Group Practice Research Articles

Calculation Methodology to Determine Electricity Distribution Tariffs Using an Approach Based on Cost Causation

The cost reflectivity of electricity distribution network tariffs has been debated in several countries, and various ways to enhance it have been investigated in recent years. However, the recent academic literature regarding the approach based on cost causation has a clear gap because no case studies show how distribution network tariffs can be determined in practice for large customer groups. This article offers a calculation methodology to determine distribution network tariffs based on cost causation along with a case study where unit prices are determined for the tariff structures still widely used today using the data for two separate network areas being operated by two Finnish distribution system operators (DSOs) in an unbundled electricity market environment. The results of the case study show that the total differences between the target and the realized turnovers in both investigated networks are smaller than 1%, which means almost a full cost recovery. In addition to traditional tariff structures, the proposed calculation methodology can also be modified to design and determine other pricing schemes. The need for systematic calculation processes is growing to improve the cost reflectivity of present tariffs and adapt to the needs of the evolving operating environment, novel tariff structures, and new emerging customer groups.

The hows and whys of gendered grouping practices in primary physical education in England

ABSTRACT Background: Single- and mixed-sex grouping have long been a focus of attention in physical education (PE) and are matters often at the fore of discussions about curriculum planning, teaching, and learning. Nonetheless, there remains little consensus or guidance on which approach (or combination of approaches) should be preferred in PE in primary and secondary schools in England. Further, while single- and mixed-sex grouping have been extensively researched in PE in secondary schools, hitherto there remains an absence of research examining these practices in PE in primary schools. This research sought to address gaps in the literature to build a stronger evidence-base for decisions about gendered grouping practices in PE. Specifically, the study was designed to provide a snapshot of current single- and mixed-sex grouping arrangements in primary PE in England. Method: Data were collected via an online survey which was administered to all state-funded mainstream and special schools providing for children in Key Stage 1 (aged 5–7) and/or Key Stage 2 (aged 7–11) in the North-East of England (917 at the time of study). A total of 254 surveys were completed giving a response rate of 27.7%. Results: The responses indicate that nearly all schools were using mixed-sex grouping for PE, with children typically remaining in their mixed-sex form class and taught the same curriculum activities by their class teacher. Notably, no schools were using single-sex grouping for all PE lessons, although some were teaching combinations of single- and mixed-sex classes across different year groups and/or different activities of the curriculum. The responses also challenge the traditional dichotomous representation of single- and mixed-sex grouping by showing that some schools were grouping children into smaller single-sex groups within mixed-sex PE classes, particularly in activities requiring bodily contact. Some schools were also organising children into smaller mixed-sex groups within mixed-sex PE classes to encourage boys and girls to work together and support one another in their learning. Reported reasons for current grouping arrangements reflected both pragmatic considerations and perceived educational benefits of particular approaches, including school timetabling and consideration of gender equity in curriculum provision in PE. Conclusion: The conclusion calls for further research to explore the efficacy of single- and/or mixed-sex grouping in supporting and meeting the needs of all children in primary PE. Relatedly, we also highlight the importance of intersectional perspectives being brought to single- and mixed-sex grouping debates to inform the development of more nuanced, evidence-based policies and practices that promote inclusion and celebrate the diversity of children. We further suggest a need for research and policy to reconsider the language used in grouping practices to reflect commitments to gender diversity and gender equity.

