Group Of First Responders Research Articles

TEACHER LEADERSHIP AT TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

The purpose of the article is to study the specificities of students’ perception of teacher leadership based on a comparison of the respondents’ assessments of teachers’ and managers’ personal qualities that define them as leaders in their professional activities. Teacher leadership may be associated with innovation, the use of techniques, pedagogical skills, organisational skills, creativity, personal qualities, etc. The following methods have been used in the research: questionnaires and tests based on the method of personal differentials. To determine the peculiarities of teacher leadership, a comparison between respondents’ answers about teacher-leaders and manager-leaders was made. The first group of respondents who evaluated the teacher-leaders included 87 students enrolled in the 6 th year (master course) at the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, Ukraine. The personal qualities of the manager-leaders were assessed by the masters of the “Public Management and Administration” at the same university, who study the master course having working experience from 3 to 23 years. The number of respondents in the second group was 81 students. The results of the research made it possible to determine that students associated pedagogical leadership, first of all, with moral and ethical qualities, pedagogical skills and the subject knowledge of their teachers. On the contrary, the qualities of active life most closely were associated with a manager-leader. The obtained results can be used in the development of university teachers’ training programmes.

Secondary Traumatization, Psychological Stress, and Resilience in Psychosocial Emergency Care Personnel.

Volunteers active in psychosocial emergency care offer psychological first aid to survivors of accidents and trauma, their relatives, eye witnesses, bystanders, and other first responders. So far, there are no studies that investigate the secondary and primary traumatization of this group of first responders. We included N = 75 volunteers, who filled out questionnaires to assess their secondary (QST/FST) and primary traumatization (PDS), and levels of comorbid psychological stress (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SF-12). We investigated factors of resilience by measuring attachment behavior (ECR-RD, RQ-2), level of personality functioning (OPD-SFK), sense of coherence (SOC-29), social support (F-SozU), and mindfulness (MAAS). The volunteers’ levels of secondary and primary traumatization were below cut-off scores. Their levels of comorbid psychological stress were comparable to representative norm samples. Additionally, the volunteers presented high levels of resilience. Gender (β = 0.26; p < 0.05), case discussions (β = −0.37; p < 0.05), and social support (β = 0.45; p < 0.01) were revealed to be predictors of secondary traumatization, while mindfulness turned out to be a predictor of primary traumatization (β = −0.34; p = 0.008). However, we cannot rule out that the low prevalence of traumatization and comorbid psychological stress in our study sample might not be explained by a positive response bias.

Coroners and PTSD: Treatment Implications.

Experimental studies have documented the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in first responders. These studies have routinely included police, firefighters, and paramedics. However, there is another group of first responders that are at risk for PTSD but that has received less research attention. This group is comprised of coroners. This paper reviewed the published data concerning coroners and PTSD and outlined various treatments for addressing coronial PTSD. The findings, the differing treatments, and a detailed methodological inquiry are presented. The need for a conceptual framework for the various other professional groups responding to critical incidents and a crisis intervention approach to address the psychological needs of both family survivors and coronial personnel are noted.

Marital relations of patients with myocardial infarction from the spouses’ perspective

A myocardial infarction can result in disrupting the entire family system and requires reorganization and adaptation in order to ensure the proper functioning of marriage. Study is aiming to compare functioning of marital dyad before and after myocardial infarction from perspective of patient’s spouse. Furthermore, the study takes into account gender differences in the assessment of the dyad relationships. The respondents (60 spouses of patients - 17 men, 43 women) assessed the functioning of the marital dyad using the Family Assessment Questionnaire (modified by Cierpka). The first group of respondents was tested in the period immediately after a heart attack, and the spouses assessed the period of functioning before the onset of a heart attack. The second group was tested during the period of over one year after a heart attack. The results in both groups show a satisfactory level of marital relationships. Spouses in the second group assessed the overall marital functioning worse, as well as functioning in four dimensions, as compared with the assessment made by the respondents in the first group. Gender differences were also reported. Conclusion: From spouse’s perspective marital dyad functioning after myocardial infarction is worse than before that. One of the reasons for such situation could be near death experience of the spouse and necessity for reorganization of family life. Family context is very important for recovery after myocardial infarction and it seems to be sensible to include patient’s spouse to psychotherapeutic work. Furthermore, marital relations were more negatively assessed by women

Considering the Impact of Early Trauma on Coping and Pathology to Predict Posttraumatic Growth Among 9-1-1 Telecommunicators.

