Email Interviews Research Articles

Aphasia centre science: What makes an aphasia centre work?

ABSTRACT Background People with aphasia are often discharged from rehabilitation services with chronic communication disability, ongoing challenges in participation, and limited access to long-term support. Aphasia centres aim to fill this gap through the provision of dedicated aphasia programming within a social model of care. Preliminary research suggests that aphasia centres are effective in improving linguistic and psychosocial outcomes, however, the mechanisms by which this occurs are less clear. Aims (1) To describe the structure and operation of aphasia centres internationally; (2) To describe the factors perceived to contribute to aphasia centre effectiveness and sustainability. Methods and Procedures Explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design. A quantitative online survey was used to gather information about the structure and operations of existing aphasia centres. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Semi-structured email interviews explored participant perceptions of factors contributing to centre outcomes and sustainability. Interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Outcomes and Results Fourteen aphasia centres were included in the sample, and all reported offering therapy that was predominantly activity and participation focused and group based. In terms of staffing profile, allied health professionals, specifically speech pathologists, were employed in the greatest numbers. An “effective” centre was conceptualised as one that meets the complex needs of consumers. Committed staff, a sense of community, person-centred service provision and consumer involvement were perceived to be key factors influencing effectiveness. Diversification of funding was perceived to be critical to sustainability. Conclusions Involving consumers in centre operations, facilitating social connectedness and community networks and diversifying funding sources was perceived to contribute to service effectiveness and sustainability. Financial constraints and sufficient staffing remained globally recognised barriers to continued operation.

Transcranial doppler to detect high-risk PFO and predict decompression illness in divers

Abstract Background It has not yet been clearly demonstrated whether it is feasible to diagnose patent foramen ovale (PFO) using transcranial doppler (TCD) and to use it in strategies to prevent decompression illness (DCI) in self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA) divers. Purpose DIVER-PFO study confirmed that high-risk PFO is associated with an increased risk of DCI in SCUBA divers. In this prespecified post-hoc analysis, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of TCD to diagnose high-risk PFO and to predict the occurrence of DCI. Methods Eighty-two consecutive divers (mean age; 41 years, male 80.5%) underwent transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and TCD with a saline bubble test to determine the presence of PFO and were subsequently divided into high-risk and low-risk groups by TEE findings. Divers in the high-risk PFO group included those with the following conditions: PFO with atrial septal aneurysm, hypermobility, PFO size ≥2 mm, or right to left shunt at resting state. The enrolled divers were then followed-up using a self-reported questionnaire through e-mail or telephone interview for 3 years, while they were blinded to their PFO status. The primary endpoint of the study was PFO-related DCI, comprising cases of cutaneous or neurologic DCI, DCI symptoms requiring hyperbaric chamber therapy, DCI symptoms within 30 minutes after surfacing, or unexplained death occurring within 2 weeks after diving. Results PFO was detected in 47 (57.3%) and 59 (72.0%) divers by TCD and TEE, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TCD were 68.3%, 67.8%, 69.6% 85.1%, and 45.7% for the diagnosis of PFO, and 65.9%, 82.8%, 56.6%, 51.1% and 85.7% for the diagnosis of high-risk PFO, respectively. PFO-related DCI occurred in 9 divers in the PFO group (PFO vs non-PFO: 6.4 vs 0.7 incidences per 10,000 person dives; p=0.03) during a mean follow-up of 25.6 months. Integrated time-dependent Area Under the Curves for TCD and TEE to predict DCI occurrence using Cox’s proportional hazards regression model were 0.714 and 0.675, respectively. Conclusions TCD was moderately accurate to diagnose high-risk PFO in divers. However, it predicted DCI as much as TEE.Study flowIncidence of DCI in the PFO vs No PFO

Incorporating replication in higher education: Supervisors’ perspectives and institutional pressures

