Tool For English Language Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Nursing Clinical Facilitators Questionnaire

Background: Translation and adaptation of English-language tools for use in communities speaking other languages is a facilitating factor for conducting nursing and health-related research. Aim: To test the validity and reliability of the Nursing Clinical Facilitators Questionnaire (NCFQ) for Turkish society. Methods: The study was carried out on 316 students between September 2022 and April 2023. The results were tested with validity and reliability analyzers such as factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and item-total score analysis. Results: The scale comprised 22 items including three subdimensions. In both exploratory and confirmatory factor tests, the overall factor loading was greater than 0.30. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all the goodness of fit indexes were greater than 0.87, and the root mean square error of approximation was less than 0.07. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.92, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging between 0.55 and 0.88 for the subscales. Conclusion: NCFQ was found to be a valid and reliable scale for the Turkish population.

Models of classroom discipline – teachers’ preferences and their selected predictors

The purpose of this article is to present the results of research on teachers' preferred discipline models and selected predictors of these preferences. The research is based on the discipline theory by Charles H. Wolfgang (2001), the individual philosophy of discipline model by Clifford H. Edwards (2008) and the self-determination theory by E. L. Deci and R. M. Ryan (2000). It was conducted using English-language tools translated into Polish: The Beliefs on Discipline Inventory (Glickman and Tamashiro, 1980), The Teachers' Need for Autonomy Satisfaction (Tadić, 2015) and the Polish-language tool, which is Education Rationality Questionnaire (Milerski and Karwowski, 2016). The study included 169 teachers employed in kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools. The analysis suggests that the confronting-contracting model of discipline is the most successful among the respondents, followed by the relationship-listening model and the rules and consequences model. Factors predicting teachers' preferences include individual educational philosophy and age.

Feasibility, validity and reliability of the Dutch translation of INCRESE (INCRESE-NL) inventory to characterize mental health recovery narratives

Objective: Methods for characterizing mental health recovery narratives are needed to enable the selection of helpful narratives which can support the recovery processes of other people. The Inventory of Characteristics of Recovery Stories (INCRESE) is an existing English-language tool to characterize recovery narratives, which is not available in Dutch. The aims of this study were to create a Dutch translation of INCRESE and to evaluate the feasibility of sustained and routine use, as well as its validity and reliability.
 Research design and methods: INCRESE was translated into Dutch (INCRESE-NL) using an established translation methodology. Six coders with different professional backgrounds rated 30 purposively selected Dutch narratives using INCRESE-NL and then completed an evaluation survey. Feasibility was assessed qualitatively and content validity both qualitatively and quantitatively. Gwet’s AC1 agreement coefficient was used to calculate intercoder reliability. 
 Results: Coders evaluated INCRESE-NL as a suitable instrument to capture important characteristics of recovery narratives with an acceptable administrative burden. The content validity index was sufficient for 5/7 sections of INCRESE-NL. Most items were found to be clear and suitable for capturing the corresponding characteristic, although some missed strict coding rules or clear descriptions, especially in section 4 on narrative characteristics. Gwet’s AC1 could be calculated for 67/77 items, of which 62 scored sufficient and five scored below threshold. Gwet’s AC1 coefficients corresponded well with the original INCRESE Fleiss Kappa values. 
 Conclusions: INCRESE-NL has sufficient feasibility, validity and reliability and can be used to characterize Dutch recovery narratives.

Language outcomes at 4 years of linguistically diverse children born very preterm: an Australian retrospective single-centre study

BackgroundVery preterm children are at increased risk of language delays. Concerns have been raised about the utility of standardised English language tools to diagnose language delay in linguistically diverse children....

A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Strategies and Multimodal Tools in Blended Learning English Language Classroom

Blended learning was considered to be an effective approach to language learning in various fields as it significantly increases the learner's autonomy, engagement, curiosity, and effective comprehension. In the past years, various experimental studies have been carried out to examine the positive outcome of blended learning among English language learners. Since 2000, various research studies have been carried out to analyze the strengths and limitations of the blended learning classroom. The purpose of the present study is to systematically review the research papers published on blended learning from the year 2010 to 2021. The study investigates the effectiveness of blended learning specifically in English language classrooms. Blended learning is highly reliant on the English language tools and strategies employed while teaching. Hence, the study analyses the various metacognitive strategies and English language-based multimodal tools used in the blended learning classroom. The study reviews the method, approach, and strategies used in the blended learning classroom. 25 quantitative studies were selected for the systematic review. The study uses “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” and Cochrane guidelines of systematic review to analyze the selected studies. Blended learning seems to be effective among English language learners and it has significantly developed students’ attention, academic achievement, student learning involvement, students engagement, active learning, student interaction, learning process, language proficiency, English language skills, learning motivation, improves concentration and provides a new learning experience. Nevertheless, variables like English language skills, various multimodal tools, and metacognitive strategies can significantly impact the effectiveness of the blended learning approach.

