Context Of Practice Research Articles

Understanding Clinical Learning Quality Aspects in Mental Health Nursing Practice Course among Students: A Comprehensive Examination

There is a growing demand for comprehensive evaluations of the clinical learning quality of nursing education and the necessity to establish robust predictors and mediators for enhancing its outcomes within the context of mental health practice. This study is threefold: 1. Evaluating nursing students’ clinical learning quality before and after mental health nursing practice; 2. Establish if the grade of a theoretical course in mental health nursing and the student’s perception of their theoretical knowledge level predicts the grade of mental health nursing practice; 3. Explore how model learning opportunities, self-directed learning, safety, and nursing care quality mediate learning environment quality and tutorial strategies quality following mental health nursing practice. Using a before and after the study, 107 undergraduate nursing students at an Israeli university completed a questionnaire and the Clinical Learning Quality Evaluation Index tool to assess their perceptions of clinical learning quality before and after mental health nursing practice. The results showed a decline in students’ perceptions of tutorial strategy quality following mental health practical learning in clinical settings, with the theoretical course grade predicting the practical experience grade and underscoring the mediating role of learning opportunities between the learning environment and tutorial strategies. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of an adaptive learning environment and a solid theoretical foundation in fostering effective tutorial strategies and enhancing the overall learning outcomes for nursing students in mental health education.

Shear behavior of ultra-high performance concrete corbels：Experimental study and modified strut-and-tie model

In this study, a static loading test was performed to examine the shear behavior of twelve ultra-high performance concrete ( UHPC) corbels. The impact of key parameters, such as shear-span ratio, steel fiber volume ratio, and stirrup reinforcement ratio on corbels' mechanical behavior, were explored. The test findings reveal that the cracking load of UHPC corbels is significantly higher than that of the corbels without steel fiber, and the failure mode changes from shear failure to flexural failure. Reducing the shear-span ratio and increasing the stirrup reinforcement ratio substantially improved the shear capacity of the corbels. Furthermore, a modified strut-and-tie model was developed for predicting the shear capacity of UHPC corbels. A shear test database for UHPC corbels was compiled to validate the accuracy of the proposed method. The model showed strong agreement with the test results and demonstrated satisfactory adaptability. Finally, four other models from national standards and academic proposals were evaluated under the same conditions. The proposed model showed superior correlation with the experimental data, suggesting its potential to improve the design and application of UHPC corbels in practical engineering contexts.

Transdisciplinary Research in Marine Science: What’s the added value of involving stakeholders?

The holistic solution of complex, global problems in marine topics requires innovative research formats - which can be served by transdisciplinarity. To assess the success of the transdisciplinary approach for marine research, several case studies from marine research at Kiel University (Germany) were analysed for this study. Interviews with both scientists and stakeholders were carried out to 1) clarify whether stakeholder involvement in scientific projects provides additional knowledge and to 2) identify the underlying success factors. Both groups see added value in transdisciplinary projects and name positive aspects of cooperation, mutual interaction and information exchange. Essential are the applicability of research results, and the formation and maintenance of networks enabling further joint activities. Stakeholders add practical contexts to scientific knowledge so that the results of this transdisciplinary research can be translated into practical actions. Resource availability sets clear limits within the project framework. Successful transdisciplinary approaches require standardized definitions of terms, the selection of suitable participation formats and continuous, clear communication. Transdisciplinary projects proved suitable as a tool for sensitizing the general public and raising awareness of complex marine challenges.

