Adapted Assessment Tool Research Articles

Orthodontic patient satisfaction: Validation of an Arabic patient satisfaction questionnaire

Objectives: Orthodontic patient satisfaction is a primary aim of orthodontic treatment. Satisfaction is a multidimensional concept, requiring multi-item questionnaires for it to be adequately assessed. A 58-item, orthodontic patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ) was developed to assess orthodontic patient satisfaction. Appropriately adapted assessment tools are needed to assess orthodontics patient satisfaction in different populations. The validity and reliability of such tools should be demonstrated before their use for each target population. The PSQ was yet to be validated in Arabic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate an Arabic orthodontic PSQ. Material and Methods: The 58-item English PSQ was translated to Arabic through translation and back-translation. An expert panel examined the relevance of PSQ items. The questionnaire was circulated through social media to recruit responses from Arabic-speaking orthodontic patients who completed orthodontic treatment. Cronbach’s alpha, item-total correlation (I-TC), and kappa reliability coefficient were calculated. The analysis of variance test was used to compare satisfaction scores between genders and different orthodontic treatment appliances. Results: Ten items were removed based on expert ratings. The questionnaire was filled by 327 patients (55.6% females, mean age = 28.5 ± 7.2, 59.8% on metal braces, 35.3% on clear aligners, and 5.2% on tooth-colored braces). Nine questionnaire items were removed because of low I-TC (<0.3). The resulting 39-item questionnaire had a Cronbach alpha of 0.79 and a kappa coefficient of 0.82. The mean total PSQ score of the sample was 167.61 ± 21.45. Items with the top ten highest I-TC correlations had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90. Patients on metal braces had a highest mean total PSQ score (P = 0.004). Among these patients, satisfaction with situational aspects was lower but satisfaction with dentofacial, psychosocial, and dental improvements were all higher compared to other orthodontic treatments (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The 39-item Arabic PSQ is valid and reliable. A shorter collection of 10 items with high validity were identified. Patients on metal braces had better outcomes, driving higher satisfaction. Studies collecting satisfaction data using the PSQ from orthodontic clinics are needed.

Exploring the nexus of self-efficacy in digital literacy and technology acceptance: insights from L2 Chinese teachers

ABSTRACT This study explores the extent to which L2 Chinese teachers (Teachers of Chinese as a Second or Foreign Language) embrace and integrate technology into their teaching practices, and how their self-efficacy in digital literacy (referred to as L2CDL) influences their acceptance of technology. It extended the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by adding L2CDL as a key factor that influences teachers’ perceptions and behaviours regarding technology use. Utilizing a sample of 445 L2 Chinese teachers, the study adapted assessment tools and employed structural equation modelling to scrutinize the L2CDL-TAM relationship. The research centred on two primary objectives. First, it validated the applicability of the TAM model within the context of L2 Chinese education, confirming its suitability with relationships consistent with the original model. Notably, the study established a robust correlation between perceived usefulness (PU) and behavioural intention (BI). Second, it delved into the association between L2CDL and technology-related factors, revealing a significant positive correlation between L2CDL and critical elements, including PU, perceived ease of use (PEU), and BI. L2CDL has exerted an influence on the relationship between PEU and PU, with the L2CDL-PEU connection being particularly pronounced. This underscores the pivotal role of digital literacy in shaping teachers’ attitudes and behaviours towards technology adoption.

Biological activities of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata Linnaeus: a systematic review.

This systematic review integrates the data available in the literature regarding the biological activities of the extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata and their secondary metabolites. The search was performed using four electronic databases, and studies' quality was evaluated using an adapted assessment tool. The initial database search yielded 436 results; ten studies were selected for inclusion. The leaf was the most studied part of the plant (in nine studies); Periconia sp. was the most tested fungus (n = 4); the most evaluated biological activity was anticancer (n = 6), followed by antiviral (n = 3). Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities were also tested. Terpenoids or terpenoid hybrid compounds were the most abundant chemical metabolites. Phenolic compounds, esters, alkaloids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aromatic compounds, and peptides were also reported. The selected studies highlighted the biotechnological potentiality of the endophytic fungi extracts from A. muricata. Consequently, it can be considered a promising source of biological compounds with antioxidant effects and active against different microorganisms and cancer cells. Further research is needed involving different plant tissues, other microorganisms, such as SARS-CoV-2, and different cancer cells.