Psychological Patterns in Sexual Relationships: Ukrainian Adaptation of the Multidimensional Sexual Questionnaire

Aim. Human sexuality is an important multidimensional subject for psychological research. However, the study of sexuality remains relatively closed for Ukrainian researchers, primarily due to a lack of valid and reliable measures of sexuality in general, and in particular, measures of psychological patterns in human sexuality. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to validate a self-report English-language tool, the Multidimensional Sexual Questionnaire (MSQ), for the Ukrainian language. Methods. A total of 1113 Ukrainian-speaking participants were administered the MSQ-UA. The MSQ-UA factor structure was measured using EFA and CFA procedures. Alpha and Omega estimates of internal consistency were calculated. The test-retest reliability was established in a five-week time period. The correlations of the MSQ-UA subscales with relevant psychopathology, personality measures and control statements were accomplished to prove the construct validity of the questionnaire. Results. Findings indicated that the MSQ-UA is an eleven-dimensional measure, which is almost identical to the original English-language version. Subscales of the MSQ-UA display acceptable excellent psychometric properties of internal consistency (Alpha and Omega within a range of 0.70 to 0.92). The test-retest reliability over the five-week period was appropriate (r=0.68-0.93). The MSQ-UA subscales demonstrated from moderate to high correlations with relevant measures, and the associations were absent or low in cases when criterion measures were irrelevant to the subscale. Conclusion. The MSQ-UA demonstrated appropriate psychometric properties and may be applied to assess a broad range of psychological patterns in sexual relationships in the Ukrainian-speaking population.

Web-Based Knowledge Translation Tools for Parents of Children with Heart Failure: An Environmental Scan

<h3>Purpose</h3> Childhood heart failure (HF) accounts for a proportion of cardiac admissions to hospital each year. Successfully discharging a child with heart failure involves effective parent education. Inadequate knowledge uptake by parents can result in numerous encounters with the health system, less parental decision-making, and heightened familial anxiety. Environmental scans (ES) are a methodology used to understand what resources are available for specific topics. No ESs have been completed in pediatric HF context. We embarked on an ES to better understand what educational resources exist for parents who have a child with HF. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a comprehensive search using key search term within the Internet (Google) and two popular application stores (Apple & Google Play), common venues where parents search for information. Inclusion criteria were: 1) educational pediatric HF content, 2) tools developed in either Canada or the US, 3) information targeting parent audiences, and 4) English language tools. Each tool was appraised for health literacy using the Suitability of Assessment Measures (percentage scores 0-100% assigned within 6 domain subsections). Key informants who played a role in tool development were identified and invited for a semi-structured interview. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and means and thematic analysis were performed. <h3>Results</h3> The search occurred in 06/2020. No applications met inclusion criteria and 16 web-based tools met inclusion criteria. Included tools were in the form of webpages (n=13) and handouts (n=3). Our health literacy assessment revealed that most tools scored in the adequate range (40-69%; n=15) and 2 scored as non-suitable (0-39%). All ratings in the graphics subsection were unanimously rated as not suitable and all scores in the layout and type subsection were unanimously rates as superior. Four organizations participated in interviews. Three themes were identified (introductory knowledge, credible, and challenges/evolution of knowledge). Interviews suggested more effective knowledge translation strategies and a need for more in-depth knowledge. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our ES has identified that no applications exist and a modest number of web-based tools for parents about their child's heart failure. Improvements to graphics would help the overall delivery and uptake of content for parent audiences.