973 Managing Primary Endocrine Treatment (PET) in Breast Cancer Patients: An Audit of Resource Utilisation and Risks

Abstract Aim Primary endocrine treatment (PET) is considered in patients with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer who decline or are deemed unfit for surgery. This treatment can affect bone density resulting in osteoporosis and risk of fractures. With increasing demand on resources, our aim was to examine clinical practices in this vulnerable patient group, balancing risks whilst ensuring good patient selection for treatments. Method We reviewed patients who had PET for ER positive breast cancer from a single consultant database in a district general hospital in South Wales between May 2018 and March 2023. We examined use of bone density (DEXA) scans, bone protection medications, outcomes, and complications. Results 48 patients were included, aged 50-95 years (median 80) and male: female (1:47). All were ER positive, excepting 2 with limited prognosis empirically started on treatment. Reasons for PET included patient choice (15%), palliative treatment (8%), co-morbidities (65%), late stage (4%) and other (8%). There were 27 deaths (54%), with mean time from diagnosis to death 14 months (range 1-50 months). 5 patients (10%) had DEXA scan and 16 (33%) were on bone protection. 3 patients had fractures whilst on PET, likely due to pre-existing conditions. Conclusions The frail breast cancer patient population has limited life expectancy and should not be over-investigated unnecessarily. It could be debated as to how much benefit bone protection provides, given the low fracture rate. Further studies are required to determine benefits of empirical bone protection in PET patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Brodalumab, an Anti-interleukin-17 Receptor A Monoclonal Antibody, for Palmoplantar Pustulosis: 16-Week Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), a refractory skin disease characterized by repeated eruptions of sterile pustules and vesicles on palms and/or soles, involves interleukin-17 pathway activation. Brodalumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-17 receptor A monoclonal antibody, is being investigated for use in PPP treatment. The aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of brodalumab in Japanese PPP patients with moderate or severe pustules/vesicles. A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between July 2019 and August 2022, at 41 centers in Japan. Patients aged 18-70 years with a diagnosis of PPP for ≥24 weeks, a PPP Area Severity Index (PPPASI) score of ≥12, a PPPASI subscore of pustules/vesicles of ≥2, and inadequate response to therapy were included. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive brodalumab 210 mg or placebo, subcutaneously (SC) at baseline, weeks 1 and 2, and every 2 weeks (Q2W) thereafter until week 16. Changes from baseline to week 16 in the PPPASI total score (primary endpoint) and other secondary skin-related endpoints and safety endpoints were assessed. Of the 126 randomized patients, 50 of 63 in the brodalumab group and 62 of 63 in the placebo group completed the 16-week period. Reasons for discontinuation were adverse event (n = 6), withdrawal by patient/parent/guardian (n = 3), progressive disease (n = 3), and lost to follow-up (n = 1) in the brodalumab group and Good Clinical Practice deviation (n = 1) in the placebo group. Change from baseline in the PPPASI total score at week 16 was significantly higher (p = 0.0049) with brodalumab (least-squares mean [95% confidence interval {CI}] 13.73 [10.91-16.56]) versus placebo (8.45 [5.76-11.13]; difference [95% CI] 5.29 [1.64-8.94]). At week 16, brodalumab showed a trend of rapid improvement versus placebo for PPPASI-50/75/90 response (≥50%/75%/90% improvement from baseline) and Physician's Global Assessment 0/1 score: 54% versus 24.2%, 36.0% versus 8.1%, 16.0% versus 0.0%, and 32.0% versus 9.7%, respectively. Infection was the dominant treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE); the commonly reported TEAEs were otitis externa (25.4%/1.6%), folliculitis (15.9%/3.2%), nasopharyngitis (14.3%/4.8%), and eczema (14.3%/12.9%) in the brodalumab/placebo groups, respectively. The severity of most TEAEs reported was Grade 1 or 2 and less frequently Grade ≥3. Brodalumab SC 210 mg Q2W demonstrated efficacy in Japanese PPP patients. The most common TEAEs were mild infectious events. NCT04061252 (Date of Trial Registration: August 19, 2019).

Lean and industry 4.0 principles toward industry 5.0: a conceptual framework and empirical insights from fashion industry

PurposeExamining synergies between Lean, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0 principles, the aim is to showcase how Lean's focus on people enhances Industry 5.0 implementations, leading to the development of the Lean 5.0 paradigm. In addition, insights from artisanal industries, like the fashion one, are specifically collected.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a literature review was conducted to define a comprehensive framework to understand how Lean fits into the Human-Centric (HC) paradigm of Industry 5.0. Second, a case study was employed to give empirical insights and identify practical initiatives that brands can pursue, involving two best-in-class leather goods brands located in Italy.FindingsA conceptual framework to pave the way for new paradigm Lean 5.0 was defined and validated through a case study. To path the way for a case study in the fashion industry, the Lean HC paradigm is detailed into domains and related categories to group practices. The empirical insights demonstrate that Lean HC actions can be effectively supported by Industry 4.0 technologies in traditional sectors like the fashion industry, shifting towards Industry 5.0.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework and related practices can be used by companies to facilitate their transition towards Industry 5.0, leveraging on Lean Manufacturing.Originality/valueThe innovative contribution of the present work mainly refers to the proposed conceptual framework, encompassing Lean, HC and Industry 4.0 and introducing Lean 5.0 paradigm. The case study enriches the empirical contributions in the fashion industry.