Recent research has demonstrated that first responders may report posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive psychological changes that arise in the aftermath of a trauma. Less is known regarding the perception of PTG among 9-1-1 telecommunicators, a group of first responders exposed to a high degree of lifetime trauma, including duty-related trauma as well as early and non-duty-related trauma. Moreover, the impact of childhood trauma on the processes involved in the perception of growth is less clear. While some distress is needed to facilitate processes that lead to the perception of PTG, it has been suggested that positive associations between PTG and pathology reflect avoidant coping or represent an illusory component of PTG. Structural equation models were used to examine early trauma exposure, coping, and pathology in predicting PTG among 9-1-1 telecommunicators (N = 788). In separate models using active and avoidant forms of coping, childhood trauma exposure had an indirect effect on PTG through coping. In a model considering both forms of coping, childhood trauma had an indirect effect on PTG through psychopathology, but not through coping. The results show that early trauma exposure leads to the perception of growth through pathways indicative of both adaptive and maladaptive coping processes.

POSSIBILITIES OF ATTENTION IMPROVEMENT FOR ADOLESCENTS

Attention is the ability to focus selectively on a selected stimulus, sustaining that focus and shifting it at will. Attention is important to learning and other cognitive processes. Learning is most efficient when a person is paying attention. Adolescence is a critical transition period, during which fundamental changes prepare the adolescent for becoming an adult. The neurobiology of adolescent behaviour have emerged, promoting the central role of reward and motivation, coupled with cognitive immaturities. It was concluded that maturation and experience are significant in the allocation of attention problems and errors during everyday tasks. The aim was to explore adolescents' attention and to compare two methods of focus for improvement. 24 teenagers take a part in this experiment (16 girls, 8 boys). The teenagers were 12-16 (average age 14, 3).Three groups were created (two groups with different methods and control group). The activities lasted 3 months. The first group of respondents (EGA) practiced the author’s developed methods of playing music in vocal ensemble twice a week, while the other group of respondents (EGB) practiced with computerized equipment CogniPlus. Attention indicators were analysed using the Vienna Test System (SCHUHFRIED) - COG and WAFF tests. Both tests measured various aspects of attention. It was concluded that the EGA group response time statistically significantly improved compared to baseline - 2.28 sec. vs. 1.92 sec. (P = 0.039), but the EGB and CG groups showed no statistically significant differences. In turn, WAFF test, which has to assess to auditory attention reaction time, EGA group has found no statistically significant differences - 0.74 sec. vs. 0.46 sec. (P = 0.002), while EGB are seen only a tendency to improvement in the reaction rate. The results show that although both methods contribute to improvements in attention, however, playing music, influenced by attention statistically significantly. It is planned to continue the study by increasing the number of respondents, as well as the test of attention scores.

Correlation of Subjective Symptoms in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction.

Introduction:Epidemiological studies suggest a link between the symptoms of lower urinary tract (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Increasing expected period of life, justify the interest of establishing correlations LUTS / BPH and ED in order to find more efficient ways of treating these pathologies.Goal:The objective was to evaluate the correlation of symptoms in LUTS/BPH with the degree of ED.Patients and Methods:The study was conducted as a prospective study which involved males aged 40-60 yr with present symptoms of LUTS/BPH. All study subjects underwent quantification of subjective symptoms through the International Prostate Symptom Score-IPSS and International Index of Erectile Dysfunction- IIEF-5. The first group of respondents had IPSS 0-8, second group IPSS 9-19 and the third group IPSS 20 to 35.Results:The results of ANOVA (F = 112.492, p = 0.000) showed that there was a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) between groups in degree of erectile function (IIEF). Tahmane test showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the first and second group (p = 0.000 <0.05), the first and third group (p = 0.000 <0.05) and the second and third group (p = 0.000 <0.05). Mean degree of ED correlates with IPSS. The results of Fisher’s exact test (p = 0.000) confirmed that there was a statistically significant relationship (p <0.05) between the IPSS score and degree of erectile dysfunction (IIEF).Conclusion:Elderly patients have a significantly higher value of IPSS score compared to younger patients. The degree of erectile dysfunction is correlated with symptoms of IPSS score. Severity of symptoms of LUTS/BPH and higher IPSS score, worsens the ED. Results of IIEF-5 score are inversely proportional with symptoms of IPSS score, and increase in IPSS score comes to a decline in IIEF score.