Deutschsprachige Übersetzung des PANELVIEW Instruments zur Evaluierung des Prozesses der Leitlinienentwicklung aus der Perspektive der Leitliniengruppe

IntroductionThe development process for clinical guidelines is influenced by factors that are relevant to the validity of a guideline but often are not captured sufficiently in the final guideline documents. PANELVIEW is an English-language tool that can be used to explore the guideline development process from the perspective of guideline group members. Our aim was to translate the PANELVIEW tool into German, taking into account national contexts and linguistic differences. MethodsThe PANELVIEW tool was initially translated by a core team, then refined and approved by a group of experts in a consensus-based Delphi process. The experts were selected on the basis of their experience in guideline development covering different fields (clinical, methodological, organisational, health professional, patient perspective) and geographical regions (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). A representative of the original PANELVIEW team was also involved. The Delphi steps included an online survey, an online consensus conference and final approval by circulating the results via email. Individual items were seen as generally agreed upon if the level of agreement in the respective steps was 75 % or more. ResultsThe expert group consisted of 12 persons. Of these, 11 (92 %) participated in the online survey and 10 (83 %) in the subsequent consensus conference. After the first Delphi step, sufficient agreement was achieved for 19 of 34 items (56 %). The remaining 15 items were discussed in the consensus conference and finally obtained 100 % agreement. The discussion focused on clarifying and adapting terms whose meaning was ambiguous or inadequate in the German context, which led to a deviation from the original wording in some instances. DiscussionThe PANELVIEW tool was translated into German by means of a Delphi process. PANELVIEW complements existing instruments for assessing the methodological quality of guidelines by capturing the perspective of the guideline group. This will enable guideline developers and organisations to identify problems in the drafting process and avoid them in future projects. User testing and validation of the German-language PANELVIEW tool are planned for the future. ConclusionThe German-language translation of PANELVIEW will enable guideline developers in German-speaking countries to continuously evaluate and, where necessary, improve the process and methods of guideline development.

Three Gaps in Computational Text Analysis Methods for Social Sciences: A Research Agenda

ABSTRACT We identify three gaps that limit the utility and obstruct the progress of computational text analysis methods (CTAM) for social science research. First, we contend that CTAM development has prioritized technological over validity concerns, giving limited attention to the operationalization of social scientific measurements. Second, we identify a mismatch between CTAMs’ focus on extracting specific contents and document-level patterns, and social science researchers’ need for measuring multiple, often complex contents in the text. Third, we argue that the dominance of English language tools depresses comparative research and inclusivity toward scholarly communities examining languages other than English. We substantiate our claims by drawing upon a broad review of methodological work in the computational social sciences, as well as an inventory of leading research publications using quantitative textual analysis. Subsequently, we discuss implications of these three gaps for social scientists’ uneven uptake of CTAM, as well as the field of computational social science text research as a whole. Finally, we propose a research agenda intended to bridge the identified gaps and improve the validity, utility, and inclusiveness of CTAM.

A study on the Problems and Skills of Business English Translation

In the development of international economic activities, or the communication of different national culture, is relying on the powerful tool for English language, business English as an international language, plays a bridge role in international trade, along with our country market gradually into the international economy and society, the demand of business trade English translation and contradictions increasingly prominent. Business English is a combination of language, culture and economy. It is a common language for cross-cultural communication in the context of international business. Business English translation should follow certain principles, understand the characteristics of business English and pay attention to translation skills, which are very important for business English translation. However, there are many deficiencies and problems in current business English. In view of these problems, the corresponding measures are put forward.

Portuguese European spoken cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the patient perception of patient-centredness (PPPC)

Abstract Background There is growing evidence supporting the relevance of practicing Person-Centered Medicine (PCM). An English language tools exists to evaluate it from the person’s perspective. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt and validate for the European spoken Portuguese the Patient Perception of Patient-Centeredness (PPPC), a 9-item questionnaire 4 grade answering, created by Moira Stewart with an internal consistency of 0.80, Cronbach's alpha. Methods PPPC translation to Portuguese (PPPC-Pt), medical experts analisys, back-translation and degree of readability measurement were performed. Cross-sectional multicentric observational studies in convenience samples of persons having attended medical appointments and applying the PPPC-Pt and gender, age and academic training epidemiologic questioning were performed. Internal consistence by Cronbach’s alpha and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were made for P &amp;lt; 0.01 level for difference. Results PPPC-Pt internal consistency of Cronbach’s alpha = 0.724, range 0.691 to 0.720, item-total correlations between 0.324–0.652, F-test of F = 32 343.086, P &amp;lt; 0.001, reliability of ρ = 0.960; P &amp;lt; 0.001, and Flesh Index of ‘easy’ were found. In n = 570, 36.8% women, 17.0% under 35 and 36.3% above 65 years, 48.9% at 6th level and 16.3% high educational level, a mean ± SD of 32.7 ± 3.7, median 33, minimum 13 maximum 36 points no differences were found for gender P = 0.732, age P = 0.572 and educational level P = 0.436 for the mean score of the PPPC-Pt. Conclusions The PPPC-Pt was cross-culturally adapted and is reliable and a valid measure of the measure of person perception of a PCM for the Portuguese population, even though with slight internal consistency (0.724 Pt and 0.800 Eng)

Assessing the Vulnerability and Risks of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in East and Southern Africa: A Preliminary Review of the Tools in Use.

