scholarly journals Welfare of Free-Roaming Horses: 70 Years of Experience with Konik Polski Breeding in Poland

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Górecka-Bruzda ◽  
Zbigniew Jaworski ◽  
Joanna Jaworska ◽  
Marta Siemieniuch
Keyword(s):  
Daily Basis ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Domestic Horses ◽  
Insect Harassment ◽  
High Standards

To prevent abuse and to assure the welfare of domestic horses, attempts to assess welfare in a standardized way have been made. Welfare-assessment tools often refer to the physical and social environments of feral domestic horses as examples of welfare-friendly conditions for horses. However, free-roaming horses are often exposed to conditions or states that may be regarded as welfare threats or abuse. The aim of this review was to present cases of welfare compromises as well as natural ways to restore high standards of welfare to Konik polski horses (Koniks) living in semiferal conditions in a forest sanctuary over the course of 70 years. Welfare problems in Koniks related to feeding, locomotor, social, reproductive, and comfort behavior, as well as health issues concerning hoof trimming and parasitism in Koniks, are discussed. Periodic food scarcity or abundance, stressful events around weaning and gathering, the consequences of fights among stallions, exposure to sire aggression during dispersal, lameness during “self-trimming,” exposure to insect harassment, high levels of parasitism, and specific landscape formations may endanger free-roaming horses. It has to be underlined that despite the excellent adaptability of horses to free-roaming conditions, one should be aware that welfare problems are to be expected in any semiferal population. Here, we present the management system applied for 70 years in free-roaming Konik polski horses that minimizes welfare threats. It allows close follow-up of individual horses, the strict monitoring of health and welfare on a daily basis, and if necessary, instant reactions from caretakers in cases of emergency. Moreover, it addresses the problem of starvation due to overgrazing and thus, the ethical controversy related to the eradication of surplus animals causing environmental damage.

Trauma and resilience in young refugees: A 9-year follow-up study

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Montgomery
Keyword(s):  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Community Studies ◽  
Organized Violence

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess and understand the long-term trajectory of psychological problems among young Middle Eastern refugees in Denmark. Participants were 131 young refugees from the Middle East (76 girls, 55 boys; mean age = 15.3 years) from 67 families. They were assessed first on arrival in Denmark in 1992–1993 and again 8–9 years later. The high prevalence of psychological problems at arrival was considerably reduced by the time of follow-up, but it was still somewhat higher than what has been found in most community studies using the same assessment tools. Groups of children differed in showing low levels of symptoms at arrival that were stable (spared) or increased (reacting) and high levels at arrival that persisted (traumatized) or decreased (adapted). The number of types of traumatic experiences before arrival distinguished the spared and the traumatized young refugees and the number of types of stressful events after arrival the adapted and the traumatized, also after corrections for age, sex, specific traumatic events, parents' education and health, and the social situation of the young refugees. The study emphasizes the importance of environmental factors for healthy long-term adaptation after traumatic experiences related to war and other organized violence.

The Importance of Tough-Love Mentoring to Doctoral Student Success: Instruments to Measure the Doctoral Student/Proteges’ Perspective

10.28945/4630 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 485-516
Author(s):  
Laura Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Graduation Rates ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Doctoral Program ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Program Administrators ◽  
High Standards

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine tough-love mentoring theory (TLM) as a potential way to address the problem of low graduation rates among doctoral students. Background: In order to address this purpose, the researcher presents the following: a) a validation study for assessment tools pertaining to TLM and b) a validation study of TLM theory and its two sub-theories: mentor integrity and trustworthiness sub-theory (MIT) and the mentor high standards sub-theory (MHS). Methodology: The researcher tested the validity of the mentor integrity and trustworthiness scale from the protégés’ perspective (MIT-P), the mentor high standards scale from the protégés’ perspective (MHS-P) and the protégés’ perceptions of their own independence (PPI) scale. The sample consisted of 31 doctoral protégés recruited with multi-phase sampling at four education-related doctoral programs in the eastern part of the United States. Contribution: The study provides evidence to support TLM as a strategy to address the problem of low graduation rates among doctoral students. In addition, the study contributes validation of assessment tools that can be used to measure doctoral protégés’ perceptions of their mentors. Findings: For each scale, the data show acceptable levels of internal consistency and evidence of content validity. The data are consistent with the TLM theory and its two sub-theories. The unique contribution of the current study is that it draws from the protégés’ perspective. Recommendations for Practitioners: The researcher presents a) strategies protégés can use to find trustworthy mentors with high standards and b) strategies program administrators can use for professional development of doctoral mentors. The researcher also provides the Right Angle Research Alignment (RARA) table to help protégés organize and manage the research methods section of their dissertation. Recommendation for Researchers: It is recommended that researchers use experimental methods to test TLM theory and the sub-theories, MIT and MHS. Impact on Society: This theory may be useful in business and in the arts and in other teaching relationships such as coaching and tutoring. The researcher encourages scholars to test TLM theory in these other contexts. Future Research: Further research questions that arise from this study are as follows: How can protégés find mentors who have high standards and who are trustworthy? What can doctoral program administrators do to help mentors develop high standards and trustworthiness?

