Convergent Themes Research Articles

Desafios Na Aprendizagem De Propedêutica Urológica

This qualitative study, employing thematic analysis of eighth-semester medical students' experiential reports, aimed to identify key challenges in learning urological propaedeutics. Thematic analysis of three reports revealed three convergent themes: integration of theory and practice, the importance of semiology, and challenges in physician-patient interaction. Divergent themes included a focus on specific technologies and detailed case presentations. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory facilitated the analysis of facilitators (faculty supervision, peer interaction, technological resources) and barriers (lack of mediation, limited resources, passive learning). The study concludes that optimizing learning requires pedagogical strategies promoting the integration of theory and practice, active and collaborative learning, effective use of technology, and enhanced physician-patient communication to overcome identified barriers.

Multilingual Situation in Zamboanga City: Native and Nonnative Chavaca no Speakers' Experiences and Perspectives

This paper aimed to describe the multilingual situation in the city, where consultants from three (3) ethnic groups were interviewed via focus group discussions—namely, Muslim, Visayan, and native speakers of Zamboanga Chavacano. To address the objective at hand, the data were gathered and analyzed qualitatively and thematically, after being selected purposively, three (3) native speakers of Chavacano, five (5) Muslim speakers of the same language, and three (3) Visayan speakers of the same language became consultants. Language ecology theory (Haugen, 1971) frames the current investigation. Different themes were generated for each of the ethnic groups. The five themes generated from the Muslim speakers of Chavacano are Linguistic Repertoire, Language of the Community, Language Learning, Variation in Speaking, and Status of Language Domains. Language, Multilingualism, and Language Use are the three (3) themes from the Visayan speakers of Chavacano, whereas from the native speakers of Chavacano, Languages Spoken, Learned, and Used, English vs Tagalog, Language Use in Varied Domains and Situations, and Variation in Use are the four (4) themes found. Furthermore, convergent themes were likewise consolidated: Code-switching, Lingua Franca, Intermarriages, Languages in the Socmed Platforms, Language Acquisition/Learning by Children, Methods for Learning and Using Language, and Language(s) Used in the Community. Additionally, an insider’s position on the multilingual situation in the city is provided. The current analyses may serve as a point of departure for other inquirers with an identical interest relative to the multilinguistic situation in Zamboanga City.

Fiction meets fact: exploring human-machine convergence in today’s cinematographic culture

Abstract This article explores the theme of human-machine convergence as portrayed in modern science fiction movies and TV/streaming series and compares them to real-world advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR). It examines how science fiction often depicts humanoid robots and AI with human-like emotions and intentions, contrasting with the actual technological challenges and ethical considerations in developing intelligent machines. The text discusses the evolution of humanoid robots from fictional portrayals to real-life examples like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus. The paper also explores the reverse interaction, where humans become avatars in virtual worlds, and briefly discusses the ethical implications of simulating deceased individuals in digital form. Through this examination, the paper emphasizes the complexity of human-machine convergence and the importance of considering social, ethical, and emotional aspects in technological progress. It concludes by suggesting that while science fiction provides insights into societal fears and hopes regarding technology and thus into ethical and regulative necessities, the real trajectory of human-machine convergence cannot be predicted through film but will be determined by ongoing and after all incidental developments in the real world.

Investigation of turbine cooling using semi-analytical methods in non-Newtonian fluid flow with porous wall

This study explores non-Newtonian fluid dynamics in an axisymmetric channel with a porous boundary, focusing on its relevance to turbine cooling systems in engineering and industry. Managing fluid flow in such systems is crucial. To address the complexity, mathematical tools like the Homotopy Perturbation Method, Variational Iteration Method, and Runge-Kutta 4th numerical method are used to solve nonlinear differential equations governing momentum and heat transfer. The investigation primarily aims to elucidate relationships in system parameters, including the Power Law index, Reynolds number, and Prandtl number. These relationships are compared with numerical techniques, assessing the precision and simplicity of the employed methods. The inquiry goes beyond conventional research paradigms, exploring constant parameters and trial function steps. The proposed solution reveals a theme of precision, simplicity, and efficient convergence. The correlation between the Reynolds number and the thermal boundary layer is a significant finding. Increasing the Reynolds number and adjusting the Power Law index results in a noticeable reduction in the thermal boundary layer. This has substantial implications for temperature profiles in coupled systems, potentially enhancing cooling effectiveness in various industrial applications.

