Personal Capacity Research Articles

Contributors to this edition

All contributing analysts write in their personal capacity

A Minimalistic Exercise Program Without Equipment Improves Global Strength, Endurance And Flexibility In Untrained Persons

Introduction: Physical fitness is a major requirement for soldiers to conduct demanding training programs but also to perform tasks on the battlefield. As soldiers for the German Army are recruited from a population which may have developed physical deficits already in school age, there is a high probability that a yet undefined range of soldiers is not in an adequate physical condition at the time of deployment. The time between application and deployment offers therefore a possibility to develop strength, endurance and flexibility via a defined training program. Purpose: To validate the effectiveness of a standardized 4-week training program designed to improve general strength, endurance and flexibility capacities in untrained and sedentary active persons. Methods: The exercise plan was designed for a time time frame of 4 weeks and 4 training sessions per week with volume and intensity progression. Each session lasted 45 min containing a variable mixture of extensive running and bodyweight exercises without any equipment. These consisted basic flexibility routines for warmup, static and dynamic bodyweight strength exercises include abdominal exercises, pushups, planks, lunges and unilateral variations of these exercises. 9 sedentary active persons (8 females, 1 male) (Age: 34 ± 15, Bodyheight: 171 ± 7 cm, Bodyweight: 69 ± 7 kg) were recruited to participate in the training intervention. Basic strength, endurance and flexibility diagnostics were conducted PRE and POST the study. Statistic evaluation was carried out using two-sided, dependent T-Tests with an alpha level of p < =0.05. Results: Subjects performed in mean 74% of all exercises. 1RM significantly increased in benchpress (p < 0.01) from 32,2 + - 7,5 kg to 36 + - 9,5 kg. Time to exhaustion increased (p = 0.021) from in mean 14,7 to 16,0 min. Peak power output on the ergometer tendencially increased (p = 0.051) from 155 + -33 to 166 + -30 Watts. Knee to-wall tests indicated increased flexibility (p < 0.05) development in both knees from 11,8 + - 3,6 cm to 13,4 + - 2,9 cm (left knee) and from 11,7 + - 3,3 to 13,7 + - 2,9 cm (right knee). Conclusion: The developed training procedure is sufficient to induce significant improvements of physical performance in untrained persons even with moderate reductions in training time and without equipment.

Should nurses’ employers in the NHS be offering menopause leave?

Our panel of nurses and healthcare professionals consider a topical nursing issue and share their views in a personal capacity only

How adherence to the updated physical activity guidelines should be assessed with accelerometer?

BackgroundThe aerobic part of the recently updated physical activity (PA) guidelines for adults recommends at least 150 min of moderate or at least 75 of vigorous-intensity PA or an equivalent combination of both. PA can be accumulated of any bout duration. On an absolute scale, moderate-intensity threshold is 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) and vigorous 6 METs. On a scale relative to individual’s personal capacity, moderate-intensity threshold is 40% and vigorous 60% of the oxygen uptake reserve. In this study, the adherence to the new guidelines was evaluated using both absolute and relative thresholds.MethodsTotally, 1645 adults aged 20–64 years, participated in this population-based study and their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was estimated with 6-min walking test. The participants with estimated maximal oxygen uptake <7.9 MET were categorized as low CRF group and the others as adequate CRF group. The participants were instructed to wear a triaxial hip-worn accelerometer for 1 week and their adherence to PA guidelines was assessed from the accelerometer data.ResultsThe adequate CRF group had higher adherence to PA guidelines with the absolute thresholds, but the use of relative thresholds inverted the results. The adherence varied from 20% to 99% in the total sample depending on the analysis parameters of accelerometer data.ConclusionsThe absolute thresholds provide a more appropriate basis to assess the adherence to PA guidelines in population-based samples and interventions. The use of individually determined relative thresholds may be more useful for individual exercise prescriptions in PA counseling.

