Professional Books Research Articles

Bringing up baby

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews the winner of the Professional Book of the Year at the Nursery World Awards 2024

Methods and tools for game writing and narrative design in professional books from 2019 to 2022

The paper is a review of methods and tools of game writers and narrative designers in video games, as they are presented in nine book- length professional manuals published in 2019–2022. We catalogue the methods in eight areas: characters, world-building, plot structures, dialogues, narrative techniques, integration of story with gameplay, writing and editing, and production and work organisation. We also list software recommended for specific purposes by the authors of these manuals.

An integrative conceptual framework for analysing professional learning processes in reading groups for teachers (RGfTs)

ABSTRACT It has been proposed that reading groups for teachers (RGfTs), sometimes called teacher book clubs or professional book study programmes, can be a low-cost yet effective approach to teacher professional development. Yet research on this approach has been relatively fragmented, particularly in its conceptual and theoretical underpinnings, thereby limiting future progress in the field. This conceptual paper addresses this gap by critically appraising and synthesising the theoretical foundations and empirical findings of this nascent field. Adding to our synthesis, we then propose four theoretical resources which we argue are integral to teacher learning, resulting in an integrative conceptual framework that allows researchers to ‘zoom in or out’ on two salient principles and four learning processes that pertain to RGfTs.

An open book: A virtual book club designed to connect advanced practice registered nurses through quality improvement.

A virtual book club (VBC) was created for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to foster engagement, connect with peers, and apply readings to their personal and professional development. Microsoft Teams virtual platform was used. Books chosen focused on professional development and health care-related topics. As a quality-improvement project, 60 participants completed an anonymous Likert-scale survey about their perception of the VBC. Respondents survey completion rate was 71%. Sixty survey evaluations stated that they agreed or strongly agreed (mean 4.78-4.82/5) that the VBC encourages peer engagement, professional applicability, intention to read professional books, and willingness to invite peers to future VBCs. Participants were neutral (mean 3.25/5) about reading professional or health care-related books outside of the VBC. Virtual book clubs offer opportunities for APRNs to socially connect with peers and apply readings to both their personal and professional development. The results from this project may be applied to help encourage connection with other APRNs during these times of provider burnout.

Professional Book Reviews

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book about Friedrich Froebel, the ‘father of kindergarten’, and his educational theories and legacy for early childhood education. Meg Barclay, education consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews picture books which teach young children about the seasons, explore friendship and introduce babies to stories and illustrations for the first time.

Professional Book Reviews

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book containing activities to help early years professionals work with young children who are neurodivergent. Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews picture books which support children who are about to become siblings for the first time, help children understand emotions in overwhelming situations and introduce them to animals living in different parts of the world.

PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEWS

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book which argues for the increased incorporation of slow pedagogies and slow knowledge in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The title won the Professional Book of the Year at the Nursery World Awards 2023. Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association reviews picture books which help support young readers' understanding of different emotions, the natural world and the concept of maps.

УНИКАЛЬНАЯ ЛИЧНОСТЬ В БИБЛИОТЕЧНО-ИНФОРМАЦИОННОЙ СФЕРЕ ИЛИ ОБ ЭДУАРДЕ РУБЕНОВИЧЕ СУКИАСЯНЕ

The presentations of the book under review are characterized at the All-Russian library congress and at the international professional forum (2023). The stages of E.R. Sukiasyan’s activity, his contribution to the national library science are highlighted. The book structure is considered, the attention is paid to his annual reports in particular as professional self-reflection, his memories about the journeys abroad, etc. Special emphasis is made to the ver-bal collective portrait of Eduard Rubenovich, which has been drawn from the analysis of characteristics given in the memories of his forty-five colleagues and friends. The image of the great communicator in the library information sphere is made. The book got Gran-prix, the Diploma of the Russian library association out of the nominations at the XI All-Russian contest «The best professional book of the year – 2023».

