-
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and... Mar 2024To synthesize evidence from qualitative studies on the experiences of women from around the world who exclusively breastfed their full-term infants. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize evidence from qualitative studies on the experiences of women from around the world who exclusively breastfed their full-term infants.
DATA SOURCES
CINAHL Plus, PubMed, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global.
STUDY SELECTION
We selected reports of qualitative studies that were conducted in high-, middle-, and low-income countries; published between January 2001 and February 2022 in English; and focused on the experiences of women who exclusively breastfed their full-term infants.
DATA EXTRACTION
We extracted the following data from included studies: methodological characteristics (i.e., country of origin, authors' disciplines, research design, sample size, sampling, data collection, and data analysis method), participants' demographics (i.e., age, parity, marital status, education, and exclusive breastfeeding duration) and direct participant quotes, and key concepts and themes about women's experiences of exclusive breastfeeding. We managed and stored extracted data using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
DATA SYNTHESIS
We synthesized reciprocal translations using Noblit and Hare's approach to meta-ethnography. Five overarching themes emerged from the meta-synthesis: Favorable Conditions, Not a Smooth Journey,Support, Determination and Perseverance, and Reflections on Benefits.
CONCLUSION
In the included studies, participants experienced challenges with exclusive breastfeeding; however, they also recounted benefits. We recommend 6-month maternity leave and support from family and health care professionals to improve rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Topics: Infant; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Breast Feeding; Anthropology, Cultural; Qualitative Research; Health Personnel
PubMed: 38104632
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2023.11.008 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023We provide new support for habitable microenvironments in the near-subsurface of Mars, hosted in Fe- and Mg-rich rock units, and present a list of minerals that can...
We provide new support for habitable microenvironments in the near-subsurface of Mars, hosted in Fe- and Mg-rich rock units, and present a list of minerals that can serve as indicators of specific water-rock reactions in recent geologic paleohabitats for follow-on study. We modeled, using a thermodynamic basis without selective phase suppression, the reactions of published Martian meteorites and Jezero Crater igneous rock compositions and reasonable planetary waters (saline, alkaline waters) using Geochemist's Workbench Ver. 12.0. Solid-phase inputs were meteorite compositions for ALH 77005, Nakhla, and Chassigny, and two rock units from the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover sites, Máaz and Séítah. Six plausible Martian groundwater types [NaClO, Mg(ClO), Ca(ClO), Mg-Na(ClO), Ca-Na(ClO), Mg-Ca(ClO)] and a unique Mars soil-water analog solution (dilute saline solution) named "Rosy Red", related to the Phoenix Lander mission, were the aqueous-phase inputs. Geophysical conditions were tuned to near-subsurface Mars (100 °C or 373.15 K, associated with residual heat from a magmatic system, impact event, or a concentration of radionuclides, and 101.3 kPa, similar to <10 m depth). Mineral products were dominated by phyllosilicates such as serpentine-group minerals in most reaction paths, but differed in some important indicator minerals. Modeled products varied in physicochemical properties (pH, Eh, conductivity), major ion activities, and related gas fugacities, with different ecological implications. The microbial habitability of pore spaces in subsurface groundwater percolation systems was interrogated at equilibrium in a thermodynamic framework, based on Gibbs Free Energy Minimization. Models run with the Chassigny meteorite produced the overall highest H fugacity. Models reliant on the Rosy Red soil-water analog produced the highest sustained CH fugacity (maximum values observed for reactant ALH 77005). In general, Chassigny meteorite protoliths produced the best yield regarding Gibbs Free Energy, from an astrobiological perspective. Occurrences of serpentine and saponite across models are key: these minerals have been observed using CRISM spectral data, and their formation via serpentinization would be consistent with geologically recent-past H and CH production and sustained energy sources for microbial life. We list index minerals to be used as diagnostic for paleo water-rock models that could have supported geologically recent-past microbial activity, and suggest their application as criteria for future astrobiology study-site selections.
