Exploring The Differences And Similarities Between International Baccalaureate Education And Japanese High School Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 132-139
Author(s):  
Mahmood Sabina ◽  
Ishii Ichiro ◽  
Monta Mitsuji

The number of International Baccalaureate (IB) students applying to Japanese Universities is on the rise. Okayama University is a Super Global National University (SGU) in Western Japan, which started IB admissions in 2012, and presently hosts 63 IB students including 11 graduates, in 11 faculties and 1 special program. Since the IB journey began in 2012, Okayama University has taken multiple approaches to become IB friendly. Through continuous follow up of enrolled IB students regarding academic and campus life, and regular feedback from faculty members regarding IB student performances and characteristics, Okayama University has discovered some basic differences between the educational approaches of IB accredited schools and Japanese High Schools (JHS). In order to further explore this observation, a two-phase research study was carried out. Between June 2018 and August 2019, the two surveys wer carried out. In Phase-1, University faculty, familiar with IB education, visited IB schools in Japan and JHS, to observe lessons and interview teachers about their respective methods of education. In phase-2, the same faculty members carried out an email survey followed by one-on-one interviews of 10 Super Global High Schools (SGH) teachers in Japan, regarding the similarities and differences in characteristics of their students, based on the Japanese version of the IB learner profile. This chapter reports and summarizes results of this two-phase study and perspectives gained from various first-hand observations.

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nalini Gupta ◽  
John Crossley ◽  
Nick Dudding ◽  
John H.F. Smith

Objective: The cytomorphological criteria of malignant endometrial lesions in cervical samples are less well described than those of cervical lesions. We wished to investigate if there were features in SurePath™ liquid-based cytology samples that would facilitate more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant endometrial cells. Study Design: This was a two-phase study, with a review of all SurePath™ samples reported as endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 42) evaluating 12 cytological features in the first phase. In phase 2 (test set), all initial cases plus an additional 83 cases were reviewed using these 12 cytological features to predict the outcome. Results: Out of 12 cytological features evaluated in phase 1 (training set), nuclear chromatin pattern, apoptotic bodies and tingible body macrophages were found to be the most significant features determining malignant histological outcome. These 12 cytological features were re-evaluated in phase 2 (n = 125). Of 125 cases, 54 had a benign and 71 had a malignant or premalignant histological outcome, with a positive predictive value of 56.8%. Conclusion: Granular nuclear chromatin, tingible body macrophages and apoptosis in the background are the most significant factors in determining whether endometrial cells present in cervical samples represent malignancy or are benign. Using these features, relatively accurate predictions of endometrial pathology can be made.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias Joseph Onyango ◽  
Faith Okalebo ◽  
Margaret Oluka ◽  
Rosaline Kinuthia ◽  
Loice Achieng ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the practice of aminoglycoside use/monitoring in Kenya and explore healthcare worker (HCW) perceptions of aminoglycoside monitoring to identify gaps and opportunities for future improvements, given the low therapeutic index of aminoglycosides. Methods This was a two-phase study whereby we reviewed patients’ medical records at Kenyatta National Hospital (October–December 2016) in Phase 1 and interviewed HCWs face to face in Phase 2. Outcome measures included describing and evaluating the practice of aminoglycoside use and monitoring and compliance to guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Results Overall, out of the 2318 patients admitted, 192 patients (8.3%) were prescribed an aminoglycoside, of which 102 (53.1%) had aminoglycoside doses that did not conform to national guidelines. Aminoglycoside-related adverse effects were suspected in 65 (33.9%) patients. Monitoring of aminoglycoside therapy was performed in only 17 (8.9%) patients, with no therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), attributed mainly to knowledge and skill gaps and lack of resources. Out of the 28 recruited HCWs, 18 (64.3%) needed training in how to perform and interpret TDM results. Conclusions The practice of using and monitoring aminoglycosides was suboptimal, raising concerns around potential avoidable harm to patients. The identified gaps could form the basis for developing strategies to improve the future use of aminoglycosides, not only in Kenya but also in other countries with similar settings and resources.


1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Hodiamont ◽  
Nelly Peer ◽  
No Syben

SynopsisA two-phase study of psychiatric prevalence has been carried out among the inhabitants (aged 18–64) of a Dutch health area (Nijmegen). In phase 1, a random sample of 3232 persons answered the GHQ–30 (response rate:75%). In phase 2,486 of the respondents were interviewed withthe full PSE within two weeks. The relationship of PSE-‘caseness’ (ID ≥ 5) and GHQ score was expressed in a logistic regression model, the parameters of which showed strong agreement with the Canberra results, for all socio-demographic variables examined, except for urbanization. means of the logistic model the point-prevalence of PSE cases was calculated at 7·3% (range5·5%-9·2%).Prevalence did not differ significantly in men and women. Higher case rates were found in age category of 55–59 years, among divorced and widowed persons, the lower educational and occupational levels, the unemployed, chronically ill and unable to work, and with city people. This study adds further evidence to a growing body of epidemiological data suggesting similar rates and patterns of psychiatric disorder in populations in industrialized countries.


