Internal Influences Research Articles

Internal and External Factors Influencing Math Performance: Predictive Model for a Development Plan

Abstract Creating a mathematically literate citizenry by improving Math performance has been every educator’s concern. Thus, the researcher aimed to determine the predictors of Math performance based on internal and external influences. It employed descriptive-correlational method having Grade 11-Academic track learners as respondents. It utilized survey questionnaire and employed document analyses. It was found out that the level of Math performance did not meet expectation. The level of internal factors in terms of academic control, student responsibility, comprehension skills, and attitude towards Math was high; but low on self-efficacy belief. The level of external factors in terms of NCAE was low on General Scholastic Aptitude, Technical-Vocational Aptitude, and Academic Track; while District-Initiated Test did not meet expectations. In terms of school-based factors, the level of school environment and learning resources/facilities in Math was high. In terms of socio-economic factors, combined monthly family income was very low, highest educational attainment of parents is elementary level. Significant correlation existed between Mathematical performance (MP) and academic control (AC), student responsibility (SR), attitude towards Math (ATM), general scholastic aptitude (GSA), technical-vocational aptitude (TVA), academic track (AT), Math 10 district-initiated achievement test (DIAT) and learning resources/facilities (LR) in Math only. The predictive model was Math Performance = 5.71 + 7.89AC + 5.13SR + 0.14GSA + 0.25DIAT. Therefore, Math Performance is influenced by the learners’ value on being responsible of their learning and by their cognitive ability. It is recommended that the development plan for Grade 11 Math be implemented. Keywords: Mathematics, math performance, internal and external factors, predictive model, descriptive-correlational method

Pathways to scale up early childhood programs: A scoping review of Reach Up and Care for Child Development.

Evidence-based early childhood development (ECD) programs that strengthen nurturing parenting skills and promote early stimulation, such as Reach Up (RU) and Care for Child Development (CCD), are critical investments for interrupting cycles of intergenerational poverty; however, the implementation impact of these programs varies greatly globally. Analyzing systematically the evidence on the implementation pathways based on contexts (i.e., external and internal influences on intervention implementation), implementation strategies (i.e., mechanisms used to promote program initiation, design, and delivery with existing systems), and implementation outcomes (i.e., related to the implementation goals) can increase the likelihood of implementation success. Our scoping review aimed to identify implementation pathways of RU and CCD programs in low- and middle-income countries. A search in English, Spanish, and Portuguese of grey literature and five databases of peer reviewed literature; from inception through July 16, 2022, yielded 2,267 publications. Using predetermined eligibility criteria, 75 records yielded implementation details for 33 programs across 23 low- and middle-income countries. Two reviewers independently extracted program data on context, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes following a program theory. A thematic analysis identified 37 implementation strategies across six "building blocks of implementation": program emergence, intersectoriality, intervention characteristics, workforce, training, and monitoring systems. Implementation pathways across building blocks are highly influenced by contextual factors, such as infrastructure, social norms, and the target population's demand and interest, which may shape different implementation outcomes. Six 'building blocks' shaping implementation pathways of CCD and RU in LMICs were identified. The careful consideration of context and use of intentional evidence-based planning can enable the successful implementation of ECD nurturing care interventions. We recommend the use of the ECD Implementation Checklist for Enabling Program Scale Up to guide decision-making regarding context and implementation strategies to support implementation outcomes and subsequent ECD program success.

Meeting Ugandan university students’ career needs using cognitive information processing model

AbstractCareer practitioners in Uganda are challenged to help students achieve personal agency in designing and implementing preferred career paths when faced with the increased uncertainty. The need for services vastly exceeds the supply of practitioners. Cognitive information processing (CIP) theory describes key elements required for informed decision‐making and a decision‐making approach that considers the context of internal and external influences. CIP also offers an innovative delivery model designed to increase access while optimizing resources. In this article, we describe the applicability of CIP theory in meeting the career needs of students seeking career services at a university in Uganda. We discuss program integration challenges faced such as limited staff and resources, as well as specific student characteristics that act as barriers to seeing the value of personally engaging career problem‐solving. Results from a workshop survey and anecdotal comments about the integration of CIP into career service delivery are provided.