Strategies for improving mental health and wellbeing used by adults ageing with HIV: a qualitative exploration

Background: Physical and mental health problems are common among older adults living with HIV (OALWH). Adaptive coping strategies play a vital role in improving these adults' mental health and well-being despite the deleterious effects of HIV and ageing. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, limited evidence exists on the commonly utilized coping strategies in this population. We explore the coping strategies used by Kenyan OALWH to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted between October and December 2019 with 56 participants: 34 OALWH (53% female), 11 healthcare providers (63% female) and 11 primary caregivers (73% female) in Kilifi County. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used the framework approach to synthesize the qualitative data. Results: Five major themes emerged from the analysis of participants’ narratives, including self-care practices, religion and spirituality, relational living (social connectedness), generativity, identity, and mastery. Our study further revealed maladaptive coping strategies, including reliance on over-the-counter medications, self-isolation, waiting to see if symptoms would subside despite doing nothing, and HIV treatment interruptions during prolonged periods of prayer and fasting. Conclusions: Our findings provide an initial understanding of the coping strategies used by OALWH to confront HIV and ageing challenges in a low-literacy, low socio-economic Kenyan setting. Our results suggest that interventions designed to enhance personal capacity, social support, positive religiosity and spirituality, and intergenerational connections may be beneficial in improving the mental health and well-being of OALWH.

Innovative Entrepreneurship Education: Positing an Integrative Model

This conceptual paper is triggered by the backdrop that graduates emerging from the developing countries, particularly in the sub-Saharan African region seem not to be strong enough in their personal capacity, resolve and drive to becoming independent entrepreneurs, perhaps as a result of fear, inertia, and unwillingness to take-risk. These drawbacks somewhat suggest that prevailing&nbsp;innovative entrepreneurship educative models may be pedagogically inadequate. The study reviews existing models underpinning innovative entrepreneurship. Secondary sources of data was employed to provide broad insights on the domain of innovative entrepreneurship and related areas. This paper advocates for a departure from the current theoretical approach to the adoption of the Integrative Model of Innovative Entrepreneurship Education (IMIEE), which is a pragmatic mechanism for the study of entrepreneurship education and curriculum development in developing countries. The integrative model of innovative entrepreneurship education is imperative for understanding and guidance in pedagogy and practice such that drives innovative entrepreneurship practice and institutional sustainability.

The Pictorial Fit-Frail Scale-Malay version (PFFS-M): reliability and validity testing in Malaysian primary care.

This study investigated the reliability and convergent validity of the PFFS-Malay version (PFFS-M) among patients (with varying educational levels), caregivers, and health care professionals (HCPs). PFFS-M cutoffs for frailty severity were developed. This is a cross-sectional study from 4 primary care clinics where 240 patients aged >60 years and their caregivers were enrolled. Patients were assigned to a nurse or a health care assistant (HCA) for 2 separate PFFS-M assessments administered by HCPs of the same profession, as well as by a doctor during the first visit (inter-rater reliability). Patients were also administered the Self-Assessed Report of Personal Capacity & Healthy Ageing (SEARCH) tool, a 40-item frailty index, by a research officer. The correlation between patients' PFFS-M scores and SEARCH tool scores determined convergent validity. Patients returned 1 week later for PFFS-M reassessment by the same HCPs (test-retest reliability). Caregivers completed the PFFS-M for the patient at both clinic visits. Classification cut-points for the PFFS-M were derived against frailty categories defined through the SEARCH tool. The inter-rater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.92 [95% CI, 0.90-0.93)] and test-retest (ICC = 0.94 [95% CI, 0.92-0.95]) reliability between all raters was excellent, including by patients' education levels. The convergent validity was moderate (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), including for varying educational background. PFFS-M categories were identified as: 0-3, no frailty; 4-5, at risk of frailty; 6-8, mild frailty; 9-12, moderate frailty; and >13, severe frailty. PFFS-M is a reliable and valid tool with frailty severity scores now established for use of this tool in primary care clinics.

Goals, challenges, and next steps in transdisciplinary fisheries research: perspectives and experiences from early-career researchers.

Fisheries are highly complex social-ecological systems that often face ‘wicked’ problems from unsustainable resource management to climate change. Addressing these challenges requires transdisciplinary approaches that integrate perspectives across scientific disciplines and knowledge systems. Despite widespread calls for transdisciplinary fisheries research (TFR), there are still limitations in personal and institutional capacity to conduct and support this work to the highest potential. The viewpoints of early career researchers (ECRs) in this field can illuminate challenges and promote systemic change within fisheries research. This paper presents the perspectives of ECRs from across the globe, gathered through a virtual workshop held during the 2021 World Fisheries Congress, on goals, challenges, and future potential for TFR. Big picture goals for TFR were guided by principles of co-production and included (i) integrating transdisciplinary thinking at all stages of the research process, (ii) ensuring that research is inclusive and equitable, (iii) co-creating knowledge that is credible, relevant, actionable, and impactful, and (iv) consistently communicating with partners. Institutional inertia, lack of recognition of the extra time and labour required for TFR, and lack of skill development opportunities were identified as three key barriers in conducting TFR. Several critical actions were identified to help ECRs, established researchers, and institutions reach these goals. We encourage ECRs to form peer-mentorship networks to guide each other along the way. We suggest that established researchers ensure consistent mentorship while also giving space to ECR voices. Actions for institutions include retooling education programs, developing and implementing new metrics of impact, and critically examining individualism and privilege in academia. We suggest that the opportunities and actions identified here, if widely embraced now, can enable research that addresses complex challenges facing fishery systems contributing to a healthier future for fish and humans alike.

