scholarly journals The sights and insights of examiners in objective structured clinical examinations

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Chong ◽  
Silas Taylor ◽  
Matthew Haywood ◽  
Barbara-Ann Adelstein ◽  
Boaz Shulruf
Keyword(s):  
Medical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Robust Methods ◽  
Contrast Effects ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Lifetime Experience ◽  
Salient Points ◽  
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Purpose: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is considered to be one of the most robust methods of clinical assessment. One of its strengths lies in its ability to minimise the effects of examiner bias due to the standardisation of items and tasks for each candidate. However, OSCE examiners’ assessment scores are influenced by several factors that may jeopardise the assumed objectivity of OSCEs. To better understand this phenomenon, the current review aims to determine and describe important sources of examiner bias and the factors affecting examiners’ assessments. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the medical literature using Medline. All articles meeting the selection criteria were reviewed, with salient points extracted and synthesised into a clear and comprehensive summary of the knowledge in this area. Results: OSCE examiners’ assessment scores are influenced by factors belonging to 4 different domains: examination context, examinee characteristics, examinee-examiner interactions, and examiner characteristics. These domains are composed of several factors including halo, hawk/dove and OSCE contrast effects; the examiner’s gender and ethnicity; training; lifetime experience in assessing; leadership and familiarity with students; station type; and site effects. Conclusion: Several factors may influence the presumed objectivity of examiners’ assessments, and these factors need to be addressed to ensure the objectivity of OSCEs. We offer insights into directions for future research to better understand and address the phenomenon of examiner bias.

scholarly journals Engineering Microneedle Patches for Improved Penetration: Analysis, Skin Models and Factors Affecting Needle Insertion

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooyan Makvandi ◽  
Melissa Kirkby ◽  
Aaron R. J. Hutton ◽  
Majid Shabani ◽  
Cynthia K. Y. Yiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Needle Insertion ◽  
Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Two Photon ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Current Review ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Pain Signal

AbstractTransdermal microneedle (MN) patches are a promising tool used to transport a wide variety of active compounds into the skin. To serve as a substitute for common hypodermic needles, MNs must pierce the human stratum corneum (~ 10 to 20 µm), without rupturing or bending during penetration. This ensures that the cargo is released at the predetermined place and time. Therefore, the ability of MN patches to sufficiently pierce the skin is a crucial requirement. In the current review, the pain signal and its management during application of MNs and typical hypodermic needles are presented and compared. This is followed by a discussion on mechanical analysis and skin models used for insertion tests before application to clinical practice. Factors that affect insertion (e.g., geometry, material composition and cross-linking of MNs), along with recent advancements in developed strategies (e.g., insertion responsive patches and 3D printed biomimetic MNs using two-photon lithography) to improve the skin penetration are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.

Cut Flowers Being Sold as Impulse Items: A Look at Factors Affecting Impulse Product Merchandising

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 558c-558
Author(s):  
Jennifer B. Neujahr ◽  
Karen L.B. Gast
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
New Type ◽  
The 1950S ◽  
The Way

Consumer behavior research seems to play an big role in determining the wants and needs of an industry. This research helps to shape the way we market to the consumers and helps make marketing strategies more effective. In the 1950s grocery stores began to sell horticulture products in order to alleviate the growers' surplus. Supermarkets now have seem to found their niche in this market due to the fact that they can influence their consumers to buy their flowers right along with their bread, and get all of their shopping done at once. This new type of sale, commonly referred to as the impulse sale, can relate directly to how well the store is merchandised and maintained. A study was conducted at a local supermarket, to determine the following: good locations for impulse sales items, special conditions affecting impulse sales items, and what types of things could affect demand for impulse items. It was discovered that certain locations make better sales than other locations. Locations that were front and center and allowed easy access to seeing the mixed flower bouquet without having to touch it yielded the best results. The variables used to show a change in demand showed little to some variability and has raised some questions which may be used to conduct future research.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Phytocannabinoids in Epilepsy Treatment: Novel Approaches and Recent Advances

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3993
Author(s):  
Aaron M. Farrelly ◽  
Styliani Vlachou ◽  
Konstantinos Grintzalis
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Undesirable Side Effect ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Epilepsy Treatment ◽  
Clinical Environments

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder mainly characterised by recurrent seizures that affect the entire population diagnosed with the condition. Currently, there is no cure for the disease and a significant proportion of patients have been deemed to have treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE). A patient is deemed to have TRE if two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) fail to bring about seizure remission. This inefficacy of traditional AEDs, coupled with their undesirable side effect profile, has led to researchers considering alternative forms of treatment. Phytocannabinoids have long served as therapeutics with delta-9-THC (Δ9-THC) receiving extensive focus to determine its therapeutic potential. This focus on Δ9-THC has been to the detriment of analysing the plethora of other phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The overall aim of this review is to explore other novel phytocannabinoids and their place in epilepsy treatment. The current review intends to achieve this aim via an exploration of the molecular targets underlying the anticonvulsant capabilities of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidavarin (CBDV), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG). Further, this review will provide an exploration of current pre-clinical and clinical data as it relates to the aforementioned phytocannabinoids and the treatment of epilepsy symptoms. With specific reference to epilepsy in young adult and adolescent populations, the exploration of CBD, CBDV, Δ9-THCV and CBG in both preclinical and clinical environments can guide future research and aid in the further understanding of the role of phytocannabinoids in epilepsy treatment. Currently, much more research is warranted in this area to be conclusive.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in Nanotechnology with Nano-Phytochemicals: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Cancer Progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3571
Author(s):  
Bonglee Kim ◽  
Ji-Eon Park ◽  
Eunji Im ◽  
Yongmin Cho ◽  
Jinjoo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Gold Silver ◽  
Significant Efficacy ◽  
Rapid Clearance

Biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) containing polymers, lipids (liposomes and micelles), dendrimers, ferritin, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, ceramic, magnetic materials, and gold/silver have contributed to imaging diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy. However, only some NP drugs, including Doxil® (liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin), Abraxane® (albumin-bound paclitaxel), and Oncaspar® (PEG-Asparaginase), have emerged on the pharmaceutical market to date. By contrast, several phytochemicals that were found to be effective in cultured cancer cells and animal studies have not shown significant efficacy in humans due to poor bioavailability and absorption, rapid clearance, resistance, and toxicity. Research to overcome these drawbacks by using phytochemical NPs remains in the early stages of clinical translation. Thus, in the current review, we discuss the progress in nanotechnology, research milestones, the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals encapsulated in NPs, and clinical implications. Several challenges that must be overcome and future research perspectives are also described.

Second language structural priming: A critical review and directions for future research

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie N. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structural Priming ◽  
Cognitive Mechanisms ◽  
L2 Acquisition ◽  
Current State ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
State Of Research

The last 15 years has seen a tremendous growth in research on structural priming among second language (L2) speakers. Structural priming is the phenomenon whereby speakers are more likely to repeat a structure they have recently heard or produced. Research on L2 structural priming speaks to key issues regarding the underlying linguistic and cognitive mechanisms that support L2 acquisition and use, and the extent to which lexical and grammatical information are shared across an L2 speaker’s languages. As the number of researchers investigating L2 priming and its implications for L2 learning continues to grow, it is important to assess the current state of research in this area and establish directions for continued inquiry. The goal of the current review is to provide an overview of recent research on within-language L2 structural priming, with an eye towards the open questions that remain.

scholarly journals An integrative systematic review of creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers of people with neurological conditions

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243461
Author(s):  
J. Yoon Irons ◽  
Gulcan Garip ◽  
Ainslea J. Cross ◽  
David Sheffield ◽  
Jamie Bird
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Creative Interventions

Objective We aimed to assess and synthesise the current state of quantitative and qualitative research concerning creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers of people with neurological conditions. Methods A systematic search was employed to identify studies that examined creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers, which were synthesised in this integrative review. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We also backwards searched references of all relevant studies and inspected trials registers. Results Of the 516 studies identified, 17 were included: one was quantitative, nine were qualitative and seven used mixed methods. All included quantitative studies were pilot or feasibility studies employing pre- and post-test design with small sample sizes. Studies varied in relation to the type of creative intervention and evaluation methods, which precluded meta-analysis. Large effect sizes were detected in wellbeing measures following singing and art interventions. The qualitative synthesis highlighted that interventions created space for caregivers to make sense of, accept and adapt to their identity as a caregiver. Personal developments, such as learning new skills, were viewed positively by caregivers as well as welcoming the opportunity to gain cognitive and behavioural skills, and having opportunities to unload emotions in a safe space were important to caregivers. Group creative interventions were particularly helpful in creating social connections with their care-recipients and other caregivers. Conclusions The current review revealed all creative interventions focused on caregivers of people living with dementia; subsequently, this identified gaps in the evidence of creative interventions for informal caregivers of other neurological conditions. There are encouraging preliminary data on music and art interventions, however, little data exists on other art forms, e.g., drama, dance. Creative interventions may appeal to many caregivers, offering a range of psycho-social benefits. The findings of the current review open the way for future research to develop appropriate and creative arts programmes and to test their efficacy with robust tools.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Articulation Skills in Children with Velocardiofacial Syndrome and Children with Cleft Palate or Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Preliminary Report

2008 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriane L. Baylis ◽  
Benjamin Munson ◽  
Karlind T. Moller
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Velocardiofacial Syndrome ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nonverbal Intelligence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Phonological Representations ◽  
Factors Affecting

Objective: To examine the influence of speech perception, cognition, and implicit phonological learning on articulation skills of children with velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) and children with cleft palate or velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). Design: Cross-sectional group experimental design. Participants: Eight children with VCFS and five children with nonsyndromic cleft palate or VPD. Methods and Measures: All children participated in a phonetic inventory task, speech perception task, implicit priming nonword repetition task, conversational sample, nonverbal intelligence test, and hearing screening. Speech tasks were scored for percentage of phonemes correctly produced. Group differences and relations among measures were examined using nonparametric statistics. Results: Children in the VCFS group demonstrated significantly poorer articulation skills and lower standard scores of nonverbal intelligence compared with the children with cleft palate or VPD. There were no significant group differences in speech perception skills. For the implicit priming task, both groups of children were more accurate in producing primed nonwords than unprimed nonwords. Nonverbal intelligence and severity of velopharyngeal inadequacy for speech were correlated with articulation skills. Conclusions: In this study, children with VCFS had poorer articulation skills compared with children with cleft palate or VPD. Articulation difficulties seen in the children with VCFS did not appear to be associated with speech perception skills or the ability to learn new phonological representations. Future research should continue to examine relationships between articulation, cognition, and velopharyngeal dysfunction in a larger sample of children with cleft palate and VCFS.