Factors Influencing the Development of CSR Reporting Practices: Experts’ versus Preparers’ Points of View

Reporting of corporate social responsibility (CSR ) is becoming nowadays an important and rapidly growing phenomenon in the world. The current increase in the number of companies reporting on CSR data is caused by many different factors , including stakeholder pressures , the economic crisis, growing awareness of sustainability issues as well as appearance of more and more new reporting requirements initiated by national governments and stock exchanges. D espite the growing popularity of CSR reporting it is still only a small percentage of companies which decided to regularly disclose their data on CSR activities. Therefore the question raises what factors influence the development of CSR reporting practices? The paper presents the results of research which aim was to attempt to answer the above question, highlighting especially the role of government in the process. The study was carried out using two web-based surveys. The questionnaires were dedicated to respondents from different European Union member states. The first group of respondents consist of specialists, consultants, researchers and academics specializing in the field of CSR reporting – ‘experts’ and the second group consist of CSR managers, employees involved in developing CSR reports – ‘preparers’. The results suggest that report ‘preparers’ and external ‘experts’ have a different view on some aspects e.g. reasons to issue a CSR report. The survey also shows that there is a need for a greater participation of government in the development of sustainability reporting practices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.26.5.7690

Comparison of eleven commercially available rapid tests for detection of Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis and Yersinia pestis.

Yersinia pestis, Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis cause serious zoonotic diseases and have the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality in humans. In case of natural outbreaks and deliberate or accidental release of these pathogens rapid detection of the bacteria is crucial for limitation of negative effects of the release. In the present study, we evaluated 11 commercially available rapid test kits for the detection of Y.pestis, B.anthracis and F.tularensis in terms of sensitivity, specificity and simplicity of the procedure. The results revealed that rapid and easy-to-perform lateral flow assays for detection of highly pathogenic bacteria have very limited sensitivity. In contrast, the immunofiltration assays showed high sensitivity but limited specificity and required a too complicated procedure to be applied in the field by nonlaboratory workers (e.g. First Responders like fire, police and emergency medical personnel). Each sample - whether tested negative or positive by the rapid tests - should be retested in a reference laboratory using validated methods. Rapid detection of highly pathogenic bacteria causing anthrax, plague and tularemia is crucial for the limitation of negative effects of a potential release (natural, accidental or deliberate). In the study, commercially available rapid tests for detection of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis were investigated in terms of sensitivity, specificity and ease-to-perform. The study showed problems which could be faced during testing and results interpretation. Conclusions from this study should be helpful not only in selection of the most appropriate test for particular group of First Responders but also in undertaking decisions in situation of a contamination suspicion which have high social and economical impacts.

Quality and availability of organic foods by Slovak consumers

The increasing consumer demand for organic products caused that the organic food market has expanded in all continents of the world. Organic foods represent a specific segment of the food market. Currently land area farmed organically in Slovakia represents 9% of the total agricultural land. In this work we identified organic foods purchase by Slovak consumers, the availability, reasons of purchase and quality assortment of organic foods at the Slovak market. Questionnaire survey involved 271 respondents. The Hierarchical multiple factor analysis was used for the segregation and classification of consumers into representative groups. The group of respondents was based on algorithms divided into three groups. In the first group of respondents, prevalent are responses that assortment is not sufficient and no answer, in the second group think that organic food assortment is not sufficient, and in the third group of respondents also dominates opinion that is not sufficient. At the question of organic food quality in all three groups is prevalent opinion that it is rather high, in the first group nearly the third of respondents considered the quality of organic foods as rather low, in the second group of respondents is rate: „rather low“ response and „rather high“ almost equal. In the third group of respondents strongly dominated response that the quality of organic food is rather high. Regarding the availability of organic products at the Slovak market, 16% of respondents considered it to be sufficient, 54% of consumers considered assortment as not enough available for all. We also analyzed the reasons of buying organic food. 42% of respondents reported that the main reason for buying organic food is a concern for the environment and landscape, 33% of respondents state it is a pleasure and the opportunity to try something unusual, 11% reported confidence in the quality of organic food and 7% their health care. Environmental education in the family since childhood and the opinions of friends significantly influence consumers when buying food and organic food. We assume that, organic food will be processed minimally in the future. Consumer demand for organic food we recommend to increase by increased support of the direct sales, informing about quality of organic foods and their beneficial effects on the human body at basic and secondary schools, organizing of excursions to organic farms and processing companies.