ABSTRACT Background: Even though replication research has gained traction within academia over the recent years, it is not often well-received as a stand-alone thesis topic by supervisors and university administrators. Methods: In this qualitative investigation, we delve into the perspectives of academic supervisors on the feasibility of replication as a thesis topic within the field of applied linguistics (AL). Drawing on Institutional Theory, administrative pressures facing supervisors on what to be considered permissible for a thesis were also explored. By conducting semi-structured e-mail interviews with a global cohort of AL supervisors and a thematic analysis of their responses, a nuanced landscape was brought to light. Results: Supervisors outlined numerous benefits associated with replication including fostering academic advancement as well as providing opportunities for reevaluating prior research. Nonetheless, they also pointed to several obstacles along the way, such as concerns over originality, constraints on time and resources, and the necessity for mentorship. Moreover, supervisors emphasized their pivotal role as decision-makers in accepting or rejecting replication for a thesis project, while acknowledging the partial influence of institutional pressures. Conclusions: Lastly, some implications and recommendations on allocating more resources to replication research are provided.

Does gender-fair language matter?

Abstract Gender-fair language (GFL), a linguistic practice that aims to avoid gender bias or discrimination by using gender-inclusive terms, has been increasingly recognized in various contexts. Despite this growing recognition, the question of how Filipinos view the use of GFL in the workplace remains underexplored. The present study contributes to this evolving discourse by investigating the perceptions of Filipino professional writers in English toward GFL, an area that has received relatively little attention in the literature, particularly in more restrictive cultural contexts such as the Philippines. Using a qualitative survey with 34 Filipino professional writers, ten of whom participated in follow-up email interviews, I examine the views of these writers on GFL and the aspects that influence them in using GFL in writing. The findings demonstrate that while GFL is seen as positive for social change, practical and contextual considerations affect its use. Factors that facilitate GFL adoption are identified, such as confidence and awareness, commitment to gender equality, and professional growth. In contrast, hindering factors include cultural and ideological resistance, practical and linguistic challenges, and the lack of comprehensive GFL guidelines and resources.

The Actualities of Public Relations Practice at an Eastern Ontario University: A Quasi-ethnographic Study

Although various studies have used ethnographic techniques to examine different concepts, contexts, and practices in public relations (Sriramesh, 2000; Daymon & Hodges, 2009), none of these studies ethnographically examined the culture within which public relations is practiced, and discourse is produced in a college or university context. This quasi-ethnographic study aims to: (1) produce an account of the core aspects of the culture within which public relations is practiced at a university in Eastern Ontario and (2) identify what PR model best represents the PR practice there. To collect data for this study, I conducted e-mail interviews with five public relations participants at the university under investigation to collect data for this study. The data collected was about the groups’ routines, practices, and behaviors that shape their experience and facilitate producing relevant discourse. I also collected some genres and documents. The findings showed that (1) collaboration characterized the culture within which PR performs its duties and activities and produces relevant discourse, and (2) the two-way asymmetrical model best represents the PR practice in the university examined. Besides filling the gap identified here, the study contributes to theory and practice in the field. It benefits those who teach public relations writing and the institution itself as it evaluates how excellent the PR practice in that institution is.

The I-OPTA Questionnaire: A National Assessment of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries. However, a significant gap persists in understanding this population, exacerbated by their advanced age and visual impairments, which can hinder research participation and access to healthcare. The purpose of this study was to describe the content of the questionnaire and the participating patients with nAMD. The survey includes patients diagnosed with nAMD who had previously received treatment or were currently undergoing intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. Participants were recruited using various methods, as reaching out to patients who are no longer receiving treatment poses a particular challenge. A patient and public advisory board assisted throughout the study period. Of the 713 electronic invitations sent out, 494 (69.3%) patients responded to the questionnaire, with an additional 57 responses obtained through e-mail or telephone interviews. Due to the exclusion of 16 responses, there were a total of 535 valid responses, including 176 from patients previously treated and 359 from those currently undergoing treatment for nAMD. The median age of respondents was 79.9years (interquartile range [IQR] 75.5-84.7), with 59.8% being women. Among them, 53.2% were married, while 43.1% lived alone. Data from the I-OPTA (Identification of Patient-Reported Barriers in Treatment for nAMD) questionnaire allows future exploration of patients who are no longer receiving treatment, patients' knowledge about preventive measures, and the impact of nAMD on visual function and quality of life. Future research, including studies that integrate data from corresponding retinal images and Danish national registers, has the potential to generate invaluable knowledge, providing benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals.