Специфика пассивной противопожарной защиты для атомных электрических станций

Passive fire protection systems (elements) are the most preferred for use to ensure nuclear and radiation safety of the nuclear power plants in case of internal and external fires. The main passive fire protection systems (elements) of the nuclear power plants include: fire-resistant structures (walls, ceilings, columns, screens, etc.); fire-resistant sealing of penetrations (technological, electrical, ventilation, etc.); fire-resistant filling of openings in fire barriers (doors, gates, dampers, airlocks, etc.); structural fire protection; fire-resistant coatings; devices for emergency draining and self-extinguishing of flammable liquids. Among them, it is possible to distinguish both systems (elements) that perform the function only of fire protection (for example, fire-resistant coatings, fire dampers for ventilation systems), and the systems (elements) that perform other basic functions that also require fire protection (for example, building structures, sealed doors). Passive systems (elements) may simultaneously be subject to the requirements for protection against fire, other internal and external influences (flooding, flying objects, explosions, etc.), as well as the operational requirements specific to the nuclear power plants (resistance to radiation-ionizing radiation, decontaminating compositions, vibrations, high temperatures, etc.). Due to the complex nature of the requirements, a certain imperfection of the regulatory framework and processes for organizing design and construction in the nuclear industry, there is a certain shortage of products for the implementation of passive fire protection solutions that meet the necessary requirements. To solve the above problems in the field of passive fire protection of the nuclear power plants, it seems appropriate to organize work in the following areas: conducting research based on the Russian and international experience; development of the regulatory framework; improvement of the design and construction processes. The work in these areas could contribute to the early saturation of the Russian market with domestic products of passive fire protection, as a result, increase the level of safety and economic efficiency of the nuclear power plants.

Children's Dental Fear: Occurrence Mechanism and Prevention Guidance.

Children's dental fear (CDF) has become one of the main reasons affecting the quality of dental treatment. In order to reduce the incidence of CDF in China before and after children's dental visits, this review applies literature analysis and empirical summary methods to analyze and summarize academic discussions on this topic, including occurrence mechanism, prevention guidance, and the conclusion that the occurrence and prevention of CDF is closely related with children's internal characteristics and external influences. In the end, we propose a breakthrough of combining the CFSS-DS scale and three-grade prevention theory together in the future to provide new ideas and hypotheses for the prevention of CDF.

INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL FACTORS ON LANGUAGE CHANGES

Objective of the article is to find out the main external and internal factors influencing language changes, in particular in the Ukrainian language. Methods. The main scientific results are obtained through an analytical review of the theoretical positions of domestic scientists, in which the issue of internal and external influences on the development and functioning of the Ukrainian language is considered; observation of language phenomena in the modern Ukrainian language. Results. The influence of external factors on language changes is one of the key topics in the field of linguistics. Language, as a living organism, constantly develops and undergoes changes under the influence of various external and internal factors. The study of these factors is currently relevant in connection with the strengthening of the struggle for the purity of the Ukrainian language and its purification from the influences on the lexical composition of the imperial aggressor country The influence of external factors on language changes is a necessary and natural process that occurs in the modern world. Similar processes lead to activation of internal influences. Cultural contact, socio-political changes, technological progress and other factors contribute to the evolution of language through borrowing, adaptation and transformation of the vocabulary and the language system in general. Over the past couple of decades, we have had an impact on vocabulary in various areas, including education. The distance learning system and the globalization of the information space affect the spread of foreign terms and expressions, especially from English to Ukrainian. This is reflected in the use of foreign words, names of educational platforms, abbreviations, logos and terms in communication processes. Changes in language reflect modern realities and needs of society, contribute to more accurate expression of thoughts and ideas. However, it is important to maintain a balance between enriching the language with new borrowings and preserving national identity and cultural heritage.