“The truth that no one wants to see.” Social work practice, human rights and aesthetic mediation in a group of people experiencing homelessness in Seville (Spain)

ABSTRACT This article presents the narratives of people experiencing homelessness, highlighting the daily violation of their human rights in the city of Seville (Spain). In a process characterised by a search for the meaning of homelessness and the role of Social Work in human rights, their experiences are part of a knowledge production that reclaims the dignity to these individuals using their words and bodies. Methodologically, this goal was achieved by Collective Theatre Creation, combining artistic research with Social Work, theatre pedagogy and aesthetic mediation. This methodology enabled a group of individuals experiencing homelessness to write and perform a play entitled ‘The truth that no one wants to see’ as a result of a research process applying aesthetic mediation in Social Work. Simultaneously, it leads us to the potentiality of artistic practices in the resizing of group practice in Social Work.

Factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in professional dancers, including lapse period of group practice due to the COVID-19 outbreak: repeated-measures analysis.

This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal pain among professional dancers who experienced a lapse in group practice due to coronavirus disease 2019. General characteristics, practice time, region of musculoskeletal pain due to injury using the visual numeric scale (VNS), and causative motion were surveyed among professional dancers. Pain of VNS 0 to 3 was categorized as "no or minor," 4 to 6 was categorized as "moderate," and 7 to 10 was categorized as "severe." The causal motions of musculoskeletal pain were analyzed according to body region. Factors other than motion associated with pain were also analyzed. In total, 368 participants were included. In the univariate analysis, age and practice time were positively associated with "moderate" pain. Practice time, dance experience, and postural accuracy were positively associated with "severe" pain, as was performing Korean traditional dance. In the multivariable analysis, practice time, group practice, and age were positively associated with pain of VNS 4 to 10, and practice time, group practice, and Korean traditional dance were positively associated with pain of VNS 7 to 10. Among the factors related to dancer training, practice time, group practice, and dance type affect the occurrence of pain.

Tai Chi and its Impact on Health

Abstract Tai Chi Chuan, often referred to as the “great ultimate,” possesses the remarkable ability to empower those who are physically frail, uplift individuals who are ailing, restore vigor to the debilitated, and still have confidence in those who are timid. In this holistic manner, Tai Chi Chuan serves as a comprehensive practice that caters to diverse physical and mental conditions. Recent research findings underscore the varied and extensive health advantages of Tai Chi, spanning multiple health domains such as cardiovascular health, osteoporosis, rheumatic arthritis, knee arthritis, psychoneuroimmunology, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovarian disease, obesity, metabolic disorders, and functional disability. Tai Chi was first established by Zhang, a Taoist monk, during the 12th century. It is worth noting that the gentle influence of Tai Chi on muscles and joints ensures its suitability for individuals of all ages. In addition, its affordability and minimal equipment requirements make it accessible for both individual and group practice. Over time, Tai Chi has evolved into an effective strategy for managing stress and anxiety. Often described as “movement as a form of contemplation,” It fosters a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Specific Tai Chi movements are recognized for their ability to soothe emotions, enhance mental focus, and bolster the immune system. The deliberate and unhurried pace of Tai Chi promotes relaxation, proper posture, and equilibrium, contributing to a balanced state of being. The practice of Tai Chi not only contributes to maintaining youthful vitality as one ages but also makes a substantial contribution to overall health and well-being. Tai Chi seamlessly embodies both the essence of martial arts and exercise. Tai Chi as exclusively one or the other would be an oversimplification. Instead, Tai Chi elegantly blends elements of exercise and martial intent. While it certainly serves as a form of exercise, it simultaneously encompasses martial objectives. Importantly, Tai Chi’s historical origins underscore its martial prowess, a facet that should not be overlooked. The techniques of Tai Chi were meticulously honed in the context of life-and-death combat, an aspect that practitioners should acknowledge.