Managing international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary collaboration in health and well-being capacity building: lessons learned within the CASO higher education project

ABSTRACT In defining successful collaborative international projects within the theory of change or logic model, focus is often on ‘outcome’ and ‘impact’. Less empirical information is available regarding the ‘input’ and ‘activities’ aspects of this model. To address this knowledge gap and to offer insight into pivotal elements for management, this study focused on the lessons learned from the development and management of the international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary collaboration Caring Society (CASO) project. A needs analysis among project members was performed using a cross-sectional questionnaire with 31 multiple-choice and 10 open-ended questions. The combined quantitative and qualitative findings resulted in seven key elements being identified: information/communication, personal capacity building, finance, organization, time, facility, and quality. These elements are related in that the elements information/communication and organization play a central role with the element time mediating this role. Other elements such as finance, facility, and quality are on a secondary level of importance while personal capacity building is a meaningful outcome. The lessons learned from managing CASO as an international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary project are that: (1) managers should focus on how information is structured and disseminated as this increases the quality of organizational processes, (2) open dialogue through hybrid communication methods foster better levels of accountability and ownership of tasks, also leading to personal capacity development, enhancing a sense of belonging, and development of intercultural and interdisciplinary competencies, and (3) the role of finances, time and resources cannot be ignored as these impact quality, management, and organization of international projects.

Rethinking political agency: The role of individuals’ engagement, perceptions and trust in transitioning to a low-carbon transport system

Although there are many technological solutions and policy approaches for transitioning to a fossil-free society, effective action is still lacking. We need a new way to address the issue, one that inspires and attracts the widest possible group of society. Against this background, the aim of this paper is to explore citizens' political agency in influencing transport policy, and the inner and outer factors that encourage or hinder related engagement at individual and collective levels. Based on a national survey in Sweden (N = 1,210) and a mixed-methods approach, our findings show the importance of people's perceived possibilities to influence policy and their trust in authorities when engaging and exercising political agency. They also shed light on the complex, intertwined nature of these three factors (i.e. engagement, perceived influence, trust), and the role that the perceived environmental effectiveness of low-carbon transport options, climate change awareness, sociodemocratic issues, and underlying human inner dimensions play in this context. The findings highlight the role of perceptions and emotions that are engrained at individual, cultural and structural levels. This is key, as one identified obstacle to engagement is the belief that individuals have no influence. With due limitations, our results support calls for an expanded view of political agency that goes beyond political and institutional actors, and recognises each individual's capacity to contribute to transformative change. We conclude that fostering political agency for a low-carbon transport system is a dual process of addressing both structural and personal (capacity) factors to increase individual and collective engagement, enhance perceptions of possibilities to contribute, and address trust-related issues. All of which need to be given greater consideration to transform transport and climate policy more broadly.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Exercise Physiology Services in Australia: A Retrospective Audit

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in healthcare towards telehealth delivery, which presents challenges for exercise physiology services. We aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reach, efficacy, adoption and implementation of telehealth delivery for exercise physiology services by comparing Australian practises before (prior to 25 January 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (after 25 January 2020).MethodsThis retrospective audit included 80 accredited exercise physiology clinicians. We examined relevant dimensions of the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption and implementation) from the clinician perspective.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, 91% (n = 73/80) of surveyed clinicians offered telehealth delivery service, compared to 25% (n = 20/80) prior. Mean (SD) telehealth delivery per week doubled from 5 (7) to 10 (8) hours. In-person delivery decreased from 23 (11) to 15 (11) hours per week. Typical reasons for not offering telehealth delivery were client physical/cognitive incapacity (n = 33/80, 41%) and safety (n = 24/80, 30%). Clinician-reported reasons for typical clients not adopting telehealth delivery were personal preference (n = 57/71, 80%), physical capacity (n = 35/71, 49%) and access to reliable delivery platforms (n = 27/71, 38%). Zoom (n = 54/71, 76%) and telephone (n = 53/71, 75%) were the most commonly used platforms. Of the reasons contributing to incomplete treatment, lack of confidence in delivery mode was sevenfold higher for telehealth compared to in-person delivery. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth delivery of exercise physiology services increased and in-person delivery decreased, which suggests the profession was adaptable and agile. However, further research determining comparative efficacy and cost-effectiveness is warranted.