The Nexus of Business English and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Leveraging Moodle’s Potential to Augment Lecturers’ Pedagogies for Student Support

This article explores the potential of Moodle, a learning management system, to prepare students for success in business English within the dynamic workforce. While e-learning platforms are increasingly adopted, research specifically focusing on Moodle’s integration in business English remains limited. This study aims to bridge this gap through the investigation of the crucial role of lecturers to empower students through the effective use of Moodle. The research objectives include the exploration of lecturers’ perceptions of Moodle’s potential, the identification of strategies to enhance e-learning support for business English and the redefinition of pedagogy to benefit lecturers and prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This qualitative phenomenological study utilises email interviews, student feedback, and observations, and applies the community of inquiry theory to analyse the study’s findings. Findings reveal that Moodle holds significant promise in business English to enable lecturers to create engaging and personalised learning experiences. The platform enhances learner engagement and language acquisition to enhance adaptability for future work requirements. Based on the study, recommendations include providing comprehensive training and support for lecturers to optimise Moodle’s features effectively. Through the implementation of the recommendations, institutions can harness the full potential of Moodle and pave the way for a more competent and competitive workforce prepared for the challenges of the modern business world.

Woodward-Hoffmann or Hoffmann-Woodward? Cycloadditions and the Transformation of Roald Hoffmann from a "Calculator" to an "Explainer".

On May 1, 1965, Roald Hoffmann and R. B. Woodward published their second joint communication, Selection Rules for Concerted Cycloaddition Reactions, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Herein is presented a historical analysis of Woodward and Hoffmann's determination of the mechanism of cycloadditions. This analysis is based on thorough analyses with Roald Hoffmann of his 1964 and 1965 laboratory notebooks and his archived documents and on numerous in-person, video, and email interviews. This historical research pinpoints several seminal moments in chemistry and in the professional career of Hoffmann. For example, now documented is the fact that Woodward and Hoffmann had no anticipation that their collaboration would continue after the publication of their first 1965 communication on electrocyclizations. Also pinpointed is the moment in Hoffmann's professional and intellectual trajectories that he became a full-fledged, equal collaborator with Woodward and Hoffmann's transition from a "calculator" to an "explainer."

Intersemiotic Translation: Mat Dollah’s Batik Paintings of the Malay Folktale “Puteri Gunung Ledang”

In translation studies, intersemiotic translation, which is the transference of a verbal sign system to a non-verbal sign, vice-versa or between two non-verbal modes, is a dynamically creative form of translation often involving literary works. Intersemiotic translations make it possible for written source texts to be brought to life in various artistic ways; they can usurp the power of the written word to transfer sense and meaning through unforgettable images from one culture to another. Folktales, documented in writings, have been translated into many different forms, such as in performing arts, animations, paintings, and illustrated books. This article examines the intersemiotic translation of the evergreen Malay folktale, “Puteri Gunung Ledang” or “The Princess of Mount Ledang” recreated in the form of batik paintings by the batik artist, Mat Dollah. The first specific objective of this study is to identify the variant and invariant features in Mat Dollah’s representation of the folktale by comparing his batik paintings to its original written account. The second objective is to investigate Mat Dollah’s skopos or purpose for recreating the folktale in his batik paintings in the ways that he has represented it. Six selected batik paintings of the folktale are analysed using Kress and Van Leeuwen’s (2006) multimodality approaches in visual grammar focusing on social actor representations and viewer networks (2008), colour (2011) and modality to fulfil the first objective. Transcripts from an email interview with the painter are analysed to fulfil the second objective. In this study, Vermeer's Skopos Theory underpins the overall discussion. The findings show that one invariant core links the batik paintings to the written source text. Next, the skopos or purpose of the artist in producing these recreations in his own unique ways is strongly influenced by his personal experience, his work as an artist, and his perspectives of the world. Two key insights can be surmised about intersemiotic translations from these findings. Firstly, it is the translators’ intent that determines the translation strategies used, ultimately shaping the final translated product. Secondly, this makes the translator’s presence highly visible in intersemiotic translations.

