scholarly journals ‘I’m doing it for myself’: Using a smartphone-based exercise service during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Demitri Constantinou ◽  
Georgia Torres ◽  
Natalia Neophytou ◽  
Peter Fourie ◽  
Xenia Buntting ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The University

Background: Sufficient physical activity (PA) lowers poor health outcomes, with data showing these protective effects in populations under varying levels of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of online PA programmes has created novel opportunities to offset the deleterious effects of inactivity. However, data are limited and the readiness and acceptance of such technology is unknown. These authors nevertheless noted an opportunity to investigate this approach based on promising emerging data at the time of the hard lockdown in South Africa. Objective: This exploratory study investigated the engagement and perceptions of a smartphone application to promote health and fitness in a sample of employees at a South African university. Methods: Employed members of staff (n=15) of the University of the Witwatersrand were recruited through email invitation during the hard Level 5 COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Individualised home-based PA programmes were prescribed through a mobile application for a period of eight weeks. Researchers qualified in Biokinetics provided online supervision of the exercise sessions during the intervention. Participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire about their use of the application. Thematic analysis was used to understand these responses. Results: Lack of motivation was perceived to have a negative effect on participation in the online PA programme. Only one participant reported using the mobile application consistently during the study period, while half of the participants reported having trouble with the usage of the application. The participants frequently mentioned the need for technical support and further engagement from the clinicians supervising the PA programme to ensure use and progression. Staff identified issues with connectivity and already having too many phone applications (apps) amongst the reasons for the technical difficulties. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the challenges and potential for the uptake of online PA interventions during COVID-19 and, despite its small sample size, the data provide important lessons learned that will be used as information in further investigations.

scholarly journals Gender Transformation Experiences among Women Leaders in the Western Cape TVET Sector: A Narrative Response

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Bonzet ◽  
Beatrice Liezel Frick
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Women Leaders ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Problem Solution ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
Gender Transformation ◽  
Plot Structure

Leadership structures in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa face stark gender inequalities. Narratives of women currently in TVET leadership positions in the Western Cape province of South Africa might shed light on gender transformation in this sector. This article provides an insider perspective on 10 purposively selected respondents’ shared experiences during their careers as women leaders through a narrative methodology. The data produced themes like family roles and a professional career balance, stages in becoming a leader, gender-related notions, leadership contexts, and strategies to manage gendered experiences. The analytical framework developed illustrates how these themes were reconciled with a structured method of narrative analysis, described as a problem-solution approach, analysing raw data for five elements of plot structure, namely characters, setting, problem, actions, and resolutions. Aligning the conceptual and analytical frameworks facilitated re-storying inside a plot-structured narrative. The results reported gender transformation progress regarding the career progression of women leaders. Conversely, progress concerning gender stereotyping and men-to-women and women-to-women discrimination was unsatisfactory, causing some respondents to abandon leadership ambitions. Although the small sample size precludes any claim to generalisability, the reported narratives serve as a guideline in addressing all-inclusive gender transformation in TVET college leadership.

A case study of transformation in four African universities.

2021 ◽  
pp. 240-250
Author(s):  
David Kraybill ◽  
Moses Osiru
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Agricultural Education ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Institutional Transformation ◽  
The University

Abstract This chapter presents selected analytical narratives of successful institutional transformation of tertiary agricultural education (TAE) from four African universities. The four universities analysed are Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya (JKUAT); Gulu University, Uganda (GU); University of Abomey Calavi, Benin (UAC); and the University of Venda, South Africa (UNIVEN). The study examines what each of the universities changed, and how they went about effecting and supporting those changes. The discussion focuses on both 'soft changes' in organizational culture and strategies, and 'hard changes' in enrolments, staffing, programmes, departments, faculties/colleges and campuses. Outcomes of the transformation process are described, along with lessons learned.

scholarly journals Interprofessional collaborative learning in the workplace: a qualitative study at a non-governmental organisation in Durban, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarentha Chetty ◽  
Varsha Bangalee ◽  
Petra Brysiewicz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Rapid Progression ◽  
Research Site ◽  
Company Culture

