Spinal Dysraphisms: A New Anatomical–Clinicoradiological Classification

Background Spinal dysraphisms refer to the congenital abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord due to aberrations in the processes of gastrulation, primary neurulation, and secondary neurulation. Embryology of many complex spinal dysraphisms are yet poorly understood and there is no agreeable anatomical–clinicoradiological classification with inclusion of recently documented and complex spinal dysraphisms. Aims and Objectives The main objective of this study was to review the imaging features of spinal dysraphisms with a better understanding of embryological abnormalities and propose a new classification inclusive of all complex and unusual dysraphisms based on anatomical and clinicoradiological correlation. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective single institutional observational study of 391 cases of spinal dysraphism for 10 years in our institution. Of 391 cases included in the study, 204 were males and 187 were females. Also, 123 cases belonged to the 0–6 months age group, 38 cases belonged to the 7–12 months age group, 156 belonged to the 1–5 years age group, 39 cases belonged to the 6–10 years age group, and 35 cases belonged to 10–20 years age group. Results An anatomical–clinicoradiological analysis of cases yielded a high proportion of cases of spinal lipomas, including lipomyeloceles and lipomyelomeningoceles (31.3%) and posterior myelomeningocele (14.2%). Anterior myelocoele (0.2%), sacral chordoma(0.2%), and intrasacral meningocele (0.2%) formed the least proportion of cases. A new classification was proposed based on the analysis of acquired data. Conclusion A structured approach in imaging spinal dysraphism is necessary for imaging evaluation in recent years. The proposed new classification based on clinicoradiological correlation and anatomic location is inclusive of unusual and complex dysraphisms.

W.A.T.E.R. – a structured approach for training on advanced measurement and experimental research

W.A.T.E.R. stands for Workshop on Advanced measurement Techniques and Experimental Research. It is an initiative started in 2016, in the scope of the Experimental Methods and Instrumentation (EMI) committee of the International Association for Hydroenvironment Research (IAHR) aimed to advance the use of experimental techniques in hydraulics and fluid mechanics research. It provides a structured approach for the learning and training platform to postgraduate students, young researchers, and professionals with an experimental background in fluid mechanics. It offers an opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art instrumentation and measurement techniques and the latest developments in the field by partnering with manufacturers. The W.A.T.E.R. brings together academics, instrumentation manufacturers, and public sectors in a structured setting to share knowledge and to learn from good practices. It is about training people that already have certain knowledge and skill level but need to go deeper and/or wider in the field of measurement and experimental research.

Peer Support Experienced by Mothers of Children With Congenital Heart Defects in Sweden

The aim of this study was to describe experiences of peer support among mothers of children with congenital heart defects. Ten mothers were interviewed through a semi-structured approach and interviews were analyzed with systematic text condensation. The respondents established various channels used for peer support and navigated between the channels depending on what type of information or support they needed. Through the channels, they found peers they developed strong friendships with and who they relied on for emotional support. Communicating with peers involved the reciprocal exchange of unique emotional support between peers who understand each other as well as the exchange of information derived from their collective knowledge, and thus, difficult to find without the help of peers. The findings illustrate the potential strengths of establishing reliable collaboration and liaisons between clinical units and peer support networks.

The importance of apology to mediation: A mixed-methods study of role, effectiveness and implications for practice

This paper explores the role of apology in the resolution of conflict through mediation. The paper outlines the distinctive features of mediation that contribute to its unique potential to help restore relationships, with apology forming a potentially transformative aspect to this. However, not all apologies are the same and not all apologies are effective. Working from the literature, this article seeks to clarify the characteristics of apology that are likely to make it effective in mediation. A review of the literature also reveals a range of moderating factors that can further impact the effectiveness of apology. Particular attention will be paid to these moderators in considering what contributes to a template of apology effectiveness in the context of mediation. In this study, the first of its kind in an Irish context, empirical data from an online survey of 97 practicing mediators along with in-depth interviews with a sample of 24 organisational mediators is analysed, in relation to five core questions aimed at determining the fundamental nature of apology in mediation. While the mediators who were interviewed operate in the ‘organisational’ context, the mediators we surveyed practice across a range of mediation contexts, including civil, workplace, and family. Therefore the context, in this case, was not controlled. Nonetheless, the analysis yields insights that support the view found in the literature that an apology can, in certain circumstances, be an effective means of transforming the mediation process. A summary of these findings indicates that: (a) Practicing mediators confirm that apology is a prominent feature of mediation, and that the process represents fertile soil for apology. This represents a challenge to the mediator where apology is not forthcoming. (b) Where an apology is forthcoming but hesitant, skilled mediators can act as a conduit of apology between parties. (c) The data also suggests that a high-quality apology, issued spontaneously, can have a transformative effect on the dispute, particularly where the relationship is on-going. The main contribution of this paper lies in its potential to inform mediation practice, by illustrating the potential impact of apology and by offering role guidance to practitioners who wish to facilitate such potential where circumstances allow. The paper also contributes to the literature through insights offered by the research respondents which shed new light on existing themes. Ultimately this research argues that mediation can accommodate apology as a potent means of repairing relationships, and that the mediator can play a key role in this. The paper will make the case for a nuanced, yet structured approach to apology, one that needs to be reflected in mediator training and practice. The case for further research is presented at the end.