Psychometric Support for a Brazilian Version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Teamwork in Sport (MATS-B).

In this study, we investigated psychometric support for a version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Teamwork in Sport (MATS) that would be suitable for Brazilian athletes. Four translators participated in the back-translation of this instrument from English to Portuguese, two specialists synthesized the Portuguese and English back-translation versions, and 10 experts assessed the questionnaire items and judged their content validity. To evaluate structural validity, we performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We evaluated internal item reliability with a sample of 447 athletes who completed the adapted measure (the MATS-B). Finally, 202 other athletes completed both the MATS-B and a second measure of collective efficacy (CEQS-B) to provide external validity correlates. With these data, the MATS-B now provides valid and reliable data supporting its use with Brazilian athletes in an adapted assessment tool that aligns with the conceptual framework of teamwork in sports.

Investigation of the Impact of Dyslexia on Mathematics Achievements Among Secondary Level Students in Nepal

Dyslexia, a specific learning difficulty, has a profound impact on reading skills, language processing and mathematical abilities. It hampers word recognition, spelling, comprehension and decoding skills. The objective of this study was to ascertain the occurrence of dyslexia and its influence on mathematics achievement among secondary school students in Nepal. A mixed-method research design was employed for this purpose. The sample included 904 students from grade IX selected randomly. To identify dyslexic students, quantitative data was collected using adapted assessment tools such as the dyslexic student’s checklist for teachers (DSCT), dyslexic students’ checklist for parents (DSCP) and dyslexia identification self-assessment questionnaire (DISQ). These tools were utilized to screen for dyslexia. Qualitative data was gathered through an observation checklist and semi-structured interviews with selected students to verify the presence of dyslexia. The findings of the study revealed a prevalence rate of 5.53% for dyslexic students at the secondary level, with a slightly higher prevalence among male students (5.94%) compared to female students (5.22%). Moreover, the research demonstrated that dyslexic students exhibited significantly lower achievement scores in mathematics when compared to their non-dyslexic peers.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Adult Interstitial Lung Abnormalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rationale: Incidental parenchymal abnormalities detected on chest computed tomography scans are termed interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs). ILAs may represent early interstitial lung disease (ILD) and are associated with an increased risk of progressive fibrosis and mortality. The prevalence of ILAs is unknown, with heterogeneity across study populations. Objectives: Estimate the pooled prevalence of ILAs in lung cancer screening, general population-based, and at-risk familial cohorts using meta-analysis; identify variables associated with ILA risk; and characterize ILA-associated mortality. Methods: The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022373203), and Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology recommendations were followed. Relevant studies were searched on Embase and Medline. Study titles were screened and abstracts reviewed for full-text eligibility. Random effect models were used to pool prevalence estimates for specified subgroups and ILA-associated mortality risk. Risk of ILAs was estimated based on age, sex, and FVC. Quality assessment was conducted using an adapted Assessment Tool for Prevalence Studies. Measurements and Main Results: The search identified 9,536 studies, with 22 included, comprising 88,325 participants. The pooled ILA prevalence was 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.13) in lung cancer screening, 7% (95% CI, 0.04-0.10) in general population, and 26% (95% CI, 0.20-0.32) in familial cohorts. Pooled mortality risk was increased in those with ILAs (odds ratio, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.19-5.81). Older age, male sex, and lower FVC% were associated with greater odds of ILA. Conclusions: Populations undergoing imaging for non-ILD indications demonstrate high ILA prevalence. Standardized reporting and follow-up of ILAs is needed, including defining those at greatest risk of progression to ILD.

