Number Of Misconceptions Research Articles

The benefit of early survival on PD versus HD-Why this is (still) very important.

There are a number of misconceptions around the identified early survival benefit of peritoneal dialysis (PD) relative to hemodialysis (HD), including that such benefits "even out in the end" since the relative risk of death over time eventually encompasses 1.0 (or even an estimate that is unfavorable to PD); that the early benefit is, in fact, most likely due to unmeasured confounding; and such benefits are only due to the influence of central venous catheters and "crash starters" in the HD group. In fact, the early survival benefit results in a substantial gain of patient life years in PD cohorts relative to HD ones, even if it the benefit appears to "even out in the end," is relatively insensitive to unmeasured confounding, and persists even when the effects of central venous catheters are accounted for. In this review, the calculations and arguments are made to support these tenets. Survival on dialysis is still one of the most important considerations for all stakeholders in the end-stage kidney disease community, including patients who rank it among their top priorities. Shared decision-making is a fundamental patient right and requires both balanced information and an iterative mechanism for a consensual decision based on shared understanding and purpose. A cornerstone of this process should be an explicit discussion of the early survival benefit of PD relative to HD.

COMPARATIVE STUDY: MISCONCEPTIONS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION CONCEPTS FROM PAST TO THE PRESENT

This study aimed to compare the past misconception problems in photosynthesis and respiration topics with the present cases in Indonesia. This descriptive study was undertaken to mainly describe the misconception on science learning from the past to the present times. Misconception test was used as the research instrument that was given to Indonesian students from four provinces namely East Java, South Sulawesi, South Sumatra, and Middle Kalimantan. This study used an experiment conducted in 1996, of which they were further compared with the present literatures about misconception in photosynthesis and respiration, including the data of pre-service teacher class obtained from 2010 to 2017. Results found that there was a similar misconception from 1996 to 2017 about photosynthesis and respiration. There was an indication that misconception in photosynthesis and respiration was not solved properly. This study suggested that the results could be used as an awareness for teachers in accordance with numbers of misconceptions in photosynthesis and respiration that have existed since long ago. Some actions were needed to overcome the misconceptions. One of the effort is by increasing students scientific reasoning skills. By increasing of students’ scientific reasoning skills, students will be able to interpret the information they got and using some evidence that related to evaluated the information truth. But the further research is needed to develop learning devices to train students’ scientific reasoning skills.

Graduate Student Difficulties on Electrostatics Topics -- Conductors and Insulators

A lack of conceptual understanding of electrostatics principles, especially in the context of conductors and insulators, has been observed among a large number of introductory physics students as well as upper-level physics students. This work aims to explore graduate students’ misconceptions on these topics, particularly on how charges are distributed on conductors and insulators in various scenarios. Four first-year physics graduate students were selected to participate in think aloud interviews, where they were given a set of questions related to basic concepts of conductors and insulators, and asked to explain their thought processes as detailed as possible. The result of the four interviews are categorized by the test questions, which discusses the misconceptions that were demonstrated throughout the interviews, along with the interviewees’ reasoning behind these misconceptions. Despite that the interviewees have taken the introductory and advanced electricity and magnetism courses, a number of misconceptions still prevail in their conceptual understanding related to conductors and insulators. One possible explanation is the discontinuity between their knowledge of mathematical formulation and physical understanding of the concept, thus it is recommended that instructors should enforce students to review the advanced theory in the context of physical situations.

Graduate Student Difficulties on Electrostatics Topics -- Conductors and Insulators

A lack of conceptual understanding of electrostatics principles, especially in the context of conductors and insulators, has been observed among a large number of introductory physics students as well as upper-level physics students. This work aims to explore graduate students’ misconceptions on these topics, particularly on how charges are distributed on conductors and insulators in various scenarios. Four first-year physics graduate students were selected to participate in think aloud interviews, where they were given a set of questions related to basic concepts of conductors and insulators, and asked to explain their thought processes as detailed as possible. The result of the four interviews are categorized by the test questions, which discusses the misconceptions that were demonstrated throughout the interviews, along with the interviewees’ reasoning behind these misconceptions. Despite that the interviewees have taken the introductory and advanced electricity and magnetism courses, a number of misconceptions still prevail in their conceptual understanding related to conductors and insulators. One possible explanation is the discontinuity between their knowledge of mathematical formulation and physical understanding of the concept, thus it is recommended that instructors should enforce students to review the advanced theory in the context of physical situations.

