Parent–child mathematical interactions: examining self-report and direct observation

Variability in children’s early-learning home environments points to the need to better understand specific mechanisms of early mathematical development. We used a sample of 66 parent–preschool child dyads to describe parent-reported mathematical activities in the home and observed parent–child mathematical activities in a semi-structured play session. Data were examined to better understand the two methods of assessing the context of parent–child interactions related to mathematics. Parents reported engaging in a range of mathematical activities about 3–5 times per week, on average. Results from observed interactions indicated that parents engaged in math content/concept interactions in 32.5% of all observed intervals and children engaged in math content/concept interactions in 24.2% of all observed intervals. Although observed parent and child math content interactions were highly correlated, observed parent and child mathematical interactions were not correlated with parent-reported math activities.     

La mortalité périnatale : ampleur et causes à Lubumbashi,République démocratique du Congo

BackgroundThe present study was initiated in order to determine the rate, the causes and the risk factors for perinatal mortality in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsData for this cross-sectional study were collected by interviewing participating women and by analysis of medical files. Women who gave birth in 2010 and were residents of Lubumbashi during the same year were included. Women were included irrespective of the pregnancy outcome and perinatal survival was determined for newborns aged at least seven days. Women were recruited from households selected by cluster sampling for healthcare zones. Perinatal mortality was defined as stillbirths and early neonatal deaths per 1000 births. Risk factors were sought using the odds ratio method adjusted by logistic regression using a 5% threshold.ResultsAmong 11,536 surveyed women, there were 11,633 births including 177 stillbirths and 133 early neonatal deaths. Perinatal mortality was 27‰ (95%IC = 23.7–29.6‰). The causes of this mortality were respiratory distress (58.2%), neonatal infection (pneumonia and neonatal meningitis, 13.5%), complications of prematurity (9.0%), neonatal tetanus (1.6%), congenital malformations (0.6%). The cause of perinatal death was unknown for 17.1%. Risk factors for perinatal mortality were: unmarried mother; home delivery; complicated delivery; dystocia; caesarean-section; multiple pregnancy; low birth weight; prematurity.ConclusionAction should be taken to improve availability, use and quality of Emergency obstetrical and neonatal care. Women should be better informed concerning the danger signs of pregnancy and childbirth.     

Considerations in Seating and Positioning Severely Disabled Drivers

Seating and positioning methods and products have taken a lead in clinical intervention with the disabled client. The seating clinician has emerged as an important member of the rehabilitation team working toward maximizing independence and function of the clients they serve. Seating and positioning interventions have proven to be very effective in stabilizing the client's trunk and torso, making it possible to achieve the once impossible task of driving a motor vehicle. The areas of acceleration deterioration, improved head height, and design of a secure wheelchair base are all concerns for the rehabilitation team working on driving. Addressing these issues early in the driver rehabilitation program can maximize successful outcomes and create a safer driving environment.     

Responding to Employment Needs

Abstract

This article reports on a study investigating employment-related support to individuals with HIV/AIDS from the perspective of service providers. Surveys were completed by AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) administrators and counselors that examined the extent to which support around employment was provided, the type of work-related services delivered, and outreach practices offered to this population. Findings indicated that although employment is becoming an increasingly important concern to this population, service providers have a limited capacity to respond to such needs. Strategies are presented for social workers and other professionals to consider as they work to support individuals with HIV/AIDS with employment-related concerns.     

Functional electrical stimulation for the upper limb in tetraplegic spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Abstract

Technological advances have helped to improve functional ability in spinal cord injury survivors. The aim of this study is to systematically review the evidence for functional electrical stimulation (FES) on functional tasks involving the upper limb in people with spinal cord injuries. The authors systematically searched from September 2009 to September 2014 in relevant databases using a combination of keywords covering spinal cord injury and FES. Studies were selected using pre-determined criteria. The search yielded 144 studies. Only five studies met the inclusion criteria. All five reported improvements immediately and at follow-up in functional ability as a result of FES or FES combined with conventional therapy. There is some preliminary evidence that FES may reduce disability due to upper limb-related activity limitations in tetraplegic spinal cord injury. Further work needs to examine the role of FES in more detail and in combination with other treatments.     

MEDIA & SOFTWARE REVIEWS

No abstract available for this article.     

急性闭塞性脑梗死介入溶栓术的护理观察

目的分析急性闭塞性脑梗死介入溶栓术的护理效果。方法运用随机抽样的方法选择治疗的急性闭塞性脑梗死患者100例,随机分为观察组和对照组各50例,对照组给予常规护理,观察组则在常规护理的基础上给予整体护理,比较2组患者的临床疗效、生活质量评分、并发症发生情况及患者满意度。结果对照组有效率为76.0%,观察组96.0%,观察组明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);2组患者的生活质量评分均有所提高,且观察组生活质量改善程度明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);对照组并发症发生率为12.0%,护理满意度为74.0%,观察组则分别为2.0%和94.0%,与对照组相比,观察组并发症发生率明显降低,护理满意度明显提高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论在常规护理的基础上给予整体护理,能够有效提高介入溶栓术治疗急性闭塞性脑梗死的临床效果,有效降低并发症发生率,提高患者生活质量和满意度,可以在临床上推广应用。     

Experiences of returning to work after acquired brain injury

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore experiences of returning to work after rehabilitation, from the viewpoint of people with acquired brain injury. A purposive sampling of eight informants was made, and data were collected through personal interviews with open questions. The data were then analysed through qualitative content analyses in five steps, resulting in four main categories of experiences: “A new person”, “Stimulants and fellowship”, “Understanding and support”, and “To reach insight” with appurtenant sub-categories. The overarching theme was “Returning to work after acquired brain injury is a long process”. The conclusion of this study is that returning to work after acquired brain injury requires motivated individuals, flexible work, accommodating labour management, and prolonged environmental support. This study also shows that the informants need support for a long period of time to reach a balance and to obtain a functional working role. In order to achieve this, client-centred rehabilitation, professional teamwork, and longer follow-up periods than those of today are required.     

Rehabilitation and orthotic management of congenital and acquired meromelia in the lower limbs of children

Children with limb deficiencies or amputations of the lower extremities should be enabled to stand or walk according to their state of development, because standing and walking are among the most important preconditions for the best possible integration. Supplying them with a prosthesis, orthosis and orthoprosthesis is therefore indispensable for rehabilitation. While a prosthesis replaces parts of the extremities, an orthosis stabilizes the existing extremity. Orthoprostheses compensate longitudinal malformations, have a supporting effect, allow growth to be controlled and compensate for shortening. Just as important as the remedy is early medical treatment. The medical team taking care of the patient works out a treatment plan where responsible cooperation with the parents is of utmost importance. The focus of all efforts is, of course, the handicapped child. Examples are used to demonstrate the course of successful rehabilitation of children and adolescents with damaged limbs. Equally the psychological situation of the parents and child is taken into consideration.