Lending Relationships and the Collateral Channel

This article shows that lending relationships insulate corporate investment from fluctuations in collateral values. The sensitivity of corporate investment to changes in real-estate collateral values is halved when the length of relationship between a bank and a firm, or its board of directors, doubles. Long relationships with board members dominate relationships with the firm in dampening the collateral channel. Moreover, lending relationships with directors in their personal capacity insulate corporate investment over and above corporate relationships. Our findings support theories where collateral and private information are substitutes in mitigating credit frictions over the cycle and show that lending relationships are more multi-faceted than previously thought.

A mixed-methods exploration into the resilience of community drug distributors conducting mass drug administration for preventive chemotherapy of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in Côte d'Ivoire and Uganda.

Volunteer community drug distributors (CDDs) have been vital to progress made in the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis; two neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). However, formative work in Côte d'Ivoire and Uganda revealed that CDDs can encounter considerable challenges during mass drug administration (MDA). CDDs must be resilient to overcome these challenges, yet little is known about their resilience. This mixed-methods study explored the resilience of CDDs in Côte d'Ivoire and Uganda. The characteristics and experiences of 248 CDDs involved in the 2018 MDAs in Côte d'Ivoire (N = 132) and Uganda (N = 116) were assessed using a micronarrative survey. Thematic analysis of CDDs' micronarratives was used to identify challenges they encountered during MDA. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25 (CD-RISC-25). Variables from the micronarrative survey found to be individually associated with mean CD-RISC-25 score (P<0.05) through bivariate analyses were included in a multiple linear regression model. Post-hoc, country-specific analyses were then conducted. Thematic analysis showed that CDDs encountered a wide range of challenges during MDA. The aggregate model revealed that CDDs who had positive relationships or received support from their communities scored higher on the CD-RISC-25 on average (P<0.001 for both), indicating higher resilience. These trends were also observed in the country-specific analyses. Mean CD-RISC-25 scores were unaffected by variations in district, age, gender, and length of involvement with the NTD program. Community support during MDA and positive community-CDD relationships appear to be associated with CDDs' personal capacity to overcome adversity. Involving communities and community leadership in the selection and support of CDDs has the potential to benefit their well-being. This study establishes the CD-RISC-25 as a useful tool for assessing the resilience of CDDs. Further research is needed to understand, promote, and support the resilience of this valuable health workforce, upon which NTD programs depend.

Multimodal communication reported by familiar caregivers to build communication capacity in persons who are minimally conscious

Purpose Limited clinical and research evidence is available to support healthcare practitioners in the communication assessment and intervention of persons who are minimally conscious. This study placed a specific focus on the multimodal communication strategies familiar caregivers of persons who are minimally conscious observed, as well as the verbal and the nonverbal communication strategies they employed to build communication capacity. This may inform clinical practice as it provides valuable autobiographical information as well as familiar stimuli that may elicit responses from persons in a minimally conscious state. Method A descriptive qualitative design employing in-depth semi-structured interviews with familiar caregivers was utilised to address the purpose of the study. Result Familiar caregivers reported that they used both nonverbal and verbal communication strategies to obtain a response from persons who are minimally conscious. These caregivers also reported that these persons appeared to rely on nonverbal communication strategies to express 36 different communication functions. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, it is clear that caregivers can be beneficial to persons who are minimally conscious, if they are able to observe and capitalise on naturally occurring multimodal communication strategies and functions. This study emphasises that familiar caregivers respect and value the dignity of persons who are minimally conscious and want to improve their communication capacity, but often lack confidence in their own communication skills.

