Search

Recent studies report high levels of physical inactivity among most of the global population, including young children. As young children spend a large fraction of their time in school, early childhood teachers have important roles in promoting adequate physical activity (PA) among children. This scoping review aims to synthesise existing evidence on early childhood teachers' understanding of PA in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings based on research in the past decade. Following the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute, we searched databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus, and Education Research Complete. A total of 13 articles were deemed eligible for review. The results reveal early childhood teachers' positive and negative views towards PA in ECEC settings, as well as what they consider facilitators and barriers to PA. Most of the studies call for further professional development of early childhood teachers specific to PA. Future research is also recommended to fill gaps and examine how early childhood teachers' understanding aligns with their local policies and curricula.

With the increasing usage of digital technologies, online collaborative learning is becoming popular in institutions. However, comprehensive factors (e.g. technological factors, collaboration factors and psychological factors) affecting the effectiveness of online collaborative learning are understudied. Thus, both the online collaboration learning theory and technology acceptance model were employed to propose a conceptual framework to explain the effectiveness of online collaborative learning on student learning outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a reliable online platform in China. We have collected 368 valid responses from Sojump (http://www.sojump.com) using judgmental sampling method. Participants from China who had used online collaborative tools for learning in the past three months were invited to complete an online survey, and data were analyzed by using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling. The results revealed that technological factors (i.e. perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) predict positive attitudes towards using technology. In addition, collaborative factors (i.e. collaboration with peers and teacher-student interactions) enable students to be emotionally engaged. When psychological factors (i.e. emotional engagement and attitudes) are in place, better student learning outcomes can be achieved. The theoretical contribution of this study includes extending the theoretical framework of technology acceptance model to examine factors affecting student learning outcomes by integrating online collaborative learning theory. The study also offers practical implications to institutes for promoting online collaborative learning to achieve greater academic success by ensuring technology support, fostering teacher-student interactions, encouraging peer collaborations and emotional engagement, as well as developing a positive attitude towards students.

With the rise of accountability measures in education, many policymakers have also argued the need to record, assess, and certify students' holistic development. However, using China as a case, we caution how a policy-driven reform on the assessment of holistic development might fall into the pitfall of performativity. Borrowing from Ball's (Ball, Journal of Education Policy 18:215-228, 2003) seminal work on policy technologies, we investigate the ways in which management cultures, market logic, and performance indicators have figured in China's assessment policies on students' holistic development. Using the findings as a base, we further discuss and problematize how these policies could have rendered students "managed," "marketized," and "performative," influencing what it means to become a "holistic" student.

The Caregiver Strain Questionnaire assesses the three dimensions of caregiver strain, namely the objective, subjective externalized and subjective internalized strain. It was validated among caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States and Mainland China with promising psychometric properties. This study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese (traditional script) version of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (C-CGSQ) among 198 caregivers of children with ASD in Hong Kong. The C-CGSQ showed excellent internal consistency ([alpha] = 0.958) and test-retest reliability (Spearman's r = 0.966). Concurrent, convergent, divergent validity and a three-factor structure (consistent with previous studies) were established. The C-CGSQ demonstrated promising psychometric properties in measuring caregiver strain among caregivers of Chinese ASD children in Hong Kong.

In recent years, international students' settlement experiences have emerged as a new focus in migration studies. This qualitative study examines the study-to-work transition experiences of 30 mainland Chinese graduates living in Hong Kong and deepens the current discussion of these students-turned-migrants' socio-cultural integration. Specifically, mainland Chinese students-turned-migrants experience ongoing challenges in their study-to-work transitions. Adaptation difficulties in their university years, including limited Cantonese proficiency, meagre cultural understanding of the host society, and weak connections with locals, continue to affect their subsequent employment and social integration. Our findings underscore the crucial links between international students' prior socio-cultural adaptation and their post-study settlement experiences. We also reveal everyday workplace microaggressions, which should receive greater attention from scholars interested in international students' and students-turned-migrants' intra-ethnic interactions. Our findings have implications for immigration policy, university student services, and local companies.