Preparing “the Activities of Daily Living Inventory for Children with Disabilities” (ADLIC-D) and Investigating Its Psychometric Properties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and Cerebral Palsy

Background: The difficulties to perform self-care or basic activities of daily life are among the concerns of families, and rehabilitation professionals. In this issue, culturally adapted assessment tools help in the accurate assessment and treatment planning in rehabilitation. Objectives: The present study aimed to survey the validity, and reliability of Activities of Daily Living Inventory for Children with Disabilities (ADLIC-D) in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), intellectual disability (ID), and typical children. Methods: The face validity examined by 60 parents of children with disabilities. Content validity studied by 10 occupational therapists. The sample included 205 (70 normal, 45 ASD, 45 CP, and 45 ID) children aged 3 - 6 years whose parents completed ADLIC-D. Face and content validity, convergent validity with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and the internal consistency of instrument were examined. Result: Intra-class correlations coefficient for test-retest reliability was excellent (above 0.9). Cronbach's alpha for all items was excellent (0.977). The ADLIC-D had convergent validity with the PEDI (r = 0.95). The discriminant validity demonstrated that the measure distinguishes between normal and disabled groups. In addition, the number of final items on the new scale grew from 73 in the original to 76. Conclusions: ADLIC-D had validity, and reliability for children with ASD, CP, and ID. It measured the desired construct, i.e., the activities of daily living in children with the disabilities and differentiated between normal groups, and groups with disabilities.

The Saudi-Arabic adaptation of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34): Psychometrics and norms of the full version and the short version (BSQ8C).

Saudi Arabia experiences elevated levels of body-shape dissatisfaction which might be related to the increased thin ideal. Studies on body-shape dissatisfaction are scarce, mainly because adapted assessment tools are unavailable. This study describes the Saudi-Arabic adaptation of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34), preliminary examines the psychometric properties and provides normative data. The BSQ34 was administered in a convenience community sample (N = 867) between April 2017 and May 2018. Receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis was used to establish discriminant validity, in a subsample (N = 602) in which the Eating Disorder Examination-Shape concern, was administered, the factor structure investigated with confirmatory-factor analyses and T-scores and percentile scores were determined. The BSQ34 discriminated well between low and high levels of body-shape dissatisfaction (area-under-the-curve value = 0.93), had high internal consistency and a unidimensional factor structure, and 23.9% appeared at risk for body-shape dissatisfaction. Analyses were repeated for the shortened BSQ8C, which yielded similar results. The results indicated that the BSQ34 and BSQ8C appeared suitable measurement tools to screen for body-shape dissatisfaction in a Saudi convenience community sample, mainly comprised young, unmarried, and highly educated women. The BSQ34 supplies more information on the type of concerns respondents have, which is worthwhile when the measure is used in a clinical setting; the BSQ8C is recommended as a short screener. As body-shape dissatisfaction is viewed as a risk factor for the development of eating disorder symptoms, screening for body-shape dissatisfaction with reliable tools is important to detect individuals at risk for eating disorder symptoms and may suggest subsequent preventive steps.

The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its prevalence and risk factors still remain debatable. To evaluate the prevalence of ED in the IBD population and the potential role of risk factors in the development of ED. An extensive search in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was performed to identify relevant English-language articles published up to December 2021 that evaluated the prevalence of ED on IBD patients. The included studies were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers for eligibility. We used an adapted Assessment Tool for Prevalence Studies to evaluate the quality of enrolled studies. Data were analyzed and graphed using the STATA software (version 16.0; Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). The ORs with 95% CIs were pooled using a fixed or random-effects model according to heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the stability of the results. The pooled prevalence of ED in IBD patients was calculated, and the OR value and 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of the association between IBD-related risk factors and ED. Fourteen studies included 32,858 individuals totally were enrolled for this meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence estimate of ED in IBD patients was 27% (95% CI: 20-34%). Operation (OR 1.28; 95% CI: 1.17-1.39; P < .00001; I2 = 0.0%), disease activity (OR 2.06; 95% CI: 1.07-3.05; P < .00001), and depression (crude OR 3.31; 95% CI: 1.08-5.54; P = .004; I2 = 0.0%) significantly increase the risk of ED in people with IBD. The association of depression and ED was further confirmed by calculating the pooled estimates of adjusted OR (1.58; 95% CI: 0.05-3.12; P < .05; I2 = 0.0%). The pooled prevalence estimates of ED were 30, 33, and 17% in the age <40, IIEF diagnostic tool, and IPAA surgery subgroups, respectively. IBD patients had a significantly increased prevalence of ED, indicating that erectile function in men with IBD should be concerned by clinicians. The strength of this study is that this is the first meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence and risk factors of ED in IBD patients. A limitation is that the results after pooling the included articles showed significant heterogeneity. The results of our meta-analysis and systematic review provide evidence of the high prevalence and risk factors of ED in IBD patients.