Chinese Parents’ Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT This study investigated family perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in China. A survey with open-ended questions assessing knowledge of ASD and its causes was distributed via nine ASD organisations across five different cities in Southern China. Results were analysed from a total of 104 Chinese caregivers who reported on their children or grandchildren with an ASD diagnosis. The results suggested that a large proportion of these families had limited understanding of ASD. A number of misconceptions were also evident within the sample. A tendency to blame themselves for their child’s condition may have been further exacerbated by cultural expectations of the parental role. The implications of these findings in addressing misconceptions about ASD in China are discussed.

Understanding the decision to screen for lung cancer or not: A qualitative analysis.

BackgroundAlthough new screening programmes with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer have been implemented throughout the United States, screening uptake remains low and screening‐eligible persons' decisions to screen or not remain poorly understood.ObjectiveTo describe how current and former long‐term smokers explain their decisions regarding participation in lung cancer screening.DesignPhone interviews using a semi‐structured interview guide were conducted to ask screening‐eligible persons to describe their decisions regarding screening with LDCT. The interviews were transcribed and analysed with conventional content analytic techniques.Setting and participantsA subsample of 40 participants (20 who had screened and 20 who had not) were drawn from the sample of a survey study whose participants were recruited by Facebook targeted advertisements.ResultsThe sample was divided into the following five groups based on their decisions regarding lung cancer screening participation: Group 1: no intention to be screened, Group 2: no deliberate consideration but somewhat open to being screened, Group 3: deliberate consideration but no definitive decision to be screened, Group 4: intention to be screened and Group 5: had been screened. Reasons for screening participation decisions are described for each group. Across groups, data revealed that screening‐eligible persons have a number of misconceptions regarding LDCT, including that a scan is needed only if one is symptomatic or has not had a chest x‐ray. A physician recommendation was a key influence on decisions to screen.Discussion and conclusionsEducation initiatives aimed at providers and long‐term smokers regarding LDCT is needed. Quality patient/provider communication is most likely to improve screening rates.

Discerning between hype and reality: Common misconceptions about Blockchain

This paper examines the essential misconceptions about Blockchain technology and addresses the means of identifying the truth behind a popular and hotly debated topic. One of the biggest obstacles to Blockchain technology, other than it still being in its adolescent phase, is the number of misconceptions about what the technology is, what it does and what it can do. Many business persons have mistakenly tried to understand the mechanisms of this technology rather than its potential uses, and as a result find the debates that surround it confusing. The most pressing misconceptions that are unpacked in this paper range from the technology’s perceived security, its varying definitions and technology types and the misinformation dispersed by the media. Dispelling these misconceptions will assist the technology in quickly reaching the significant potential that many enthusiasts believe it has.

Preschoolers\u2019 Concepts of Digestive Physiology and Their Links with Body Mass Index

In this exploratory study, a sample of 20 four-year-olds took part in structured interviews in order to assess their biological knowledge of how the human body processes a food that they perceived to be fattening. There were two main outcomes to the study. First, the sample demonstrated knowledge of the digestive processes of ingestion, digestion/distribution and terminal digestive events that was broadly analogous to previous studies, and included a number of misconceptions. A minority of children could apply biological reasoning to make holistic sense of a series of linked, abstract physiological events. Data also revealed that young learners’ models of distribution of food away from the gut might be more sophisticated than previously reported, although none of the sample could provide any mechanism for distribution. Second, data were analysed quantitatively to give performance scores which were compared with children’s standardised body mass indices. Children of healthy weight displayed more accurate scientific knowledge of digestive processes than their overweight peers at statistically significant levels. Specifically, the healthy weight children had attained a more holistic understanding of these processes. This potentially has consequences for early years biology education since findings indicate, at a tentative level, that young, overweight children could be considered as having a distinctive special educational need. We propose that there may be a possible way forward for addressing the issues of overweight and obesity in young children by improving their understanding of digestive processes. These outcomes are aligned with calls in the literature for school science education to become more focused on aspects of scientific literacy such as health education. Further studies are recommended using larger samples from more diverse populations.