The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10–24 years remain a cause for concern in the countries of East and Southern Africa (ESA). High rates of adolescent pregnancy and HIV prevalence prevail, and prevention programmes are challenged to identify those at greatest risk. This review aimed to identify tools being used in ESA countries that support the recording of factors that make AGYW vulnerable to SRH risks and document their use. A mixed-methods approach was used to find available English language tools that had been designed to assess the vulnerability of AGYW SRH risks including literature reviews and key informant interviews with thirty-five stakeholders. Twenty-two tools were identified, and experiences of their use obtained through the interviews. All but one tool focused on HIV prevention, and most aimed at establishing eligibility for programmes, though not aligned with programme type. Analyses of the content of seventeen tools showed information collection related to behavioral, biological, and structural risk factors of HIV and other aspects of AGYWs’ lives. There was considerable diversity in the ways in which these questions were framed. Aspects of the processes involved in undertaking the risk and vulnerability assessments are presented.

Role of ICT tool in Acquisition of Proficiency in English Language- A Case Study on Outcome of Using MePro Pearson Software Tool

Proficiency in English, both writing and communication are considered as the most important life skills of the modern era. These skills are considered as an asset for lifelong learning and aids in recruitment process or sustainability in the job. This may even endeavor to reduce psychological stress while speaking or reading within the group and among the group. These days learning through online has become the order of the day. This paper presents the real need and priorities to learn English language through ICT (Information through Communication Technology) tools. The researcher of English department has found the students’ opinion and experience on use of ICT tools for enhancing the skills in English language. This paper investigates how English language tool, MePro from Pearson has helped students for employability and career development. A survey on MePro is tested and experienced by GPREC (G.Pulla Reddy Engineering College) students in the transformation of the student to achievement level with first hand practical knowledge is taken as a case study in the paper.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Fresno Test for Turkish language

ObjectiveNational and international medical organizations and boards have recognized the importance of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) and emphasized that EBM training should be included in medical education programs. Although some Turkish medical schools have developed and implemented EBM training programs, no validated Turkish language assessment tool has been available to compare the effectiveness of these training programs to national or international standards. The aim of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Fresno Test, which is a validated English language tool utilized worldwide in the assessment of EBM training.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional validation study, which was performed in two stages: Cross-cultural adaptation of the Fresno Test into Turkish; and evaluation of the psychometric properties, validity, reliability and responsiveness, of the Turkish version of the Fresno Test.ResultsThe content validity of the test was evaluated by experienced physicians in the field of Evidence-Based Medicine, and the content validity index was 1.00. The Cronbach α coefficient was 0.78 on the post-test results. The intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient and the kappa analysis were calculated to evaluate inter-rater reliability. The ICC coefficients ranged from 0.66 to 0.97 for pre- and post-test results. The Kappa coefficients were 1.00 for all pre-test and post-test questions except one post-test question which was 0.89.The change score of the Fresno Test was used to evaluate responsiveness. The students' score of the Turkish Fresno Test was 49.9 ±18.2 pre-training and 118.9 ±26.3 post-training with a change of 69 points (95% CI, 63.9–74.2). The Cohen’s effect size was 3.04 (95% CI, 2.6–3.5) indicating a very large change in scores.ConclusionsThe Turkish adapted Fresno Test used to evaluate students’ success and program effectiveness is a valid and reliable measurement tool. It will be of great benefit for the comparison of the effectiveness of Turkish education programs nationally and cross-culturally.