Standardizing Quality of Virtual Urgent Care: Using Standardized Patients in a Unique Experiential Onboarding Program.

IntroductionVirtual urgent care (VUC) provides real-time evaluation, triage, and treatment of low-acuity medical problems; however, VUC physicians have varying levels of telemedicine training. We created a workplace-based experiential onboarding program that deployed standardized patients (SPs) into a VUC clinic to evaluate and deliver feedback to independently practicing physicians, providing quality assurance and identifying areas for improvement.MethodsWe simulated evaluation of an adult with upper respiratory symptoms. To replicate a real-life encounter, we developed a mock electronic medical entry with demographic and medical information and scheduled SPs into the clinic's actual patient queue. SPs provided seamless, realistic training within the real-world virtual clinic environment. Using an adapted assessment tool anchored to not done, partly done, or well done, SPs evaluated communication, disease-specific, and telemedicine skills by observing behaviors. We surveyed participants to evaluate the program.ResultsTwenty-one physicians participated. All performed well in core communication and disease management domains. Ninety-three percent of behaviors (SD = 11%) were rated well done within the information gathering domain, 90% (SD = 8%) within relationship development, and 95% (SD = 5%) within disease management. Physicians struggled with telemedicine-specific skills—55% (SD = 38%) well done—and education and counseling—32% (SD = 34%) well done—highlighting specific behaviors most ripe for improvement. All queried participants indicated that this simulation improved communication and telemedicine skills.DiscussionThis workplace-based experiential onboarding program uncovered knowledge gaps within telemedicine skills and patient education domains. Identification of these gaps can help drive new virtual care curricula.

Locally adapting generic rubrics for the implementation of outcome-based medical education: a mixed-methods approach

BackgroundRubrics are frequently used to assess competencies in outcome-based medical education (OBE). The implementation of assessment systems using rubrics is usually realised through years of involvement in projects with various stakeholders. However, for countries or specialities new to OBE, faster and more simplified processes are required. In March 2019, Japan introduced nine competencies and generic rubrics of competencies for medical residents. We explored the local adaptation of these generic rubrics and its consequences for assessors.MethodsThe study followed three steps. First, we locally adapted the generic rubrics. This was followed by conducting mixed-method research to explore the effect of the local adaptation. In step two, we examined the correlations between the scores in the locally adapted assessment sheets for supervising doctors and generic rubrics. In step three, we conducted interviews with supervising doctors. The study was conducted in the General Internal Medicine Department of Nagoya University, Japan. In the first step, doctors in the Medical Education Center and other medical departments, clerks, and residents participated. Supervising doctors in the General Internal Medicine Department participated in the second and third steps.ResultsA locally adapted assessment system was developed and implemented in seven months. The scores of the generic rubrics and the adapted assessment tool completed by the supervising doctors showed good correlations in some items as opposed to others, assessed mainly with other tools. Participant interviews revealed that local adaptation decreased their cognitive load leading to consistent ratings, increased writing of comments, and promoting reflection on instruction.ConclusionsThis adaptation process is a feasible way to begin the implementation of OBE. Local adaptation has advantages over direct use of generic rubrics.