Relativistic ultrafast electron diffraction at high repetition rates.

The ability to resolve the dynamics of matter on its native temporal and spatial scales constitutes a key challenge and convergent theme across chemistry, biology, and materials science. The last couple of decades have witnessed ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) emerge as one of the forefront techniques with the sensitivity to resolve atomic motions. Increasingly sophisticated UED instruments are being developed that are aimed at increasing the beam brightness in order to observe structural signatures, but so far they have been limited to low average current beams. Here, we present the technical design and capabilities of the HiRES (High Repetition-rate Electron Scattering) instrument, which blends relativistic electrons and high repetition rates to achieve orders of magnitude improvement in average beam current compared to the existing state-of-the-art instruments. The setup utilizes a novel electron source to deliver femtosecond duration electron pulses at up to MHz repetition rates for UED experiments. Instrument response function of sub-500 fs is demonstrated with < 100 fs time resolution targeted in future. We provide example cases of diffraction measurements on solid-state and gas-phase samples, including both micro- and nanodiffraction (featuring 100 nm beam size) modes, which showcase the potential of the instrument for novel UED experiments.

When and how to discuss about palliative care and advance care planning with cancer patients: A mixed-methods study.

To identify the patients who are most likely to participate in discussions about palliative care (PC) and advance care planning (ACP), and to determine their preferred timing and approach of discussion. The study included women aged 18-75years diagnosed with breast cancer. In the quantitative phase, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge, decision-making, and stigmas were evaluated. The qualitative phase included questions about patients' understanding, timing, and method of discussing PC and ACP, which were analyzed by Bardin's content analysis. In Phase 1, a total of 115 participants were included, with 53.04% completing both phases and 46.96% declining further participation. Those who completed both phases exhibited higher rates of marriage and educational attainment, while those who declined Phase 2 had a higher prevalence of advanced-stage cancer and palliative treatment. Completion of both phases was associated with a greater knowledge of reality and increased awareness of PC and ACP. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis revealed 5 convergent themes: timing, demystification, patient empowerment, misconception elimination, and open communication. These themes informed the development of a conceptual model that provides a framework for discussing PC and ACP with patients at different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting appropriate and inappropriate approaches and timing. Early discussion is beneficial, but withholding information or infringing on autonomy should be avoided. The study reveals that married and highly educated individuals tend to be more receptive to these discussions. However, patients with late-stage cancer tend to decline participation. Patients value open communication, demystification of PC, and empowering discussions that eliminate misunderstandings. Efforts should be made to reach patients with limited familiarity, particularly those with late-stage cancer, to increase their receptiveness to enable well-informed decision-making.

Burnout and staff turnover among certified nursing assistants working in acute care hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare worker burnout is a growing problem in the United States which affects healthcare workers themselves, as well as the healthcare system as a whole. The goal of this qualitative assessment was to understand factors that may lead to healthcare worker burnout and turnover through focus groups with Certified Nursing Assistants who worked in acute care hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight focus group discussions lasting approximately 30 minutes each were held remotely from October 2022-January 2023 with current and former Certified Nursing Assistants who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care hospitals. Participants were recruited through various sources such as social media and outreach through professional organizations. The focus groups utilized open-ended prompts including topics such as challenges experienced during the pandemic, what could have improved their experiences working during the pandemic, and motivations for continuing or leaving their career in healthcare. The focus groups were coded using an immersion-crystallization technique and summarized using NVivo and Microsoft Excel. Participant demographic information was summarized overall and by current work status. The focus groups included 58 Certified Nursing Assistants; 33 (57%) were current Certified Nursing Assistants and 25 (43%) were Certified Nursing Assistants who no longer work in healthcare. Throughout the focus groups, five convergent themes emerged, including staffing challenges, respect and recognition for Certified Nursing Assistants, the physical and mental toll of the job, facility leadership support, and pay and incentives. Focus group discussions with Certified Nursing Assistants identified factors at individual and organizational levels that might contribute to burnout and staff turnover in healthcare settings. Suggestions from participants on improving their experiences included ensuring staff know they are valued, being included in conversations with leadership, and improving access to mental health resources.