ФЕНОМЕН ОБЫДЕННОГО САДИЗМА

Background. Currently, foreign researchers are actively developing the notion of “ordinary sadism”, and a new concept of ‘everyday sadism’ is being developed. The study of the proposed subclinical form of sadism makes a significant contribution to the study of “dark” personality traits united in the concept of the Dark Triad, as well as related phenomena such as aggression, antisocial behavior, cruelty, etc. The active development of tools for measuring sadistic traits makes it possible to study both the external manifestations of sadism and its fundamental mechanisms. Objective. The review of the modern Russian and foreign studies in the field of everyday sadism and its link with some relevant phenomena. Design. An analysis of current research on modern ideas about the new formalization of the phenomenon of sadism and an overview of the main English-language tools for measuring sadistic traits. Results. The phenomenon of sadism has been in the focus of attention of researchers for many decades and has been conceptualized in various forms: from impairment disorders to personality disorders. Today, the term “ordinary sadism” is increasingly used, revealing the meaning of sadistic traits outside the clinical context. A large number of studies show the legitimacy of the existence of this construct. Its forms and external manifestations (direct / indirect, verbal / non-verbal sadism) are being actively studied. Possible psychological mechanisms of manifestation of sadism in everyday life and its connection with other relevant phenomena (aggression, types of affect, etc.) are being investigated. The question of potential inclusion of everyday sadism in the Dark triad of personality traits occupies a central place in the scientific debate. Furthermore, several valid measures of sadistic traits have been developed, some of which also allow the analysis of the structure of this phenomenon. Conclusion. The social relevance of everyday sadism determines the interest of many researchers in the study of its outward manifestations as well as its psychological mechanisms. The development and/or adaptation of the measure of sadistic tendencies is bound to open new ways of studying not only sadism per se, but also various related phenomena (e.g., dark personality traits, aggression, antisocial behavior, etc.).

ICT as a Learning Tool for English Language and for Social Change

By the arrival of computers and internet technology, computer based teachings&amp; curriculum has been extensively used in language classroom for last few years. This technology has drastically altered the way people used to collect information, conduct research, assessment &amp;connect with people worldwide. Technology can play a very important role in backup and improving language learning, the efficacy of any technological tool rest on the knowledge and expertise of the skilled language teacher who copes up and expedites the language learning thing. Technology always continues to grow in importance as a tool to help teachers to enable language learning and its learners. This study centres on the learner as a social organism and probes the prospective of English language learning as a social and political act for the purpose of social revolution with the help of technological riggings. Main research question aims on two major query: Do we need technology in language classrooms for language learning? What is English language learning from the viewpoint of the learner who is encouraged by tracking social revolution and change? This paper discusses different approaches which supports English language learners to escalate their learning swotted earlier studies on using technology in developing language learning skills, and specified certain recommendations for the improved use of these technologies, which assist learners in improving their learning skills. Distance learning programs also enables language instructors to develop language-learning prospects among all learners, regardless of where they live, the human and material resources available to them, or their language background and needs. The literature analysis indicates that the effective use of new technologies upgraded learners in language learning skills and helped for social change.

Acceptation des « voix » chez les personnes avec ou sans troubles psychiatriques : validation francophone de l’échelle VAAS à 9 items

ObjectivesHearing voices is a common experience for people with schizophrenia. Perceived voices are in most cases a source of great distress for patients. This experience also exists in the general population and is considered as “non-clinical”. Much research has focused on the psychological and neuropsychological mechanisms behind the emergence of voices. With regard to voice persistence factors, the acceptance of the voice-hearing phenomenon is still relatively unexplored. In addition, there are few standardized tools that specifically assess this dimension of voice experience. The Voices Acceptance and Actions Scale (VAAS) is the only validated tool to address voice acceptance in individuals with schizophrenia. However, to date, there is no French version. The objective of this research was to validate the VAAS in a French speaking population. MethodOur sample consisted of individuals with schizophrenia (N=65) and voice hearers from the general population (N=321). For the clinical population, individuals with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations were assessed using the VAAS scale in its two abbreviated versions (9 and 12 items). In order to validate the measure in French, we administered psychopathology scales (BPRS) and voice belief scales (BAVQ-R) for convergent and divergent validity. For the non-clinical population, we administered the VAAS scale online (via LimeSurvey), accompanied by a brief sociodemographic questionnaire (age, sex, country of origin, existence of medical or psychological follow-up). ResultsThe psychometric properties of the VAAS scale were satisfactory and similar to the original English-language tool for both versions, with a slight advantage for the one with 9-items. The convergent validity measured with the BAVQ-R scale, and the divergent one measured with the BPRS depression subscale, were found to be satisfactory. In addition, the re-test performed 6 weeks after the first test (N=30) was satisfactory for both scales, with a Pearson correlation index greater than 70 (r=0.70; P<0.001 for the VAAS 9 items) and (r=0.79; P<0.001 for the 12 item version). In individuals with schizophrenia (clinical population), the level of voice acceptance was low and strongly correlated with depression. This point seems to corroborate the current data in the field suggesting that voice hearing in this population is associated with significant distress and has a significant impact on their lives. Conversely, the level of acceptance obtained from the non-clinical population was much higher, reflecting a higher level of acceptance in this population. People from the non-clinical population seemed to accept and experience their voices with less distress than people from the clinical population in this study. ConclusionTo date, a paucity of studies have investigated the acceptance of auditory hallucinations. Our results support the psychometric validity of the French version of the VAAS, particularly the 9-item version. Furthermore, our study supports the need to continue studying voice acceptance, as it appears to be strongly linked to depression in people with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. In addition, our study is novel in that it also explored, with a standardized tool, the level of voice acceptance in a non-clinical population and found people to be more accepting of the voices they hear and better at living with them. These data provide new evidence to better understand the links between the level of acceptance of voices, their experiences, and depression. Clinically, it seems essential to conduct more systematic and regular evaluations of the level of voice acceptance in those hearing voices. Finally, in terms of rehabilitation, voice acceptance can become a therapeutic target in order to improve the psychological and behavioral functioning of the person.