Professional Book Reviews

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book about technology in early childhood education. Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews seasonal picture books which introduce children to winter and Christmas, as well as how to cope with and understand anxiety in an age appropriate way.

Summary of the Best Evidence for Nutritional Support in Patients with Acute Gastrointestinal Graft-Versus-Host Disease

[Abstract] Objective: To retrieve, evaluate and integrate the best evidence summary of nutritional support for patients with acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at home and abroad. Methods: According to the “6S” model, domestic and foreign computer decision support systems, guideline networks, websites of relevant professional societies or institutions, professional books, and comprehensive databases were systematically searched to screen literatures related to nutritional support for patients with acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease, including guidelines, clinical decision-making, evidence summary, expert consensus, expert opinion, systematic review, and original research. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to March 2023. Five researchers evaluated the quality of the literature, extracted evidence and integrated it. Results: A total of 12 articles were included, including 1 clinical decision, 4 guidelines, 1 evidence summary, 1 expert consensus, 3 systematic reviews, 1 cohort study, 1 expert opinion,. A total of 14 best evidences were summarized from 4 aspects, including scientific diet and tolerance assessment, nutrient selection, nutritional support method selection, and multidisciplinary cooperation. Conclusions: This study systematically integrates the relevant evidence of nutritional support in patients with acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease, and can provide evidence-based evidence for nutritional support in patients with acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease. When applying evidence, it is recommended that clinical nurses comprehensively consider the actual clinical situation and the wishes of patients, and carefully select evidence. Keywords acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease，nutritional support，malnutrition，evidence-based nursing

Developing and evaluating a cancer communication picture book for children, families, and health care professionals: A mixed-methods feasibility study

ObjectiveEffective communication about cancer with children is a significant challenge for healthcare professionals and families. This study aimed to create a picture book as a tool for facilitating communication about cancer and to assess its feasibility. It also demonstrated the use of mixed methods and convergent designs for intervention development. MethodsThe study included healthcare professionals (n = 14), children without cancer (aged 4-8 years; n = 21) and their families (n = 18), as well as children with various types of cancer, undergoing maintenance therapy or follow-up (aged 4-12 years; n = 3) and their families (n = 3). Quantitative and qualitative data were separately analyzed, and meta-inferences were made using a joint display. The picture book was refined based on feedback from healthcare professionals, and a similar iterative process was carried out with children and their families. ResultsOver 85% of the participants considered the picture book, along with a side book, feasible. The picture book was found to be helpful for discussing the topic of cancer with children. It also significantly improved the knowledge of children without cancer (P < 0.01). Most children expressed interest in reading it and believed it was useful for talking to others about cancer. However, some concerns were raised regarding the context and expressions in the picture book. ConclusionsThis study successfully assessed the feasibility of the developed picture book using a mixed methods approach, offering valuable insights into its implementation and refinement. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of its use and gather user feedback.

Library in the Space of Books and Events of the 36th Moscow International Book Fair

From August 30 to September 3, 2023, the 36th Moscow International Book Fair was held at the Expo Centre Central Exhibition Complex on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment. The Forum brought together participants from various regions of Russia, as well as representatives of 21 countries, including seven countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, China and Iran, and was attended by more than 34 thousand people. The VKontakte social network has become a partner of online broadcasts and the official MIBF network. More than 300 events were held at seven venues. Publishers from Moscow, St. Petersburg and 26 other Russian regions presented their books.The article presents an annual review of the activities of the MIBF: The National competition “Book of the Year — 2023”, the competition of the Russian Library Association “The Best professional Book of the Year”, the 3rd Readers’ Assembly of the Commonwealth, the industry conference “Book Market of Russia — 2023”, the Moscow International Children’s Book Fair. In the event context of the most relevant events for the library industry, libraries’ understanding of their role in the socio-cultural life of society is revealed: achievements and initiatives aimed at preserving heritage, promoting books and reading are noted, new projects, including book publishing, are presented, the results of the participation of the Russian State Library and the publishing house “Pashkov Dom” in the MIBF-2023 are summed up.