Remarks on Finite Control and Hyper-Raising in Brazilian Portuguese

In this reply I examine Modesto’s (2011) claim that null subjects in Brazilian Portuguese (BP) are not controlled and are not derived by movement. I show that the critique has a considerable number of misconceptions, misunderstandings and misrepresentations that prevent a proper evaluation of movement approaches to null subjects in BP. When the relevant points are rectified, we see that the technical problems are inexistent and the empirical coverage of the movement approach is even more comprehensive than initially thought.

Misconceptions of seventh grade students in solving geometry problem type national examinations

The general aim of mathematics is stated as making an individual acquire the mathematical knowledge needed in the daily basis, teaching how to solve problems, making him/her have a method of solving problems and acquiring reasoning methods. For this purpose to acquire mathematical concepts one should be able to visualize the mathematics problems. In other words, mathematics is the field in which preconditions are crucial so before the teaching process student backgrounds on the subject should be tested. The principal aim of this study is to find the weaknesses of secondary school students at geometry questions of measures, angles, and shapes in SMP N 2 Pundong. The year 7 curriculum contains 4 geometry topics out of 17 mathematics topics. In addition to this, this study aims to find out the mistakes, 7th-grade students made in solving geometry problem type national examinations. To collect data, students were tested using 10 questions on geometry to analyze their problem-solving skills and to test how much they acquired the last academic year. Frequency distribution table were used in data analysis. A descriptive qualitative methodology and teacher interview were used in the study to analyze and interpret the results. The results from this study revealed that 7th-grade secondary school students have a number of misconceptions, lack of background knowledge, reasoning and basic operation mistakes at the topics mentioned. The misconceptions divide into three categories namely errors in using formula of geometry, errors in identifying the characteristic of planar figure, and errors in interpreting story problems in mathematical form.

Towards an integrative view of AIS: using integrated business processes approach to framework the paradigm shift of AIS

The establishment of the inter-organisational paradigm across business has led to a new wave of process and information systems to stimulate the emerging trends. Analysis of the related literature often results in a large number of misconceptions. This paper attempts to give a coherent picture on how integrated business processes have transformed AIS from being information into knowledge system. In particular, the aim of our research is to introduce integrated businesses processes as a new approach for defining AIS. This paper empirically measures and analyses the determinants of IOAIS, as well as providing empirical evidence on how integrated business processes have technically supported new roles and contributions of such systems. Our empirical analysis leads to three main findings. First, our findings suggest that use of inter-organisational technologies has significant association with dynamic extension of AIS. Second, the inter-organisational technologies have transformed AIS through increasing interactivity and connectivity. Finally, these technologies also have led to real shift in the reliability and uses of accounting information, which in turn established knowledge contributions of AIS.

A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Conceptions of Mindfulness Meditation