Author(s):  
Hao-Ling Chen ◽  
Szu-Yu Lin ◽  
Chun-Fu Yeh ◽  
Ren-Yu Chen ◽  
Hsien-Hui Tang ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of childhood-onset physical disability. Children with CP often have impaired upper limb (UL) function. Constraint-induced therapy (CIT) is one of the most effective UL interventions for children with unilateral CP. However, concerns about CIT for children have been repeatedly raised due to frustration caused by restraint of the child’s less-affected UL and lack of motivation for the intensive protocol. Virtual reality (VR), which can mitigate the disadvantages of CIT, potentially can be used as an alternative mediator for implementing CIT. Therefore, we developed a VR-based CIT program for children with CP using the Kinect system.Aims: The feasibility of the Kinect-based CIT program was evaluated for children with unilateral CP using a two-phase study design.Materials and Methods: In phase 1, ten children with unilateral CP were recruited. To confirm the achievement of the motor training goals, maximal UL joint angles were evaluated during gameplay. To evaluate children’s perceptions of the game, a questionnaire was used. In phase 2, eight children with unilateral CP were recruited and received an 8 weeks Kinect-based CIT intervention. Performance scores of the game and outcomes of the box and block test (BBT) were recorded weekly.Results: In phase 1, results supported that the design of the program was CIT-specific and was motivational for children with unilateral CP. In phase 2, game performance and the BBT scores began showing stable improvements in the fifth week of intervention.Conclusion: It suggested the Kinect-based CIT program was beneficial to the motor function of the affected UL for children with unilateral CP. According to the results of this feasibility study, larger and controlled effectiveness studies of the Kinect-based CIT program can be conducted to further improve its clinical utility.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02808195; Comparative effectiveness of a Kinect-based unilateral arm training system vs. CIT for children with CP


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela G. Bowen ◽  
Olivio J. Clay ◽  
Loretta T. Lee ◽  
Wesley Browning ◽  
Yu-Mei Schoenberger ◽  
...  

The purpose of our two-phase study was to develop acceptable text messages to increase physical activity. Four focus groups (two for each phase) were conducted with older African American women who had access to texting-capable mobile phones and were in the contemplation stage for physical activity. The mean age of Phase 1 participants ( n = 12) was 71 and ranged from 65 to 86 years. Content analysis was used to identify fundamental themes that were later used to develop text messages. Six categories emerged from the data and 31 text messages were developed based on focus group input and national recommendations. The mean age of Phase 2 participants ( n = 9) was 67 and ranged from 65 to 75 years. Descriptive statistics revealed 100% of participants understood all messages. When messages were evaluated individually, a minimum of 78% felt each message motivated activity and 67% said lengths were perfect. Findings identified messages that were relevant and potentially motivational to stimulate physical activity among this population.


2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Huang-Chih Chou ◽  
Tom Tung-Ping Su ◽  
Wen-Chen Ou-Yang ◽  
I-Chia Chien ◽  
Ming-Kun Lu ◽  
...  

Objective: To create a short screening scale for the detection of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDE) in earthquake survivors in Taiwan. Method: Trained research assistants used the Disaster-Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST) to assess 461 residents of a village that had experienced a major earthquake. The participants were also evaluated by psychiatrists using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Best subset regression analysis and the receiver operating characteristics curve were used to select a subset of items and cut-off points from the DRPST. Results: A seven-symptom scale and a three-symptom analogue were selected for PTSD and MDE screening, respectively. Scores of three or more on the PTSD scale and two or more on the MDE scale were used to define a group of positive cases that provide useful information for the patient cohort and will be valuable in long-term follow-up studies of the prevalence of psychiatric diseases following a natural disaster. However, higher scores could also be used to define positive cases under limited psychiatric care resources. Conclusion: The DRPST, which was administered for phase 1 of this two-phase study, may be used for effective and rapid screening for PTSD and MDE after an earthquake, despite the usual limitations on resources following a disaster.


2001 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. Swanger ◽  
Eugene G. Chewning

The practice of outsourcing the internal audit function to the external audit firm has raised fears by many parties such as the SEC of possible independence impairment. The fear stems from the increased economic bond that exists when additional services are provided to an audit client, as well as the long-held view that internal auditing is a management function and, as such, is incompatible with the external audit function. This paper reports the results of a two-phase study of the perceptions of financial analysts regarding external auditor independence when a CPA firm performs both external and internal auditing services. In phase 1, analysts' perceptions of auditor independence are greater when the client employs its own internal audit staff or outsources to a different CPA firm than when the external auditor also performs internal audit functions. Phase 2 results show that analysts' perceptions of auditor independence are higher when the internal audit services are provided by the staff of a different division of the CPA firm compared to a nostaff separation treatment. Perceptions do not differ between full and partial outsourcing treatments, which conflicts with the recent SEC rule limiting the extent of outsourcing arrangements.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne McNeish