Professional Book Reviews

Elly Roberts, editor of Early Years Educator, reviews a book which discusses the current realities and future priorities for the early years sector. The picture books help reinforce language acquisition, help children to understand their emotions and introduce readers to an important chapter in our history.

Professional Book Reviews

Elly Roberts, editor of Early Years Educator, reviews a book all about leadership in the early years sector. The picture books this month help reinforce phonics, teach children about perseverance and also introduce different species of bears.

Anal lymphoma: a tumor with insufficient attention

BackgroundAnal lymphomas are extremely rare. There are no relevant descriptions in professional books, and there are only a few case reports in the literature. Here, we report a new case and review the literature to summarize the clinical and pathological features of anal lymphoma.MethodsWe described a case of anal lymphoma confirmed by pathological diagnosis, then searched the PubMed database, and finally selected 12 reported cases to be included in the study. We described the clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients.ResultsThirteen patients with anal lymphoma were confirmed. Seven men and six women with a median age of 50. There were four cases of HIV- and EBV-infected patients. The size of the tumor was 1–13 cm, all of which were diagnosed as B-cell lymphoma, and 61.5% were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Among the 13 patients, eight received chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy, two received radiotherapy, one received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, one received surgery, and one gave up treatment. Three patients died, and only 2 of 10 surviving patients had complete remission.ConclusionAnal lymphoma is extremely rare. Patients with persistent abscess complicated with HIV or EBV infection should undergo pathological biopsy to exclude anal lymphoma.

Professional Book Reviews

Professional Book Reviews

Professional Book Reviews

Angelica Celinska, Founder of The Voice of Early Childhood, reviews a book about working with families, and taking this beyond the classroom. This book will certainly spark curiosity around the issues it discusses. The picture books develop empathy and maths skills in young readers.

Oncology literacy: Educational book for children, families and health professionals.

e24208 Background: With the progress of technology, not only the range of treatments and procedures increases, but also the amount of information and the complexity of the language. Appropriate materials are needed especially when stakeholders have different specificities, but need to speak the same language to understand each other and facilitate engagement in treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate Beabook, an educational book designed for children with cancer, their family members and health professionals. Methods: The educational book, which has more than 150 terms from the oncology environment and is in more than 200 hospitals and institutions in Brazil, was scored using SAM - Suitability Assessment of Materials, a grading scale to evaluate suitability of health information materials based on categories: content, literacy demand, graphics, layout and typography, learning stimulation and motivation, and cultural appropriateness. Results: The book was analyzed by 61 participants, including children (n = 12) undergoing cancer treatment, remission, palliative care and cured, validating with a score of 26 (maximum scale score - 100%), family members (n = 20): mothers, fathers, siblings, uncles, with a score of 25.6 (98.4%) and health professionals (n = 29): doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists among others, with score of 25.4 (97.6%), resulting in a final score of 25.6 (98.6%), which represents material above expectations, fully adequate. Conclusions: An educational book suitable for different groups with different perspectives is of great importance in an environment where information is often omitted with the intention of protecting children, ludic communication is confused with fanciful stories and professionals do not have support materials to learn to communicate with patients and families. Studies prove that a unified, standardized and adequate language between stakeholders increases engagement and empowerment, being important mainly in the health area, where helping in the diagnosis and treatment does not imply only in the provision of clinical resources but in the guidance and sharing of information that demystify and build new representations.

Professional Book Reviews

Angelica Celinska, lecturer and trainer, reviews the 2nd edition of Learning Theories for Early Years Practice by Sean MacBlain. The picture books present a few options for board books aimed at those children who may be ready for early reading, as well as a book with many different storylines each time it is read!

Professional Book Reviews

Angelica Celinska reviews books around the topic of sustainability, with a professional book that encourages a critical and reflective view of nature pedagogies, and picture books which will spark discussions around our connection to nature and our impact on the world around us.