Mathematical model of air flow movement in a motorized filter respirator

Purpose. Development of a mathematical model of the air flow movement in a motorized filter respirator (hereinafter referred to as MFR), which allows ensuring the control of the fan parameters, taking into account external and internal influences on the duration of the protective action and favourable operating conditions. Methodology. To describe linear objects of the “input-output” type, it is convenient to use their transfer functions as mathematical models. In this case, to determine the mathematical description of the MFR operation, two tasks need to be solved. The first is related to finding the structure of the mathematical model, and the second involves determining the coefficients of the polynomials in the numerator and denominator of the transfer function that describes the motion of the air flow in the MFR. Findings. A mathematical model of airflow in a MFR has been developed in the form of a transfer function of the third order; it can be used to develop a pressure control system for the air in the under-mask space in accordance with the user’s work mode in order ensure comfortable working conditions. The presented mathematical model of airflow in the MFR differs from the existing approaches by taking into account the influence of the following external and internal parameters of the system on the performance indicators: the user’s work mode, atmospheric pressure, filter resistance, pressure drop in air ducts with the effect of air accumulation in the under-mask space based on the “capacity-resistance” principle. Numerical coefficients of the mathematical model of airflow in the air duct of the MFR have been determined, which allow adjusting the number of fan rotations according to the time of operation, the increase in resistance on the filters, and the operating mode. Originality. A correlation has been established between the external and internal parameters of the MFR: atmospheric pressure, pressure drop in the air duct, filter resistance, and the user’s work mode with the effect of air accumulation in the sub-mask space reflected according to the “capacity-resistance” principle. Practical value. The parameters of the mathematical model have been determined, which can be used when developing a control system for the airflow movement in the MFR: changes in air flow rate in accordance with different conditions of physical exertion of the user when performing professional activities.

Reviewing the Role of BUMDES in Bogor Regency in Increasing Revenue

BUMDes was born to accelerate village development in the economic.This research was conducted in 2019–2020 on BUMDEs in the Bogor district. The first objective of this study, using panel data regression, is to find out how far the internal and external influences of the business increase the income of BUMDes. The second goal, using the Cobb-Douglas production function with the stochastic frontier and the MLE (maximum likelihood estimation) production function approach, is to determine the efficiency level of BUMDes fund management. The results of this study show that the number of workers as part of the internal business of BUMDes has a positive and significant influence on increasing the income of BUMDes. While the number of residents and stores that market the results of BUDes products also influences the external side of the business, The efficiency rate of BUMDes is 57%, with operational costs as the most critical variable.

Protective effect of restorative possibilities on cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents: A scoping review including the role of physical activity

BackgroundThe exposome approach can be a powerful tool for understanding the intertwining of social, physical, and internal influences that shape mental health and cognitive development throughout childhood. To distil conceptual models for subsequent analyses, the EU-funded project Early Environmental quality and Life-course mental health effects (Equal-Life) has conducted literature reviews on potential mediators linking the exposome to these outcomes. We report on a scoping review and a conceptual model of the role of restorative possibilities and physical activity.MethodsPeer-reviewed studies published since the year 2000 in English, on the association between the exposome and mental health/cognition in children/adolescents, and quantitatively investigating restoration/restorative quality as a mediating variable were considered. Database searches were last updated in December 2022. We used an unstructured expert-driven approach to fill in gaps in the reviewed literature.ResultsFive records of three distinct studies were identified, indicating a scarcity of empirical evidence in this newly developing research area. Not only were these studies few in numbers, but also cross-sectional, lending only tentative support to the idea that perceived restorative quality of adolescent's living environment might mediate the association between greenspace and mental health. Physical activity emerged as a mediator leading to better psychological outcomes in restorative environments. We provide a critical discussion of potential caveats when investigating the restoration mechanism in children and propose a hierarchical model including restoration, physical activity, and relational dynamics between children and their environment, including social context, as well as restorative environments other than nature.ConclusionsIt is justified to further explore the role of restoration and physical activity as mediators in the association between early-life exposome and mental health/cognitive development. It is important to consider the child perspective and specific methodological caveats. Given the evolving conceptual definitions/operationalizations, Equal-Life will attempt to fill in a critical gap in the literature.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF BUSINESS RISKS ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENTERPRISE

The article is devoted to the study of existing and development of new approaches to the study of the impact of entrepreneurial risks on the sustainable development of an industrial enterprise. It has been proven that the problems of sustainable development not only create real conditions for the emergence of entrepreneurial risks, but they also open up new opportunities for enterprises. A methodological toolkit was created for self-assessment of the level of maturity of the concept of sustainable development developed and implemented at the enterprise, using the provisions of effective monitoring of the level of entrepreneurial risk in five directions, which include management, environment, labor relations, social relations and business environment. It is substantiated that sustainable development is a prediction of possible future challenges of society, that is why knowledge about it should be brought to a wide audience, because action is possible when societies have the right knowledge. The results of a sociological survey of stakeholders of industrial and energy enterprises regarding their relationship to the concept of sustainable development and their contribution to the development of this direction are outlined. It has been determined that organizations of all types and sizes face both internal and external factors and influences that create uncertainty about when and how they will achieve their goals. The impact of this uncertainty on the organization's goals is called "risk," as stated in the relevant documents. The methodology of the continuous process of managing business risks at an industrial enterprise is proposed, its structure and relationships between its individual components are developed and substantiated. It has been proven that the system of business risk management with indicators acts as an important tool for obtaining the necessary commercial information necessary for the effective functioning of the organizational and economic mechanism of business structures.

Технологическое обеспечение изготовления зубчатых колес авиационных газотурбинных двигателей с учетом нестабильности физико-механических свойств их материалов

The key place in the production of gas turbine engines, including gears, both aviation and marine, also power generation turbines, is given to sectional steels. Consequently, not just a physical nature of gear wheels manufacture plays an im-portant part, but formal characterization and the supply of physical and mechanical properties of materials are in the prior-ity, taking into account the reliability of the materials. The problem of technological support for the manufacture of gears for gas turbine engines is viewed with simultaneous analysis of the part material, its manufacturing technology and investi-gated inseparably from each other. The interrelation of working surfaces quality and technological and strength character-istics with respect to operational properties is developed. The instability of the mechanical properties of the structural ma-terial is investigated and their formation is justified on the basis of technological heredity in accordance with the techno-logical process of manufacturing a part to its material and purpose. The instability of physical and mechanical properties is clearly presented on the example of one steel grade, but with different methods of obtaining the workpiece and the material in as-received condition. The influence of heat treatment on the stabilization of the physical and mechanical properties of the material, taking into account the inheritance of properties, is studied. A model of the contact interaction of gears has been developed taking into account external and internal influences, both during preparation and under operation (materi-al properties, engagement forces, temperature field, etc.). The cumulative model, focused on the reaction of the structural material in machining and interaction in work, summarizes a functional use, physical and mechanical properties and fea-tures of behavior in operating conditions. The control of the operational properties of gears is presented in an inseparable connection with technology and their materials such as structural state and physical and mechanical properties.

Governance Discourses and Image Management Strategies in Large-Scale Urban Development Projects—How a Shifting Context and Actor Relations Influence Planning

Governance processes and image management strategies in large-scale urban development projects are exposed to a range of contextual and internal actor-network-related influences. These relations are complex and, due the long realization time of these projects, cannot be entirely anticipated by management strategies. This research investigates how organizations manage these complexities and uncertainties, what strategies they employ, and how these strategies adapt over time. The research analyzes the empirical case of the Amsterdam Zuidas development through a series of interviews conducted with key stakeholder group representatives and an extensive study of the development visions at different milestones of the development. The study relates these findings to the theoretical framework of Henry Mintzberg on strategy formation and finds that large-scale urban development projects need to employ overlapping strategies and engage in adaptive learning to balance development ambitions with the internal and external influences affecting the strategies.