All Creatures Great and Small: A Review and Typology of Employee-Animal Interactions

Employees interact with animals in a myriad of ways in the context of work. Herein, we seek to catalog this multiplex phenomenon in order to gain theoretical insights. Our article unfolds in four parts. First, we conduct an interdisciplinary review from which we develop a typology of four employee-animal interactions: working for, with, around, and on animals. Second, we outline the current research for each discrete category. Third, we consider key divergent experiences (e.g., the uniquely gendered nature of each) and convergent themes (e.g., all animal work is emotional and hierarchical) across the typology. Fourth, we supplement our review with two metasyntheses of other workplace team interactions—employee-employee and employee-machine/artificial intelligence interactions—to highlight how the study of human-animal interactions can address current conundrums in the organizational domain. We do so to demonstrate that considerations of employee-animal interactions can offer theoretical value to scholars, including those who may not have an inherent interest in the phenomenon. We complement theoretical extensions with suggestions for future research on core management topics, including humanizing workplaces, the future of work, and team collaboration.

“Something is wrong!” A qualitative study of racial disparities in parental experiences of OSA detection in their child

IntroductionApproximately 3% of American children are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet Black children are 2–4 times more likely to experience OSA compared to White children. Little is known about parental experiences in detection, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA in their child, and how these experiences may differ by race. The study objective was to highlight convergent and divergent experiences between and across Black and White parents in the OSA detection process for their child.MethodsWe conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with mothers whose child was referred for a diagnostic overnight polysomnogram (PSG) to assess for OSA. Parents described how their child was referred for a PSG and their perceptions and feelings throughout the detection process. Data were analyzed using a thematic descriptive approach. Frequency of themes were examined by race. Themes that were unique to one racial group were categorized as divergent, whereas themes described by individuals from both groups were categorized as convergent. Within the convergent themes, we examined the prevalence within each racial group, noting those that were more prevalent (&amp;gt;10% difference in prevalence) in one race or the other.ResultsThe sample included 19 Black and 8 White mothers, who were 36 years old on average. Qualitative analysis yielded 21 themes across 5 categories that captured divergent and convergent experiences across Black and White mothers during the OSA detection process for their child. Divergent themes that were unique to Black mothers included It Takes a Village—Teacher, Misplaced Blame, Missing the Day/night Connection, Trust in Provider, and the belief that Snoring is Normal. Only one divergent theme among White parents emerged, worries about Dying in Ones Sleep. Additional convergent themes were identified that were more prevalent in one race compared to the other.DiscussionBlack and White mothers experienced different paths to detection and diagnosis for their child's sleep disordered breathing, that are affected by individual awareness, education, patient-provider interactions, and experiences with the healthcare system. Divergent themes such as Misplaced Blame among Black mothers were a potential indication of racism and health disparities.

“I didn't even know headspace had the drug thing until today”: A socio-ecological analysis of access to drug and alcohol interventions in integrated youth health care services

BackgroundWith 150 centers Australia-wide, the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation is an exemplary integrated youth health service. Headspace centers provide medical care, mental health interventions, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, and vocational support to Australian young people (YP) aged 12 to 25 years. Co-located headspace salaried youth workers, private health care practitioners (e.g. psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical practitioners) and in-kind community service providers (e.g. AOD clinicians) form coordinated multidisciplinary teams. This article aims to identify the factors influencing the access to AOD interventions for YP, in the Australian rural headspace setting; as perceived by YP, their family and friends, and headspace staff. MethodsThe study purposively recruited YP (n = 16), their family and friends (n = 9), and headspace staff (n = 23) and management (n = 7) in four headspace centers in rural New South Wales, Australia. Recruited individuals participated in semistructured focus groups about the access to YP AOD interventions in the headspace setting. The study team thematically analyzed the data through the lens of the socio-ecological model. ResultsThe study identified convergent themes across groups and found several barriers to the access of AOD interventions; 1) YP's personal factors, 2) YP's family and peer attitudes, 3) practitioner skills, 4) organizational processes and 5) societal attitudes were all identified as negatively impacting access to YP AOD interventions. Practitioners' client-centered stance, and the youth-centric headspace model were factors that were considered as enablers of engagement of YP with an AOD concern. InterpretationWhile this Australian example of an integrated youth health care model is well placed to provide YP AOD interventions, a mismatch existed between practitioner capability and YP needs. The sampled practitioners described limited AOD knowledge, and low confidence in providing AOD interventions. At the organizational level, multiple AOD intervention supply and utilization issues occurred. Taken together, these problems likely underlie previous findings of poor service utilization and low user satisfaction. ConclusionClear enablers exist for AOD interventions to be better integrated into headspace services. Future work should determine how this integration can be achieved and what early intervention means in relation to AOD interventions.

