Observation Protocol Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MEASUREMENT ERRORS AND PRAGMATIC ERRORS ON ESSAY WRITING SKILLS AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated comparative analysis of measurement errors and pragmatic errors on essay writing skills among sunior Secondary School Students’ in Kogi State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Population comprises of all 8,351 students offering English Language from 17 public junior secondary school in Kogi State, Nigeria and 384 students offering English Language were used as sample size. Observation Protocol English Language Essay Writing Skills Questionnaire/Checklist (OPELEWTQC)’’was used as an instrument, it was validated and pilot tested which yielded the of 0.74 validity index and of 0.75 reliability index. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions while t-test of independent samples was used for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. Findings of this study reveal a significant difference in the impact of measurement errors and pragmatic errors on essay writing skills among junior secondary school students in Kogi State. It was established that pragmatic errors exert a more substantial influence on the students' essay writing skills compared to measurement errors. This highlights the critical role of pragmatic competence in improving students' overall writing performance and effective communication in essays. The study recommends incorporating pragmatic skill development into junior secondary school English language curricula, such as real-life language use activities and context-based writing exercises, as well as establishing teacher training programs to identify and correct pragmatic faults in students' writing.

Observational study protocol: the faecal microbiome in the acute stage of new-onset paediatric type 1 diabetes in an Irish cohort

IntroductionType 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Although there is an underlying genetic predisposition to developing T1D, the trigger is multifactorial...

Improving K‐12 Teachers' Use of Sheltered Instructional Practices to Support Multilingual Learners: Results From a National Professional Development Grant

ABSTRACTAccording to the Michigan Department of Education, between 2011 and 2017, the number of multilingual learners (MLs) enrolled in K‐12 schools in the state increased by more than 50%. In 2017, the average teacher to ML ratio in the state was an alarmingly low 1:168. To increase the number of teachers prepared to effectively serve MLs, we developed Project English Learners and Teacher Education (ELATE), a professional development program grounded in adult learning theories and centered around the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). SIOP is a research‐based instructional framework that aims to prepare teachers to bridge the gap between language and content instruction for MLs. It has the following eight components: lesson preparation, building background, comprehensible input, strategies, interaction, practice/application, lesson delivery, and review and assessment. Limited empirical research suggests that SIOP is a reliable tool for detecting instructional intervention effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) add to the empirical research focused on SIOP and (2) determine the impact of an intensive professional development program on in‐service teachers' use of instructional practices for MLs. We implemented a quasi‐experimental study focused on Project ELATE, a 5‐year National Professional Development (NPD) program that trained 170 in‐service teachers in providing quality instruction for MLs. The primary goal of Project ELATE was to improve in‐service teachers’ knowledge and instructional skills for supporting and teaching MLs. Training included graduate courses, clinical experiences, video demonstrations, a conference, and instructional coaching. Data sources included pre‐ and post‐program observations, interviews, and written reflections. Results showed statistically significant SIOP score increases for participants from pre‐ to post‐program on all eight components, while controls showed no significant increases. Overall, the findings provide evidence that Project ELATE significantly improved teachers' ability to use sheltered instructional practices. Qualitative data highlighted that participants benefited from feedback from multiple sources, including an English as a Second Language coach, video observations, and professional learning communities. In summary, this NPD program demonstrated success in improving teachers' instructional practices for MLs.

Assessing post-operative dietary intake in older adult hip fracture patients: An observational study protocol.

Background: Fragility fractures of the hip are a common injury in England. Meeting post-operative resting energy expenditure (REE) needs are fundamental to recovery from trauma that with greater nutritional intake, post-operative complications and length of stay can be reduced. However, dietary intake can be overlooked when the goal is prompt surgery to reduce pain and lower the risks of mortality at 30 days and 1 year. Aims: The primary aim of this study is to observe if post-operative dietary energy intake (kJ/kcal) of older adult hip fracture patients meets their post-operative REE needs to mobilise post-surgery. Secondly, we aim to explore if there is a relationship between length of stay, comorbidity and post-operative complications in relation to dietary intake. Methods and analysis: Using a weighed food method, all food and fluid intake from the day of surgery until post-operative day three inclusive will be recorded for a cohort of 30 older adult hip fracture patients. Dietary intake per day will be compared against REE and macronutrient requirements. Baseline sociodemographic and medical history data will be obtained, along with admission data such as malnutrition screening and type of fracture. Regression analysis will be used to explore associations between dietary intake, post-operative complications and length of stay where indicated and to identify if there are areas for further dietary development in this specific patient group. Ethics and dissemination: The Health Research Authority approved this study (REC 24/NE/0034). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals and presented at academic conferences.