scholarly journals Psychiatric Assessment and Management of Clients Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery: Overview and Need for an Integrated Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharmi Bascarane ◽  
Pooja P. Kuppili ◽  
Vikas Menon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cosmetic Surgery ◽  
English Language ◽  
Body Dysmorphic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Psychiatric Assessment ◽  
Postsurgical Outcomes

Abstract Background Psychiatric disorders are more common among people undergoing cosmetic procedures than the general population and evaluating mental health can be cumbersome for plastic surgeons. We aim to summarize the available literature in this regard and propose an integrated approach to psychiatric assessment and management of mental health issues among this group. Methods Electronic search of MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO databases was done to identify relevant peer-reviewed English language articles from inception till April 2020. Generated abstracts were screened for their eligibility. Included articles were grouped according to their thematic focus under the following headings; prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among clients posted for cosmetic surgery, assessment tools, and management of psychiatric morbidity in relation to undergoing cosmetic surgery. Results A total of 120 articles were reviewed. The prevalence of psychiatric disorder in patients undergoing cosmetic surgery was 4 to 57% for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD); the corresponding figures for depression, anxiety, and personality disorder were 4.8 to 25.8, 10.8 to 22, and 0 to 53%, respectively. A range of tools have been used to assess these disorders and specific measures are also available to assess clinical outcomes following surgery. Screening for these disorders is essential to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures, as well as to ensure timely management of the psychiatric comorbidity. Conclusion Psychiatric morbidity is a common concomitant in cosmetic surgery. A structured and integrated approach to evaluation and management of psychiatric morbidity will help to optimize postsurgical outcomes.

scholarly journals Mental health and resilience among Eritrean refugees at arrival and one-year post-registration in Switzerland: a cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Afona Chernet ◽  
Nicole Probst-Hensch ◽  
Véronique Sydow ◽  
Daniel H. Paris ◽  
Niklaus D. Labhardt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Migration Route ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol Use ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

Abstract Objective Eritrea is the most frequent country of origin among asylum seekers in Switzerland. On their journey through the desert and across the Mediterranean Sea, Eritrea refugees are often exposed to traumatizing experiences. The aim of this study is to assess the mental health status and resilience of Eritrean migrants in Switzerland upon arrival and one-year post-arrival, using standardized mental health screening and resilience assessment tools. Results At baseline, 107 refugees (11.2% female, median age 25) were interviewed: 52 (48.6%) screened positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (score ≥ 30), 10.3% for anxiety (≥ 10) and 15.0% for depression (≥ 10); 17.8% scored as risk/hazardous drinkers (≥ 8). The majority (94.4%) had a high resilience score (≥ 65). For one-year follow-up, 48 asylum seekers could be reached. In interviews 18 (38%) of these reported imprisonment in a transit country and 28 (58%) that they had witnessed the death of a close person along the migration route. At the one year assessment, rates of risky/hazardous alcohol use remained unchanged, rates of positive PTSD screening tended to be lower (50.0% (24/48) at baseline vs 25.0% (12/48) at follow-up), as were rates of positive screening for anxiety (8.3% vs 4.2%) and depression (14.6 vs 6.3%).

scholarly journals Grandparent Resilience: Improving Self-Efficacy in Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 510-510
Author(s):  
Aimee Fox ◽  
Nathaniel Riggs ◽  
Loriena Yancura ◽  
Christine Fruhauf
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Post Test