Metrics development and modelling the mixed reality and digital twin adoption in the context of Industry 4.0

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samad M.E. Sepasgozar ◽  
Mohsen Ghobadi ◽  
Sara Shirowzhan ◽  
David J. Edwards ◽  
Elham Delzendeh
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Mixed Reality ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Acceptance Model

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the current technology acceptance model (TAM) in the field of mixed reality and digital twin (MRDT) and identify key factors affecting users' intentions to use MRDT. The factors are used as a set of key metrics for proposing a predictive model for virtual, augmented and mixed reality (MR) acceptance by users. This model is called the extended TAM for MRDT adoption in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretivist philosophical lens was adopted to conduct an inductive systematic and bibliographical analysis of secondary data contained within published journal articles that focused upon MRDT acceptance modelling. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) approach to meta-analysis were adopted to ensure all key investigations were included in the final database set. Quantity indicators such as path coefficients, factor ranking, Cronbach’s alpha (a) and chi-square (b) test, coupled with content analysis, were used for examining the database constructed. The database included journal papers from 2010 to 2020.FindingsThe extant literature revealed that the most commonly used constructs of the MRDT–TAM included: subjective norm; social influence; perceived ease of use (PEOU); perceived security; perceived enjoyment; satisfaction; perceived usefulness (PU); attitude; and behavioural intention (BI). Using these identified constructs, the general extended TAM for MRDT in the AECO industry is developed. Other important factors such as “perceived immersion” could be added to the obtained model.Research limitations/implicationsThe decision to utilise a new technology is difficult and high risk in the construction project context, due to the complexity of MRDT technologies and dynamic construction environment. The outcome of the decision may affect employee performance, project productivity and on-site safety. The extended acceptance model offers a set of factors that assist managers or practitioners in making effective decisions for utilising any type of MRDT technology.Practical implicationsSeveral constraints are apparent due to the limited investigation of MRDT evaluation matrices and empirical studies. For example, the research only covers technologies which have been reported in the literature, relating to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), MR, DT and sensors, so newer technologies may not be included. Moreover, the review process could span a longer time period and thus embrace a fuller spectrum of technology development in these different areas.Originality/valueThe research provides a theoretical model for measuring and evaluating MRDT acceptance at the individual level in the AECO context and signposts future research related to MRDT adoption in the AECO industry, as well as providing managerial guidance for progressive AECO professionals who seek to expand their use of MRDT in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). A set of key factors affecting MRDT acceptance is identified which will help innovators to improve their technology to achieve a wider acceptance.

Economic Sanctions in Flux: Enduring Challenges, New Policies, and Defining the Future Research Agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-477
Author(s):  
Bryan R Early ◽  
Menevis Cilizoglu
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Economic Sanctions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Past ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Policy Tool ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Policies

Abstract Policymakers employ economic sanctions to deal with a wide range of international challenges, making them an indispensable foreign policy tool. While scholarship on sanctions has tended to focus on the factors affecting their success, newer research programs have emerged that explore the reasons for why sanctions are threatened and initiated, the ways they are designed and enforced, and their consequences. This scholarship has yielded a wealth of new insights into how economic sanctions work, but most of those insights are based on sanctions observations from the 20th Century. The ways that policymakers employ sanctions have fundamentally changed over the past two decades, though, raising concerns about whether historically derived insights are still relevant to contemporary sanctions policies. In this forum, the contributors discuss the scholarly and policy-relevant insights of existing research on sanctions and then explore what gaps remain in our knowledge and new trends in sanctions policymaking. This forum will inform readers on the state of the art in sanctions research and propose avenues for future research.

scholarly journals Factors affecting in vitro cultivation of grape (Vitis vinifera L.): a review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fikadu Kumsa
Keyword(s):  
Vitis Vinifera ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Vitis Vinifera L ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
In Vitro Cultivation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Grape Varieties

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is globally cultivated as commercial fruit crop usually used for fruit purpose or industrial product. The objective of the current review is to review and identify the research gap on the effect of different growth media and vitrification on shooting and rooting performance of grape. Factors affecting rooting of grape cuttings can be internal or external factors. Currently, grapevines are very sensitive to disease in the conventional method of propagation. Even if tissue culture is recommended for healthy propagation of the grape varieties, still factors affecting the growth of the plant verifications were reported. This, review paper progressively revised for the existing factors and possible solutions during in vitro propagation of grapevines. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(1): 1-5, June 2020

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