Building Tomorrow's Leaders: A Study of Internal Growth and External Influences on Student Leadership

Student leadership begins at home, shaped by the care, actions, and influence of family. These student leaders internalize their parents’ behaviors and apply them to both formal and informal leadership roles. As they engage in these roles, they contribute to creating a positive environment that supports the development of leadership and fosters community growth. This study examines the influence of parents and teachers on the development of student leaders, as well as the reciprocal effect these leaders have on their communities. The research highlights the key factors necessary for students to succeed in leadership roles and how these roles impact their personal growth and development. Specifically, the findings reveal that student leaders play a significant role in addressing the needs of underprivileged peers and improving their academic achievement. Additionally, student leaders enhance morale within schools, communities, and programs, setting themselves and others up for success. The study also underscores the importance of a supportive home environment in boosting a student's confidence to face challenges. Moreover, it demonstrates how institutions can create opportunities that shape the future growth of student leaders. The analysis of both the external and internal factors influencing student leadership provides valuable insights into how to cultivate leadership potential and offers leaders the chance for deeper self-reflection on their contributions.

Economic Security of the Enterprise Within the Conditions of Digital Transformation

In the context of the digital economy development, the priority component of the economic security of an enterprise is changing from material to digital, constituting an independent element of enterprise security. The relevance of the present research is driven by the need to solve the issue of modernizing the economic security of the enterprise taking into account the new risks and opportunities of digitalization. The purpose of the academic paper lies in identifying the features of preventing internal and external negative influences (threats) in order to guarantee the effective and stable functioning and dynamic social development of the enterprise in the context of digitalization. The research methods are as follows: general scientific research methods, in particular, logical analysis, theoretical substantiation, methods of induction and deduction, formalization and generalization, statistical observation. Results. It has been proposed to introduce the concept of “digital security of the enterprise” for replacing the concept of “information component of economic security” in order to bring the terminology in line with new economic realities. The implementation of the “black box” model has made it possible to identify the latest risks and threats to the economic security of an enterprise within the conditions of the digitalization that differs from the existing ones. The assessment of enterprises’ digital security of the European Union member states has revealed that the digital security level does not depend on the size of the country, however, it is influenced by the institutional environment (in particular, digital development tools in the EU) and the size of enterprises. Also, within the framework of the research, an assessment of the digital security level of enterprises in the context of digitalization has been proposed. In order to characterize enterprises by the level of digital security, a calculation procedure using the coefficient method has been proposed.

Analisis Kebijakan Kualifikasi Kesehatan Dan Standar Pengawakan Terhadap Kinerja Awak Kapal Bedasarkan Penerapan MLC 2006

Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 is a standard level of manning when establishing, approving or revising the level of manning, the competent authority is obliged to pay attention to the need for working hours or minimize excess working hours, as well as the principles of applicable international instruments, in particular from the International Maritime Organization regarding the level of manning. The purpose of this study is to analyze health qualification policies and manning standards for crew performance based on the application of MLC 2006 in PT. Dhama Lautan Utama Semarang Branch. The method used in this study was descriptive qualitative where the sample used was 6 people. The data analysis technique uses the SWOT analysis method using the calculation process of IFAS (Internal Strategy Factor Analysis), EFAS (External Strategy Factor Analysis) and SWOT Analysis diagram using a likert model scale. Based on the results of the analysis, it shows that there are internal and external influences on health qualification policies and manning standards on the performance of ship crews based on the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in PT. Dharma Lautan Utama, Semarang branch. Using SWOT IFAS and EFAS analysis in the calculation of external factors, the value is 0.667 internal while internal factors of 1,063 have a higher value than opportunity-threat. This shows that the optimization of strenght and opportunity in the development of corporate strategy.