An Italian version of the Ottawa Crisis Resource Management Global Rating Scale: a reliable and valid tool for assessment of simulation performance.

Objective measurement of simulation performance requires a validated and reliable tool. However, no published Italian language assessment tool is available. Translation of a published English language tool, the Ottawa Crisis Resource Management Global Rating Scale (GRS), may lead to a validated and reliable tool. After developing an Italian language translation of the English language tool, the study measured the reliability of the new tool by comparison with the English language tool used independently in the same simulation scenarios. In addition, the validity of the Italian language tool was measured by comparison to a skills score also applied independently. The correlation coefficient between the Italian language overall GRS and the English language overall GRS was 0.82 (adjusted 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.92). The correlation coefficient between the Italian language overall GRS and the skill score was 0.85 (adjusted 95% confidence interval 0.68-0.94). This study demonstrated that the Italian language GRS has acceptable reliability when compared with the English language tool, suggesting that it can be used reliably to evaluate the performance during simulated emergencies. The study also suggests that the tool has acceptable validity for assessing the simulation performance. The study suggests that the Italian language GRS translation has reasonable reliability when compared with the English language GRS and reasonable validity when compared with the assessment of the skills scores. Data suggest that the instrument is adequately reliable for informal and formative type of examinations, but may require further confirmation before use for high-stake examinations such as licensing.

Subject Access Tools in English for Canadian Topics

Canada has a long history of adapting United States subject access tools, including the Library of Congress Classification (LCC), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) , the Dewey Decimal Classification, and the Sears List of Subject Headings , to meet the specific needs of Canadians. This paper addresses the extensions to these American tools for English-speaking Canadians. While the United States and Canada have many similarities, differences exist that require changing terminology and providing greater depth and precision in subject headings and classification for specifically Canadian topics. The major effort has been for Library and Archives Canada (LAC) systematically to provide extensions for LCC and LCSH for use within its cataloging records. This paper examines the history and philosophy of these Canadian efforts to provide enhanced subject access. Paradoxically, French-speaking Canadians may have found it easier to start from scratch with the Répertoire de vedettes-matière because of the difficult decisions for English-language tools on how much change to implement in an environment where most Canadian libraries use the American subject access tools. Canadian studies scholars around the world can use Canadian records, especially those maintained by LAC, to obtain superior subject access for Canadian topics even if they obtain the documents from other sources.

Screening for autism in pre-school children in primary care: Systematic review of English Language tools

Objectives To review the accuracy of brief screening tools for autism in pre-school children. Design Systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies. Data sources Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Psychlit plus references of identified papers and contact with authors. Subjects Children and infants aged 5 years or less without a prior diagnosis of autism or pervasive development delay. Interventions Tools/checklists appropriate for use in screening for autism in primary care settings. Outcome measures Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of screening tools and likelihood ratios relative to a diagnostic assessment made using either DSM-III/IV or ICD 10 diagnosis. Results Three studies considering two tools were identified. The CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) was tested on an appropriate population sample with moderate long-term follow-up but demonstrated poor sensitivity and positive predictive value. Weaker evidence suggested that the Modified CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) had high sensitivity but follow-up was of shorter term and less comprehensive. Conclusions The CHAT demonstrated a level of sensitivity unlikely to be useful for population screening purposes, however, its high specificity suggests it has utility in secondary screening. The M-CHAT is a parent only report and might be more sensitive, and therefore appropriate for population screening. However, full conclusions regarding its accuracy cannot be drawn until follow-up data has been collected.