Characteristics of the Diet, Food Preferences, and Perceptions of Healthy Eating in 11–12-Year-Old Schoolchildren

Introduction: The issue of healthy eating of schoolchildren as one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving health of the younger generation, as well as preventing non-communicable diseases in the population as a whole, is recognized as a socially significant problem at the international level and in many countries of the world, including Russia. Objective: To establish characteristics of the diet, food preferences, and awareness about the importance of healthy eating among 11–12-year-old schoolchildren in order to determine teaching content promoting healthy eating practices in this age group. Materials and methods: The questionnaire-based survey was conducted from May to August 2023 involving 150 fifth-year schoolchildren from Cherepovets (mean age: 12.3 ± 0.37 years). The questionnaire contained closed-ended questions grouped into three blocks corresponding to the subject of study and the answers were then analyzed using quantitative, qualitative, and generalization methods. Results: Nutritional imbalance in the 11–12-year-old schoolchildren was established. We noted low daily consumption of potable water in 32.0 % of the respondents, the absence of fermented dairy products, cheese or cottage cheese (17.8 % and 18.7 %, respectively), as well as fish (51.3 %), meat (16.7 %), eggs (23.5 %), and porridge (36.2 %) in the diet. At the same time, we observed a high frequency of daily consumption of sausages (28.7 %), mayonnaise or ketchup (19.3 %) accompanied by low daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables (ca. 58.0 %). Preferring sweet carbonated drinks to juices (41.5 %) and fried foods (52.6 %) indicated unhealthy dietary habits. 42.0 % of the teenagers had certain gaps in knowledge about healthy eating. Conclusions: The established dietary habits, food preferences, and perceptions of healthy eating among 11–12-year-old schoolchildren indicate the need for proper nutrition education at school.

Key factors for establishing and sustaining a successful palliative radiation oncology program: a survey of the Society for Palliative Radiation Oncology.

Dedicated palliative radiation oncology programs (PROPs) within radiation oncology (RO) practices have been shown to improve quality and decrease costs of radiation therapy (RT) in advanced cancer patients. Despite this, relatively few PROPs currently exist, highlighting an unmet need to understand characteristics of the few existing PROPs and the potential barriers and facilitators that exist in starting and maintaining a successful PROP. We sought to assess the attributes of existing PROPs, the facilitators and barriers to establishing these programs, and the resources needed to create and maintain a successful program. A 15-item online survey was sent to 157 members of the Society of Palliative Radiation Oncology (SPRO) in July 2019. Of the 157 members, 48 (31%) responded. Most practiced in an academic center (71% at main center and 15% at satellite) and 75% were from a larger group practice (≥6 physicians). Most (89%) believed the development and growth of a dedicated PROPs was either important (50%) or most important (39%) to the field of RO. Only 36% of respondents had a PROP, 38% wanted to establish one, and 13% were currently developing one. Of those with PROPs (N=16), 75% perceived an increase in the number of referrals for palliative RT since starting the program. A majority had an ability to refer to an outside palliative care specialist (64%), an outpatient RO service (53%), and specialized clinical processes for managing palliative radiotherapy patients (53%), with 41% having an inpatient RO consult service. Resources considered most essential were access to specialist-level palliative care, advanced practice provider support, a radiation oncologist with an interest in palliative care, having an outpatient palliative RO clinic, an emphasis on administering short radiation courses, and opportunities for educational development. Of those with a PROP or those who have tried to start one, the greatest perceived barriers to initiating a PROP were committed resources (83%), blocked out clinical time (61%), challenges coordinating management of patients (61%), and support from leaders/colleagues (61%). Perceived barriers to sustaining a PROP were similar. For those without a PROP, the perceived most important resources for starting one included access to palliative care specialist by referral (83%), published guidelines with best practices (80%), educational materials for referring physicians and patients (80%), educational sessions for clinical staff (83%), and standardized clinical pathways (80%). PROPs are not widespread, exist mainly within academic centers, are outpatient, have access to palliative care specialists by referral, and have specialized clinical processes for palliative radiation patients. Lack of committed resources was the single most important perceived barrier for initiating or maintaining a PROP. Best practice guidelines, educational resources, access to palliative care specialists and standardized pathways are most important for those who wish to develop a PROP. These insights can inform discussions and help align resources to develop, grow, and maintain a successful PROP.