ASSESSMENT AND FORECASTING METHOD OF STATE STABILITY

In the article, the authors propose a method for assessing and forecasting the stability of the state. The relevance of the work is due to the complex military and political processes taking place in and around Ukraine, attempts at large-scale interference in internal affairs (including by military means), attempts to destroy Ukrainian statehood and make the country under total control, and the lack of a methodological apparatus that can be used to assess the state's ability to withstand external and internal threats and preserve its own identity and structural integrity. The authors analyze the content of the concept of "stability", offer their own interpretation of this term and identify the factors that significantly affect it. In accordance with these factors, the article presents a hierarchical system of indicators consisting of two main groups characterizing the ability of the state to withstand internal and external influences, and contains indicators that allow to assess the military capabilities of the country, the level of conflict potential, taking into account ethnic and religious problems, the state of its economy, social and political spheres, the ability of law enforcement agencies to counter internal threats, energy security and the level of corruption. Subject of research. Assessment and forecasting of state stability. Methodology. In order to obtain functions that explicitly describe the dependence of the state's stability on lower-level indicators, the proposed approach involves the use of the theory of experimental design to form a training sample for each of the groups of indicators, followed by its processing using the method of group consideration of arguments. This approach is demanding on the level of competence of experts, but it allows obtaining dependencies that can be used to directly calculate the value of the state's stability indicators, which is of great importance in the preparation and decision-making on ensuring Ukraine's national security. The authors propose an integrated approach to forecasting the level of stability, which will make it possible to obtain both exploratory and normative forecasts, and this will increase the validity of decisions on ensuring the national and military security of the State. The purpose. The article outlines the main provisions of the method of assessing and forecasting the stability of the state, which allows obtaining a numerical assessment of stability and forecasting its development over time, taking into account a wide range of indicators covering both civilian and military spheres of the state, and also allows taking into account possible external influences (destructive or positive). Results. The article presents the system of indicators by which it is proposed to assess the stability of the state, the general procedure for calculations using the proposed method, and some results of a numerical experiment which confirmed the efficiency of the proposed approach, its sufficiently high accuracy and clarity of the results obtained. The calculations show that Ukraine's overall level of stability has declined significantly since 2014, but there is reason to believe that the state has managed to maintain it and even gradually improve it amid large-scale aggression.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGENCY DESTRUCTIONS ON ORGANIZATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF THEIR CONSEQUENCES

Problem. Accidental destruction of construction objects occurs due to sudden external and internal influences of manmade and natural origin. Domestic gas explosions are the most common among emergency situations that lead to accidental destruction of residential buildings. Among the objects damaged by the explosion of the gasair mixture, a significant share is occupied by largepanel buildings. To develop measures for temporary strengthening and longterm strengthening of emergency structures and parts of the building, it is necessary to have operational information about the dynamics of their deformation state. Modern monitoring methods make it possible to obtain timely, objective information about the dynamics of the development of deformation processes of complex construction objects at all stages of their life cycle. Method. To substantiate the relevance of research, methods of analysis and generalization were applied, empirical research methods were used — instrumental monitoring, generalization of experience, expert surveys, expert assessments, scientific forecasting. On the example of a building that suffered significant damage as a result of an explosion of a gasair mixture, a selection of the optimal and safe method of its partial dismantling was made. Originality. Research using instrumental methods of the dynamics of deformations of the emergency object allowed to determine the optimal variant of the organization of dismantling and restoration works, taking into account the information received by the instrumental monitoring system. Increasing the efficiency and safety of works to eliminate the consequences of accidental destruction of largepanel buildings by choosing the optimal option for organizing emergency measures using modern information monitoring systems is an urgent technical and economic problem. The practical value lies in improving the organization of the dismantling of emergency buildings in conditions of incomplete information about their technical condition. The safety efficiency of emergency and rescue operations has been increased. A minimally justified composition of emergency measures with the use of a monitoring system to obtain information about the current state of structures for the purpose of implementing emergency measures is the most effective option for organizing emergency rescue and dismantling works in the process of restoring an emergency facility damaged by a manmade explosion.