Knowledge building (KB) competencies are crucial for undergraduates' creative knowledge work and academic success. While there is substantial research on KB discourse, there are limited efforts in examining how KB competencies in the conceptual, metacognitive, socio-emotional, and epistemic dimensions are demonstrated in KB discourse and how the competencies can be scaffolded. Previous studies suggest the effectiveness of reflective assessment on sustainable and productive KB discourse. This study developed a framework for analyzing KB competencies using KB discourse moves. It also examined whether a KB design augmented by reflective assessment enriched by analytic tools and artifacts could foster undergraduates' KB competencies, and if so, how. This KB design involves principle-based pedagogy with the participants engaging in collaborative inquiry and discussion on Knowledge Forum, and reflective assessment using (a) super synthesis notes, (b) KB interaction rubrics, and (c) learning analytics visualization tools. Qualitative tracking and lag sequential pattern analysis of Knowledge Forum's discourse revealed that implementing reflective assessment supported by analytics and artifacts could help the undergraduate students develop KB competencies manifested in discourse with evidence of conceptual advance, epistemic engagement, metacognition, and productive socio-emotional interactions with a collective focus. The thematic analysis illustrated the dynamics through which the design enriched by standards and visualizations helped the undergraduates develop KB competencies: leveraging synthesis super notes to promote conceptual and metacognitive advancement and epistemic engagement; employing KB interaction rubrics to cultivate metacognitive, socio-emotional, and epistemic competencies; and harnessing KBDeX visualizations to promote metacognitive and conceptual advancement and to facilitate epistemic engagement. The implications of scaffolding students' epistemic agency, metacognition, productive collaborative inquiry, and developing KB competencies in a technology-supported metacognitive learning environment are discussed.

Awareness and interest in engineering entrepreneurship education has been steadily increasing, yet questions remain on what should be taught. There is a need for research to examine the impact of engineering entrepreneurship education with reference to existing theory and research, and from perspectives of different stakeholders. This study investigates the expectations and perspectives of multiple stakeholders towards learning outcomes in engineering entrepreneurship education, mainly including students from first and final years of higher education, along with educators and industry professionals. A survey instrument was adopted to investigate student expectations towards engineering entrepreneurship education learning outcomes. The quantitative phase offered preliminary findings to support the next phase of individual interviews with students, educators, and professionals from the engineering industry. Findings revealed diverse expectations, needs and preferences across individuals and stakeholder groups. Implications are offered for curriculum design and implementation of teaching and learning practices in this field.

"Research Findings:" Early childhood educators' own disposition has been suggested to contribute to their ability to promote physical literacy (PL) in young children. There is currently limited evidence of educators' own PL, and studies have not explored how PL relates to teaching knowledge and behaviors in the early childhood education (ECE) context. This current study examined the relationships of teachers' perceived PL with their self-efficacy and perceived professional competence in relation to promoting physical activities in ECE settings. A total of 338 early childhood educators from Hong Kong responded to an online survey that consisted of the Perceived Physical Literacy Inventory (PPLI), Chinese version of the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (C-TSE(R)), and Teachers' Professional Competence (TPC) questionnaire. The findings revealed that educators' perceived PL is moderately associated with self-efficacy and professional competence when conducting physical activities in ECE contexts. The PL attributes of self-expression and communication, and knowledge and understanding were significant predictors of educators' self-efficacy in classroom management and teaching strategies, as well as their professional knowledge and attitudes. "Practice or Policy:" The findings suggest that ECE teachers' training should consider aspects of their own PL to enable their self-efficacy and perceived competence for conducting physical activities in ECE settings and thereby promote the PL of young children.