Cognitive and Functional Differences in Aging with and without Intellectual Disabilities: Observational Study

The lifespan of people with cognitive disabilities (ID) has increased significantly, but the cognitive aspects together with the functional ones comparing normal aging and those with intellectual disabilities had not been previously studied. Objective: This study analyzed the cognitive and functional differences in older adults aging with ID (and with DS), compared with their peers without disabilities, in order to identify the most adapted interventions. Methodology: This study evaluated the outcome variables of MEC, Set-Test, Barthel, Lawton–Brody, and Tinetti with 247 participants: 146 without ID and 101 ID (29 with DS and 72 without DS). Results: At the cognitive level, older people with ID presented lower scores both in MEC (p &lt; 0.01), globally and in each cognitive domain (except in short-term memory), and in verbal fluency (Set-Test) than older people without ID; however, the diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia is higher in people without ID. At the functional level, there are no differences in ABDL, but there are in AIDL and Tinetti (p &lt; 0.01), where participants without ID obtain higher scores. The most frequent pathologies in people with ID were obesity and epilepsy. Conclusions: The lower cognitive and functional performance in ID is associated with the disability itself, the low educational level, the neurocognitive underdiagnosis, and the use of poorly adapted assessment tools. The cognitive and functional results indicated the importance of interventions adapted to the characteristics of this population, in their aging process.

The pedagogy of pedagogues for sexual education in Riobamba, Ecuador: a pilot approach to training sexual education facilitators in a Latin American and Spanish language setting

ABSTRACT Educational efforts to reduce global rates of adolescent pregnancy vary widely with a significant deficiency in the domain of sex education facilitator training. In this study, we sought to establish a pilot approach to comprehensive sex education facilitator training in Riobamba, Ecuador. The approach was aligned with UNESCO recommendations for training facilitators using an adapted version of the U.S.-based Big Decisions curriculum. Four internationally recruited bilingual instructors led a six-day (27-hour) intensive training-of-facilitators programme with twenty trainees using the Big Decisions sex education curriculum. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted using various approaches: anonymised and pre/post-self-assessments, daily feedback surveys of self and instructors, and facilitation practice evaluations. Responses to anonymised surveys indicated improved self-perceived confidence in teaching each curriculum section. More objective pre- and post-teach-back evaluations showed improved ability to teach randomly assigned lessons as assessed by trainers. The pedagogy of facilitator training in comprehensive sex education seeks to combine evidence-informed and culturally appropriate approaches to training facilitators under unique local conditions using adapted assessment tools. This project identified important culturally relevant insights relevant to the future training of comprehensive sex education facilitators working within culturally conservative communities, and Latin America in particular.

Participatory Nutrition Capacity Assessment and Capacity Development in Six Regions of Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives The multi-faceted causes of malnutrition make capacity development in nutrition complex. Defining capacity development actions requires an understanding of the landscape actors utilize to address the determinants. Thus, six regional health bureaus (RHB) in Ethiopia, in collaboration with Alive &amp; Thrive (A&amp;T), conducted participatory capacity assessments to identify capacity strengths and gaps, and co-developed appropriate maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) capacity development plans linked to achieving targets outlined in the national nutrition program. Methods From April to June 2019, 143 nutrition practitioners in six regions of Ethiopia conducted rapid participatory assessments of their respective regional capacity. They used an adapted assessment tool based on WHO's six system building blocks, and a four-level scoring guide to identify MIYCN capacity strengths and gaps on 87 statements of excellence. Validated by RHB's leadership, the assessors and A&amp;T co-developed region-specific MIYCN capacity development plans for areas rated ‘poor’ and ‘fair’. Results An aggregate assessment score for six regions revealed presence of adequate MIYCN implementation capacity – excellent (25.3%), moderate capacity with basic ones in place or in use – good (37.9%), low capacity needing attention – ‘fair’ (23.6%), and no capacity or critical capacity limitation needing urgent attention – ‘poor’ (9.4%). Using a prioritization matrix, MIYCN-focused performance strengthening plans were designed, tailored to each region's context. Beginning in July 2019, the six RHBs incorporated key MIYCN improvement action items targeted towards ‘poor’ and ‘fair’ performance areas with relevant indicators into their annual plans, budget structure, and M&amp;E framework. A&amp;T and other partners provided technical assistance and coordinated their efforts with RHBs to spirally build regional MIYCN implementation capacities. Conclusions The participatory capacity assessment served to establish a baseline of existing MIYCN implementation capability; and create a strong and shared commitment within the health sector identifying areas for improvement that can be addressed by the government, with little or no external assistance. Funding Sources The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Culturally Adapted Assessment Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder and its Clinical Significance