Networked aspects of lifelong work-integrated learning

The increasingly digitalised and continuously changing working life needs a continuous lifelong professional development that preferably is networked and work-integrated. This this study builds upon university teachers' and course participants’ experiences from a technology enhanced project called BUFFL A pilot project that combines truly work-integrated learning with lifelong learning, in a strive to address the contemporary need for continuous professional development. The important aim in the BUFFL project is to develop a model for collaborative, flexible, and lifelong professional development. A new and interesting concept in the BUFFL project was to involve concept of Bringing Your Own Data for activities in course modules. The aim of this study is to describe and discuss the lifelong work-integrated learning in the BUFFL project from a networked learning perspective. Data were gathered from e-mail interviews with teachers, e-mail conversations between teachers, facilitators and course participants, and from course evaluations. Results from the data sources have been grouped into three main themes in an inductive thematic analysis. Findings show that in academia, in industry, and in the in between a potential is found in the form of collaborative learning. A networked collaboration that should involve the theories from academia, combined with real-world-problems in the workplace, to achieve a fruitful meeting between academia and the industry

Drawing invisible illness: an interview with Claire Lordon

ABSTRACT The depiction of illness narratives within the comics medium has garnered renewed scholarly attention since the advent of graphic medicine in 2007. This interdisciplinary field aims to reconceptualise the emotional landscapes associated with illness, disability, and healthcare. Leveraging the unique affordances of comics, memoirists employ vivid verbo-visual elements that facilitate a more immersive and emotionally resonant depiction of their lived experiences with illness, treatments, and healthcare. Unlike prose narratives, which can be hindered by the limitations of language, comics allow readers to see and feel the struggles, fears, and triumphs of individuals living with illness. The visual nature of comics enables the use of metaphors and visual allegories to represent abstract or internal aspects of illness, such as pain, fatigue, or mental health struggles. The present interview discusses Claire Lordon’s debut graphic novel, One in a Million, a graphic memoir about Cushing’s disease, a rare condition. In this email interview, Lordon explores her artistic vision, community engagement, the comics industry, graphic medicine, future prospects in healthcare and self-care, and her ongoing projects.

Being a Woman Is 100% Significant to My Experiences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism: Exploring the Gendered Implications of an Adulthood Combined Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis.

This article provides original insight into women's experiences of adulthood diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Research exploring experiences of adulthood diagnoses of these conditions is emerging. Yet, there is no research about the gendered experiences of an adulthood combined ADHD and autism (AuDHD) diagnosis. This article addresses this gap through interpretative phenomenological analysis of email interviews with six late-diagnosed AuDHD women revealing the complex interplay between late diagnosis, being a woman, and combined diagnoses of ADHD and autism. It underscores how gender norms and stereotypes contribute to the oversight and dismissal of women's neurodivergence. Interpretative phenomenological analysis reveals the inextricability of femininity and neurotypicality, the gendered burden, discomfort, and adverse consequences of masking, along with the adverse outcomes of insufficient masking. Being an undiagnosed AuDHD woman is a confusing and traumatising experience with profound and enduring repercussions. The impact of female hormones exacerbated participants' struggles with (peri)menopause often being a catalyst for seeking diagnosis after decades of trauma. The epistemic injustice of not knowing they were neurodivergent compounded this trauma. Diagnosis enabled participants to overcome epistemic injustice and moved them into a feminist standpoint from which they challenge gendered inequalities relating to neurodiversity. This article aims to increase understanding and representation of late-diagnosed AuDHD women's lived experiences. The findings advocate for trauma-informed pre- and post-diagnosis support which addresses the gendered dimension of women's experiences of being missed and dismissed as neurodivergent. There needs to be better clinical and public understanding of how AuDHD presents in women to prevent epistemic injustice.

