of animated cartoons
Iowa History and Culture : A Bibliography of Materials Published Between 1952 and 1986, 1989
No full textThis bibliography was compiled by two reference librarians, Patricia Dawson and David Hudson with the goal of making it easier of tracking down material on Iowa history and culture. This supplements the Iowa History Reference Guide published in 1952 by William Petersen
The role and value of A-level geography fieldwork: a case study
No full textFieldwork has occupied a prominent position in UK geography teaching since the establishment of the discipline in the late nineteenth century, and remains a ubiquitous element of the geography curriculum for pre- and post- sixteen year-olds today. Utilising autobiography as a method of reconstruction and interpretation, the thesis explores the development of this central role for fieldwork and argues that, rather than arising from a legitimacy effected by a critical appraisal of fieldwork as a pedagogical device, fieldwork has developed pari passu in response to geography’s disciplinary shifts in philosophical and methodological orientation. As a result, varying conceptions of the purpose of fieldwork exist: as a parallel with practical 'laboratory' science in which theory is thought to be rendered more intelligible by the experience; as a means of teaching geographical enquiry skills; as a process of environmental engagement or immersion. The relationship between these educational objectives remains unclear, and a lack of educational research exists to clarify what is done on fieldwork, its intended educational function and effectiveness, and its place in contemporary geography. The study seeks to redress the balance by aiming to analyse the role and value of a residential fieldwork experience in geographical learning for advanced level geography students (i.e. students aged 16-19); to compare and contrast the respective assessments of the student and teacher of fieldwork’s purpose; and to explore frameworks and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of field instruction as a learning process. The research uses qualitative research strategies in a case-study to describe and analyse the holistic process of learning in action from the perspectives of its participants. Four themes are explored in depth: skills-based learning, affective learning, learning transfer, and geography fieldwork as environmental education. Results show that learning is affected by a tension of purpose between teaching for theoretical exemplification, technical competency and investigative skills, and environmental awareness. Stage-management in hypothesis-testing aimed at developing students' conceptual understanding is the predominant teaching method but despite this emphasis successful transfer of learning is low. The technical competency emphasis is propositioned as moving fieldwork towards utilisation of a technocentric ideology in addressing environmental issues in geography. This is regarded as devaluing an individual's environmental experience, personal commitment, and political obligation which are seen as important aspects of an environmental education. Fieldwork is seen to be most valuable in the affective domain: producing self- and subject-motivation through inter alia novelty of milieu, self-concept enhancement, productive role-modelling, and changing students' 'scripts' for learning. The links between these affective dimensions and fieldwork's role in students' cognitive development offer profitable avenues for further research