Anxiolytics, Antidepressants and Autogenous training in the therapy of burning mouth syndrome

It is well known that many diseases of our system can cause various pathological changes and symptoms. Psychical disorders are considered to be the main cause of changes in the oral cavity. The most frequent psychical disturbances associated with the symptoms are: depression, anxiety and stress. Methods: The research was conducted by means of psychological questionnaires resting depression and anxiety and we tried to objectivize the burning symptom by means of a VAS scale (visual analogous scale). Results: The results we obtained suggest that by treating psychical disturbances we might obtain significant improvement in treating symptoms in the oral cavity. The results have shown that there is a significant rise in negative findings in both psychological tests and within the mouth. Anxiety tests show primarily negative values: in the first group: 90% of the respondents, in the second group 73.3%, in the third group 83.3% and in the fourth group 56.7% of the respondents. The depression test has shown that the first group of respondents displayed mainly borderline values – 53.3%, without positive values, while negative values have risen to 46.7%. The second group has increased its negative values to 96.7% of the respondents, without any positive values and with a few borderline findings: 3.3%. The third group displayed mainly negative values (76.1%) and borderline values (23.3%), with no positive findings. Conclusion: Antidepressants and anxiolytics have a prominent role in the therapy of stomatopyrosis. Autogenic training – a psychotherapeutic anxiolytic technique is the therapy of choice as far as stomatopyrosis is concerned, as it both eliminates the problems and emotionally rehabilitates the patient.

Focus group analysis of hand-held radiation detector design

A focus group session is a useful tool for learning user expectations, preferences, and suggested enhancements during the design stage of a new product. This paper showcases the usefulness of using a mixed-method focus group study of first responders to examine the design of a hand-held radiation detector. The study used a survey and a semi-structured script that explored five main topics: difficulties of using radiation detection with respect to the equipment and environment; preferences for handle design; preferences for control design; preferences for screen, menu, and interface design, and instructional and maintenance issues. The focus group indicated a desire for fewer and bigger buttons to control the device, a desire for a san serif font type for the display, a request to minimize the use of abbreviations and symbols in the text display, having a color coding display bar to describe radiation levels, and a need for detailed maintenance procedures and processes. These results provide important feedback for planning the development and testing of a more ergonomic radiation detector. Relevance to industry A hand-held radiation detector to test for fissionable materials is one of the essential tools used by first responders. This paper presents the results from a focus group of first responders exploring characteristics for a more ergonomic detector.

Acquiring and Maintaining Competence in the Application of Extrication Cervical Collars by a Group of First Responders

Research on skill acquisition and retention in the prehospital setting has focused primarily on resuscitation and defibrillation. Investigation into other first aid skills is required in order to validate practices and support training regimes. No studies have investigated competency using an extrication cervical collar for cervical spine immobilization. This study was conducted to confirm that a group of first responders could acquire and maintain competency in the application of an extrication cervical collar over a 12-month period. Participants attended a standardized training session that addressed the theory of application of an extrication cervical collar followed by hands-on practice. The training was presented by the same instructor and covered the nine key elements necessary in order to be deemed competent in extraction cervical collar application. Following the practical session, the competency of the participants was assessed. Participants were requested not to practice the skill during the 12-month period. Following the 12-month period, their skills were re-assessed by the same assessor. Of the 64 subjects who participated in the study, 100% were competent after the initial first assessment. Forty-one participants (64%) were available for the second assessment (12 months later); of these, 25 (61%) maintained competence. Although the sample size was small, this research demonstrates that first responders are able to acquire competence in applying an extrication cervical collar. However, skill retention in the absence of usage or re-training is poor. Larger studies should be conducted to validate these results. In addition, there is a need for research on the clinical practice and outcomes associated with spinal immobilization in the prehospital setting.

