An investigation of a strength-based model as an approach to helping children cope with a learning disability

Interventions used in helping children with learning disabilities (LD) should consider the impact on the whole child and not only on his/her academic success. This approach may foster the development of unique strengths in the child, unlike those approaches that focus only on the areas of difficulty that the child is experiencing. An approach of this nature focuses on competence generally and differs greatly from traditional approaches, which ignore the importance of non-academic skills in children. The following study investigated the experiences of children with LD and their parents who are enrolled in a strength-based program. Interviews on their perceptions about the program and evaluation of the literature indicated that a strength-based program is effective in helping children cope with LD. The major themes evoked from interviews included recognition of strengths, dependence versus independence in the public school, and life experience with an LD.

An investigation of a strength-based model as an approach to helping children cope with a learning disability

Interventions used in helping children with learning disabilities (LD) should consider the impact on the whole child and not only on his/her academic success. This approach may foster the development of unique strengths in the child, unlike those approaches that focus only on the areas of difficulty that the child is experiencing. An approach of this nature focuses on competence generally and differs greatly from traditional approaches, which ignore the importance of non-academic skills in children. The following study investigated the experiences of children with LD and their parents who are enrolled in a strength-based program. Interviews on their perceptions about the program and evaluation of the literature indicated that a strength-based program is effective in helping children cope with LD. The major themes evoked from interviews included recognition of strengths, dependence versus independence in the public school, and life experience with an LD.

Modelling plant uptake of Cd, Ni and Pb from mobile fractions and release rates obtained by the EUF-method

<p>In order to predict concentrations in green plants from kinetic data as well as from mobile soil fractions from geogenically enriched areas, soils from historic mining and smelting sites in Styria (Austria) were used to grow lettuce in pot experiments. Lettuce is known for high accumulation of Ni and Cd in the shoots as well, but in our case, uptakes remained low. Addition of a mixed metal salt solution resulted in high Ni concentrations in the plants, contrary to Cd and Pb. Effects of mineral fertilizers and metal salt additions upon plant metal uptake and N resp C/N shifts were monitored and combined with results from batch-extraction as well as with release rates and released amounts obtained by a modified EUF (electro-ultra-filtration) method.</p><p>The release obtained by EUF in 0,002M DTPA was modelled by linear, logarithmic, parabolic (√) and quadratic dependence versus time, from original as well as from cumulated datasets. As expected, addition of soluble salts increased the release, whereas addition of PK fertilizer lowered the release of the metals from soil. Thus, food contamination hazards can be lowered by adequate agricultural activities. Plant uptake by nickel got clearly enhanced by metal salt additions, whereas effects of added cadmium and lead were lower. Correlations between plant uptake and release rates resp. released amounts were in the same range, whatever model was used.</p>

Nurses striving to provide caregiver with excellent support and care at a distance: a qualitative study

Background In Norway, changes in life expectancy have led to increased attention to older people who are ageing at home, by means of home care services, adapted technology and informal caregivers. The caring situation has become difficult for many caregivers. The use of telecare has now offered them the possibility to receive support at home. The purpose of this study was to explore how nurses provide support and care at a distance, using a web camera and a web forum in a closed telecare network for caregivers to persons suffering from stroke and dementia. Methods The study had an explorative design with a qualitative approach. The data sources consisted of interviews with nurses and excerpts from posts in a closed telecare network. Content analysis was used to analyse the text from the interviews and the text from the web forum. Results The main theme, “Balancing asymmetric and symmetric relationships” described nurses’ relationship with caregiver. Two categories, “Balancing personal and professional qualities” and “Balancing caregivers’ dependence versus independence” were identified. The first describing the tension in their dialogue, the second describing how nurses provided the caregivers with a sense of security as well as strengthening them to master their daily lives. Conclusions The nurses provided long distance support and care for the caregivers, by using computer-meditated communication. This communication was characterized by closeness as well as empathy. To strengthen the caregivers’ competence and independence, the nurses were easy accessible and provided virtual supervision and support. This study increases the knowledge about online dialogues and relationship between nurses and caregivers. It contributes to knowledge about balancing in the relationship, as well as knowledge about bridging the gap between technologies and nursing care as potential conflicting dimensions. Maintenance of ethical principles are therefore critical to be aware of.

The Broken Contract

Broken relationships develop over time and with repetition and have a corroding effect on loyalty and commitment, which are the glue that holds people together enough to accomplish mutual goals. Managers need to know if someone important to their work is feeling that way, particularly if the person feels that way about them. A key part of understanding such ruptures is to understand the implicit interpersonal promises, better known as the psychological contract. The psychological contract has five essential components: predictability versus confusion, dependence versus independence, distance versus intimacy, change versus stability, and danger versus safety. This chapters explores these elements in cases about business performance and relationships between supervisors and employees.