Recruitment, data collection, participation rate, and representativeness of the international cross-sectional PRICOV-19 study across 38 countries

BackgroundRecruitment for surveys has been a great challenge, especially in general practice.MethodsHere, we reported recruitment strategies, data collection, participation rates (PR) and representativeness of the PRICOV-19 study, an international comparative, cross-sectional, online survey among general practices (GP practices) in 37 European countries and Israel.ResultsNine (24%) countries reported a published invitation; 19 (50%) had direct contact with all GPs/GP practices; 19 (50%) contacted a sample of GPs /GP practices; and 7 (18%) used another invitation strategy. The median participation rate was 22% (IQR = 10%, 28%). Multiple invitation strategies (P-value 0.93) and multiple strategies to increase PR (P-value 0.64) were not correlated with the PR. GP practices in (semi-) rural areas, GP practices serving more than 10,000 patients, and group practices were over-represented (P-value < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the PR and strength of the primary care (PC) system [Spearman’s r 0.13, 95% CI (-0.24, 0.46); P-value 0.49]; the COVID-19 morbidity [Spearman’s r 0.19, 95% CI (-0.14, 0.49); P-value 0.24], or COVID-19 mortality [Spearman’s r 0.19, 95% CI (-0.02, 0.58); P-value 0.06] during the three months before country-specific study commencement.ConclusionOur main contribution here was to describe the survey recruitment and representativeness of PRICOV-19, an important and novel study.

Ethnocentrism to Cultural Relativism: A Food Journey of Hassan Haji's Family in Richard C. Morais' the Hundred-Foot Journey

This paper examines the conflict faced by select characters in Richard C. Morais' The Hundred-Foot Journey between Indian and French food culture through the lens of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. It probes how Hassan Haji strikes a balance between two food cultures: the French culture and Indian culture meet, interact, compete and experience a collision of cultures related to ethnocentric issues from Madame Gertrude Mallory. Leaving one's cultural territory and migrating to another territory authoritatively represents one's cultural superiority. It takes time to understand the cultural practices of other ethnic groups in terms of their food and cultural contexts, which requires competence in cultural relativism. It examines three aspects of his food culture journey. To begin, it studies how Hassan Haji travels out of his home country and adapts to new food culture. Second, how he experiences blending two food cultures. Third, how well he manages, learns and adjusts to the new food culture and settles in with cultural relativism. The author portrays cross-cultural aspects of food's power through the confrontation between French haute cuisine and an Indian restaurant. Literature has enlightened readers' comprehension of many civilisations all across the world. It takes the readers on a voyage around the world without requiring them to leave their current location. Some literary works, on the other hand, combine two civilisations. These pages reflect how various cultures may reveal various facets of each other, including challenges, dreams, and secret scars shared by those who share space with them. As they learn about new cultures, they strive to maintain a balance between the two. Cross-cultural influences led the Kadam family to abandon their nativity and relocate to a new country after crossing cultural divides.

Explaining the influence of practice on the grooved pegboard times of older adults: role of force steadiness.

The purpose was to identify the variables that can explain the variance in the grooved pegboard times of older adults categorized as either fast or slow performers. Participants (n = 28; 60-83years) completed two experimental sessions, before and after 6 practice sessions of the grooved pegboard test. The 2 groups were identified based on average pegboard times during the practice sessions. Average pegboard time during practice was 73 ± 11s for the fast group and 85 ± 13s for the slow group. Explanatory variables for the pegboard times before and after practice were the durations of 4 peg-manipulation phases and 12 measures of force steadiness (coefficient of variation [CV] for force) during isometric contractions with the index finger abductor and wrist extensor muscles. Time to complete the grooved pegboard test after practice decreased by 25 ± 11% for the fast group and by 28 ± 10% for the slow group. Multiple regression models explained more of the variance in the pegboard times for the fast group before practice (Adjusted R2 = 0.85) than after practice (R2 = 0.51), whereas the variance explained for the slow group was similar before (Adjusted R2 = 0.67) and after (Adjusted R2 = 0.64) practice. The explanatory variables differed between before and after practice for the fast group but only slightly for the slow group. These findings indicate that performance-based stratification of older adults can identify unique adjustments in motor function that are independent of chronological age.

