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Presents a study that examined the frequency dependence of alternating current coercivity of ultrathin, low magnetostriction cobalt-based amorphous ribbons. Experimental procedures; Experimental results and discussion; Conclusions.

This paper provides an overview on alternative teacher education programs (ATEP). This review covers the formation, development and design of these non-traditional certification approaches over the past 2 decades. The major reasons for the viability of these programs are presented. Moreover, research studies on critical issues such as teacher retention, mentoring, needs assessment, and professional competency are emphasized. Recent comparative studies on traditionally-trained and ATEP teachers are noted. Research, to date, supports the ATEP model for training teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the policies and goals of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA), this study reviews how educators in the state of Alabama have addressed the many critical issues posed by this Presidential directive. Challenges such as certification, competency, quality of instruction, teacher training, and funding are discussed. Several state legislative initiatives that serve as drawbacks to meeting the requirements of NCLBA were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the development and evolution of a Career Development program in effect for the past 20 years at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. The program format; Growth of the program; Expansion of the program; Implications for career counselors.

This study reports on recent trends in the psychological research literature on the use of measures in the assessment of anxiety. An analysis of PsycINFO, from 2000-2005, showed that the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index had the highest hit rates. The results indicate that many anxiety instruments that are popular in clinical settings have a sparse research base. These findings point to a need for instructors to address the importance of the level of research credibility of mental health assessment instruments in their teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper provides a concise overview of the 'workaholism syndrome.' This includes a discussion of workaholism from an addiction perspective, it's overall components and consequences, and a conceptual framework. Suggestions are offered for effective strategies to confront and mediate the onerous impact of workaholism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In swine production the effect of corn particle size on performance in pigs fed pelleted diets has shown that in general the finer the grind size the better the feed efficiency. Currently, to determine particle size, the most widely used methods are the onsite 3 pan sieve analysis because of its simplicity, cheapness and ease of interpretation or the 13 pan sieve analyses which is often tested off site at a laboratory. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique used for grain quality assessments due to its versatility and speed. Although the ability of NIR to estimate particle size is well documented, obtaining the full particle size distribution profile has not been studied in depth. The objective of this trial was to determine if a hand held near-Infra-red (HHNIR) spectroscopy could be used to measure corn average particle size, moisture and particle distribution. To develop this calibration, 95 corn samples resulting in 141 scans across 2 instruments (from roller and hammer mills) were collected, split and either tested using the corresponding particle size references by a 13 stage sieve analysis derived from the US standard Sieve Series (SV) using a sieve agent or scanned in triplicate on a hand held NIR (950-1,650 nm) spectrometer (MRS). For average particle size and moisture there was a strong correlation between SV and NfRS (r2 = 0.79; RPD = 2.2 and r2 = 0.91; RPD = 3.3 respectively). The final prediction model on the MRS shows the accumulation of sample which will remain in each sieve and the calibration comparison compared to the SV methodology (Table 165) with all sieves showing a strong correlation and RPD. Overall, the results confirm that a HHNIR can be used on site to instantly determine corn particle size, corn moisture and corn particle distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearshore coastal research programs need a methodology for determining the bathymetry and currents in and near the surf, a region notablydifficult to survey in the presence of even moderate waves. A reasonably portable system has been designed and constructed that provides survey data on these variables in the nearshore along remote coastlines using either a jetski or amphibious vehicle. The on-board measurements include 3-D positions obtained using real-time kinematic, GlobalPositioning System, boat orientation measurements obtained from an inertial measurements unit, and water depth estimates obtained from a precision echo sounder. The result is a low noise measurement of the bottom topography directly in the WGS84 geodetic datum, with no requirement for tidal adjustment. The system also includes an acoustic doppler current profiler to provide vertical profiles of the horizontal current. The depth values are accurate to better than 10 cm (2 sigma), tide levels to better than 5 cm (1 sigma), and current values to better than 5 cm/s (1 sigma) in careful comparisons with standard, independent measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer in Western Africa, accounting for 12,000 cases and 6000 deaths annually. While vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) and CC screenings reduce the incidence and mortality of CC in many developed countries, 90% of CC deaths are in low-income countries. Lack of knowledge about the connection between HPV and CC, lack of access to vaccines and screenings, weak healthcare infrastructure, and stigma related to sexually transmitted diseases are among the factors that contribute to this disparity. Previously, we evaluated the knowledge of HPV and CC in Bamako, Mali, showing that knowledge of the link between HPV and CC was very low (less than 8% of participants) and that less than 3% of women were screened for CC. Subsequent implementation of a community-based education program and support for local clinics resulted in a five-fold increase in CC screening at the five participating clinics in 2015. In this study, we paired CC screenings of mothers with HPV vaccination of their daughters to target out-of-school (OOS) girls whom school-based vaccination campaigns would not reach. Our campaign resulted in a 10.7% increase in HPV vaccination.