Abstract Grandparents often protect against childhood trauma and promote resilience through their nurturance, love, and support when raising grandchildren. Despite the beneficial role grandparents have on their grandchildren, grandparents may experience challenges of their own, including physical, mental, and emotional health issues, lack of resources, and social isolation. Few interventions exist to help grandparents successfully adapt to the challenges they face as primary parenting figures. The purpose of this study was to test preliminary efficacy of a strengths-based intervention for grandparents raising grandchildren aimed at increasing self-care behaviors, managing emotions, and connecting to community resources. Grandparents (N = 137) providing primary care to grandchildren were recruited to participate in a single-group, pre- and post-test design, 6-week intervention. Self-efficacy was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. To evaluate who the intervention might be most beneficial for, grandparents’ service knowledge, perceived support from others, and length of care provided, measured at baseline, were analyzed for moderating effects. Results of paired-samples t-tests reveal significant increases in self-efficacy (p = .013) from baseline to post-test, which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up (p = .010). Hierarchical multiple regression showed interaction effects of the hypothesized moderators were not significant, indicating improvements in self-efficacy regardless of individual variability at baseline. As demonstrated, interventions can be effective at increasing self-efficacy in grandparents raising grandchildren and strengths-based approaches have the potential to provide universal benefits to grandparents, thus improving functioning in grandfamilies and promoting the health and well-being of grandparents and their grandchildren.

Health assessments for Indigenous Australians at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service: health problems identified and subsequent follow up

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tegan Dutton ◽  
Wendy Stevens ◽  
Jamie Newman
Keyword(s):  
Medical Service ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Aboriginal Health ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Retrospective Audit ◽  
Health Assessments ◽  
Clinical Records

This study aimed to document the types, management and follow up of health issues identified by all Aboriginal Health Assessments (AHA) performed at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012. This was done with a retrospective audit of clinical records. In total, 1169 AHAs were performed: 41% child, 53% adult and 6% older person AHAs. Newly identified health issues were documented in 85% (984). Being overweight (41%; 476) and smoking (26%; 301) were the common risk factors identified. As a result of the AHA, most children who were not up-to-date with their vaccinations received catch-up immunisations; 11% (36) of adult women (n=314) received a Pap smear, although Pap smear status was unknown or not up-to-date for 61% (192); 27% (311) of cases were prescribed new medication; and 1239 referrals were made but only 40% were attended. At 6 months following the AHA, 26% (240) of cases with newly identified health issues were completely managed and followed up, whereas 25% (226) received no follow up. The AHAs are useful for identifying new health issues; however, follow up of the identified health issues should be improved. If AHAs are to improve health outcomes, appropriate management and follow up of the identified health issues are essential.

Effects of choral singing on salivary cortisol levels and self-reported stress in university students

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar Glauco De Cunto Carelli Taets ◽  
Ramon Werner Heringer Gutierrez ◽  
Leila Brito Bergold ◽  
Luana Silva Monteiro
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Group Approach ◽  
Choral Singing ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Although mental disorders are common among university students, the majority of students with mental health issues do not seek out treatment during their academic life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a novel group approach- choir singing, and its potential impact on stress, via salivary cortisol levels and self-reported stress levels in university students during 4 sessions of choir singing. It was based on a quasi-experimental research conducted with 25 Brazilian university students. Each choir singing session lasted 60 minutes. A question was asked before and after the intervention: what is the level of your stress? Salivary cortisol was collected before and after the intervention. After the choir singing intervention, there was  a statistically significant reduction in self-reported stress (p<0.0001) and salivary cortisol levels (p<0.0001). This research suggests that choir singing can reduce the self-reported stress of university students after 4 weeks of follow-up with ∆= 45.83% and salivary cortisol levels in the first week with ∆= 3.57%.

The probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota attenuates symptoms of vestibular migraine: a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-476
Author(s):  
X. Qi ◽  
G. Fan ◽  
H. Jia
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Lactobacillus Casei ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Vestibular Migraine ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Lactobacillus Casei Shirota ◽  
Probiotic Lactobacillus ◽  
Vestibular Symptoms

Vestibular migraine (VM) has emerged as one of the major vestibular syndromes. Although probiotics have exhibited beneficial effects on migraine headache, its effect on VM is not clear. This trial aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on symptoms of VM. 247 VM patients were enrolled, of which 204 eligible patients receiving either LcS or placebo on a daily basis completed the 4 month study. They were re-visited at 2 and 4 months after study initiation to assess treatment outcomes. The primary endpoints were vestibular symptoms, evaluated by the number of vertiginous attacks during the past week, the Vertigo Severity Score (VSS), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. The secondary endpoints were anxiety and depressive symptoms, evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. Efficacy of LcS over placebo was not obvious at 2 month follow-up. At 4 month follow-up, while both LcS and placebo groups of VM patients displayed alleviated symptoms, the extents of the improvements were significantly better in LcS group than those of placebo group, with regard to vestibular symptoms using DHI and VSS, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms using BAI and BDI. Although placebo effect cannot be ignored in intervention for VM patients, the probiotic LcS still exhibits considerable efficacy against VM symptoms over a 4 month study period, supporting further clinical study of a larger and more diverse cohort.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Evaluators: Implementation of a Multi-Source Evaluation Program for Graduate Medical Education Program Directors

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ellen J. Goldhamer ◽  
Keith Baker ◽  
Amy P. Cohen ◽  
Debra F. Weinstein
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Graduate Medical Education ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
Source Evaluation ◽  
Graduate Medical ◽  
Medical Education Program ◽  
Academic Year

ABSTRACT Background Multi-source evaluation has demonstrated value for trainees, but is not generally provided to residency or fellowship program directors (PDs). Objective To develop, implement, and evaluate a PD multi-source evaluation process. Methods Tools were developed for PD evaluation by trainees, department chairs, and graduate medical education (GME) leadership. Evaluation questions were based on PD responsibilities, including Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements. A follow-up survey assessed the process. Results Evaluation completion rates were as follows: trainees in academic year 2012–2013, 53% (958 of 1824), and in academic year 2013–2014, 42% (800 of 1898); GME directors in 2013–2014, 100% (95 of 95); and chairs/chiefs in 2013–2014, 92% (109 of 118). Results of a follow-up survey of PDs (66%, 59 of 90) and chairs (74%, 48 of 65) supports the evaluations' value, with 45% of responding PDs (25 of 56) and 50% of responding chairs (21 of 42) characterizing them as “extremely” or “quite” useful. Most indicated this was the first written evaluation they had received (PDs 78%, 46 of 59) or provided (chairs 69%, 33 of 48) regarding the PD role. More than 60% of PD (30 of 49) and chair respondents (24 of 40) indicated trainee feedback was “extremely” or “quite” useful, and nearly 50% of PDs (29 of 59) and 21% of chairs (10 of 48) planned changes based on the results. Trainee response rates improved in 2014–2015 (52%, 971 of 1872) and 2015–2016 (69%, 1276 of 1837). Conclusions In our institution, multi-source evaluation of PDs was sustained over 4 years with acceptable and improving evaluation completion rates. The process and assessment tools are potentially transferrable to other institutions.

scholarly journals Structural Assessment of Scars Using Optical Techniques

2020 ◽  
pp. 169-178
Author(s):  
L. van Haasterecht ◽  
Paul P. M. van Zuijlen ◽  
ML. Groot
Keyword(s):  
Second Harmonic ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Optical Techniques ◽  
Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy ◽  
Treatment Benefits ◽  
Precise Quantification ◽  
Resolution Imaging

AbstractThe evaluation of scar treatment benefits from exact structural measurements. Accurate assessment of thickness, surface area, and relief is crucial in routine clinical follow-up. From an experimental perspective, precise visualization of the microstructural organization is necessary for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathological scarring. Structural proteins in scars differ from healthy skin in terms of amount, type, and importantly, organization. The precise quantification of this extracellular matrix (ECM) organization was, until recently, limited to two-dimensional images from fixated and stained tissue. Advances in optical techniques now allow high-resolution imaging of these structures, in some cases in vivo. The enormous potential of these techniques as objective assessment tools is illustrated by a substantial increase in available devices. This chapter describes currently used devices and techniques used in the clinical follow-up of scar progression from a volumetric standpoint. Furthermore, some of the most powerful techniques for microstructural research are described including optical coherence tomography, nonlinear optical techniques such as second harmonic generation microscopy, and confocal microscopy.

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