Social structure and clan group networks of Afar pastorals along the Lower Awash Valley

The study examined how Afar society’s clan structure and societal hierarchies were established. The links of customary law (maa’da) practices, traditional communication (dagu), and social networks (affehina) were found to be significant in the social structure for how members perform social interactions. A qualitative method was applied, which involved Key informant interviews, focused group discussions, and observation techniques as data-gathering tools. The data was interpreted using a thematic analysis technique. Accordingly, the study explored that the administrative and social structure of the society consisted of the sultanate, the clan, and youth social groups. Each social unit has its distinct functions. A clan is the highest and most territorially located social organization. In addition, it was identified that network ties would be more commonly used to depict member’s interactions within the clan’s network structure. However, the clan’s territory (dinto) is not changeable as the season changes. The customary law applications are identified as a system of governing and controlling the social structure, social interactions, anti-social behaviours, and clan networks, with no change and differences in contents and practices in all clan groups. Furthermore, the expansion of small cities gradual change to urban centres, economic inequalities, and recurrent drought resulted in the decline of traditional norms and mutual social trusts. As a result, the study concluded that to sustain the traditional knowledge and social structure in facilitating clan vital networks, implementing visible policies will benefit the society, the government, and stakeholders to plan out effective mechanisms to preserve the sociocultural worth of the Afar pastoral societies in particular and other social groups in the country in general.

Utility of Nirgundyadi Kashaya Yoga in Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Background: Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections of childhood. The diagnosis of UTI is often missed in infants and young children since symptoms are minimally expressed and non-specific. Younger age, inadequate antibacterial therapy and recurrent infections and delayed diagnosis often lead to further complications. Methods: The symptoms of UTI can be correlated to Mutrakrcchra, which is explained in Samhitas. Acharya Kashyapa had explained in detail Mutrakrcchra in children in Mutrakrcchra Chiktsadyaya. The Nirgundyadi Kashaya Yoga in Sahasrayoga is explained in Kashaya Prakarana and indicated in Krimi Chikitsa. Results: The Yoga is found effectively prescribed in children with UTI. This article analyses the probable mode of action in terms of its Samprapti Vighatana in children. Conclusion: The analysis of the drugs and their therapeutic efficacy in Ayurvedic point of view, which will be elaborated, can aid the validation of practices in the paediatric age group.

How effective are prescriptive governance tools? Results from the application of AIFA notes

Introduction: Prescription appropriateness is crucial for healthcare, balancing scientific evidence, optimal benefit/risk ratios and cost-effectiveness in alignment with the National Health System (NHS) sustainability. In Italy, various governance tools, including Notes AIFA, regulate drug reimbursements. This research aims to evaluate the impact of the introduction of Notes AIFA in curbing consumption and expenditures and assessing their lasting effects. We evaluate the effect generated by the Notes in terms of prescriptive appropriateness by assessing their effect on reducing overprescribing phenomena for drugs covered by the Notes. Note 96, focused on the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in adults, is used as a case study to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of these tools on prescribing behaviors. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental approach, administrative data on pharmaceutical consumption in Tuscany over 60 months (22 pre- and 38 post-Note) were analyzed. Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis at regional, and local health authorities (LHAs), and primary care group practices (AFTs) was performed. Results and conclusions: The ITS analysis showed an immediate reduction in consumption rates and spending post-Note 96. This real-world study highlights short-term effectiveness and suggests a positive long-term impact, despite recognizing a physiological increase in consumption at the regional level. The findings emphasize that ongoing continual monitoring of its effectiveness is imperative to promptly identify failures in implementation and mitigate the risk of consumption escalation, potentially reverting to pre-intervention levels.

