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The authors describe the construction and use of tactile models for demonstrating intermolecular forces. These models are composed of inexpensive materials and can be used in college chemistry classrooms of varying levels including general and organic chemistry. The models were designed to be paired with an accompanying activity to encourage students to compare and contrast the three types of intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole forces, and London dispersion forces) as well as determine the relationship between intermolecular forces and the physical properties of specific molecules. More importantly, the handheld models allow for visualization of molecular interactions to promote multisensory learning. In this work, the authors discuss the development, implementation, and survey results of a modeling activity for conceptualization and review of intermolecular forces in introductory, general, and organic chemistry classrooms.

Social support is a significant protective factor for health and well-being of people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. It is important to include a psychometrically sound measure of social support in their clinical assessment practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to validate the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Social Support Scale in a sample of people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine and validate the three-factor measurement structure of the PROMIS Social Support Scale. Exploratory factor analysis and CFA results confirmed that a three-factor measurement structure (instrumental, informational, and emotional support) accounted for 82.75% of the total variance. All items loaded highly onto their respective factors (ranging from.73 to.99). Reliability coefficients of the three subscales ranged from.95 to.97. The three social support factors were positively associated with community participation and subjective well-being in the theoretically expected directions. Findings of this study provide strong empirical support for the psychometric properties of the PROMIS Social Support Scale and its use with people with chronic health conditions and disabilities in clinical practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have to cope with high levels of stress. Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) stress–appraisal–coping theory emphasizes the relationship between the individual and the environment, suggesting that a stress response is highly influenced by individual appraisal processes. This study aimed to evaluate constructs of Lazarus and Folkman's stress–appraisal–coping theory and positive human traits as predictors of perceived stress in a sample of 477 adults with MS. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the incremental variance in perceived stress accounted for by demographic covariates, functional disabilities, challenge appraisal, and positive human traits. Core self-evaluations, challenge appraisal, limitations in social/cognitive functioning, agency hope, and age were significant predictors in the final model, accounting for 68% of the variance in perceived stress scores (R 2 =.68, f 2 = 2.13; large effect size). Core self-evaluations and challenge appraisal were the strongest predictors of perceived stress. The findings from this study will help rehabilitation professionals develop empirically supported stress management and well-being interventions, enabling people with MS to cope effectively with stressors and challenges and improve their health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveBone grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate can undergo a significant amount of resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bisphosphonates (BPs) on the success of bone grafts in rats.DesignThirty-five female 15-week-old Fischer F344 Inbred rats were divided into the following experimental groups, each receiving bone grafts to repair an intraoral CSD: (1) Graft/saline: systemic administration of saline and (2) systemic administration of zoledronic acid immediately following surgery (graft/BP/T0), (3) 1 week postoperatively (graft/BP/T1), and (4) 3 weeks postoperatively (graft/BP/T2). As an additional control, the defect was left empty without bone graft.Main outcome measuresMicrocomputed tomography and histologic analyses were performed in addition to evaluation of osteoclasts through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.ResultsBone volume fraction (bone volume/tissue volume) for the delayed BP treatment groups (graft/BP/T1 = 45.4% ± 8.8%; graft/BP/T2 = 46.1% ± 12.4%) were significantly greater than that for the graft/saline group (31.0% ± 7.9%) and the graft/BP/T0 (27.6% ± 5.9%) 6 weeks postoperatively (P < .05). Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed an evident increase in bone volume and fusion of defect margins with existing palatal bone in the graft/BP/T1 and graft/BP/T2 groups. The graft/BP/T0 group showed the lowest bone volume with signs of acute inflammation.ConclusionsDelayed BP administration following cleft bone graft surgery led to significant increase in bone volume and integration compared with saline controls. However, BP injection immediately after the surgery did not enhance bone volume, and rather, may negatively affect bone graft incorporation.