PubMed: 38137950
DOI: 10.3390/life13122349 -
School Psychology International Aug 2023There is evidence showing that the triarchic model of grit and its dimensions (i.e., and ) predict engagement and well-being outcomes in high school and undergraduate...
There is evidence showing that the triarchic model of grit and its dimensions (i.e., and ) predict engagement and well-being outcomes in high school and undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. However, there has been limited research on how this model of grit relates to engagement and optimal psychological outcomes in primary school students. This research investigates the association of grit's dimensions with academic engagement in math and science as well as well-being outcomes (i.e., positive emotions, negative emotions, and flourishing) in primary school students. Participants were primary school students ( = 10.42; = 1.26) from Hong Kong (n = 279) and Macau (n = 124). Results showed that positively predicted cognitive and behavioral engagement in math as well as positive emotions even after controlling for demographic covariates (i.e., age, gender, setting, and year level), conscientiousness, and achievement goal orientations. positively predicted cognitive and social engagement in math and flourishing. negatively predicted both cognitive engagement in science and negative emotions. Indeed, this study indicates that and may facilitate children's positive academic and psychological functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
PubMed: 38603326
DOI: 10.1177/01430343221147273 -
PloS One 2024The following paper describes a steady-state model of concurrent choice, termed the active time model (ATM). ATM is derived from maximization principles and is...
The following paper describes a steady-state model of concurrent choice, termed the active time model (ATM). ATM is derived from maximization principles and is characterized by a semi-Markov process. The model proposes that the controlling stimulus in concurrent variable-interval (VI) VI schedules of reinforcement is the time interval since the most recent response, termed here "the active interresponse time" or simply "active time." In the model after a response is generated, it is categorized by a function that relates active times to switch/stay probabilities. In the paper the output of ATM is compared with predictions made by three other models of operant conditioning: melioration, a version of scalar expectancy theory (SET), and momentary maximization. Data sets considered include preferences in multiple-concurrent VI VI schedules, molecular choice patterns, correlations between switching and perseveration, and molar choice proportions. It is shown that ATM can account for all of these data sets, while the other models produce more limited fits. However, rather than argue that ATM is the singular model for concurrent VI VI choice, a consideration of its concept space leads to the conclusion that operant choice is multiply-determined, and that an adaptive viewpoint-one that considers experimental procedures both as selecting mechanisms for animal choice as well as tests of the controlling variables of that choice-is warranted.
Topics: Choice Behavior; Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Reinforcement Schedule; Time Factors; Models, Psychological; Reinforcement, Psychology; Markov Chains
PubMed: 38771859
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301173 -
Light, Science & Applications Dec 2023III-V semiconductors are compound semiconductor materials formed by combining group-III and group-V elements. With properties such as direct bandgap, high electron...
III-V semiconductors are compound semiconductor materials formed by combining group-III and group-V elements. With properties such as direct bandgap, high electron mobility, good homogeneity of large-size crystals and good lattice matching, they are widely used in micro- and opto-electronics, integrated circuits, laser communications, etc., and promise great potentials. Our Light People is someone who has long been engaged in the research of III-V semiconductor materials, structures and devices. She is Prof. Lan Fu from the Australian National University (ANU).As an outstanding student of Prof. Chennupati Jagadish, President of the Australian Academy of Sciences, Prof. Fu is not only a leading researcher in her field, but also a scientist with an independent spirit. She is currently the Head of the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, where she leads a team in the research of III-V semiconductors.A sincere and humble person, Prof. Fu focuses on nurturing professional attitude, critical thinking and problem solving skills in her students. In addition, she is actively involved in various professional activities, which allows her to integrate research and practice. She believes that integrity, passion, curiosity and perseverance are the key characters of a good scientific researcher and encourages her students to avoid being arrogant or rush but concentrate on good rigorous work.For this issue of Light People, we will learn about Professor Lan Fu's unique charisma as an academic and her fascinating life philosophy.