Abstract Background Major advances in management of common pleural diseases have taken place in the past decade. However, pleural diseases are often managed by physicians of diverse training background and research on implementation of new knowledge is scanty. We aim to evaluate the practice pattern in pleural medicine among physicians in Hong Kong, for identification of possible gaps for clinical service improvement. Methods The Hong Kong Thoracic Society undertook a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in 2019, targeting clinicians of various subspecialties in internal medicine and levels of experience (basic and higher trainees, specialists) from twelve regional hospitals of diverse service scopes throughout Hong Kong. Respondents were selected by non-probability quota sampling. The questionnaire tool consisted of 46 questions covering diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of common pleural diseases. The responses were anonymous, and analysed independently using SPSS statistics software. Results The survey collected 129 responses, 47(36%) were from clinicians specialized in respiratory medicine. Majority of the respondents (98%) managed pleural diseases, including performing pleural procedures in their practice. Fifty-five percent of all the respondents had not received any formal training in transthoracic ultrasonography. A significant proportion of clinicians were unaware of pleuroscopy for investigation of exudative pleural effusion, indwelling pleural catheter for recurrent malignant pleural effusion, and combined intra-pleural Alteplase plus DNase for treatment of pleural infection (30%, 15% and 70% of non-respiratory clinicians respectively). Significant heterogeneity was found in the management of pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion and pneumothorax among respiratory versus non-respiratory clinicians. Contributing factors to the observed heterogeneity included lack of awareness or training, limited accessibility of drugs, devices, or dedicated service support. Conclusion Significant heterogeneity in management of pleural diseases was observed among medical clinicians in Hong Kong. Continuous medical education and training provision for both specialists and non-specialists has to be strengthened to enhance the implementation of advances, improve quality and equity of healthcare provision in pleural medicine.

Abstract Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are conditions that carry significant morbidity. They are uncommonly seen as complications of lung abscess formation and prompt recognition and treatment is necessary. We present a 59‐year‐old male patient who complained of shortness of breath and chest pain for 2 weeks. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax showed a left lower lobe lung abscess. This was associated with leucocytosis and raised C‐reactive protein. Ultrasound‐guided drainage revealed viscous pus requiring manual aspiration for adequate drainage. The patient later developed extensive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema involving the pretracheal space, without evidence of pneumothorax. Left lower lobectomy was performed to control sepsis. The patient achieved a complete recovery following his surgery and antibiotic treatment, with interval resolution of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. We present the radiological and clinical features leading to the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.

On top of conventional necropsy, virtopsy (postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging) has been integrated into the Cetacean Stranding Response Programme in Hong Kong since March 2014. To date, 177 out of 240 local stranded cetaceans have been examined by virtopsy. This integration has modernised the characterisation and documentation of cetacean biological health and profiles, and causes of death. During this 6-year period, critical pitfalls regarding logistics, carcass recovery, handling, and preservation have been identified. A strategic management scheme is crucial for the successful incorporation of virtopsy into this pioneer programme. This study explains the workflow of the Cetacean Virtopsy Stranding Response Programme in Hong Kong waters. Difficulties encountered are highlighted and practical solutions to address management issues are proposed to consolidate the stranding response network.

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities have difficulties expressing their views and can manifest psychological and behavioral symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the effects of expressive arts–based intervention (EABI) on the behavioral and emotional well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities.MethodsThis study assigned 109 Chinese adults with intellectual disabilities into EABI (N = 55) or control groups (N = 54) using stratified randomization. Pre- and post-intervention quantitative assessments were conducted of aberrant behaviors, personal well-being, mood and color usage in drawings. Focus group interviews were conducted with the EABI participants and their caseworkers at the post-intervention stage. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance evaluated the EABI effects with age, gender and degree of intellectual disability as covariates, and latent profile analysis examined the patterns of color usage in drawings. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed on the interview data.ResultsThe interview findings suggest that the EABI group was more emotionally expressive and stable after the intervention. Compared to the control group, the EABI group tended to use more diverse colors and leave less empty space in their drawings. No significant overall improvements were found in the EABI group with respect to aberrant behaviors, mood or personal well-being. Among males, the EABI participants showed significantly more anger and less energetic moods than those in the control group. Among females, the EABI participants showed significantly lower levels of aberrant behavior than those in the control group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that expressive arts–based interventions have different effects on the emotional and behavioral well-being of male and female participants. Moreover, increased color usage may imply a more positive state of emotional well-being.