The drivers of plant community composition have shifted from external to internal processes over the past 20,000 years

Internal and external factors regulating the past composition of plant communities are difficult to identify in palaeo-vegetation records. Here, we develop an index of relative entropy of community assembly, which applies to changes in the composition of a community over time, measuring disorder in its assembly relative to disassembly. Historical periods of relatively ordered assembly (negative index values) are characteristic of a community undergoing endogenous self-organisation, in contrast to relatively disordered assembly (positive values) characterising periods of exogenous abiotic forcing. We quantified the relative entropy index for a 22,000-year time-series of tundra vegetation obtained in the Polar Urals, based on sedimentary DNA. We find it most positive during the Late Pleistocene characterized by persistent taxa, and most negative during the post-glacial Holocene characterized by more ephemeral floras. Changes in relative entropy coincide with changes in regional temperature as reconstructed from stable oxygen composition of an Arctic ice-core. Our results suggest that temperature strongly influenced community assembly in the Polar Urals until about 9000 years before present, after which endogenous community self-organization prevailed through to the present. We conclude that time-series of community composition can reveal changes in the balance between internal and external influences on taxonomic turnover and resulting diversity.

115 The Association between Burn Characteristics and Body Image in School-Aged Children years 5 to 12

Abstract Introduction Children ages 5 to 12 are in pivotal stages of psychological development as they become more self-aware. Body image can be a formation of both internal experiences and influences from the surrounding environment. This perceived image adapts during this age group and can be negatively impacted by the changes in physical appearance due to the burn injury. Previous research indicates older age and the presence of larger, visible burns can impact body image and self-esteem in the present and long-term. This study assessed the association between burn characteristics and the child’s ability to maintain positive body image in this age group using a new parent-reported instrument for assessment of child outcomes after burn injury. Methods Preliminary data was obtained from the School-Aged Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE)5-12 study, which is currently in stages of field-testing. Classic test theory methods were used to assess body image items (n = 13) from the Psychological domain. Each item was scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (always). Data was recoded for selected items such that higher scores denote better functioning. Multivariate linear regression analyses measured the association between burn injury characteristics and body image (controlling for sex, race and ethnicity, burn injury to critical areas, total body surface area burned (TBSA), and age at survey completion). Mean body image score was calculated. Results Data was obtained from 356 surveys with completed body image items from parents of children with burns. The mean age at survey completion was 8.6 + 2.4 years and mean total body surface area burned (TBSA) was 9.2 + 13.9 with 55% male and 66% white. Items from body image subdomain were identified as a unidimensional scale (α = 0.91, item-total correlations >0.4, ratio of the 1st and 2nd eigenvalues = 4.98). The mean body image score was 3.5 + 0.6. The presence of a foot burn (p = 0.0099), genitalia burn (p = 0.0449) and TBSA >1% (p = 0.0013) resulted in a lower body image score (3.3 + 0.6, 3.1 + 0.8, and 3.4 + 0.7, respectively). In the regression model, age at survey completion was also associated with decreased body image score (β = 0.074, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Parents reported older school-aged burn survivors often had difficulty with body image. Presence of larger burn size and injury to critical areas also worsened body image. Applicability of Research to Practice Burn-care providers and family members can utilize body image score to understand the burn survivor’s current body image satisfaction and assist in fostering positive body image after burn injury through assessment and early intervention.

Birch pollen-The unpleasant herald of spring.

Type I respiratory allergies to birch pollen and pollen from related trees of the order Fagales are increasing in industrialized countries, especially in the temperate zone of the Northern hemisphere, but the reasons for this increase are still debated and seem to be multifaceted. While the most important allergenic molecules of birch pollen have been identified and characterized, the contribution of other pollen components, such as lipids, non-allergenic immunomodulatory proteins, or the pollen microbiome, to the development of allergic reactions are sparsely known. Furthermore, what also needs to be considered is that pollen is exposed to external influences which can alter its allergenicity. These external influences include environmental factors such as gaseous pollutants like ozone or nitrogen oxides or particulate air pollutants, but also meteorological events like changes in temperature, humidity, or precipitation. In this review, we look at the birch pollen from different angles and summarize current knowledge on internal and external influences that have an impact on the allergenicity of birch pollen and its interactions with the epithelial barrier. We focus on epithelial cells since these cells are the first line of defense in respiratory disease and are increasingly considered to be a regulatory tissue for the protection against the development of respiratory allergies.