Effect of pharmacist‐led interventions on hypertension‐related knowledge, medication adherence, and blood pressure control: A multi‐center, randomized, controlled trial in Vietnam

AbstractIntroductionHypertension is the single most important leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Vietnamese population and remains poorly controlled by the current conventional care model.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether pharmacist‐led interventions can improve hypertension knowledge, medication adherence, and blood pressure (BP) control in Vietnamese patients with hypertension.MethodsA multi‐center, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in three hospitals in Vietnam from October 2021 to May 2022. The educational interventions included direct counseling, printed material, and educational videos for smartphones. The primary outcome was hypertension knowledge assessed by the Hypertension Knowledge‐Level Scale (HK–LS). Secondary outcomes were medication adherence as assessed by the Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale (MGL) and changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) at week 12.ResultsA total of 381 patients were included in the study, with 190 and 191 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively. At week 12, patients in the intervention group had a significantly higher mean HK–LS than the control group (18.97 ± standard deviation [SD] 2.10 vs. 14.98 ± SD 3.55, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly higher medication adherence was observed in the intervention group than in the control group (MGL score of 3.76 ± 0.52 vs. 3.20 ± 0.87, respectively; p < 0.001). Patients in the intervention group had a significant reduction in mean SBP/DBP (−6.15/−2.58 mmHg) compared with the control group (−0.98/−0.92 mmHg; p < 0.001).ConclusionPharmacist‐led interventions resulted in a significant improvement in disease knowledge, medication adherence, and BP control in the Vietnamese context of practice and health system.

Mortuary Practices, Rituality, and Commemorative Places: A View of Kohne Tepesi in the Southern Basin of the Araxes River, Iran

ABSTRACT Ritual practices as behavior, and the cognitive acknowledgment of life and death, foster a depth in social identity, collective social memory, and a societal worldview. This paper outlines the evidence of Early Bronze Age burial practices in northwestern Iran to discuss the newly discovered chamber tombs at Kohne Tepesi within the broader context of mortuary practices during the middle and last part of the 3rd millennium b.c. The findings from Kohne Tepesi support the idea that, at least for parts of Kura-Araxes society, burial rites and commemoration of the dead played a crucial role in their worldview. Furthermore, this site demonstrates that the changes in symbolic practices and social behavior during the Early Kurgan period were not spontaneous but rooted in the last phases of the Kura-Araxes period and that the perceptions of earlier traditions had been conserved in long-term social memory.

Spiritual Resilience in the Sands: Exploring Religion and Subjective Well-being in Abu Dhabi's Community

The practice of religion is often strongly linked to various factors influencing well-being. Utilizing data from the 4th cycle of the Abu Dhabi Quality-of-Life survey conducted in 2023, this research aims to uncover the intricate associations between religious practice and various determinants of well-being among the residents of Abu Dhabi. Path analysis was employed to explore the direct and indirect connections between the frequency of religious practice and different well-being factors. A total of 22 paths revealed the overwhelming interrelations between each pair considered in the model, indicating the nuanced ways in which religious beliefs and behaviors contribute to individuals' sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and resilience, as well as the diverse facets of well-being within the context of religious practices. Notably, results recorded the highest total effects of practicing religion on social trust and social relationship was the only variable that affects religious practice. Additionally, the significance of age, gender, education, nationality, and marital status was observed in this context. The findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature and potential avenues for future research concerning the interplay between well-being indicators and religious practices are suggested.

Stephen Joel Chifunyise and his contribution to the praxis of Afroscenology

In this article, I want to explore the life and creative practice of Stephen Chifunyise to assemble a couple of features that characterize his work which he called ‘national theatre’. My starting point is that all theory is derived from practice and comes back to guide practice. By interrogating Chifunyise’s training manuals, plays, speeches, academic papers, workshop materials, contributions to newspapers and his own practice, certain trends begin to emerge which speak to a normative practice that many theatre groups/companies in Zimbabwe deployed. Within the context of this creative practice, many other African nations were grappling with the idea of a national theatre before and after Zimbabwe’s search for a theatre identity. All these African countries were foregrounding an indigenous text, usually storytelling, as the theatrical frame to which other texts and codes could be grafted to create an African aesthetic. Despite the cultural diversity of sub-Saharan Africa, there seems to be an agreement on the general framework of theatre. In this article, I have called the theory which emerged from this practice, Afroscenology. As different scholars contribute different tenets to the same theory, my underlying objective is to spell out Chifunyise’s contribution to the theory of Afroscenology.