Abstract Background The rapid progression of diseases and the complex, changing landscape of healthcare has increased the awareness that interprofessional collaboration is essential in ensuring safe and effective healthcare delivery. However, to develop a “collaborative practice-ready” workforce, organisations need to invest in the application of alternative approaches to the training of healthcare professionals. Purpose of the study To describe the perceptions of healthcare professionals attending an HIV interprofessional collaborative initiative at a non-governmental organization research site in South Africa and to provide suggestions regarding the improvement of this educational programme. Methods Focus group discussions (December 2018 to January 2019), were conducted on a purposeful sample (N = 21) consisting of healthcare professionals (clinicians, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and nurses), and clinical trial staff (recruiters, administrators, QC officers, psychologists, counsellors) based at a research site, who were invited to attend a continuing medical education initiative on the pathogenesis and treatment of HIV. Qualitative content analysis was carried out to identify meaning units, which were then condensed and labelled with a code. This was further grouped to form categories. Results Five categories emerged: learning something new, acquiring from each other, promoting company culture, needing company buy-in and teaching methods matter. Interprofessional collaborative learning improved technical capacity, work relationships and company culture. The diversity in learning needs of the different professionals requires a structuring of a curriculum to meet the needs of all. The success of this initiative requires company buy-in/investment and recognition from leaders and higher management with regards to time and resources. Suggestions for improvement included: formalizing the training, introducing more lectures and pitching each topic at different levels i.e. basic, intermediate or advanced, thus ensuring maximum benefit for all. Conclusion Inter-professional learning was perceived as highly valuable. This initiative has the potential to develop further but requires resources and company buy-in. All staff working (clinical and non-clinical) at the NGO site were represented in the interviews, thus ensuring a richer understanding of all perspectives relevant to the study site. The small sample size confined to a single research site, however, prevents these findings from being generalized and limits the applicability of its findings.

INSPIRE sustainability internships

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Susan Hayles
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Life Context ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore the outputs of an internship programme, one of a number of campus-based sustainability activities that have been introduced at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, to encourage student-led campus-based greening initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was undertaken, allowing the researcher to investigate the programme in its real-life context. The researcher used multiple sources of evidence to gain as holistic a picture as possible. Findings Interns report positive changes in their behaviours towards sustainability, s well as encouraging feedback on their experiential learning, the development of their soft skills and the creation of new knowledge. Moreover, students communicated perceived benefits for their future careers. The reported outcomes reflect mutually beneficial relationships for student and institution, for example, raising the profile of campus greening activities and supporting the University’s aim to embed sustainability throughout its campus, community and culture. Research limitations/implications The researcher recognises the limitations of the research, in particular, the small sample size, which has resulted primarily in qualitative results being presented. Practical implications Feedback from previous interns will be used to shape future internships. In particular, Institute of Sustainable Practice, Innovation and Resource Effectiveness (INSPIRE) will look for opportunities to work more closely with University operations, departments, faculties and alongside University staff, both academic and support staff. Social implications Following student feedback, INSPIRE will give students opportunities for wider involvement, including an opportunity to propose their own projects to shape future internships that meet the needs of student body on campus. Originality/value Despite being one case study from one institution, the research highlights the value of such programmes for other institutions.

Evaluation of fosaprepitant-associated hypersensitivity reactions at a National Cancer Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1369-1373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Michelle Laird ◽  
Ashley E Glode ◽  
Kerry Schwarz ◽  
Elaine T Lam ◽  
Cindy L O'Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Medication Administration ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Hypersensitivity Reactions ◽  
University Of Colorado ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Systemic Hypersensitivity ◽  
The University

Introduction At our institution, an increased incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was reported following standardization of fosaprepitant as the preferred agent for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) caused by highly emetogenic therapies. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the incidence of systemic hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to fosaprepitant infusions compared to available literature. Methods This evaluation is a retrospective review of electronic health records of adult patients who received their first dose of fosaprepitant for CINV prophylaxis beginning January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 at the University of Colorado Cancer Center outpatient infusion center. Subjects were identified using medication administration reports. Individual chart reviews were performed for all patients who received fosaprepitant during the specified timeframe and had a reaction reported on the same date. Results A total of 868 patients received fosaprepitant in the outpatient infusion center during the study time period. Four patients (0.461%) had a systemic HSR attributed to fosaprepitant. Two of the reactions were reported as HSRs in the adverse reaction reporting system and two were found in provider notes during chart review. Due to the small sample size, risk factors for HSRs to fosaprepitant were not able to be determined. Conclusion The incidence of HSRs to fosaprepitant at our institution was found to be consistent with the <1% incidence currently noted in literature. Based on these findings, opportunities have been identified for education on fosaprepitant-associated HSRs, proper documentation and patient-specific precautions.

