scholarly journals State of the Art Analysis and Professional Needs Identification in Vocational Training Design for Eurasian Prison Chaplains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jans Ivans Ignatssons ◽  
◽  
Indra Odina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Vocational Training ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Training Design ◽  
Continuous Change ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Prison Chaplain ◽  
Prison Chaplains

Prison chaplaincy in the context of whole penitentiary system has been under continuous change with its ups and downs, criticized and appraised by historians, rejected by secular society, yet appreciated by prisoners, and open for judgment of generations to come. The image of the prison chaplain, who is highly educated, not young, skilled in psychological mastery calls far beyond his pastoral functions for a perfect advocate’s portrait, which is, however, still under reconstruction. The article aims to identify what state of the art of Eurasian prison chaplains is to outline the needs of prison chaplains for the framework development of an e-learning platform that would serve as a prototype of vocational training design. An action research was based on Objective-Oriented Project Planning and Logical Framework Approach concepts and studied the participants from six regions in Eurasia with help of such data collection methods as interviews, diary notes and document analysis. The data of action research formed an accurate civilian and professional profile of a prison chaplain and outlined the requirements to maintain the work in line with the trends in the branch. Findings of the research serve as a ground for organizational, educational, professional and personal changes. Eurasian prison chaplains (national directors) express their professional interests in regular training, professional and career growth, improved job practices and better work environment as they can still be an outstanding example and catalyst of well-being in the life of ex-prisoners.

scholarly journals Plant-based fructans for increased animal welfare: provision processes and remaining challenges

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zimmermann ◽  
C. Visscher ◽  
M. Kaltschmitt
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Glycosidic Bonds ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Branched Structure ◽  
Stimulation Of

AbstractFructans are carbohydrates consisting of fructose monomers linked by β-2,1- and/or β-2,6-glycosidic bonds with linear or branched structure. These carbohydrates belong to the group of prebiotic dietary fibre with health-promoting potential for humans and mammals due to their indigestibility and selective stimulation of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. This makes fructans interesting mainly for healthy food as well as animal feed applications. As a consequence of a growing public awareness for animal welfare, dietary fibre and thus fructans move into the focus as a fibre-rich feeding improving not only animals’ health but also their well-being. Against this background, this paper summarises the known effects of fructans focusing on pigs and highlights the state of the art in fructan production processes from plant material as well as selected current research lines. Additionally, an attempt is made to assess the potential of European fructan production for an application as animal feed. Based on this, challenges in the field of fructan production are addressed and alternative substrates for fructans are discussed and pointed out.

scholarly journals Scaling an Evidence-Based Program: The Case of the Tailored Activity Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 631-632
Author(s):  
Sokha Koeuth ◽  
Katherine Marx ◽  
Laura Gitlin ◽  
Catherine Piersol
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Interactive Media ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Learn Management System ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Blackboard Learn

Abstract The Tailored Activity Program (TAP) is a proven program delivered primarily by occupational therapists addressing dementia-related clinical symptoms including caregiver well-being. Although used in 9 countries including the United States, scaling and widespread dissemination is challenging. We discuss key revisions to TAP to facilitate dissemination including matching assessments to those used in different practice settings, translation of materials into different languages, providing worksheets to help trainees adapt TAP to local contexts and a training/certification online experience using story board, an interactive media integrated onto the Blackboard learn management system, to provide on-demand training modules. The learning platform allows learners to engage with others, preview modules and share experiences. Revisions enable greater flexibility for program adaptation yet adherence to its core principles. With over 150 trainees, we use REAIM to evaluate effectiveness of modifications and to understand implications for its reach. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Behavioral Interventions for Older Adults Interest Group.

scholarly journals A Combined Approach to Predicting Rest in Dogs Using Accelerometers

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 2649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassim Ladha ◽  
Christy Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Current State ◽  
Healthy Dogs ◽  
State Of Rest ◽  
Health And Well Being

The ability to objectively measure episodes of rest has clear application for assessing health and well-being. Accelerometers afford a sensitive platform for doing so and have demonstrated their use in many human-based trials and interventions. Current state of the art methods for predicting sleep from accelerometer signals are either based on posture or low movement. While both have proven to be sensitive in humans, the methods do not directly transfer well to dogs, possibly because dogs are commonly alert but physically inactive when recumbent. In this paper, we combine a previously validated low-movement algorithm developed for humans and a posture-based algorithm developed for dogs. The hybrid approach was tested on 12 healthy dogs of varying breeds and sizes in their homes. The approach predicted state of rest with a mean accuracy of 0.86 (SD = 0.08). Furthermore, when a dog was in a resting state, the method was able to distinguish between head up and head down posture with a mean accuracy of 0.90 (SD = 0.08). This approach can be applied in a variety of contexts to assess how factors, such as changes in housing conditions or medication, may influence a dog’s resting patterns.