Mental health and justice beyond borders: Global crises, sociopolitical determinants, and contemporary practices in forensic psychiatry

In an era marked by escalating international crises, environmental shifts, and sociopolitical volatilities, global mental health is facing profound challenges. With its distinctive position at the intersection between clinical and judicial domains, forensic psychiatry can be predisposed to the consequences of adverse external determinants and events. At present, geopolitical conflicts, rising insecurities, climate change, forced and voluntary migration, and regressive sociopolitical ideologies are all compounding role responsibilities, care models, and ethical expectations across forensic-psychiatric practice; in short, complex distal factors are increasingly informing domestic considerations. These far-reaching concerns indicate a need for adaptive and proactive responses, underpinned by cultural sensitivity, social justice, and respect for human rights. Through illustrative examples from different regions, this perspective paper calls for a greater recognition of the transnational dynamics that are affecting local contexts of practice. Equally, it outlines the importance of advocacy, interdisciplinary collaborations, and potential evolutions in training and ethical frameworks to address contemporary issues. By adopting these approaches, forensic psychiatrists can promote more just systems and equitable mental healthcare for patients amidst the uncertainties of an interconnected and rapidly transforming world.

Missed care or missed opportunities in general practice nursing

BackgroundResearch into missed care has been conducted in various acute and some community healthcare settings; however, the experiences of general practice nurses (GPNs) are poorly represented in the literature. AimTo explore the role of the GPN and whether care activities are missed. MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was used, employing semistructured interviews with 10 participants. The participants were GPNs working in a metropolitan or regional general practice in Australia, with a minimum of three years of experience in the role. A six-step process for thematic analysis was utilised for the extraction and presentation of findings. FindingsGPNs rarely miss care; it is either delayed or rescheduled. Findings illustrate missed opportunities to provide care and enhance the role of the GPN. Factors contributing to missed opportunity are as follows: (i) difficulties navigating the GPN–general practitioner (GP) relationship, (ii) GPNs lack ongoing education commensurate with their scope of practice, (iii) Medicare policy fails to fund the GPN role, (iv) a rise in the number of salaried GPs leads to time pressures that limit the GPN role, (v) scope of practice constrained by time deficits, and (vi) communication problems within a siloed healthcare system limit GPN scope of practice. DiscussionThe initial aim was to identify missed care; however, findings suggest that GPNs rarely miss care, but they do miss opportunities to provide care and practice to their full scope. ConclusionInternal and external factors specific to the general practice context can contribute to missed opportunities for the work of the GPN.

Speech emotion recognition using a combination of variational mode decomposition and Hilbert transform

The objective of automated speech emotion recognition (SER) is to recognize each emotion of the speech signal uniquely and efficiently using machines like computers, mobile devices, etc. The popularity of SER has been widely acknowledged among researchers due to its extensive applicability in practical contexts. The use of SER has shown to be advantageous in several domains, including medical treatment, enhancement of security systems, surveillance operations, online marketing strategies, online educational platforms, online search engines, personal communication, customer relationship management, reinforcement of machine and human connection, and numerous other areas. Numerous authors have used various techniques, including the combination of multiple features (acoustic, non-acoustic, or both) and classifiers (machine learning, deep learning, or both), in order to enhance the efficacy of emotion categorization. In the present work, our objective is to enhance the performance of emotion classification (PECL) by using a combined approach of the variational mode decomposition (VMD) and Hilbert transform (HT) techniques. Using the VMD method, we decomposed the speech signal frame into many sub-signals, or intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Then HT is applied to each VMD-based IMF signal to find the mode instantaneous amplitude (MIA) and mode instantaneous frequency (MIF) signal vectors. We extracted proposed features such as HT-based approximate entropy (HTAE), HT-based permutation entropy (HTPE), HT-based increment entropy (HTIE), and HT-based sample entropy (HTSE) using each MIA and MIF signal vector. The combination of the proposed HT-based features is called HT-based entropy (HTE) features. Then, we accessed the PECL using the HTE and MFCC features alone and in conjunction with a deep neural network (DNN) classifier. The experiment's results showed that the combinations of the proposed feature (MFCC + HTE) using a DNN classifier outperformed the individual features and obtained a SER accuracy of 86.92% for the EMOVO dataset and 91.63% for the EMO-DB dataset.