PubMed: 38057296
DOI: 10.1038/s41377-023-01325-w -
BMJ Open Aug 2023To explore the lived experience of people with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) and its impact on everyday life. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To explore the lived experience of people with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) and its impact on everyday life.
DESIGN
Qualitative semi-structured interviews, analysed using thematic analysis.
SETTING
Conducted as part of the mixed-methods OPTimisE pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial of outpatient physiotherapy patients in the UK.
PARTICIPANTS
17 participants with LET, purposively sampled from the trial to provide representativeness based on age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation index and treatment allocation.
RESULTS
Four themes were identified from the participants' responses: (1) cause of onset-typically symptoms were attributed to: sudden changes in activity, repetitive work or compensating for other musculoskeletal conditions; (2) impact on everyday life-which included substantial impacts on quality-of-life, particularly due to pain disturbing sleep and difficulties performing daily tasks (related to work and hobbies) due to pain, although most reported being able to persevere with work; (3) self-help and understanding of the condition-with uncertainty about the appropriateness and potential harm of online advice and confusion from the diagnostic term 'Tennis Elbow' that non-sporting individuals struggled to relate to; (4) healthcare experiences-the treatments received were highly variable and often perceived as ineffectual.
CONCLUSIONS
For the first time, the lived experience of people from a range of backgrounds suffering from LET has been explored. Findings suggest that people frequently related the cause to a specific activity. They reported substantial impacts on daily tasks, sleep, work and hobbies. People also reported hesitancy to trust online information without formal healthcare advice, were confused by the common label of 'Tennis Elbow', and perceived the wide array of healthcare treatment options they had received to offer false hope and be largely ineffective. This study provides stimulus for clinicians to consider the advice and treatment provided, and whether the messages conveyed reflect the favourable natural history of the condition.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN64444585.
Topics: Humans; Confusion; Elbow; Elbow Tendinopathy; Feasibility Studies; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Pain; Tendinopathy; Tennis Elbow
PubMed: 37643850
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072070 -
Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment Dec 2023Cambodian youth face many unique challenges, such as high instances of poverty and intergenerational trauma. Grit, a person-level trait defined as having "perseverance...
BACKGROUND
Cambodian youth face many unique challenges, such as high instances of poverty and intergenerational trauma. Grit, a person-level trait defined as having "perseverance and passion for long-term goals", may be particularly important in helping Cambodian youth to succeed despite the extreme challenges they face. To date, the Original Grit Scale (Grit-O) has not been translated in Khmer or validated for a sample of Cambodian youth.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a Khmer translation of the Original Grit Scale (Grit-O) among urban Cambodian youth.
RESEARCH DESIGN
A cross-section survey battery -including Grit-O and other relevant covariates -was administered to Cambodian youth.
STUDY SAMPLE
Data were collected from 580 Cambodian adolescents ( = 15.85 years, = 2.05, 63.7% female).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Paper and pencil surveys were sent home from school with each participant and returned to the study team the next day. Analyses included calculating Cronbach's alphas, interitem correlations, correlations with relevant covariates and both a confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis.
RESULTS
Cronbach's alphas and interitem correlations indicated that the full scale was not reliable for this sample, and that reliability improved when two items () were excluded. The subscales Consistency of Interests and Perseverance of Effort were more reliable than the full scale. Correlations with relevant covariates indicated that the full scale was moderately valid. Factor analyses suggested that items 6 and 7 did not load well onto either identified factor.
CONCLUSIONS
Investigators measuring grit in a sample of Cambodian youth should consider excluding items 6 and 7 of Grit-O, and assessing the two subscales on their own, rather than treating them as indicators of a single higher-order construct.
PubMed: 38550305
DOI: 10.1177/07342829231187238 -
MethodsX Dec 2023The purpose of this work was to translate the Grit Scale into Ukrainian and to assess its construct validity and reliability. The original Grit Scale comprised 12 items,...