Background: Mindfulness meditation (MM) is an increasing area of interest for health professionals and the general public alike. Beneficial outcomes are associated with this practice; however, definitions of mindfulness and meditation are varied, and anecdotal accounts suggest that people hold misconceptions about the constructs. Furthermore, mindfulness has been incorporated into therapeutic modalities without much consideration for context, including the client’s previous experiences with and understanding of MM. To date, only one research article [1] has been published on the layman conceptions of MM. Research has yet to establish if misconceptions exist; and, if they do, how prevalent these misconceptions are in varied samples. To examine the discrepancies between popular views of MM and research, 479 college students were surveyed. Methods: Attitudes and beliefs toward MM were assessed via a series of open-ended questions and vignettes, with self-report questionnaires assessing religion and spirituality, trait mindfulness, barriers to practicing meditation, avoidance and acceptance, values, and demographic variables. A mixed methods (deductive qualitative analytic and quantitative) approach based on several common misconceptions from practitioners and personal experiences with misconceptions (e.g., emphases on religious and cultural factors; using meditation as a means of control) was used to study the social phenomenon of participants’ conceptions of MM. Results: Several key themes emerged from the data. As examples, approximately 96% of the sample said MM was about relaxation and over half described it as a strictly religious practice. Conclusions: A number of misconceptions about mindfulness exist and this may have implications for mindfulness-based treatments. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Perceptions of Sexual Behaviour among Undergraduate Students in Lokoja, Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major problem among Nigerian adolescents, with serious complications arising from untreated cases. Considering the growing trend of unprotected sex in this vulnerable population, it is pertinent to carry out interventions aimed at increasing awareness measures and lowering the disease burden.Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of undergraduate students regarding STIs, including HIV/AIDS.Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Place of Study: Federal University, Lokoja, Nigeria.Duration of Study: Between October 2016 and March 2017.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional population-based study using self-administered structured questionnaires was carried out. A total of 370 undergraduate students were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Statistical measures like frequency, percentage and mean were tabulated.Results: Out of the 370 students that participated in this study, only 66.2% knew the full meaning of HIV/AIDS. The internet was the most common source of STI knowledge (92.2%). A number of misconceptions were commonly reported among the respondents: 82.4% believed STIs could be transmitted by sharing a toilet seat, while 20.3% believed witchcraft was a means through which STIs could be transmitted. Only 22.2% knew that premature birth was a complication of untreated STIs. 83.5% believed there was a cure for all STIs, including HIV/AIDS. 70.5% were worried about getting STIs when having unprotected sex. 77.8% were sexually active. As much as 79.7% had their first sexual encounter before their twentieth birthday. 74.9% had multiple sex partners. Only 18.9% used a condom every time they had sex. 45.9% used alcohol and/or other hard drugs before having sex. Only 44.3% had been tested for HIV.Conclusion: Lack of in-depth knowledge about STIs coupled with risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of Federal University, Lokoja call for urgent measures to address the unfortunate trend.

English

The aim of this study is to find out young Turkish students’ opinions about living thing concept in detail and to investigate the criteria used by the students to define this concept. The study sample consisted of randomly selected 140 students studying at the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades in four different primary and middle schools located in the western part of Turkey. The data of the study were collected with the help of “Living Thing Conception Questionnaire” which was adapted from Rolland (1994) and developed by the researchers. Qualitative methods were utilized in data analysis. As a result, of the analysis, it appeared was seen that the students tended to explain the concept of living things via anthropomorphism and a number of misconceptions were determined in at this respect. These misconceptions could be It is thought that those results can be originated from Turkish cultural structure and formal education system. In order to correct remove such misconceptions, teachers should consider them during teaching process and teaching/learning process should be supported with appropriate activities such as out of class activities. Thus, the misconceptions of the students related to living things with anthropomorphic roots can be overcome. Key words: Living thing conception, misconception, anthropomorphism.

The Quest for Information Privacy in Africa

The Quest for Information Privacy in Africa

Nursing Student Attitudes toward Euthanasia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Euthanasia is among the most common and controversial end-of-life care issues. Examining the attitudes of nursing students to this issue is important because they may well encounter these issues during the course of their clinical placements. This study aims to examine the attitudes of a sample of Iranian nursing students towards euthanasia. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Using convenience sampling, 382 Muslim nursing students were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using a demographic variables checklist and a self-administered questionnaire that included a definition of euthanasia and 11 closed questions that sought to record participants' level of agreement with euthanasia based on a Likert scale. Consent for participation was implicit, indicated by the participants having returned the completed questionnaires. Participants were assured that their data would remain anonymous, be kept confidential and be stored safely. Of the 382 participants, 61.5% were female, and the remainder were male. The mean age was 62.6 ± 14.1 years (range: 32-91 years). In total, 34.2%, 41.6% and 24% of students reported a negative, neutral and positive attitude to euthanasia, respectively. Most students with clinical experience, and 38.5% of students with no clinical experience, indicated their agreement with active euthanasia. There are a number of misconceptions among Iranian Muslim nursing students regarding the definition of euthanasia. Nonetheless, most students exhibit positive attitudes to euthanasia consistent with their clinical experiences. It is recommended to explore the factors that induced nursing students' tendency to euthanasia.