The Evolving Classification of Meningiomas: Integration of Molecular Discoveries to Inform Patient Care.

Meningioma classification and treatment have evolved over the past eight decades. Since Bailey, Cushing, and Eisenhart's description of meningiomas in the 1920s and 1930s, there have been continual advances in clinical stratification by histopathology, radiography and, most recently, molecular profiling, to improve prognostication and predict response to therapy. Precise and accurate classification is essential to optimizing management for patients with meningioma, which involves surveillance imaging, surgery, primary or adjuvant radiotherapy, and consideration for clinical trials. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) grade, extent of resection (EOR), and patient characteristics are used to guide management. While these have demonstrated reliability, a substantial number of seemingly benign lesions recur, suggesting opportunities for improvement of risk stratification. Furthermore, the role of adjuvant radiotherapy for grade 1 and 2 meningioma remains controversial. Over the last decade, numerous studies investigating the molecular drivers of clinical aggressiveness have been reported, with the identification of molecular markers that carry clinical implications as well as biomarkers of radiotherapy response. Here, we review the historical context of current practices, highlight recent molecular discoveries, and discuss the challenges of translating these findings into clinical practice.

An adaptive Bayesian approach for improved sensitivity in joint monitoring of mean and variance using Max-EWMA control chart

This article introduces an adaptive approach within the Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart framework. Various Bayesian loss functions were used to jointly monitor process deviations from the mean and variance of normally distributed processes. Our study proposes the mechanism of using a function-based adaptive method that picks self-adjusting weights incorporated in Bayesian Max-EWMA for the estimation of mean and variance. This adaptive mechanism significantly enhances the effectiveness and sensitivity of the Max-EWMA chart in detecting process shifts in both the mean and dispersion. The Monte Carlo simulation technique was used to calculate the run-length profiles of different combinations. A comparative performance analysis with an existing chart demonstrates its effectiveness. A practical example from the hard-bake process in semiconductor manufacturing is presented for practical context and illustration of the chart settings and performance. The empirical results showcase the superior performance of the Adaptive Bayesian Max-EWMA control chart in identifying out-of-control signals. The chart’s ability to jointly monitor the mean and variance of a process, its adaptive nature, and its Bayesian framework make it a useful and effective control chart.

Psychosocial action as praxis in psychology: Insights from professional practices

Introduction: In recent decades psychology has transcended the ways of understanding human, so that contextual interpretation and analysis is carried out from a psychosocial perspective, which can be evidenced at the formative level in the development ofprofessional practices. Objective: To understand the perceptions of students and graduate psychologists around psychosocial action and praxis from the context of practices at the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD). Methodology: Descriptive qualitative study, in which 32 people selected through a non-probabilistic sampling by convenience participated. The semi-structured interview and the focus group were used. The information processing was carried out through thematic analysis. Results: Psychosocial action is evidenced as an approach perspective characterized by interaction and the ability to transform a problematic situation where the professional exercises a horizontal role privileging subjective and collective knowledge, defined by the implementation of alternative methodologies that entail a reflexive character.Conclusions: Psychosocial action as an interactional and transformational process enables an expansion of perspectives and imaginary conceptions on practice beyond the clinical-private sphere.

ANALISIS AKUNTABILITAS DAN TRANSPARANSI PENGELOLAAN DANA BOS PADA SDS ADVENT 6 MEDAN

The purpose of this research is to delve into the practices related to the implementation of accountability and transparency principles in the management of school operational assistance (BOS). The independent variables used in this study include key aspects of accountability, including financial reporting, fund utilization, school accountability in managing BOS funds, as well as transparency, which includes the extent to which information is open to parents or school supervisory bodies, and school characteristics. Meanwhile, the two dependent variables considered are the efficiency of BOS fund utilization and the school's ability to comply with guidelines and regulations in the management of BOS funds. This research uses a qualitative descriptive analysis approach, relying on qualitative data obtained from interviews and financial report analysis. The data used in this study are secondary in nature, including information from various sources related to the management of BOS funds in various schools. Through this approach, the research aims to delve deeper into the practices related to accountability and transparency in the management of BOS funds, and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how these principles are applied in practical contexts.