Strengthening the coding skills of teachers in a low dropout Python MOOC

In this paper, we present a structured approach to developing an outreach program aimed at improving the coding abilities of pre- and in-service teachers. The paper presents the design and development decisions made using the ADDIE model. External evaluators assessed the material's quality, confirmed the estimated workload, and examined the material's relevance to the educational goals. Learners’ active participation was encouraged through multiple quizzes, and learners were assisted in their learning activities by means of practical examples. Based on the number of people who actually logged into the course, a completion rate of 70.84 percent is achieved. The paper presents and discusses the findings of an evaluation conducted with the assistance of experienced teachers and course participants.

The Contribution of UNESCO Global Geoparks in the Promotion of Sustainable Tourism

The Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, which encompasses the highest mountain in mainland Portugal, is a geographically defined territory with resources of notorious geological interest, with precious ecosystems, identity, and ways of life. Its geodiversity, associated with traces of glacial origin, the richness of its natural and cultural heritage, make this a unique territory, whose structured approach will strengthen its knowledge, the importance of its functions, and its tourist, heritage, and cultural potential. The Estrela UGGp has the mission of contributing to the protection, valorisation, and dynamics of the natural and cultural heritage, with special emphasis on geological heritage, with a view of disseminating scientific knowledge, promoting tourism and the sustainable development of serra da Estrela. Overall, the Estrela UGGp fosters the development of an integrated development strategy, combined with geoconservation, education, and tourism, supporting the construction of development strategies for the well-being of the community.

Actively Engaging with Social Entrepreneurs: The Social Enterprise Audit

Social entrepreneurship is on the rise. For educators, it is no longer a question of if we should teach social entrepreneurship, but rather how we might best do so. The Social Enterprise Audit is introduced as an innovative way to combine in-class learning with active engagement in the social entrepreneurship community. Student teams are matched with local social enterprises. As foundational concepts of social entrepreneurship are taught in the classroom, student teams visit and meet with their social enterprise partner to apply the concepts. The final deliverable includes an analysis and critique of the social enterprise along with a set of recommendations. The structured approach is easy for the instructor to implement and aligns directly with course material. Students benefit by nurturing their identity as a social entrepreneur while developing a skillset that equips them to make a difference.

Mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective volunteer-based operations

Purpose This paper aims to describe an exploratory study aiming to identify the mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective operations based on volunteer work. Design/methodology/approach An inductive multiple case study method was used addressing three social enterprises whose operations rely on a volunteer workforce. Findings Volunteer-based operations benefit from the establishment of a formal structure, involving different levels of volunteering complemented with other mechanisms, namely, educate and train, empower and connect. Special attention must be given to first-level volunteers, reinforcing the range of practices to motivate and engage them, as they serve as intermediaries between the paid employees and lower-level volunteers. Practical implications The study provides valuable insights for managers for the implementation of effective operations, building on volunteer work, aiming at the generation of social and economic value. Social implications Due to their innovative character, social enterprises are well-positioned to mobilize more and more qualified volunteers for a significant change in their communities. Adopting a more strategic and structured approach to volunteer management can enable these organizations to take advantage of it. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on social enterprise by identifying a set of mechanisms adopted for effective volunteer-based operations. It also contributes to the literature on volunteer management by addressing an underexplored context.

Using Personal Statements in College Admissions: An Investigation of Gender Bias and the Effects of Increased Structure

Personal statements are among the most commonly used instruments in college admissions procedures. Yet, little research on their reliability, validity, and fairness exists. The first aim of this paper was to investigate hypotheses about adverse impact and underprediction for female applicants, which could result from lower tendencies to use agentic language compared to male applicants. Second, we examined if rating personal statements in a more structured manner would increase reliability and validity. Using personal statements (250 words) from a large cohort of applicants to an undergraduate psychology program at a Dutch University, we found no evidence for adverse impact for female applicants or more agentic language use by male applicants, and no relationship between agentic language use and personal statement ratings. In contrast, we found that personal statements of female applicants were rated slightly more positively than those of males. Exploratory analyses suggest that female applicants’ better writing skills might explain this difference. A more structured approach to rating personal statements yielded higher, but still only ‘moderate’ inter-rater reliability, and virtually identical, negligible predictive validity for first year GPA and dropout.

Peer Instruction in Computing Higher Education: A Case Study of a Logic in Computer Science Course in Brazilian Context

One of the challenges of Computing Education Research is the proposition of new learning methods. Researches indicate active learning methods are more effective than traditional ones. Peer Instruction is one of these learning methods that promotes a student-centered class, enabling (s)he constructs his/her comprehension through a structured approach with questions and peer discussions, used in Computing in the last years. Nevertheless, researches about the use of this method are very scarce in South America. Accordingly, this research aims to discuss the impact of Peer Instruction use on higher education from a Logic in Brazilian Computer Science course. The research context is an undergraduate course in Computer Science in the first term of 2018 at the Federal University of Jataí. Sufficient evidence was found for the veracity of two propositions related to this study: (i) Peer Instruction use guarantees a learning gain of students, and (ii) Peer Instruction is well accepted by students. Therefore, it concluded that Peer Instruction use is suitable for Logic courses in Computing Higher Education in Brazil, with good acceptance from students.