Navigating the politically charged classroom: Using inquiry to teach contentious social studies

ABSTRACT Teaching social studies during politically volatile times is challenging. This article draws from the findings of an explanatory case study that examined 2 teachers’ instructional choices as they taught contentious social studies. The researchers sought to understand how the teachers navigated conflicting educational ideologies through their instructional choices when designing and delivering inquiry-based instruction. Data consisted of interviews, observations, and artifacts and was analyzed using a thematic approach with Swan et al.’s (2020) Questions, Tasks, and Sources [QTS] Observation Protocol and Pace’s (2021) Framework for Teaching Controversial Issues serving as the analytical framework. From this study, we offer instructional strategies for navigating the challenges of teaching contentious social studies through an inquiry-based curriculum. We note how teachers can craft democratic compelling questions, select sources that contextualize contentious social studies, and plan for formative and summative performance tasks to support more deliberative argumentation.

Characterizing biomarkers of ageing in Singaporeans: the ABIOS observational study protocol.

Ageing is the primary driver of age-associated chronic diseases and conditions. Asian populations have traditionally been underrepresented in studies understanding age-related diseases. Thus, the Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to characterise biomarkers of ageing in Singaporeans, exploring associations between molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing. This is a single-centre, cross-sectional study that recruits healthy community-dwelling adults (≥ 21 years) from three different ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Molecular biomarkers of ageing include multi-omics approaches, such as DNA methylation analysis and metabolic and inflammatory proteomic profiling in blood, saliva, and stool. Physiological biomarkers of ageing include bone density, body composition, skin autofluorescence, arterial stiffness, physical performance (e.g., muscle strength and flexibility), cognition, and nutritional status. Digital biomarkers of ageing include three-dimensional facial morphology and objectively measured physical activity. Additional measures, such as habitual physical activity, dietary patterns, and medical history, are also examined. The associations between the molecular, physiological, and digital phenotypes will be explored. This study is expected to generate a comprehensive profile of molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing in Chinese, Malay, and Indian populations in Singapore. By integrating diverse age-related biomarkers, clinical indicators, and lifestyle factors, ABIOS will offer unique insights into the ageing process specific to Southeast Asian populations. These findings can help identify markers of biological ageing, uncover ethnic-specific patterns, and reveal modifiable lifestyle factors for healthier ageing. The results could inform evidence-based health policies, personalized interventions, and future cross-ethnic comparative studies to enhance understanding of ageing biology across diverse populations.

Trans-scale live-imaging of an E5.5 mouse embryo using incubator-type biaxial light-sheet microscopy.

During mouse embryonic development, the embryonic day (E) 5.5 stage represents a crucial period for the formation of the primitive body axis, where the symmetry breaking of cellular states influences the multicellular system. Elucidating the detailed mechanisms of this process necessitates a trans-layered dynamic observation of the embryo and all internal cells. In this report, we present our success in achieving in-toto single-cell observation in a whole hemisphere of an E5.5 embryo for 12 h, using a newly developed incubator-type biaxial light-sheet microscope. To achieve the success, we optimized our microscope system, including an incubator for culture stability, and refining the observation protocol to reduce phototoxicity. Our key discovery is that the scan speed during light-sheet formation plays a critical role in reducing phototoxicity, rather than the irradiation intensity or the interval time between frames. This innovative system not only enabled in-toto single-cell tracking but also led to the discovery of the abrupt shrinking of embryos whose contractile center was located at the extraembryonic ectoderm during monotonous growth up to the E6.5 stage.

Protocol for assessing immune-target cell interactions using a single-cell cytotoxicity assay.

Standard flow cytometry-based assays can determine the cytotoxicity of immune effector cells, but it is challenging to monitor the dynamic processes of cytotoxicity. Here, we present a protocol for continuous observation of natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity with microwell arrays using an automated microscope. We describe steps for isolating and labeling primary NK cells, loading cells onto microwell arrays, monitoring target wells, and image analysis. This protocol facilitates observation of the dynamics of immune-target cell interactions at the single-cell level. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lietal.1.