Exploring approaches to pulp vitality assessment: A scoping review of nontraditional methods.

Diagnostic procedures for pulp vitality assessment are a crucial aspect of routine dental practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nontraditional techniques and methodologies for assessing pulp vitality, specifically exploring promising approaches that are currently not used in dental practice. The study protocol was registered a priori (https://osf.io/3m97z/). An extensive electronic search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Inclusion criteria were guided by the research question based on the PCC model as follows: "What are the potential nontraditional techniques (Concept) for assessing pulp vitality (Population) in the field of endodontics or clinical practice (Context)?" Studies were included that explored possible approaches to pulp vitality assessment, utilizing a range of techniques, whilst any studies using traditional pulp tests (cold, heat, and electric stimulation) or well-known methods (pulse oximetry and laser Doppler flowmetry) were excluded. Reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. A patent search was also performed. Of 3062 studies, 65 were included that described nontraditional approaches for assessing pulp vitality. These included a range of optical diagnostic methods, ultrasound Doppler flowmetry (UDF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), terahertz imaging, tooth temperature measurements, as well as invasive methodologies, including 133xenon washout, radioisotope-labelled tracers, hydrogen gas desaturation, intravital microscopy and fluorescent microspheres isotope clearance. The patent search included artificial intelligence and biomarkers methods. This review provides details for potential innovative tests that may directly describe pulp vitality. Importantly, these methods range from clinically impractical through to promising methods that may transform clinical practice. Several nontraditional techniques have the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and could provide valuable insights into the assessment of pulp vitality in challenging clinical scenarios.

Enhancing thermal performance in enclosures filled with nanofluids subjected to sinusoidal heating: a numerical study

ABSTRACT This study conducts a comprehensive numerical investigation into enhancing thermal transfer within square enclosures filled with water-based oxide nanoparticle suspensions, subjected to central sinusoidal heating. Further flow configuration, influenced by an inclined magnetic field, is designed with a focus on enhancing thermal efficiency for engineering applications. Key innovations include the application of sinusoidal heating elements to enhance thermal performance significantly. Computational analysis supported by finite element analysis, quantifies the impact of these parameters on flow dynamics and thermal transmission, presenting a substantial advance in the understanding of nanofluid-filled enclosure thermal management. The study reveals that the undulation of the heating element plays a crucial role in the heat transfer rate, with improvements observed as undulation increases. The introduction of magnetic fields further controls flow distribution and buoyancy effects, as demonstrated by our findings that an increase in the Rayleigh number correlates with enhanced convection, dominating the cavity's thermal dynamics. Additionally, the report outlines the conditions under which the Nusselt number increases, indicating enhanced thermal performance. These insights are pivotal for designing optimized heat transfer systems and energy-efficient applications, setting a new benchmark for thermal management strategies in practical engineering contexts.

Mainstreaming systematic climate action in energy infrastructure to support the sustainable development goals

The energy sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 37% of the world’s combined emissions, and plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is no systematic means for planners and practitioners to integrate climate considerations throughout the lifecycle of energy infrastructure projects. Using a thematic document analysis, we provide a comprehensive list of activities related to climate mitigation and adaptation which can be systematically mainstreamed into the energy sector project lifecycle to support a range of sustainable development outcomes. Two renewable energy projects were used to integrate the results into a practical context and demonstrate the range of potential SDG target synergies. The case studies demonstrate the varied means by which climate action can be integrated through mainstreaming in project lifecycle stages, holistically achieving wider SDG impacts. This work provides a practical means to maximise progress within the framework of climate-compatible development.