Finding Hama: On the Identification of a Forgotten Queen Buried in the Nimrud Tombs

Finding Hama: On the Identification of a Forgotten Queen Buried in the Nimrud Tombs

Pre-Service Teachers’ Knowledge, Misconceptions and Gaps About Autism Spectrum Disorder

The inclusive education framework and the increase in autism diagnoses have led to an overwhelming challenge for pre-service teachers who need to be qualified to teach all children. To test the quality of their training, the main purpose of this study was to compare 866 pre-service teachers’ knowledge, misconceptions, and gaps about autism in their first and final year at university, using the Autism Knowledge Questionnaire. The results show that fourth-year students obtained higher levels of knowledge and fewer gaps than the first-year students, although they also had more misconceptions. Special education specialists obtained significantly more knowledge and fewer misconceptions than the general education pre-service teachers. Specific training and experience had a significant influence on the knowledge and gaps, but it had no influence on the number of misconceptions. These results suggest that university preparation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might not adequately train all future teachers.

The Impact of the Chukwin Mini-Unit on Students’ Understanding of Natural Selection

Natural selection is a widely misunderstood yet critical element to understanding evolution, a concept already fraught with controversy and challenges to its instruction. This necessitates creative methods to improve student learning in this area. A constructivist mini-unit incorporating simulation-based games involving a population of imaginary creatures called Chukwins was created to maximize student learning and motivation. It was tested in one elementary and three junior high classrooms in different locations. Changes in understanding were assessed before and after treatment. Surveys and interviews provided additional evidence on students’ attitudes toward the mini-unit and its impact on their learning and engagement. Students made statistically significant improvements on assessments regarding natural selection, reducing their number of misconceptions and slightly improving their ability to apply it. Retention scores indicate that the changes are long-lasting.

Exploring awareness and help-seeking intentions for testicular symptoms among heterosexual, gay, and bisexual men in Ireland: A qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundThe incidence of malignant and benign testicular disorders among young men is on the rise. Evidence from three reviews suggest that men’s knowledge of these disorders is lacking and their help-seeking intention for testicular symptoms is suboptimal. Qualitative studies have addressed men’s awareness of testicular cancer, with none exploring their awareness of non-malignant diseases such as epididymitis, testicular torsion, and varicocele and none including sexual minorities. ObjectiveTo explore, in-depth, heterosexual, gay, and bisexual men’s awareness of testicular disorders and their help-seeking intentions for testicular symptoms in the Irish context. DesignThis study used a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected via face-to-face individual interviews and focus groups. SettingsParticipation was sought from a number of community and youth organisations and one university in Southern Ireland. ParticipantsMaximum variation and snowball sampling were used to recruit a heterogeneous sample. A total of 29 men partook in this study. Participants were men, aged between 18 and 50 years, and residents of the Republic of Ireland. MethodsAll interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflective field notes were taken following each interview. A summary of the interview was shared with selected participants for member-check. Data were analysed and validated by three researchers. Inductive qualitative analysis of manifest content was used. Latent content was captured in the field notes. Data analysis yielded two key themes. ResultsThe themes that emerged from the interviews were: Awareness of testicular disorders and their screening, and help-seeking intentions for testicular symptoms. Although most participants heard of testicular cancer, most did not know the different aspects of this malignancy including its risk factors, symptoms, treatments, and screening. Several men had a number of misconceptions around testicular disorders which negatively impacted their intentions to seek prompt help. Intentions to delay help-seeking for testicular symptoms were often linked to a number of emotional factors including fear and embarrassment, and social normative factors such as machoism and stoicism. In this study, culture was perceived by some participants as a barrier to awareness and help-seeking. In contrast, many believed that young men, especially those who self-identify as gay, are becoming increasingly interested in their own health. ConclusionFindings suggest the need to educate young men about testicular disorders and symptoms. This could be achieved through conducting health promotion campaigns that appeal to younger men, drafting national men’s health policies, and normalising open discussions about testicular health at a young age.