Enhancing anthropometric proficiency: Effect of a structured training program on skills of Anganwadi workers in rural areas of Raebareli District, Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT Context: Anganwadi workers (AWWs) require technical skills for growth monitoring of under-five children. Anthropometric skills help Anganwadi workers assess any changes or deterioration in the normal growth of children. Aims: To determine the effect of a structured training program on the anthropometric skills of Anganwadi workers in rural areas of Raebareli district in Uttar Pradesh. Settings and Design: A community-based interventional study, was conducted among 162 AWWs, 73 from Salon and 89 from Rahi development blocks of Raebareli district. Methods and Material: The skills of AWWs in anthropometric measurement domains (weight, height/length, and mid-upper arm circumference) were assessed using a pre-tested observatory checklist both before and after the training sessions. The skills for each domain were assessed on four points i.e. standard procedure applied to the child, assurance of safety precautions, observer protocol during anthropometry, and precision and accuracy in recording measurement. Statistical Analysis Used: The McNemar Chi-square test was used for paired categorical data analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study population was 43.30 ± 9.68 years. The mean years of their job was 16.68 + 7.38 years. About one-fourth (26.5%) of AWWs had received training within the last three years. Inadequate/non-functional equipment (9.8%), low honorarium (29.4%), interruption in timely supply of supplementary food (6.3%), non-cooperation of the community (84.6%), insufficient space (58.0%), and availability of periodic job aids (16.8%) were the major challenges that were faced by ICDS workers. The anthropometric skills of the AWWs were found to improve significantly in almost all the domains. The proportion of AWWs following standard procedure, assurance of safety precautions, observer protocol during anthropometry, precision, and accuracy on recording measurement were found to increase significantly after a structured training program. (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A structured training programme focusing anthropometric skills on play an important role in increasing the skills of AWWs in growth monitoring. AWWs’ capacity to monitor child growth must be refreshed regularly through separate focussed training programs rather than during comprehensive sessions.

How many stroke survivors develop problematic spasticity requiring pharmacological therapy? An international (Europe and USA) observational study protocol

IntroductionCurrent care plans for stroke survivors typically focus on acute management, resulting in many stroke survivors being discharged to their communities without adequate follow-up, despite their often experiencing significant post-stroke...

The Global RAdical Cystectomy Evaluation and Management (GRACEM) pathway: single-centre prospective observational cohort study protocol.

Despite guideline recommendations, few institutions have implemented clinical pathways that incorporate frailty into routine decision-making for patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). This paper presents an integrated clinical pathway designed to address the needs of frail patients undergoing RC. The purpose of the study is to determine whether a multifaceted prevention programme that tailors interventions to the syndromic components of frailty can improve postoperative morbidity and recovery time for patients. New insights will be gained into how to optimize the physical and mental status and quality of life of patients before and after surgery, up to 1 year later. The Global RAdical Cystectomy Evaluation and Management (GRACEM) study is a prospective, observational, single-centre, 2-year cohort study. Patient enrolment began on 27 April 2023, and results are pending. The primary endpoints are postoperative morbidity and the in-hospital postoperative care burden. Postoperative morbidity is measured by the number of early (up to 1month) and late (over 1month and up to 12 months) complications, graded by severity according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. In-hospital postoperative care burden is measured by the number and duration of key care processes as recorded by the Care Process Monitoring Chart, a tool developed for this study. Secondary endpoints are changes in frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from pre-intervention to planned follow-up up to 1year. Frailty is assessed with the Functional Limitations and Geriatric Syndromes Frailty Questionnaire (FLIGS-FQ), another ad hoc tool. HRQoL is assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire combined with the cystectomy-specific FACT-Bl-cys index from the first month of follow-up. The GRACEM study includes patients with non-metastatic, histologically confirmed, muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer who underwent RC surgery with curative intent. This study is unique in that the GRACEM Core Team shares decision-making throughout the pathway, from before the intervention to the end of the patient's follow-up. The pathway involves the patient, family members and community services.

From Teacher Candidate to Inclusive Educator: A Conceptual Framework for Training Teacher Candidates to Support Emergent Bilingual Students and Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms

This manuscript describes a conceptual framework for preparing teacher candidates to be effective inclusive educators for emergent bilingual students and students with disabilities. The manuscript aligns with the journal theme by emphasizing the importance of supporting teacher candidates in their development as inclusive educators. Based on the shared characteristics of two research-based approaches, the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model (Echevarria et al., 2018) and the high-leverage practices for inclusive education (HLP) framework (McLeskey et al., 2019), the authors present a lesson plan model that helps teacher candidates integrate research-based practices into teaching and learning opportunities during their clinical teaching.