scholarly journals THE VARIATION OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN THE CONTEXT OF ABDOMINAL SURGERY

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Roxana Gabriela Chiș ◽  
Florentina Mușat ◽  
Georgiana Radu ◽  
O. Andronic ◽  
D. Ion ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Abdominal Surgery ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Open Cholecystectomy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
The University ◽  
Observational Descriptive Study

The human body can be envisioned as a high-performance machine that operates on the principle of "gears". As a consequence, any disorder at a certain level might lead to imbalances in other areas, which are sometimes difficult to detect and measure. One such relationship between two seemingly unrelated systems is that of abdominal surgery and intraocular pressure. The literature on this subject is poor, but available research suggests the occurrence of a change in intraocular pressure in the context of abdominal surgery. The present study analyzed the variation of intraocular pressure for two groups of patients who underwent classical or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The present research is based on a prospective, non-interventional, observational, descriptive study, carried out in the IIIrd General Surgery Clinic of the University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest. The study included patients who underwent abdominal surgery during January 2018 - December 2019. The study gathered a total of 67 patients, separated into two groups: 52 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 15 who underwent open cholecystectomy. No definite relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and intraocular pressure was found in the analyzed group, probably due to the small sample size, but further research is encouraged.

scholarly journals A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Student Engagement at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (26) ◽  
pp. 181-190
Author(s):  
Ajay Singh
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
The University

The research aims to examine the validity of four factors (course structure, course learning outcomes, Constructiveness of learning environment, and instructors' skills) about student engagement at the University of Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research applied the Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) technique to confirm and validate the four factors. The data of the small sample size of 380 students of business administration took place for analysis. These four factors consisting of 18 variables, have considered from the existing literature for examination. The research uses a survey questionnaire to collect the students' perception of these factors to validate the four-factor model. The study uses Convergent validity and Discriminant validity to construct validity. The research finding supports the construct of four-factors to confirm the model is adequately fit. The results of the research contribute to existing literature from the perspective of the students of the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia, and other similar institutions of the country and outside world. The research also has created the scope for further improvement by adding some more factors along with variables of equal importance.

scholarly journals Lenalidomide Plus Hypomethylating Agent for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with Recurrent Genetic Abnormalities -AML with Inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) or t(3;3)(q21.3;q26.2); GATA2, Mecom

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4042-4042
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Merz ◽  
Anthony J. Perissinotti ◽  
Bernard Lawrence Marini ◽  
Ashley Crouch ◽  
Kristen Pettit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Induction Chemotherapy ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Duration Of Response ◽  
The University