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the Berlin questionnaire in patients with suspected OSAS undergoing PSG in the sleep laboratory setting against those going through the Embletta™ portable diagnostic system (Embletta PDS) at home. Methods Patients with suspected OSAS were recruited from respiratory clinics to complete Berlin questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS). Patients were randomized to undergo either home-based sleep test (group A) or hospital-based polysomnography (PSG) (group B). Results Three hundreds and sixteen subjects with newly referred suspected OSAS were recruited and randomized into group A (n = 157) and group B (n = 159). The prevalence of moderate to severe OSAS defined as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h was 54%. The Berlin questionnaire identified 69.7% (n = 99) of subjects as high risk in group A and 77.5% (n = 100) in group B. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of the questionnaire to predict an AHI ≥ 15/h as diagnosed by PSG was 78, 23, 67 and 35%. When compared with Embletta PDS, the specificity and NPV increased to 48 and 63%. The area under the Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) based on PSG (AUC = 0.539, 95%CI 0.417, 0.661) and based on home Embletta (AUC = 0.712, 95%CI 0.617, 0.907). Conclusions The questionnaire was not reliable in predicting OSAS through PSG AHI whereas there was some predictive ability in discriminating patients with OSAS from normal subjects based on home Embletta sleep test. Trial registration The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01828216) on 10 April 2013.

This study assessed the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and CPAP adherence in the elderly Chinese in Hong Kong.We conducted a sleep questionnaire survey among the elders aged ≥60 years in the community centres followed by level 3 home sleep study (Embletta). Subjects with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/hr alone and those with AHI ≥ 5/hr plus either cardiovascular risk factors or Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) ≥ 10 were offered CPAP treatment.Altogether 819 subjects were interviewed with mean (SD) age of 73.9 (7.5) years, BMI 24.2 (3.6) kg/m2, neck circumference 34.9 (3.4) cm and ESS 6.6 (5.2). Daytime sleepiness was reported by 72.4%, snoring loudly 5.1% and witnessed apnea 4%. Among 234 subjects who underwent home sleep study, 156 (66.7%), 102 (43.6%), 70 (29.9%) and 45 (19.2%) had AHI ≥ 5, ≥ 10, ≥ 15 and ≥ 20/hr respectively, with the prevalence increasing with age and BMI. In the sample, 149 subjects (63.7%) were classified as having OSAS, as defined by an AHI ≥ 5/hr with associated symptoms, involving 81 men (74.3%) and 68 women (54.4%). Neck circumference and snoring frequency were the only positive independent factors associated with the AHI and the diagnosis of OSAS. Among 141 subjects who were offered CPAP treatment, 30 accepted CPAP prescription with improvement of ESS and cognitive function over 12 months with CPAP usage of 4.2 (2.2) h/night.This study showed a high prevalence of OSAS among the community elders in Hong Kong. Home CPAP acceptance was low but there was significant improvement of subjective sleepiness and cognitive function among those on CPAP treatment.

We present a detailed study of a low-dimensional population-competition (PC) model suitable for analysis of the dynamics of certain modulational instability patterns in extended systems. The model is applied to analyze the transverse optical exciton–polariton patterns in semiconductor quantum well microcavities. It is shown that, despite its simplicity, the PC model describes quite well the competitions among various two-spot and hexagonal patterns when four physical parameters, representing density saturation, hexagon stabilization, anisotropy, and switching beam intensity, are varied. The combined effects of the last three parameters are given detailed considerations here. Although the model is developed in the context of semiconductor polariton patterns, its equations have more general applicability, and the results obtained here may benefit the investigation of other pattern-forming systems. The simplicity of the PC model allows us to organize all steady state solutions in a parameter space ‘phase diagram’. Each region in the phase diagram is characterized by the number and type of solutions. The main numerical task is to compute inter-region boundary surfaces, where some steady states either appear, disappear, or change their stability status. The singularity types of the boundary points, given by Catastrophe theory, are shown to provide a simple geometric overview of the boundary surfaces. With all stable and unstable steady states and the phase boundaries delimited and characterized, we have attained a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the four-parameter phase diagram. We analyze this rich structure in detail and show that it provides a transparent and organized interpretation of competitions among various patterns built on the hexagonal state space.