A Case Study of Lithuanian Language Skills Development for Ukrainian Children in First Grade

Ukrainian children entering the first-grade face difficulties adapting and learning the Lithuanian language. Individual Lithuanian language lessons were conducted to develop the areas of Ukrainian Lithuanian linguistic activity. The data collected during the lessons was recorded in the observation protocols to determine the change in the students’ Lithuanian language level. The purpose of the study is to investigate the development of Lithuanian language skills of Ukrainian pupils in the first grade, when they study together with Lithuanian-speaking pupils. The objectives of the research: to analyse the methodological and scientific literature, clarifying the concept of education of foreign children’s Lithuanian language ability; to discuss the successes and problems of language education of Ukrainian children in the first grade; to describe the level of Lithuanian language skills of Ukrainians before the beginning of their education and 8 months later; to analyse and summarise the most successful activities for Ukrainian students and the achievements of the Lithuanian language.

Life skills education in secondary language classrooms: Empathy, communication and interpersonal relations

ABSTRACT Background: Life skills education (LSE) has prevailed since the early 1980s, and despite international policy ambitions, there are few indications of LSE in formal school contexts outside of education programmes. This study adds to existing literature by investigating LSE in Norway, shortly after its introduction into the 2020 national curriculum; acknowledging the value of developing students’ ability to understand and influence factors that are important for managing their own life. Objectives: The primary aim was to investigate how LSE was infused into the language subjects English and Norwegian during naturally occurring instruction in four lower secondary schools. Methods: Participants involved 11 teachers and their students across 18 classes. Using a mixed methods design, we combined quantitative and qualitative analyses of classroom video recordings (74 lessons). Analyses relied on the validated EDUCATE observation protocol and thematic analysis. Results and Conclusions: When themes relevant for LSE were included in these language lessons, they were mainly taught as subject-specific themes unconnected to LSE, while some lessons offered explicit connections to help students manage their lives. When such connections were made, the themes mainly concerned empathy, communication and interpersonal relations. The main difference between the two subjects, was the teaching of LSE relevant themes mainly through fiction in Norwegian, and by bringing current events into the English classroom, whereas multiple literacies (i.e. traditional, emotional, critical) were addressed in both subjects.

Significant projected savings with expansion of an emergency department observation protocol for mild acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) significantly contributes to healthcare costs, but not all patients require hospitalization. A novel, validated Emergency Department (ED) pathway for mild AP (MAP) at our tertiary care center reduced hospitalizations and resource utilization, without affecting outcomes. A decision-analytic model was constructed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist and methodologic recommendations by the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine to predict healthcare costs based on whether an ED discharge protocol for MAP was utilized. Average savings for one MAP discharged from the ED were $1720.5 compared to the standard of care hospitalization. Assuming that 67.7% of cases are mild and that there are 288,820 hospitalizations for AP annually, the ED discharge pathway would result in $98.6 million direct healthcare savings. Implementation of an evidence-based, protocoled ED pathway for MAP could result in over $100 million in direct healthcare savings.

Enlightening Hidden Nursing Care in Nurse-Led Clinics and See & Treat: An Observational Multicenter Protocol Study in Italy.

Background/Objectives: The limited and inconsistent adoption and regulation of nurse-led clinics (NLCs) and "See & Treat" (S&T) services in Italy needs to be explored considering their value towards patients' outcomes acknowledged in the literature. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of hidden nursing activities (HNAs) in these settings, hypothesizing that features and activities performed in these settings are heterogeneous across the country and widely underreported or attributed to other professionals than nurses. HNAs are hypothesized to be associated with a poor work environment climate and nurses' low job satisfaction. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study will be conducted across exclusively nurse-led NLC and S&T services in public health care facilities in Italy. Data collection will involve inputs from organization or nursing managers, coordinators, head nurses, and employed nurses. Information will be gathered on organizational structure, service provision, access modalities, nurses' perceptions of their work environment, and the health care activities performed. Surveys will be distributed online to collect retrospective data in 2023 and via paper to collect 1-month prospective data about services' activities. Expected results: This study is expected to reveal HNAs in NLC and S&T, with implications for policy, resource allocation, reimbursement models, and patient outcomes, ultimately supporting healthcare reforms and enhancing nursing's visibility and impact in Italy. The findings will be essential for guiding health care resource allocation and shaping educational and regulatory policies that recognize and formalize the role of nurses in advanced practice. Policymakers could leverage the findings of this study to promote the development of standardized taxonomies, making nursing contributions more visible and measurable. Ultimately, this research will highlight the value of nursing care in NLC and S&T settings, providing an evidence base to drive policy changes that improve both health care outcomes and resource efficiency. Conclusions: This study lays the groundwork for health care policy reforms by advocating for the recognition, measurement, and funding of nursing contributions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and the sustainability of health systems.