Introduction: With improved survival in pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) care has focused on optimizing functional, developmental, and psychosocial outcomes, roles often supported by Allied Health and Nursing professionals (AHNP). However, there is a scarcity of research examining frameworks of clinical practice., Methods: The International Pediatric Transplant Association AHNP Committee developed and disseminated an online survey to transplant centers as a quality improvement project to explore AHNP practice issues. Participant responses were characterized using descriptive statistics, and free-text comments were thematically analyzed. Responses were compared across professional groups; Group 1: Advanced Practice Providers, Group 2: Nursing, Group 3: Allied Health., Results: The survey was completed by 119 AHNP from across the globe, with responses predominantly (78%) from North America. Half of respondents had been working in pediatric transplant for 11+ years. Two-thirds of respondents were formally funded to provide transplant care; however, of these not funded, over half (57%) were allied health, compared to just 6% of advance practice providers. Advanced practice/nursing groups typically provided care to one organ program, with allied health providing care for multiple organ programs. Resource constraints were barriers to practice across all groups and countries., Conclusion: In this preliminary survey exploring AHNP roles, professionals provided a range of specialized clinical care. Challenges to practice were funding and breadth of care, highlighting the need for additional resources, alongside the development of clinical practice guidelines for defining, and supporting the role of AHNP within pediatric SOT. Professional organizations, such as IPTA, can offer professional advocacy., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Muscle pain is a common symptom in patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and accounts for severely reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This clinical study aimed to observe possible differences in pain prevalence among distinct NMDs and to determine whether the patients' nociceptive pain is influenced by gender, muscle strength and psychological factors and to examine potential pain-associated alterations in muscle properties., Methods: The cross-sectional study on nociceptive pain in various NMDs involved patient-reported outcomes, muscle strength evaluations (dynamometry and quick motor function test (QMFT)), nociceptive pain evaluations (muscular pressure pain threshold (PPT)), and non-invasive measurement of muscle stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, and creep (myotonometry)., Results: Involving 81 NMD patients and a control group, the study found high variability in pain prevalence among the subgroups. Patients with DM2 and FSHD had significantly higher levels of pain prevalence compared to other examined NMD subgroups and the control group. Female gender, high fatigue levels (representing factors such as depression, anxiety, stress, and impairment of quality of life), and low QMFT scores (representing reduced muscle strength) showed an association with increased sensitivity to pressure pain in the arm and leg region. As assessed by myotonometry, less pain is experienced in neck muscles with a high muscle tone, high stiffness, and a short relaxation time highlighting the importance of intrinsic muscular tone for their pressure pain sensitivity., Conclusion: Individualized therapeutic concepts including psychological and physical approaches in the pain management of patients with NMDs, especially in women, should be considered. Further research in this field is necessary to gain a more detailed insight into the perception of muscle pain.

Purpose of the Conference: The 2022 Banff-Canadian Society of Transplantation Meeting in Banff, Alberta, brought together transplant professionals to review new developments across various aspects of solid organ transplantation (SOT) in Canada., Sources of Information: Presentations included consensus recommendations from expert-led forums; experiences with new procedures and legislation; reports from public health data repositories; original clinical and laboratory research; and industry updates regarding novel technologies. Speakers referenced articles and reports published in peer-reviewed journals and online, and unpublished data and preliminary findings., Methods: All authors attended presentations in-person or virtually. Recordings of select presentations were available for later review. Summaries emphasize concepts indicated by speakers as new and clinically relevant., Key Findings: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), who experience worse outcomes of COVID-19 infection than the general population. Vaccinations demonstrate an attenuated immunological response in SOTRs yet provide meaningful protection. Monoclonal antibodies are effective for both passive immunization and treatment of COVID-19 in SOTRs. Infection control protocols have driven the development of virtual methods for clinical research, such as using home blood draws and virtual follow-up to evaluate vaccine efficacy in SOTRs; and patient care delivery, such as employing telerehabilitation post transplant. Access to living kidney donation is limited by various disincentives experienced by potential donors, which may be overcome by more efficient evaluations including a One-Day Living Kidney Donor Assessment Clinic. The International Donation and Transplantation Legislative and Policy Forum provided a means of establishing consensus guidance for organ donation and transplantation (ODT) program policy to standardize delivery across jurisdictions. The implementation of a deemed consent model for organ and tissue donation in Nova Scotia may provide insight as to whether this model indeed improves access to organs. Canada's Indigenous population experiences unique barriers to transplantation, prompting efforts for more inclusive ODT policy-making. The Pan-Canadian ODT Data and Performance Reporting System Project has defined performance quality indicators, of which iTransplant and other point-of-care software solutions may facilitate collection; however, these endeavors ultimately require information technology infrastructure that exceeds the capabilities of the existing Canadian Organ Replacement Register and Canadian Transplant Registry. Pig-to-human