Diagnosing of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using tools developed in the West is challenging in the Indian setting due to a huge diversity in sociocultural and economic backgrounds. Culturally adapted tools, such as the International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN) Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder, have been developed in several Indian languages, yet, they do not accommodate all verbal abilities and education backgrounds. To address this disparity, we developed a home-based, audiovisual game app (Autest) suitable for ASD risk assessment in Indian children under 10 years of age. The game has five modules for each age group with specific peer interaction and play skill assessments. Each module follows a story from the Panchatantra, a popular Indian story series for children. Gameplay and behavior are tracked to assess risk. The effectiveness of Autest was rated by 30 psychologists with respect to current tools. Ratings suggested that the tool is effective and can reduce social inhibition and facilitate assessment due to the lack of a language barrier using emojis, cultural appropriateness, ease of administration, and simple scoring. This tool is particularly useful minimally verbal, at-risk children. Further usage and development of Autest can improve risk assessment and early intervention measures for children with ASD in India.

Development and Validation of a Computerized Adaptive Assessment Tool for Discrimination and Measurement of Psychotic Symptoms.

Time constraints limit the use of measurement-based approaches in research and routine clinical management of psychosis. Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) can reduce administration time, thus increasing measurement efficiency. This study aimed to develop and test the capacity of the CAT-Psychosis battery, both self-administered and rater-administered, to measure the severity of psychotic symptoms and discriminate psychosis from healthy controls. An item bank was developed and calibrated. Two raters administered CAT-Psychosis for inter-rater reliability (IRR). Subjects rated themselves and were retested within 7 days for test-retest reliability. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was administered for convergent validity and chart diagnosis, and the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) was used to test psychosis discriminant validity. Development and calibration study included 649 psychotic patients. Simulations revealed a correlation of r = .92 with the total 73-item bank score, using an average of 12 items. Validation study included 160 additional patients and 40 healthy controls. CAT-Psychosis showed convergent validity (clinician: r = 0.690; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.610-0.757; self-report: r = .690; 95% CI: 0.609-0.756), IRR (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.733; 95% CI: 0.611-0.828), and test-retest reliability (clinician ICC = 0.862; 95% CI: 0.767-0.922; self-report ICC = 0.815; 95%CI: 0.741-0.871). CAT-Psychosis could discriminate psychosis from healthy controls (clinician: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.945-0.984; self-report AUC = 0.850, 95% CI: 0.807-0.894). The median length of the clinician-administered assessment was 5 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 3:23-8:29 min) and 1 minute, 20 seconds (IQR: 0:57-2:09 min) for the self-report. CAT-Psychosis can quickly and reliably assess the severity of psychosis and discriminate psychotic patients from healthy controls, creating an opportunity for frequent remote assessment and patient/population-level follow-up.

Technology assisted child sexual abuse: Professionals’ perceptions of risk and impact on children and young people

BackgroundDespite the rise in ‘online’/technology-assisted child sexual abuse (TA-CSA), little research has been conducted on professionals’ perceptions beyond reporting on young people’s experiences. ObjectivesThis novel study aimed to understand how professionals who work with victims perceive online CSA (i.e., dynamics and impact), and organizational responses to it. Participants and settingsSeven child protection professionals completed a paper-based pilot questionnaire; another 45 professionals (from child protection, policing, education and therapy) completed a shorter, online survey. MethodsRecruitment occurred via a child protection conference, relevant law enforcement/child protection organizations, and advertised via BASPCAN (a national organization for child protection professionals). ResultsProfessionals often demonstrated a limited understanding of the wide range of ‘online’ CSA. Online CSA was often seen by organizations and some professionals as less serious than offline CSA, with offline victims’ prioritized as higher risk, even though respondents noted the impact may be the same. Organizations rarely had clearly outlined assessment/intervention pathways, and some professionals noted that organizations are more likely to perceive victims as ‘active’ participants or to blame for their abuse. ConclusionsThere is often a limited understanding of the risks and severity of TA-CSA, and this can lead to victims remaining at risk, a systemic failure to protect, and a decreased chance of accessing appropriate interventions. Drawing on our findings, we make a number of recommendations, including adoption of the term ‘technology-assisted abuse’, adapted assessment tools and interventions, and widespread training. Policies should be reviewed to ensure they are not implicitly minimizing this serious form of abuse.