Multimodal review. A new protocol for literature observation

Multimodal review. A new protocol for literature observation

Longitudinal changes in lifestyle behaviours and cardiovascular health during the transition to fatherhood: the Dad Bod observational cohort study protocol

IntroductionDespite the importance of the transition to fatherhood as a critical life stage among young adult men, much remains unknown about the factors predictive of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) and...

The impact of UTeach observation protocol-based multiple-source feedback on improving the quality of online teaching in medical education

BackgroundThe ability to teach, as a core competency, has always suffered from a lack of systematic cultivation.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the difference in teaching quality before and after the application of the UTOP (UTeach observation protocol)-based multiple source feedback (MSF) formative assessment of the quality improvement of medical education classrooms.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed the teaching quality of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The participants were divided into control and UTOP groups according to the actual training they took in the teaching. All the participants, including teachers and trainee teachers, who were under conventional teaching methods were in the control group, and those who were under MSF training were in the UTOP group. UTOP and New Teacher Assessment Scores (NTAS) were evaluated, and the differences between the two courses were analyzed. The UTOP group was divided into a teacher group and a practice group according to differences in the participants’ teaching experience. The UTOP-MSF evaluation data were extracted and analyzed, and the differences in teaching quality were compared before and after the implementation of MSF training.ResultsThe study was conducted for 10 months, with 43 participants completing 120 web-based lectures. In the control group, 32 participants were included, including 22 teachers with 27 courses and 10 trainee teachers who had no teaching experience with 13 courses. Eleven participants in the UTOP group received 9 rounds of MSF feedback training and completed 80 online lectures, including 3 teachers with 19 courses and 8 trainee teachers with 61 courses. A total of 324 evaluations from researchers were extracted and analyzed, including 162 UTOP scores and 162 NTAS; 575 MSF assessments were analyzed, including 438 from the teachers and 137 from the trainee teachers. The participants in the UTOP group had significantly higher UTOP and NTAS scores than did those in the control group did (59.84 ± 14.64 vs. 40.74 ± 6.80, p = 0.000; 73.00 (62.25, 80.00) vs. 53.00 (50.75, 57.00), p = 0.000, respectively). Among the participants who performed UTOP training, the UTOP-MSF scores increased for both teachers and trainee teachers (51.50 (37.75, 68.25) vs. 73.00 (68.00, 76.50), p = 0.022; 41.00 (36.00, 51.75) vs. 68.00 (59.75, 77.00), p = 0.000, respectively). The mean UTOP MSF scores were strongly positively correlated with the mean NTAS (r = 0.640, p = 0.000).ConclusionUTOP-based MSF training significantly improved teaching quality in medical education, and it can be an effective tool for evaluating teaching quality.

Abstract 4129440: Ventricular Stunning Following Direct Current Cardioversion: A Case Report

Background: Ventricular stunning refers to a transient mechanical dysfunction of the myocardium, typically manifesting in response to ischemic insults, reperfusion injury, inflammatory states, or neurohormonal overload. Here, we present an unusual case of ventricular stunning precipitated by direct current electrical cardioversion (DEC). Case Report: A 73-year-old man with a history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease was admitted to a Veterans Affairs hospital for heart failure exacerbation. His hospitalization was complicated by recurrent episodes of symptomatic AF with ventricular rates in the 120-150’s. This was initially managed with intravenous amiodarone and eventually DEC. He continued to experience symptomatic episodes of AF. Later in the hospitalization a repeat DEC with a single 200 joule shock was performed with restoration of sinus rhythm. Several hours afterwards he was found to be unresponsive and hypotensive. Cool extremities and rising serum lactate raised suspicion for cardiogenic shock resulting in transfer to the intensive care unit where vasopressor and inotropic support were initiated. Echocardiogram revealed a precipitous decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction from 25% to 5%. Serum troponin concentrations were unchanged from prior and ECGs demonstrated rate-controlled AF. Clinical Decision Making: This case highlights an episode of unexpected decrease in cardiac output following an otherwise routine repeat DEC for recurrent AF requiring escalation to mechanical circulatory support. His decompensation worsened, necessitating transfer to the local university center for placement of catheter-based miniaturized ventricular assist device (Impella 5’5). Over the subsequent days, with supportive care, his left ventricular ejection fraction recovered to baseline, and mechanical and inotropic support were withdrawn. Conclusion: Ventricular stunning, leading to cardiogenic shock, is a rare and incompletely understood complication of DEC. It warrants consideration when monitoring patients after cardioversion. Implementing vigilant observation protocols post-DEC to detect ventricular stunning and predisposing risk factors could significantly enhance clinical management strategies.