xenotransplantation requires genetic modification of pigs and xenoantibody testing in recipients but may yet prove viable. Serum cell-free DNA, urine biomarkers, and genetic markers offer an alternative to routine biopsy for identifying subclinical rejection. Modified perfusion temperatures and perfusion solutions with hydrogen sulfide donor compounds may improve organ preservation. Molecular compatibility tools provide another means of improving SOTR outcomes, and the Genome Canada Transplant Consortium has been examining important considerations of their implementation., Limitations: We were unable to capture all presentations and topics at the meeting due to the sizable quantity and variety. Topics ultimately excluded from this summary include those in pathology including Banff Classification updates; those unique to extra-renal SOT; as well as numerous abstract and poster presentations, allied health provider forums, and business meetings. A portion of the material was presented by speakers prior to peer-review or publication., Implications: The various conference presentations summarized in this report identify methods by which individual clinicians and provincial ODT programs may improve access, delivery, and quality of SOT care in Canada, while additionally identifying gaps in the literature that investigators are encouraged to pursue., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Chronic hypoventilation due to involvement of respiratory muscles is a frequent symptom in autosomal dominant inherited myotonic dystrophies, especially in type 1 (DM1), leading to a severely reduced quality of life, an early need for ventilatory support, or premature death. Thus, early knowledge of respiratory muscle weakness is essential to initiate further diagnostic and therapeutic measures. To get early, simple, and reliable information about respiratory impairment in DM patients, we performed a prospective controlled cohort study with DM1 and DM2 patients analysing the suitability of 'Respiratory involvement symptom checklist (Respicheck) as a clinically meaningful screening questionnaire for ventilatory impairment in patients with DM1 or DM2. Clinical assessments included a one-time pulmonary function test (spirometry and manometry) and the completion of the Respicheck. 172 participants were enrolled in this study (74 DM1, 72 DM2, 26 healthy controls). With a cut-off Respicheck CAT score of 4, the Respicheck can distinguish between patients with and without respiratory impairment with higher sensitivity and positive predictive value for DM1 than DM2 patients (DM1: sensitivity 77-87; positive predictive value 50-94%; DM2: sensitivity 67-80%; positive predictive value 14-38). In summary, our results confirm a clinically meaningful use of the Respicheck to detect respiratory impairments predominantly in DM1 patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Allied health and nursing professionals (AHNP) are integral members of transplant teams. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were required to adapt to changes in their clinical practices. The goal of the present study was to describe AHNP perceptions concerning the impact of the pandemic on their roles, practice, and resource allocation., Methods: An online survey was distributed globally via email by the International Pediatric Transplant Association to AHNP at transplant centers from September to December 2020. Responses to open-ended questions were collected using an electronic database. Using a thematic analysis approach, coding was conducted by three independent coders who identified patterns in responses, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion., Results: The majority of respondents (n = 119) were from North America (78%), with many other countries represented (e.g., the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Central and South America). Four main categories of impacts were identified: (1) workflow changes, (2) the quality of the work environment, (3) patient care, and (4) resources., Conclusions: Participants indicated that the pandemic heightened existing barriers and resource challenges frequently experienced by AHNP; however, the value of team connections and opportunities afforded by technology were also highlighted. Virtual care was seen as increasing healthcare access but concerns about the quality and consistency of care were also expressed. A notable gap in participant responses was identified; the vast majority did not identify any personal challenges connected with the pandemic (e.g., caring for children while working remotely, personal stress) which likely further impacted their experiences., (© 2023 The Authors. Pediatric Transplantation published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families deal with challenging circumstances. While numerous studies have shown that both patients and parents in these families can experience a variety of challenges and concerns, the experience of siblings is less well understood. The focus of this scoping review was on research addressing the experiences and well-being of siblings of children with CKD., Methods: Following scoping review methodology, five databases were searched for peer-reviewed research or graduate theses published in English that addressed the experience or well-being of siblings aged 25 years or younger (biological, step or foster) of children with CKD; studies from any year or location were included. Two independent coders identified relevant studies. Findings were summarized and synthesized., Results: Of the 2990 studies identified, 19 were chosen for full text review and eight fit the inclusion criteria. Five of the selected studies were qualitative, two were quantitative and one used mixed-methods. Four broad themes across studies were identified including family functioning, significant relationships, psychological well-being, and coping strategies. While there was some convergence between qualitative and quantitative findings, these linkages were weak., Conclusions: Several unmet needs of siblings were uncovered by this review. Sibling perceptions of differential parental treatment and desire for information about CKD emerged as priorities for practice. Using a strength-based approach in order to better understand sibling experiences and well-being was also recommended for future research. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International Pediatric Nephrology Association.)