Empowerment training to support service user involvement in mental health system strengthening in rural Ethiopia: a mixed-methods pilot study

BackgroundIncreased service user involvement is recommended to improve weak mental health systems in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, involvement is rarely implemented and interventions to support involvement are sparse. In this study we evaluated the acceptability, feasibility and perceived outcomes of an empowerment and training program for service users and health professionals to facilitate service user involvement in mental health system strengthening in rural Ethiopia.MethodsREducing Stigma among HealthcAreProvidErs (RESHAPE) is a training curriculum for service users, their caregivers and aspirational health workers, which uses PhotoVoice methodology, to prepare them in participation of mental health systems strengthening in LMICs. We delivered the RESHAPE training augmented with empowerment content developed in Ethiopia. The interactive face-to-face training was delivered to service users and caregivers (over 10 days), and health professionals (1 day) separately. The study was an uncontrolled, convergent mixed-methods design. The quantitative data consisted of process data, satisfaction questionnaire, and a retrospective pre-test survey. Qualitative data included exit and follow-up in-depth interviews with the service users. Descriptive statistics were performed for quantitative data, and qualitative data were thematically analysed. The findings were integrated through triangulation for convergent themes following analysis.ResultsTwelve service users, 12 caregivers and 18 health professionals were enrolled, and completed the training. Participants valued the content and delivery process; the standard of the training program met their expectations and participation led to positive gains in understanding about mental illness, stigma, service-user involvement and human rights. The qualitative findings identified positive impacts, including increased self-confidence, sense of empowerment, social - and perceived therapeutic benefits.ConclusionsWe found that the RESHAPE training with added content for Ethiopia, delivered using the PhotoVoice methodology, is feasible, acceptable and of value to develop and implement training programmes which can empower service users to be involved in mental health system strengthening in this setting. Further study to assess the impact on health systems strengthening is warranted.

0538 “Something is Wrong!” A Qualitative Study of Racial Disparities in Parental Experiences of OSA Detection among Their Children

Abstract Introduction Blacks are 4-6 times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than white children. Yet disparities in detection, diagnosis and treatment persist. Our study objective was to examine parents’ perceptions and experiences with OSA detection among their children. Methods Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 30 parents of children (ages 2-12 years) who were referred for overnight polysomnography due to OSA. Parents who identified as Black non-Hispanic (n=19) or White non-Hispanic (n=8) were included in the current analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using a grounded theory approach, with themes organized in NVivo 12 software. Twenty-one themes falling into five categories were identified. To examine racial/ethnic disparity in parental experiences, themes were classified as convergent (presented by Black and White parents) or divergent (presented by one racial/ethnic group but not the other). Results Participating parents were primarily mothers (92.59%). Children were 51.90% female; aged range from 3 to14 years old (M=7.93 years, SD=3.08). Delayed OSA detection was observed among Black children (M=9.00 years), compared to white children (M=5.78 years). Analysis of themes by race/ethnicity identified both shared experiences and perspectives, as well as those that were specific to or more salient for parents of one race. Convergent themes that overlapped among both groups included “Wanting to Know, Worries, and Child Daytime Symptoms.” Divergent themes experienced by White caregivers included “Low threshold for raising concerns with provider, Institutional delays, and Trust in provider.” “Misplaced blame, Whatever it Takes, Something is wrong, OSA Awareness, and Missing the day-night connection,” were divergent themes named by Black parents/caregivers. Conclusion Black and white parents experience different paths to detection and diagnosis for their child’s OSA, which may be affected by individual awareness, education, patient-provider interactions and experience with the healthcare system. Support (If Any) Research is supported by K23HL150290