Will First-Responders Show Up for Work During a Pandemic? Lessons From a Smallpox Vaccination Survey of Paramedics

BackgroundThe presence of H5N1 influenza in Southeast Asia has reawakened fears of a worldwide influenza pandemic of the sort that occurred in 1918. It is estimated that up to 1.9 million people in the United States could die if such an outbreak occurs. It is unlikely that a vaccine for a pandemic strain will be available quickly enough to protect first-responders. Similar concerns existed in 2002 when the United States attempted to vaccinate first-responders against smallpox, a potential biologic weapon.MethodWe conducted a survey of one group of first-responders, paramedics, to determine if fear of infection would compromise their ability to care for persons potentially infected with smallpox.ResultsThree hundred paramedics were given the survey, and 95 (32%) responded. More than 80% of paramedics polled would not remain on duty if there were no vaccine and no protective gear. Even if protective gear was available but the vaccine was unavailable, only 39% of respondents would remain on duty. Finally, although 91% of paramedics would remain on duty if they were fully protected, this number falls to 38% if the respondent believed that his or her immediate family was not protected. The results of this survey are relevant to current concerns about an influenza pandemic. Every effort must be made to protect first-responders from pandemic influenza and educate them about it.

Latex Allergy in the Prehospital Setting

Latex allergy first was recognized early in the 20th Century, but was not a matter of concern until the last decade of that Century. The reported incidence of latex allergy in different occupations varies considerably. It has been documented in dental workers, operating theater staff, anesthetists, and laboratory technicians. However, little data specifically related to those involved in patient care in the emergency prehospital setting are available. A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of both volunteer and salaried first responders from St. John Ambulance Australia in South Australia and Western Australia, and the South Australian Ambulance Service. The first responders were surveyed to: (1) determine the incidence of latex allergy; (2) consider possible factors associated with its development; (3) compare characteristics of the surveyed groups; and (4) reinforce the development of an educational program. The study tool had predetermined statistical qualities. Data were collated and processed using standard statistical procedures. Surveys were collected anonymously. Of the 2,716 forms distributed, 1,099 were returned, resulting in an overall response rate of 40.5%. Atopy was identified in 14.9% of participants, hand dermatitis in 9.4%, and latex allergy in 6.4%. In the group of full-time ambulance officers, there was a significantly higher incidence of hand dermatitis and latex allergy. There also was a significant relationship between latex allergies and both dermatitis and glove usage (as measured by frequency and duration). In a group of first responders assessed by an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire, the subset of full-time, salaried ambulance officers was identified as having a higher incidence of hand dermatitis and latex allergy than their volunteer co-workers. These results require further assessment to substantiate the frequency of latex allergy and determine the predisposing factors. All personnel must learn about hand care. Non-powdered, natural rubber latex gloves should be supported for general use in this setting.

Selected hormonal and immunological responses to strenuous live-fire firefighting drills

This study investigated the effects of strenuous live-fire firefighting drills and a 90 min recovery period on selected hormonal, immunological and psychological variables. Apparently healthy, male, professional firefighters (n = 11) performed three trials of standardized firefighting tasks in a live-fire training structure. There was significant leukocytosis immediately post firefighting activity that persisted following recovery, although there was a variable response among the leukocyte subsets. Most notable was the decrease in number and percentage of lymphocytes following 90 min of recovery. Plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol were significantly elevated post firefighting activity and cortisol remained elevated following 90 min of recovery. Elevated cortisol immediately following activity was related to reduced feelings of energy. These data demonstrate the magnitude of the physiological and psychological disruption following strenuous firefighting activity and suggest that immune function may be altered following such activity. This is a finding that may have practical consequences for this group of first responders.

An Analysis of Hong Kong Auditors' Perceptions of the Importance of Selected Red Flag Factors in Risk Assessment

This study examined auditors' perceptions of the relative level of risk of fraud and material irregularities associated with the presence of six red flag factors and also evaluated the quality of auditors' judgements. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, subjects were asked to rank the importance of 15 factors that proxy the existence of material misstatements. Based on the responses to this questionnaire, 6 of the most important factors were identified and included in the second stage, a lens model experiment. In the lens model experiment, 30 experienced auditors from a cross-section of Big 6 firms were used as subjects in a repeated-measures ANOVA design. Results showed that misstatements in prior audits and indicators of going-concern problems were perceived to be the most significant factors in alerting auditors to the risk of fraud and material irregularities. In making these judgements, auditors demonstrated a relatively high level of consensus and consistency. However, the two most important factors in the lens model experiment are not the same as the results of the first survey suggesting that the first group of respondents, faced with a simple questionnaire, used heuristics in their decision making. The results have implications for audit practice.