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of paper bills and statements in online and mobile banking and how they may serve to support trust along with mitigating distrust for consumers when dealing with banks and billing firms. Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase study with 208 Canadian online bill payers. Phase 1 verified the comprehension of the measurement items being tested. In Phase 2, exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure. Regression analysis was used to identify the relationship of the factors with the intention to continuing receiving paper bills. Findings – Four factors for trust and distrust were identified in this study of which two (structural assurance and counted on to help) plus subjective norm predict the intention to continue receiving paper bills. Research limitations/implications – Trust and distrust are shown to co-exist in this study. Consumers feel vulnerable to the risks inherent in online financial interactions, but signal their willingness to trust by adopting online and mobile banking. Consumers mitigate the distrust they have in banks and billing firms by continuing to receive paper bills and statements. This study is limited to paper bills and statements. The role of other paper documents in customer relationship management is worthy of further exploration. Practical implications – This research investigates the role of financial documents in the consumer-firm relationship. This study suggests that paper bills are a communication method that supports consumers’ trust in the banks and billing firms and their adoption of online and mobile banking. Banks and billing firms’ continued emphasis on consumers’ giving up paper bills while insisting on original paper documentation in problem resolution situations, sends mixed messages to consumers, which heightens their distrust in these firms. Originality/value – This is the first study to suggest that paper bills and statements have a role in influencing trust or distrust of banks and billing firms.


2021 ◽  
pp. 00597-2021
Author(s):  
Ole Hilberg ◽  
Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold ◽  
Vanessa Smith ◽  
Demosthenes Bouros ◽  
Maritta Kilpelainen ◽  
...  

The PERSEIDS study aimed to estimate incidence/prevalence of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), fibrosing Interstitial lung diseases (F-ILDs), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD), other non-IPF F-ILDs and their progressive-fibrosing (PF) forms in six European countries, as current data are scarce.This retrospective, two-phase study used aggregate data (2014–2018). In Phase 1, incident/prevalent cases of ILDs above were identified from clinical databases through an algorithm based on codes/keywords, and incidence/prevalence was estimated. For non-IPF F–ILDs, the relative percentage of subtypes was also determined. In Phase 2, a subset of non-IPF F-ILD cases was manually reviewed to determine the percentage of PF behaviour and usual interstitial pneumonia-like (UIP-like) pattern. A weighted mean percentage of progression was calculated for each country and used to extrapolate incidence/prevalence of progressive-fibrosing ILDs (PF–ILDs).In 2018, incidence/105 person-years ranged between 9.4–83.6(ILDs), 7.7–76.2(F-ILDs), 0.4–10.3(IPF), 6.6–71.7(non-IPF F-ILDs) and 0.3–1.5(SSc-ILD); and prevalence/105 persons ranged between 33.6–247.4(ILDs), 26.7–236.8(F-ILDs), 2.8–31.0(IPF), 22.3–205.8(non-IPF F-ILDs) and 1.4–10.1(SSc-ILD). Among non-IPF F-ILDs, sarcoidosis was the most frequent subtype. PF behaviour and UIP-like pattern were present in a third of non-IPF F-ILD cases each and hypersensitivity pneumonitis showed the highest percentage of progressive behaviour. Incidence of PF-ILDs ranged between 2.1–14.5/105 person-years, and prevalence between 6.9–78.0/105 persons.To our knowledge, PERSEIDS is the first study assessing incidence, prevalence and rate of progression of ILDs across several European countries. Still below the threshold for orphan diseases, the estimates obtained were higher and more variable than reported in previous studies, but differences in study design/population must be considered.


Geophysics ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 1502-1517 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. T. F. R. Maureau ◽  
D. H. van Wijhe

The depositional model of the Zechstein 2 carbonate section is of such a complex nature that it is not possible to predict high‐porosity zones solely from geologic data. We describe a two‐phase study into determination and prediction of porosities in the Zechstein 2 carbonate in the eastern Netherlands. Phase 1 was the basic feasibility study and consisted of two parts, namely, a model study followed by a well‐log study. In both parts, acoustic impedance logs were filtered to test the feasibility of resolving porosity changes within the frequency range of seismic data. Based on our comprehensive model of the environment of deposition of the Zechstein evaporites, a number of acoustic impedance logs were constructed, each log representing a particular environment. These logs then were filtered with a suite of band‐pass filters. It was our observation that the gross changes in porosity were easily recognized. The model study was followed by a study of acoustic impedance logs from actual downhole measurements taken over intervals with depositional environments similar to those represented in the model study. In spite of geologic variations, the changes in porosity were easily observable. Phase 2 involved the prediction and verification of porosity. An exploration well, planned to penetrate the Zechstein 2 carbonate, was connected to a previously drilled carbonate test by a good quality seismic section. In the previous well, porous limestone approximately 60 m in thickness was penetrated. From the combined well and seismic data, we predicted that a similar development of porosity could be expected in the new location. Subsequent drilling proved the presence of porous carbonate approximately 50 m in thickness developed in an environment of deposition similar to that encountered in the other well. This technique has allowed us to predict reservoir porosity and will be used to develop new structural/stratigraphic prospects.


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