Toward Open Science: Contributing to Research Culture Change

Advancing open science across the complex and decentralized research ecosystem remains challenging to fully enact for a variety of reasons. Specific open science initiatives, including journal policy changes, preregistration, and Registered Reports represent existing opportunities for publishers, societies, institutions, funders, and researchers to contribute to more coordinated culture change across research communities. In a November 2021 post1 in The Scholarly Kitchen, Roger Schonfeld suggested that the current model for scientific scholarly communication may be ill-suited to improve and sustain public confidence and trust in science as it moves toward greater openness and transparency. The increasing politicization of science,2–4 along with related challenges in effectively managing the public communication of science, intensifies the need to build and sustain trust in the scientific process. After outlining proposed priorities for the scholarly communications community to contribute to trust-building in science, Schonfeld ultimately points to the need for greater coordination and collaboration across stakeholders in the global knowledge system—publishers, senior research officers, policy makers, institutions, funders, and libraries—to sustain a trusted information environment. System-level coordination and collaboration is a convergent theme across the open science reform movement.5–7 The recent adoption8 of UNESCO’s Recommendation of Open Science9 by all 193 member states offers a new signal of intentionality and a normative framework for global system coordination. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred coordination and implementation of open initiatives among various stakeholders across the scholarly communications system who aligned to thwart a global crisis. Specifically, the statement issued in January 2020 by the Wellcome Trust on “Sharing […]

An exploration of social skills in substantially separate settings

This research study examined the lived experiences of high school aged students with cognitive impairments in substantially separate education settings in reference to their social skill development. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with five students aged 15–20 years placed in a special education collaborative in New England. Transcripts were analysed using the narrative inquiry method to determine themes. Three convergent themes emerged through the analysis of the interviews: the limited social networks of the individuals, the concept of the previous educational setting compared to the current educational setting and the challenges faced in developing meaningful peer relationships both in and out of the school setting. One divergent theme was found to be the participants' view of the educator's role in social skill development. The analysis of data suggests developing social skill curriculums that promote student ownership and providing additional opportunities for students to expand their social network beyond their current school setting. The findings suggest that students with cognitive impairments who are educated in substantially separate settings view their social networks as limited and defined by their educational setting. This population also experience challenges in developing and maintaining peer relationships.

Ecumenical Convergences: Romanian Evangelicals Exploring Orthodoxy

Historically, in Romania, the relations between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the evangelical communities have been characterized by tension and mutual distrust. That is why, unfortunately, there has been no official dialogue between the two communities so far. The present article investigates the theoretical possibility for such an ecumenical dialogue to occur by analysing the contributions of several evangelical theologians who published research studies on theological topics specific to Eastern orthodox theology. Their positions were analysed from the perspective of an inclusive theology which allowed us to identify some common themes for both traditions: the authority in interpreting the Scriptures, salvation as a process, and the Church understood through the application of a perichoretic model. All these convergent themes could constitute the basis for a future official ecumenical dialogue between the evangelicals and the orthodox from Romania.

Hunger and Health: Taking a Formative Approach to Build a Health Intervention Focused on Nutrition and Physical Activity Needs as Perceived by Stakeholders.

The intersections between hunger and health are beginning to gain traction. New interventions emphasize collaboration between the health and social service sectors. This study aimed to understand the nutrition and physical activity (PA) needs as perceived by food pantry stakeholders to inform a health intervention approach. The study used formative research incorporating mixed methods through surveying and semi-structured interviews with three food pantry stakeholder groups: Clients (n = 30), staff (n = 7), and volunteers (n = 10). Pantry client participants reported; high rates of both individual (60%, n = 18) and household (43%, n = 13) disease diagnosis; low consumption (0–1 servings) of fruits (67%, n = 20) and vegetables (47%, n = 14) per day; and low levels (0–120 min) of PA (67%, n = 20) per week. Interviews identified five final convergent major themes across all three stakeholder groups including food and PA barriers, nutrition and PA literacy, health status and lifestyle, current pantry operations and adjustments, and suggestions for health intervention programming. High rates of chronic disease combined with low health literacy among pantry clients demonstrate the need to address health behaviors. Further research piloting the design and implementation of a comprehensive health behavior intervention program in the food pantry setting is needed.