Machine learning as alternative strategy for the numerical prediction of the shear response in reinforced and prestressed concrete beams

Some materials, such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, involve non-linear constitutive relationships in elasticity problems defined on them. In particular, the shear strength of a reinforced concrete beam may be calculated by considering a diagonal struts field in the context of the so-called “Compression Field Theories” (CFTs). This work presents an efficient Machine Learning method alternative to numerical methods for obtaining the full shear response of reinforced and prestressed concrete beams based on CFT regarding stresses, strains, and crack angles. For that, a regression task is developed using state-of-the-art Machine Learning (ML) models. A ML model per output variable is trained with the existing Newton-Raphson solutions database. The solvability region of the embedded steel constitutive model is also considered, demonstrating the comprehensive character of the proposed method. The model is validated on two real beam responses, where the results obtained demonstrate that this alternative method based on ML algorithms effectively addresses the problem of prediction of the shear response in reinforced and prestressed concrete beams. The proposed ML approximation performs reasonably well without requiring any initial approximations. Moreover, the ML regressor here developed shows a low dependence on the concrete tension stiffening area surrounding the steel reinforcement, which significantly improves the performance of this methodology in a higher number of design cases. Thus, in the practical context of structural engineering, this last approach establishes an efficient alternative procedure for obtaining numerical solutions of mechanical models based on the CFTs framework.

Implementing a stakeholder capitalism approach through values-based leadership: case studies in the private, nonprofit and educational sectors

Purpose Stakeholder capitalism has gained attention among business practitioners and academia, often discussed within the context of corporate social responsibility, ethical practices and values-based leadership. Many societal institutions, including businesses and higher education institutions, have a role to play in the transition toward stakeholder capitalism. This study aims to discuss insights gained from a multiyear research and pedagogical project coordinated among a group of academics and an Israel-based holding company to study the implementation of a values-based leadership process focused on establishing a stakeholder-oriented model in a variety of organizations. Design/methodology/approach Conducted over a decadal period, this project relied on a qualitative case study methodology. The project was conceived as an exploratory and inductive study examining organizations that implemented a values-based leadership model and a university that used this model for curriculum and pedagogy. Semi-structured interviews, observations of leadership practices and operations, and substantive reviews of organizational documents informed the study’s iterative methodology. Findings The case studies presented explore the benefits of a stakeholder capitalism and values-based leadership transformation in organizations and highlight the importance of senior leadership engagement at the outset to set the tone and direction of implementation while also role modeling values-based behaviors for the organization. The utility of aligning the new values-based approach with existing elements of the organizational culture and priorities was also identified in addition to the benefit of individuals linking the new values initiative to their personal values and life. These practices, and a broader stakeholder dialogue on values, helped establish a transition that was inclusive within the organizational hierarchy and in its connections to the larger society. The cases also explored how stakeholder principles and values-based leadership models can be integrated into management education based on the outcomes of the organizational investigations. Originality/value These case studies offer insight into the implementation of a values-based leadership framework, which draws on stakeholder theory, in diverse organizations across a for-profit to non-profit spectrum. These studies also provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the implementation of a common values framework in different sectors. The cases further highlight the potential role of business-education sectoral partnerships in educating a workforce that is dedicated to business for good.

Transitional care clinics for patients discharged from hospital without a primary care provider: A systematic review.

The transition from hospital to home is a high-risk period. Timely follow-up care is essential to reducing avoidable harms such as adverse drug events, yet may be unattainable for patients who lack attachment to a primary care provider. Transitional care clinics (TCCs) have been proposed as a measure to improve health outcomes for patients discharged from hospital without an established provider. In this systematic review, we compared outcomes for unattached patients seen in TCCs after hospital discharge relative to care as usual. We searched the following bibliographic databases for articles published on or before August 12, 2022: MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Five studies were identified that examined the effects of a dedicated postdischarge clinic on emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and/or mortality within 90 days of discharge for patients with no attachment to a primary care provider. Studies were heterogeneous in design and quality; all were from urban centers within the United States. Four of the five studies reported a reduction in either the number of ED visits or readmissions in patients seen in a TCC following hospitalization. TCCs may be effective in reducing hospital contacts in the period following hospital discharge in patients with no established primary care provider. Further studies are required to evaluate the health benefits attributable to the implementation of TCCs across a broad range of practice contexts, as well as the cost implications of this model.