Capacity of Persons with Disabilities as Legal Subjects in Islamic Law

The study of disability is one of the most important studies in Islam. In the study of Islamic law, the problem of disability is seen as one of the conditions that can cause the perpetrators to get various conveniences and tolerances in carrying out religious rules. However, this perspective is seen as still not enough to be a solution to the problem of disability. This is because this perspective still positions people with disabilities in a powerless position and still does not have the same opportunity to receive their legal rights as legal subjects. This study aims to examine in depth the position and capacity of persons with disabilities as legal subjects in Islamic law. The conclusion of this study is that persons with disabilities are legal subject with full rights as the normal people. They have the right and are capable of receiving and acting legally. In terms of receiving rights, persons with disabilities are full legal subjects. As in the field of ibadah, persons with disabilities have the capacity as full legal subjects but with tolerance according to their abilities. Meanwhile in the field of muamalah, persons with disabilities are subject to certain limitations in their capacity as legal subjects.

STRATEGI KEPEMIMPINAN DALAM PENDIDIKAN

The purpose of this article is to provide a general view of the concept of leadership from several aspects, namely psychology, management and education through presenting various ideas and interpretations, although not final conclusions. The main discussion in this article: "What ideas about leadership concepts in the scientific literature on psychology, management and education. Articles are written with descriptive studies with the results that the leadership strategy is closely related to managerial skills so that a person's capacity to implement conceptual skills related to humans and technical leadership skills to carry out management functions.

Exercise Training for People Living With Fontan Circulation: An Underutilized Intervention.

Surgical repair for children born with single-ventricle congenital heart disease, culminating in the Fontan operation, has resulted in dramatic improvements in survival; children born with these lesions are now typically expected to survive well into adulthood. Most, but not all, patients with Fontan circulation have reduced exercise capacity compared with the general population that, in turn, is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The cause of reduced exercise capacity is multifactorial. A significant contributor is the absence of a subpulmonary ventricular pump, which limits preload and appropriate cardiac output augmentation to meet the increased metabolic demands that occur with exercise. Although in its infancy relative to adults with acquired heart disease, the evidence to date suggests that exercise interventions to improve exercise capacity and Fontan physiology in children and adults with Fontan circulation are safe, effective, and well tolerated. However, many knowledge gaps remain, including a detailed understanding of the unique physiological adaptations that occur, the optimal approach to exercise in this population, and the effectiveness of home-based interventions using telemedicine and remote physiological monitoring technologies. Furthermore, the long-term impact of such interventions on the Fontan-cardiovascular system, physical activity levels, health-related quality of life, and late cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are not well characterized. In this review, we outline the factors associated with reduced exercise capacity in persons with Fontan circulation, review the experience to date of dedicated interventions to improve exercise capacity, and highlight the current knowledge gaps in the field and priorities for further study.

“Hominids with an Infected Brain” Engage in Viral Debate: Agamben and Žižek on the Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Human Relationships

“Hominids with an Infected Brain” Engage in Viral Debate: Agamben and Žižek on the Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Human Relationships

Caring about Other People

Caring about Other People

FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM DESIGN AS A FACTOR OF LANGUAGE LEARNER AUTONOMY DEVELOPMENT

Foreign language learner autonomy is a key capacity of a successful person in the 21st century due to the growing need for life-long education in the conditions of Euro integration and globalization. Modern educational institutions try to incorporate various means and forms of learning to develop learner autonomy. The article aims at the investigation of the peculiarities of Foreign Languages classroom design as a factor of foreign language learner autonomy development. Special emphasis is placed on the idea of Foreign Languages classroom zoning. The authors outline necessary equipment and strategies of its use in the process of autonomous students’ work in the Word Corner, Language Portfolio, Library and Face the Challenge Zones. The use of such educational facilities as Wordwall, Word Maps, Personal Tokens, Washing Line as means to decorate the classroom and promote foreign language learner’s autonomy is described too. The article suggests several approaches to short-term and long-term planning of student autonomous work in the Foreign Languages school classroom in the “Face the Challenge” zone. The simplicity, mobility and cost-effectiveness of the suggested facilities (furniture, seating, decorations) are their main advantages for both teachers and students. Rainbow design of work zones, materials and facilities in Foreign Languages classroom is presented as a way to integrate them all to represent the idea of student equality, unity and collaboration. The choice of rainbow design of the Foreign Languages classroom is approved by its aesthetic attractiveness, positive informal associations and universal awareness by teachers, students and parents. Suggested ideas of Foreign Languages classroom zoning and design of its educational environment are investigated as means to develop 21century 4C skills of critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.