“Different but connected”: Participatory action research using Photovoice to explore well-being in autistic young adults

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1246-1259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Yu Hin Lam ◽  
Emily Holden ◽  
Megan Fitzpatrick ◽  
Linda Raffaele Mendez ◽  
Karen Berkman
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Participatory Action Research ◽  
School Transition ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transition Program ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Autistic Community

Past research has largely focused on the negative aspects of well-being of autistic young adults during the post-school transition. Research that meaningfully includes autistic individuals and captures their perspectives of positive well-being is essential for stakeholders to better understand how to provide services that respond to the needs and wants of the autistic community. In the current study, 14 autistic young adults in a post-school transition program participated in a Photovoice project and used photos to express their ideas about well-being. A participatory action research approach was used to support participants’ active engagement in the research processes and to encourage meaningful expression of their first-person perspectives. Results revealed an account of well-being reflecting expressions of individuality and growth, the significance of having close relationships, and a sense of connection with the community. This study has implications for research and practice that promotes well-being among the autistic community using approaches that are ethically informed and inclusive of autistic voices. Lay abstract Past research has mainly focused on autistic people’s deficits and poor outcomes compared to other groups of people. Little is known about their positive life experiences, and how to support them to achieve a higher quality of life. It is important to include autistic individuals in research so that they can influence how their voices are represented in a meaningful way and how the research results will be useful to them. In this study, a university researcher collaborated with 14 autistic young adults in a post-school transition program to design and run the research, collect and analyze the data, and use the results to create a presentation to the community. Specifically, the participants took photos in daily life and discussed their ideas about what a good life means to them. Results showed that these young adults described themselves as uniquely and different, but they were eager to learn and adapt. They also valued their relationships with their families, friends, and animals around them, as well as the community at large. This research shows that autistic individuals have important perspectives to share and knowledge to contribute when they are given the opportunities to participate in different aspects of research. The findings will be useful in developing services and influencing policies that promote well-being among autistic adults.

scholarly journals Mobile Blended Learning with eSquirrel

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4Β) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The State ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Innovative Solution

This article outlines the state of the art of mobile blended learning apps. It describes recent progress in this area, and explains the potential of mobile blended learning for schools and educational institutions. Furthermore, it presents an innovative solution, eSquirrel, which is developed by an Austrian inter-disciplinary start-up. eSquirrel is a blended learning platform that combines mobile learning with gamification. It blends the concepts of classroom teaching, eLearning and learning from books into a native Android and iOS course app, and enables teachers to learn their students’ progress.

scholarly journals Student Emotions Matter

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14
Author(s):  
Wendee White ◽  
Richard D Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Postgraduate Student ◽  
Action Research Approach

Increasingly, the taught postgraduate student experience is being recognised as a complex journey influenced by a multiplicity of interconnected factors that are institution-related, discipline specific, and socio-culturally informed. This emergent recognition of the complexity of being a TPG student underpinned the research study reported in this paper; well-being was conceptualised as central to the student experience and interconnected with five facets of the student journey. It was explored through the lens of emotion and as an independent variable. Guided by principles of pragmatism, the study followed an action research approach seeking the perceptions of TPG students engaged in academic study and in turn reports the findings relating to their student experience. This paper reports on findings from year 1 (2017-18 academic year) of a 3-year longitudinal study.  Data were collected in 2 phases using an online survey followed by focus group interviews and then underwent thematic analysis.  Our findings reinforce and further inform the understanding that the TPG student experience is uniquely complex. Through our exploration we have come to understand TPG student experience as an emotionally rich process influenced by three dimensions of the student journey, degree of connectedness; effectiveness of supports; and quality of communication, that elicit threat or challenge appraisals based on perceived demands and coping resources, triggering emotion responses that impact well-being, and learner engagement.  Keywords: taught postgraduate student experience, well-being, emotion, action research

scholarly journals Smart EcoCUVA – Tools for Food Marketing Strategy

2006 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Maarit Pallari
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Utility Value ◽  
Value Analysis ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Application Fields