Why do Irish pig farmers use medications? Barriers for effective reduction of antimicrobials in Irish pig production

BackgroundIn addressing the threat of antimicrobial resistance, it is critical to understand the barriers to the uptake of strategies for the reduction of antimicrobial use (AMU) in the pig industry. In several EU countries, factors such as education level, habits and social pressures are recognised as affecting farmers’ decision-making process in relation to AMU. However, there is a lack of information on the Irish scenario. The aim of this study was to investigate pig farmers’ perspectives and their behaviour towards AMU to identify potential barriers to effectively reduce AMU in Irish pig production. We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 30 pig farmers, 5 pig veterinarians and 4 focus groups of pig farm personnel. We employed qualitative analyses to explore the objective of the study.ResultsQualitative analysis revealed six convergent themes as potential barriers: perceptions about the need for AMU on farm, concept of animal welfare and associated management practices, legislation, culture, economics and standards of communication/type of advice-network. Overall, pig farmers believed that there is poor communication between stakeholders (i.e. farmers, vets and advisors) and a lack of reliable people to approach for advice. They considered themselves as operating responsibly in terms of AMU compared to their national and international colleagues and expressed the importance of a so-called ‘Irish solution’ to the problem of AMU because it was associated with what ‘has always been done’ and was therefore considered reliable and safe.ConclusionsBarriers and challenges were in line with those identified in other EU countries highlighting similarities in behavioural and attitudinal patterns among pig farmers. Overall, farmers appeared to be more likely to rely on previous experiences or to wait for an imposed change (e.g. legislation) instead of taking personal action. Thus, considerable behavioural and attitudinal changes are needed to adopt a more responsible AMU in Irish pig production and to develop effective intervention strategies.

A narrative review of the health impact of climate change and food security on Pacific Island countries and territories

Introduction Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) are experiencing the effects of climate change. A changing climate threatens regional food security. This has implications for the way food is sourced and consumed, and in turn the health challenges PICTs face. This paper presents a narrative analysis of accessible literature from PICTs on the health impacts of climate change and food security. Methods The MEDLINE and Scopus databases were used to identify relevant literature, with no date restriction. Records were organised using a PRISMA framework. Ten articles, published between 2010 and 2019, were included in the final synthesis. Included articles were those that explored the convergent themes on the described association between climate change, food security and health. Results Four articles examined the wider Pacific region, four referred to Micronesia region and/or its constituent countries, and two focused at the country level. Various social, cultural and economic factors may explain why food security has been worsening over time, coinciding with shifts in dietary patterns, and in turn health challenges. Discussion Climate change is impacting food security through its effects on fisheries, agriculture, and migration. These shifts are documented in various studies based within PICTs, yet there are relatively few studies drawing together climate change and food security with a view to informing public health interventions. Conclusion Food security remains a major public health issue for PICTs, and further research is needed to support the development of evidence-based public health policy responses to the climate change impacts on health in the region.

Psychological Transformation: Convergent Themes in Jewish and Psychoanalytic Thinking

The potential for psychological transformation is fundamental to psychoanalytic theory and therapy and to Jewish belief and practice. While Freud's rejection of religious experience as a manifestation of personal and cultural pathology had a long-reaching effect in the history of psychoanalysis, the theoretical extensions and advances of some of his followers have made it possible to view religious experience through a different lens. The author explores the convergence of Jewish ideas about the process of repentance (teshuvah) and the integration of psychic polarities conceptualized in the psychoanalytic literature, namely, love and hate in the shift from the paranoid-schizoid to the depressive position (Klein) and separation and reunion in the establishment of the self and the development of sublimation (Loewald).

Convergence and Asymmetry

Drawing on a survey of forty-five statements on the status of JewishChristian dialogue, this article argues that the theme of convergence which underlies a substantial portion of this dialogue programme arises from an asymmetric power relationship, in which Christian institutions have been insufficiently attentive to the issue of Jewish self-understanding.