Abstract Intro: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic neoplasm. The cytogenetic changes associated with AML impact response rate and survival, and is one of the most important independent prognostic factors. AML with inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) or; GATA2, MECOMaccounts for 1-2% of all forms of AML. This form is associated with a younger age at diagnosis, poor response to standard induction chemotherapy, and very poor long-term prognosis with an overall survival of <10%. Unfortunately, traditional intensive induction chemotherapy has a reported remission rates of 10-20% (Raya et al. Hematology 2015;20(8):435-441). Clearly, alternative chemotherapy approaches are needed to effectively treat AML with inv(3). We previously presented a case report of a patient with inv(3) receiving induction chemotherapy with a combination of a hypomethylating agent (HMA) with lenalidomide and achieving remission (Platzbecker, et al. Leukemia 2013;27:1813-1819, Foucar et al. American Journal of Clinical Pathology2015; 144(1): 6-18). To further address the effectiveness of this regimen, we performed a retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes with HMA plus lenalidomide to standard intensive induction therapies in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory AML with inv(3). Methods: We conducted a single-center, IRB-approved, retrospective cohort analysis of 939 patients who received therapy for AML at the University of Michigan between March 2005-June 2018. 15/939 (1.6%) patients tested positive for inv(3)(q21.3q26.2), and they were divided into two cohorts: a lenalidomide-based regimen or other chemotherapy induction approaches. Data abstraction of patient, disease and treatment-related variables was performed through manual chart review. The primary outcome was overall response rate (ORR), reported as the combination of complete remission (CR) and complete remission with incomplete count recovery (CRi). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), 30- and 60-day mortality, event free survival (EFS), and duration of response. All data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 24.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: In total, 15 patients were positive for inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) and underwent treatment at the University of Michigan. 4/16 (25%) received lenalidomide and HMA as primary therapy. Patient demographics and lab values at diagnosis are shown in Table 1. 4/4 (100%) of patients receiving lenalidomide with HMA as first line therapy achieved CR/CRi while 3/11 (27.3%) of patients receiving other chemotherapeutic agents initially achieved CR/CRi (p=0.0256). Duration of response was numerically longer in patients receiving lenalidomide-based therapies (7.4 months vs. 1.45 months; p=0.057). Primary and secondary outcomes in patients receiving lenalidomide plus HMA and other chemotherapies are shown in Table 2. 2/13 patients requiring salvage therapy received lenalidomide with HMA. Both of these patients achieved CR/CRi, while 3/11 (27.3%) of patients receiving other chemotherapy achieved CR/CRi. Combining initial and salvage inductions, 6/6 (100%) achieved CR/CRi with lenalidomide with HMA versus 6/22 (27.3%) with other chemotherapy (p=0.0025). Discussion: AML with inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) or t(3;3)(q21.3;q26.2); GATA2, MECOMis notorious for a poor response to standard induction chemotherapy and a reported remission rate of 10-20% with traditional chemotherapy (Raya et al. Hematology 2015;20(8):435-441).In this cohort, all patients who received lenalidomide with or without a HMA achieved CR/CRi compared to 27% of patients receiving other chemotherapy. Importantly, the median duration of response with lenalidomide and HMA was longer than traditional chemotherapy, although not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size. The high ORR and reasonable duration of response could allow for potentially curative alloHCT in these high-risk AML patients. Our study is limited by the small sample size due to the rarity of this AML subtype, but the initial data suggests that lenalidomide plus HMA is a promising approach for patients with AML with inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) or t(3;3)(q21.3;q26.2); GATA2, MECOM. A multicenter, prospective trial should be considered to compare the efficacy of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy approaches versus lenalidomide plus HMA to improve outcomes in this subtype of AML. Disclosures Bixby: GlycoMimetics: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Fundamental elements of university-industry interaction from a grounded theory approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela Bürger ◽  
Gabriela Gonçalves Silveira Fiates
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
University Industry

PurposeThis work aims to analyze the university–industry interaction in innovation ecosystems. The problem under study addresses how agents can operate in university–industry interactions to enhance the connections, specifically in the aspect of operational mechanisms of an innovation ecosystem.Design/methodology/approachThe study is qualitative, applied through grounded theory approach, cross-sectional and multiple sources of evidence – semi-structured interviews were conducted. An explanatory conceptual model was subsequently compared with the literature and validated with specialists.FindingsThe results showed that the university–industry interaction is influenced by several factors, such as networking, legal support, facilitating agents, management practices. Despite this, some other factors were identified for the improvement of U–I relationships, such as: strengthening of triple helix, greater legal certainty and encouragement of open innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size and the heterogeneity among the universities interviewed did not allow full saturation to occur. In spite of that, a significant level of saturation with respect to the challenges and barriers was observed.Practical implicationsThis work has a direct dialogue with researchers, managers and actors involved in university–industry interaction with regard to increasing the capacity for creation and dissemination of knowledge among organizations, educational institutions, government and companies.Originality/valueBy adopting a grounded theory approach, a detailed research agenda addresses research needs in two main areas: activities that precede the interaction between universities and companies, and the organization and management of the consequences of collaborative relationships.

scholarly journals Factors affecting Happiness of Expatriate Academicians and Expatriate Non-Academicians in Dubai

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Kamarul Zaman Bin Ahmad ◽  
Majid Wahid Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Academic Group

Purpose: To determine the antecedents of happiness and compare academicians and non-academicians in selected Dubai Universities. Design/methodological/approach: Qualitative research using in-depth interviews followed by cross-sectional surveys of teaching staff and non-teaching staff from different universities in Dubai.?Findings: There is no significant relationship between knowledge sharing and happiness of academics and well as non-academics. Happiness is significantly related to the other factors.Research implications and limitations: The small sample size of the academic group and the study was targeted at the university staff in Dubai only. Practical implications: The findings of this research gives useful recommendations to Universities to improve happiness among their academic as well as non-academic staff. It will also provide recommendations for developmental purposes for the University of Dubai and the UAE’s “Happiness and Positivity program.”Originality/value: No known research studies the determinants of happiness for academics and non-academics in Dubai Universities.Paper type: Research paper

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