IntroductionAlthough current techniques for accelerated tooth movement often involve invasive surgical procedures, micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) using mini-implants may facilitate orthodontic tooth movement without raising flaps, reduce surgical risks, and increase patient acceptance. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of mini-implant-facilitated MOPs in inducing accelerated tooth movement and investigated the potential risks for root resorption.MethodsFive MOPs were placed on the left side around the maxillary first molars in 6 rats using an automated mini-implant driver, whereas the right side received no MOPs as the control. Closed-coiled springs were secured from incisors to first molars for orthodontic tooth movement. Tooth movement was measured, and samples underwent radiologic and histologic analyses.ResultsThe MOP side exhibited a 1.86-fold increase in the rate of tooth movement with decreased bone density and bone volume around the first molars compared with the control side. Hematoxylin and eosin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase analyses showed increased numbers of osteoclasts as well as new bone formation. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis of all 5 roots of the maxillary first molars demonstrated no statistically significant difference in root volumes.ConclusionsMini-implant-facilitated MOPs accelerated tooth movement without increased risk for root resorption and therefore may become a readily available and efficient treatment option to shorten orthodontic treatment time with improved patient acceptance.

BACKGROUND: Employing qualified individuals with disabilities can improve organizational competitiveness and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, research on disability inclusion policy and practices among employers committed to hiring people with disabilities is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate efforts of Fortune 500 companies to include disability in their DEI policy and examine the effect of disability inclusion policy and practices on employment of people with disabilities METHODS: Four hundred sixty-six human resource and project managers with hiring authority participated in the present study. The Disability Inclusion Profiler-23 (DIP-23) was used to assess the perceived importance and implementation level of disability inclusion policy and practices in Fortune 500 and non-Fortune 500 companies. Two-sample independent t-tests were used to compare disability-employment rates and disability inclusion scores between Fortune 500 and non-Fortune 500 groups. Parallel mediation analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which executive level and mid-manager level DIP scores mediated the relationship between Fortune 500 companies and disability employment rates. RESULTS: Fortune 500 companies demonstrated higher disability employment rates and better disability inclusion policies and practices compared to non-Fortune 500 companies. CONCLUSION: State vocational rehabilitation agencies and other disability service providers should engage Fortune 500 executives to bolster disability inclusion efforts. Collaboration between vocational rehabilitation professionals and mid-level managers can enhance DIP policy implementation, thereby improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of nursing faculty and the scarcity of clinical placements have compelled researchers to investigate innovative solutions for procedural development to bridge the gap between didactic teaching and clinical experiences. This feasibility study uses augmented reality (AR) with Microsoft HoloLens2 and Dynamics 365 Guides to train graduate nursing students on advanced nursing procedures, focusing on lumbar puncture. A convenience sample of 24 nurse practitioner students participated in the study. The System Usability Scale, Acceptability Scale, and Engagement Scale were used to assess participant's experiences and perceptions. The results are positive for the feasibility and acceptance of AR technology for procedural training. Participants found the HoloLens2 device easy to use and showed confidence in its functionality. The step-by-step instructions provided by Microsoft 365 Guides were understandable, useful, and satisfactory. The students reported high levels of engagement and found the AR experience to be helpful and motivating for learning. Faculty time was significantly reduced using the HoloLens2 for procedural training compared to traditional methods. This study demonstrates the potential for AR as an effective and efficient modality for nursing education. The findings support the integration of AR technology to enhance procedural development, address the challenges of limited clinical sites, and provide students with an immersive and self-paced learning experience. Additional studies will need to explore the impact of AR on clinical competency, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, the use of AR technology may be useful and effective for nursing pedagogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic laboratory notebooks are gaining in popularity in industry and academia. Various types of electronic laboratory notebooks exist, and a variety of tools can be used for these forms of notebooks. Some tools are commercial products dedicated to being electronic notebooks, while individual organizations can develop ones for their own needs with tools such a OneNote and Google Docs. Google Docs was used as an electronic notebook in organic chemistry, and student perceptions were evaluated using surveys. These tools are used to reduce students' time preparing for lab and writing reports. The implementation of the notebooks and the findings of students' perceptions on the implementation are discussed.

This existentially informed person-centred paper argues that current conceptualisations of 'case studies' (beloved of psychotherapy training and beyond) can reduce complex/beautiful human beings to flat/objectified characters defined by 'presenting problems'--'presenting problems' which clever therapists 'fix'. In response, the paper develops an arts-based approach: a collaborative, respectful/ethical, narrative 'case study', written as a play--a piece of public psychotherapy available for the audience's responses. The play seeks particularly to convey the warmth of encounters between two rounded/unique characters, Deborah and Kate, offering a challenge to the 'us' and 'them' approach of many 'case studies'; it contends that if this is achieved, it is this--rather than narrow/sterile advice about 'assessment', 'formulation' and 'interventions'--which establishes the usefulness of the work.