The implementation of the green productivity and marketing concept in agribusiness is a must in the future.Food production is influenced by the environment and society, and vice versa. Today a growing number ofconsumers are aware of the link between environmental and social well-being and fresh, pure, healthy, tastyand safe foodstuffs. Enterprises will have to consider three important aspects of value when doing business:economic, social and environmental value. The foundation of the quality research this study is concernedwith is action research. Action research is a way to analyze sustainable development, the aptness ofagriculture and the marketing opportunities these offer for developing ecoproducts in the SMEs.The study seeks to answer the following questions:- What kind of Classical Utility Value Analyses could be tool of the eco-product?- To what extent can a customer/interest group affect the development and decision-making of ecoproducts?- Is the method a suitable tool for analyzing ecological criterions in the marketing model?Classical Utility Value Analysis is a formal, analytic approach for evaluating and comparing differentalternatives. It is one decision making method of multi-criteria analysis. The roots of utility value analysis,which is one of the mathematical models for analytical decision making, are in the USA and Germany. Themethod is almost 40 years old, of the same age as the manuscript of the values tradeoff. The same historicallanguage is being used to build up new tools, principles and theory. The so-called Smart EcoCUVA hasused both methodologies (Utility value analysis and decision making analysis) when setting the goals andmathematical steps. Research results always give the best available alternative.Making rational decisions for any complex problem requires various analyses of trade-offs (compromises)between conflicting goals (objectives, outcomes) that are used for measuring the results of applying variousdecisions in a wide range of application fields. A typical decision problem has an infinite number ofsolutions, and decision makers are interested in analyzing trade-offs between those that correspond to theirpreferences, which is often called a preferential structure of the decision-maker.Smart EcoCuva analysis helps to assess different alternatives according to a variety of environmentalcriteria associated with enterprises and their products. The analysis methods take account of the monetaryand non-monetary aspects when determining the selection of the best alternative. Smart EcoCuva is themethodological cornerstone for the creation of an innovative concept that will contribute to encouraging theefficient use of natural resources and thereby enhancing sustainability.The Smart EcoCuva tools to be developed aim to be environmentally sound, economically viable, sociallyjust and culturally appropriate. They are a new, science-based reaction of sustainable agriculture to globalatmosphere, as well as constitute an appropriate link between people and nature. New environmentallyfriendly food combines healthy food with people’s lifestyles.

scholarly journals Researcher self-care in organizational ethnography

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Vincett
Keyword(s):  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Ethics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer practical researcher self-care strategies to prepare for and manage the emotions involved in doing organizational ethnographic research. Institutional ethics policies or research training programs may not provide guidance, yet emotions are an integral part of research, particularly for ethnographers immersed in the field or those working with sensitive topics or vulnerable or marginalized people. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on ethnographic fieldwork over nine months with a voluntary organization in the UK, Yarl’s Wood Befrienders, to explore the experiences and activities of volunteer visitors who offer emotional support to women detained indefinitely in an immigration removal center. The author is a “complete member researcher,” or “at-home ethnographer,” a volunteer visitor and a former detainee. Findings The author describes the emotional impact the research personally had on her and shares learning from overcoming “compassion fatigue.” Self-care strategies based on the literature are recommended, such as a researcher self-assessment, identification of the emotional risks of the research, and self-care plan formulated during project planning. Suggested resources and activities to support the well-being of researchers are explored. Practical implications This paper provides practical resources for researchers to prepare for and cope with emotional and mental health risks throughout the research process. It builds awareness of safeguarding researchers and supporting them with handling emotional disruptions. Without adequate support, they may be psychologically harmed and lose the potential to critically engage with emotions as data. Originality/value The literature on emotions in doing research rarely discusses self-care strategies. This paper offers an actionable plan for researchers to instil emotional and mental well-being into the research design to navigate emotional challenges in the field and build resilience.

Innovative Tools and Models for E-Learning in Romania

2012 ◽  
pp. 105-122
Author(s):  
Liviu Moldovan
Keyword(s):  
Vocational Education ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Vocational Training ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Training Quality ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Pedagogical Innovations ◽  
And Training

This article reports examples from new, ongoing distance learning activities in Romania that utilize state of the art digital media, tools, and methods. Examples include state of the art video tools, design of video infrastructure, and training courses employed for classroom modernisation, to address technological and pedagogical innovations in vocational education and training. The objective is to renovate the teaching infrastructure used by specialists in vocational education, and improve vocational training quality by providing more flexible trainings paths to the Romanian labor market. The latter includes dissemination of a new model for organizing and delivering professional vocational training comprising of competence transfer, competence export, building networks, and development of contacts with vocational schools within a regional development perspective. The training delivery utilizes state of the art ICT solutions, high definition video services, and blended learning frameworks.

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