Science Adaptive Assessment Tool: Kolb’s Learning Style Profile and Student’s Higher Order Thinking Skill Level

This study aims to determine students’ profiles of learning styles, levels of higher-order thinking skills, and the effect of differences in students’ competence to various HOTS instruments using the Science Adaptive Assessment Tool application. In this study, researcher used the descriptive survey approach. The subjects of this study were 251 students of grade 8 (Al-Zahra Indonesia Secondary school and MTsN 1 South Tangerang (Islamic Secondary school) academic year of 2019/2020. The research instrument used was a test to measure 21st century skills (HOTS), which varied on the learning styles of students studying natural science (Biology and Physics). The instrument was validated by expert judgment and empirically tested in order to obtain instrument reliability of learning style with adequate to high category variations. The results shows: (1) the profile of the most popular student learning styles is the assimilator (27,50%), while at least it is converger (20,71%); (2) Females tend to have assimilator learning style pattern, while males tend to have an accommodator learning style; (3) The higher-order thinking skills level in the Biology material was moderate (an average score of 39,69 from a maximum score of 70). The physics subject is in the lower category (an average score of 21,28 from a maximum score of 70); (4) The achievement of the HOTS score was influenced by the type of learning style and had average of a very small correlation, (5) There was significant difference incompetence across the Kolb’s learning styles—divergers, assimilators, convergers, and accommodators with the use of various HOTS instruments.

Défi de l'évaluation langagière des enfants bilingues : état des lieux des ressources disponibles en logopédie

Approximately 7% of monolingual and bilingual children have a developmental language disorder (Kohnert 2010). These children need to be assessed and diagnosed, and offered appropriate care. Speech and language therapists are responsible for assessing and managing the language of monolingual and bilingual children. The language assessment of bilingual children is a challenge for speech and language therapists (Boerma &amp; Blom 2017; Estienne &amp; Van der Linden 2014; Tuller &amp; al. 2018) because it is currently hard to distinguish between difficulties related to a developmental disorder and a possible delay due to the bilingual situation as both populations present similar errors. (Armon- Lotem 2012). The lack of resources and adapted assessment tools enhances the challenges in differentiating the two populations (Kehoe 2009). The purpose of this paper is therefore to provide an overview of the current knowledge about bilingual language development and developmental language disorder, to show speech and language therapists' difficulties with bilingual language assessments, and to draw up a list of the current resources available to them. Several tools will be described and research attesting to their effectiveness in differentiating between bilingual children with and without language disorders will be presented. We will then discuss their relevance to practice using a clinical vignette.

Cachexia and Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Cancer cachexia is a syndrome characterized by weight loss with accompanying loss of muscle and/or fat mass and leads to impaired patient function and physical performance and is associated with a poor prognosis. It is prevalent in older adults with cancer; age-associated physiologic muscle wasting and weakness, also known as sarcopenia, can compound deficits associated with cancer cachexia in older adults and makes studying this condition more complex in this population. Multiple measurement options are available to assess the older patient with cancer and cachexia and/or sarcopenia including anthropometric measures, imaging modalities such as Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and Computed Tomography (CT), muscular strength and physical performance testing, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A geriatric assessment (GA) is a useful tool when studying the older patient with cachexia given its comprehensive ability to capture aging-sensitive PROs. Interventions focused on nutrition and increasing physical activity may improve outcomes in older adults with cachexia. Efforts to develop targeted pharmacologic therapies with cachexia have not been successful thus far. Formal treatment guidelines, an updated consensus definition for cancer cachexia and the development of a widely adapted assessment tool, much like the GA utilized in geriatric oncology, could help advance the field of cancer cachexia over the next decade.