The purpose of this work was to translate the Grit Scale into Ukrainian and to assess its construct validity and reliability. The original Grit Scale comprised 12 items, capturing two dimensions of grit: consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. The translation process involved two bilingual researchers utilizing the committee approach, ensuring accurate and linguistically equivalent translation. The translated items, along with instructions and response categories, are presented in this paper. Following pilot-testing with Ukrainian participants, two items were identified as having poor fit with the model and were subsequently removed. This process resulted in the 10-item Ukrainian version of the Grit Scale, which exhibited robust construct validity and reliability. Consequently, this version is considered a valid and reliable tool for assessing consistency of interests and perseverance of effort among Ukrainian adults.•We translated, adapted, and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Grit Scale in the Ukrainian language.•The Ukrainian version of the Grit Scale can be used to measure two dimensions of git: consistency of interests and perseverance of effort in Ukrainian adults.•However, further research is needed to strengthen the validation of this scale and its applicability in different contexts.
PubMed: 38023304
DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102469 -
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany) Mar 2024The impact of disorders of fluid balance, including the pathologic state of fluid overload in sick children has become increasingly apparent. With this understanding,...
BACKGROUND
The impact of disorders of fluid balance, including the pathologic state of fluid overload in sick children has become increasingly apparent. With this understanding, there has been a shift from application of absolute thresholds of fluid accumulation to an appreciation of the intricacies of fluid balance, including the impact of timing, trajectory, and disease pathophysiology.
METHODS
The 26th Acute Disease Quality Initiative was the first to be exclusively dedicated to pediatric and neonatal acute kidney injury (pADQI). As part of the consensus panel, a multidisciplinary working group dedicated to fluid balance, fluid accumulation, and fluid overload was created. Through a search, review, and appraisal of the literature, summative consensus statements, along with identification of knowledge gaps and recommendations for clinical practice and research were developed.
CONCLUSIONS
The 26th pADQI conference proposed harmonized terminology for fluid balance and for describing a pathologic state of fluid overload for clinical practice and research. Recommendations include that the terms daily fluid balance, cumulative fluid balance, and percent cumulative fluid balance be utilized to describe the fluid status of sick children. The term fluid overload is to be preserved for describing a pathologic state of positive fluid balance associated with adverse events. Several recommendations for research were proposed including focused validation of the definition of fluid balance, fluid overload, and proposed methodologic approaches and endpoints for clinical trials.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Child; Acute Disease; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance; Water-Electrolyte Balance; Acute Kidney Injury; Heart Failure; Critical Illness
PubMed: 37934274
DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06156-w -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the challenges of public health leadership. Faced with criticism, threats, and even violence, many public health leaders have left...
The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the challenges of public health leadership. Faced with criticism, threats, and even violence, many public health leaders have left the field. A healthier future for the nation may well rest on training aspiring public health leaders to build deeper capacity for perseverance, healing, and resilience. Reflecting the growing experience of a team of public health educators at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan), this article offers recommendations for public health schools to recognize, and incorporate into leadership education, themes of spirituality-ie, the way people seek ultimate meaning and purpose and deep connectedness to something larger than themselves. Doing so can serve as a foundation for the lifelong journey of leadership. Over the past decade, Harvard Chan has incorporated meaning, purpose, and connectedness themes to complement more traditional coursework addressing research and translation. While many established leadership frameworks address the "what" and "how" of career development, the spirituality framework can support aspiring leaders to more fully understand their "why" and its alignment with challenging work. Such a deeply personal topic, traditionally kept private, has been shared and nurtured in Harvard Chan classrooms through a range of pedagogical strategies including personal reflection, one-on- one coaching, experiential learning, case discussions, and candid conversations with public health leaders. By encouraging a values-based foundation for decision-making in crises and difficult leadership moments, such grounding can help aspiring leaders navigate the challenges of public health leadership that inevitably lie ahead.
Topics: Humans; Leadership; Public Health; Pandemics; Clinical Competence; Problem-Based Learning
PubMed: 37954055
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1210160