Education And Training On Digital Classroom Design Development For Elementary School Teachers In Burneh District

With the open access to information in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the rapid development of technology, teachers are no longer the main source of learning. This requires teachers to use technology in the learning process. With the presence of gadgets that they carry everyday, they can be utilised for learning activities. The purpose of this activity is to improve teacher competence in developing digital classroom design using the google classroom application. The methods used were lectures, questions and answers, discussions, group practices, guidance services, simulations and group presentations. The results obtained show that the fourth grade teachers of elementary school in Burneh District as training participants have skills in developing digital classroom design using google classroom applications from the beginning of the learning process to learning evaluation

Clinical characteristics of adolescents and emerging adults presenting for integrated posttraumatic stress and substance use treatment

PurposeAdolescence and emerging adulthood are key developmental stages with high risk for trauma exposure and the development of mental and substance-use disorders (SUDs). This study aims to compare the clinical profiles of adolescents (aged 12–17 years) and emerging adults (aged 18–25 years) presenting for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and SUD.Design/methodology/approachData was collected from the baseline assessment of individuals (n = 55) taking part in a randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an integrated psychological therapy for co-occurring PTSD and SUDs (PTSD+SUD) in young people.FindingsBoth age groups demonstrated complex and severe clinical profiles, including high-frequency trauma exposure, and very poor mental health reflected on measures of PTSD, SUD, suicidality and domains of social, emotional, behavioral and family functioning. There were few differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups.Research limitations/implicationsSimilarity between the two groups suggests that the complex problems seen in emerging adults with PTSD + SUD are likely to have had their onset in adolescence or earlier and to have been present for several years by the time individuals present for treatment.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to compare the demographic and clinical profiles of adolescents and emerging adults with PTSD + SUD. These findings yield important implications for practice and policy for this vulnerable group. Evidence-based prevention and early intervention approaches and access to care are critical. Alongside trauma-focused treatment, there is a critical need for integrated, trauma-informed approaches specifically tailored to young people with PTSD + SUD.

Impact of Perceived Racial Discrimination on Depressive Symptoms and School Outcomes Among Asian American Youth

Using two survey datasets–the Korean American Families (KAF) Project and the Cross Cultural Families (CCF) Project, this study examined how perceived racial discrimination influences depressive symptoms and school outcomes among Asian American adolescents, and what factors mediate the association between perceived discrimination and youth outcomes. The KAF Project surveyed Korean American (KA) youth in Midwest (n = 220), and the CCF Project surveyed Cambodian American (CA) youth (n = 164), and Vietnamese American (VA) youth (n = 163) in a Pacific Northwest school district. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the results revealed perceived discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms for KA and VA youths, but school misbehavior only for CA youth. Among KA youth, perceived discrimination was positively associated with ethnic identity, in turn positively related to social support, thereby reducing depressive symptoms. Among CA and VA youths, perceived discrimination was not associated with ethnic identity, but ethnic identity was related to social support, which in turn was associated with lower depressive symptoms, less school misbehaviors and better grades. This study offers insights into the way in which perceived racial discrimination may exert an impact on children’s mental health and school outcomes and how the mechanisms that explain this relationship vary across AA subgroups. The findings of this study highlight the need for sustained research in the future to advance research and practice for AA groups.

Language practices and identity construction on Facebook in the aftermath of Brexit: The case of a group of British migrants in Greece applying for Greek citizenship

This article examines the digital language practices in a Facebook group of seven British migrants, who live in Greece and have applied for Greek citizenship, throughout March 2021, in the aftermath of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. More specifically, it uses online ethnography to analyse the ways with which group members use language and construct identity through their public posts and comments. Although research into the digital language practices and identity construction of Greek migrants has been carried out, no such research exists in the case of British migrants residing in Greece. It will be shown how group members’ use of both Greek and English, as well as creative examples of code switching for the purpose of conveying concepts to other members, offers insight into how the group under study use language to position themselves in relation to both Greece and the Greek citizenship application process, as well as to other members who possess varying degrees of linguistic competency in Greek.