Establishing evidence criteria for implementation strategies in the US: a Delphi study for HIV services

BackgroundThere are no criteria specifically for evaluating the quality of implementation research and recommending implementation strategies likely to have impact to practitioners. We describe the development and application of the Best Practices Tool, a set of criteria to evaluate the evidence supporting HIV-specific implementation strategies.MethodsWe developed the Best Practices Tool from 2022–2023 in three phases. (1) We developed a draft tool and criteria based on a literature review and key informant interviews. We purposively selected and recruited by email interview participants representing a mix of expertise in HIV service delivery, quality improvement, and implementation science. (2) The tool was then informed and revised through two e-Delphi rounds using a survey delivered online through Qualtrics. The first and second round Delphi surveys consisted of 71 and 52 open and close-ended questions, respectively, asking participants to evaluate, confirm, and make suggestions on different aspects of the rubric. After each survey round, data were analyzed and synthesized as appropriate; and the tool and criteria were revised. (3) We then applied the tool to a set of research studies assessing implementation strategies designed to promote the adoption and uptake of evidence-based HIV interventions to assess reliable application of the tool and criteria.ResultsOur initial literature review yielded existing tools for evaluating intervention-level evidence. For a strategy-level tool, additions emerged from interviews, for example, a need to consider the context and specification of strategies. Revisions were made after both Delphi rounds resulting in the confirmation of five evaluation domains – research design, implementation outcomes, limitations and rigor, strategy specification, and equity – and four evidence levels – best, promising, more evidence needed, and harmful. For most domains, criteria were specified at each evidence level. After an initial pilot round to develop an application process and provide training, we achieved 98% reliability when applying the criteria to 18 implementation strategies.ConclusionsWe developed a tool to evaluate the evidence supporting implementation strategies for HIV services. Although specific to HIV in the US, this tool is adaptable for evaluating strategies in other health areas.

An e-mail interview with Dr. Gagandeep Singh Grover.

An e-mail interview with Dr. Gagandeep Singh Grover.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ VIEWS AND UNDERSTANDING TOWARDS AGEING AND OLDER ADULTS

Ageing could be perceived as a dimension encompassing potentially novel roles with favourable and unfavourable connotations. This study explores the views and knowledge of the ageing process and the older generation from university students' perspectives. 60 students enrolled in universities in Slovakia participated in asynchronous email interviews. The data analysis employed a thematic content analysis to interpret the study's outcomes. The results suggest that the viewpoints of university students play a pivotal role in shaping their strategies towards embracing healthy and active ageing in the light of the moral development theory. Higher education institutions should prioritise the positive development of students´ attitudes to ageing and the ageing population by fostering the holistic development of their personality.

Nordic Larp as a Method in Mental Health Care and Substance Abuse Work: Case SÄRÖT

SÄRÖT trilogy was a pilot project, testing and developing Nordic Larp as a method in mental health- and substance abuse work. The larps took place in southern Finland in autumn 2020 and illustrated the experiences of mental health patients, substance abusers, and their bystanders. Data was collected from all three larps, and from their preparations and follow ups, aiming to figure out: -How did SÄRÖT impact its participants well-being? -What features of SÄRÖT were transformative? and -How could SÄRÖT be further developed into an actual method for mental health- and substance abuse work? Multiple methods, including WHO5 questionnaire, observation, workshops, email interviews, and free feedback, were used to gather versatile data out of a relatively narrow pool of respondents. Although WHO 5 is not a diagnostic tool, it has been successfully used to measure change in (experienced) well-being in art therapy groups1. Triangulation and theme analysis were used to analyze the data. Most of the WHO5 answers from before the games differed from the ones after the games, indicating a change in their well-being. In the interviews, observation, and free feedback the respondents reported changes in the way they experience their current situation in life. A new willingness for discussion or receiving help came up in several feedbacks and interviews. Some reported having processed their own traumas, gaining tools for dealing with e.g., PTSD, or making active changes such as applying for a new job, getting help for mental health issues, or turning to social workers because of the SÄRÖT experience. According to Moreno2, empathizing with the portrayed character is transformative. It also enables facing reality from a new perspective, providing tools for our own lives3. SÄRÖT is an example of this transformativity. However, the most impactful part of SÄRÖT were the workshops and conversations after the games, which is reminiscent to replication therapy4. SÄRÖTs transformativity was partly caused also by SÄRÖT having an objective, and the participants being aware of it. SÄRÖT has potential to become a purposeful tool for healthcare, service, or a product, if it is further developed with health care professionals and larp-designers. 1 Zubala et al. 2016; Topp et al. 2015 2 Moreno 1946 3 Carlson 2004, 75 4 Serbin & Allen 1968; see also Lehto 2021, 76

Of comics and climate change: an interview with Brian Fies

ABSTRACT Wildfires are both a devastating reality and a growing concern in the face of our changing climate. Brian Fies’s A Fire Story is a graphic narrative that sensitively presents the harrowing experiences of losing his home to Northern California wildfires (2017). This article offers insights from an email interview with Fies, examining the distinctive narrative affordances of the comic medium. The interview is divided into two sections. Part one titled ‘Drawn from the Ashes: Of Comics and Climate Change,’ Fies responds to questions regarding the artistic choices (visual storytelling elements etc.) he made to convey the emotional spectrum of the wildfire experience. Part two, titled ‘Rebuilding from Ashes: Resilience and Realities,’ Fies presents his perspective on the role of personal storytelling in addressing climate change and resilience. Put together, Fies reflects on the potential of comics to evoke empathy, raise awareness, and enable meaningful dialogue on urgent issues such as wildfires, climate resilience and natural disasters. In so doing, the present interview contributes to the discussion on the intersection of comics, personal narrative, and environmental crises, offering a nuanced understanding of the role of graphic storytelling in conveying the impact of natural disasters.

Delivering citizen science online and hybrid: impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on recruitment and engagement

This small-scale study explores the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on running and delivering a large-scale, international participatory citizen science project. In doing so, it seeks to identify the challenges posed by the pandemic for the research and practitioner community, as well as suggesting useful strategies, tools and helpful approaches for meeting similar challenges in the future. WeCount was a citizen science project aimed at empowering citizens to take a leading role in the production of data, evidence and knowledge around mobility in their own neighbourhoods. The project was originally designed around in-person engagement and interaction with citizens in five European case studies, but it was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this pilot study, we conducted seven email interviews with internal project members. Data were analysed using content analysis, and five main themes emerged from the interviews: Recruitment (overall and of specific groups); Uncertainty; Logistics; Digital skills; and Blended approach. We report on the lessons learnt about online citizen recruitment and engagement to support future citizen science and other participatory research projects, not only during times of crisis, but also in deciding when it is and is not a good time to use online methods of recruitment and engagement.

Monitoring and evaluation system for revitalization programmes in Germany

Monitoring and evaluation should form the foundation of revitalisation programme management. The literature on the subject points to a general reluctance of municipalities to assess the effects of implemented revitalisation programmes, as well as the difficulties that municipalities encounter during this process. In Germany, in 2013, the federal and state governments, along with municipal associations, adopted an inter-programme concept for the evaluation of revitalisation programmes. This concept represents the first systematic structure for monitoring and evaluation of revitalisation programmes. The aim of the article is to present the assumptions of this concept and provide an overview of the experiences gained so far in its implementation. The study was based on desk research, an in-depth individual interview, the case study method, and an email interview.

How researchers can translate health evidence into books for children.

The health promotion literature that considers how scientific evidence can be effectively communicated tends to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of communication materials. This has resulted in a knowledge gap regarding effective knowledge translation processes. This study explores the process, reasoning and practices for developing books for children that incorporate evidence-based information to aid understanding of scientific evidence about health and environmental or natural disasters. This study is informed by a systematic review of the literature combined with responses to an email interview with authors of books for children. Nine published studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-two authors responded to the email survey (25% response rate, following 86 invitations). We report seven key findings to guide the development of health-promoting books for children: (i) understand the needs and expectations of the audience, (ii) articulate the topic and research evidence, (iii) assemble a team with a mix of content knowledge and creative expertise, (iv) format should be chosen to suit the user group and guided by the creative team, (v) early testing with children and their support system is crucial, (vi) develop a dissemination strategy to reach the user group and (vii) engage in reflexivity through evaluation of effectiveness of messaging. The current investigation can guide the process, reasoning and practice of developing books for children that incorporate evidence about health and environmental disasters.