MDD vs. traditional software development: a practitioner’s subjective perspective

Context: Today’s project managers have a myriad of methods to choose from for the development of software applications. However, they lack empirical data about the character of these methods in terms of usefulness, ease of use or compatibility, all of these being relevant variables to assess the developer’s intention to use them. Objective: To compare three methods, each following a different paradigm (Model-Driven, Model-Based and Code-Centric) with respect to their adoption potential by junior software developers engaged in the development of the business layer of a Web 2.0 application. Method: We have conducted a quasi-experiment with 26 graduate students of the University of Alicante. The application developed was a Social Network, which was organized around a fixed set of modules. Three of them, similar in complexity, were used for the experiment. Subjects were asked to use a different method for each module, and then to answer a questionnaire that gathered their perceptions during such use. Results: The results show that the Model-Driven method is regarded as the most useful, although it is also considered the least compatible with previous developers’ experiences. They also show that junior software developers feel comfortable with the use of models, and that they are likely to use them if the models are accompanied by a Model-Driven development environment. Conclusions: Despite their relatively low level of compatibility, Model-Driven development methods seem to show a great potential for adoption. That said, however, further experimentation is needed to make it possible to generalize the results to a different population, different methods, other languages and tools, different domains or different application sizes.

Development and psychometric testing of the clinical learning environment, supervision and nurse teacher evaluation scale (CLES+T): The Spanish version

Background: The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the quality of the clinical learning process in international nursing education contexts. Objectives: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Spanish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale. Design: Cross-sectional validation study of the scale. Setting: 10 public and private hospitals in the Alicante area, and the Faculty of Health Sciences (University of Alicante, Spain). Participants: 370 student nurses on clinical placement (January 2011–March 2012). Methods: The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale was translated using the modified direct translation method. Statistical analyses were performed using PASW Statistics 18 and AMOS 18.0.0 software. A multivariate analysis was conducted in order to assess construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate instrument reliability. Results: An exploratory factorial analysis identified the five dimensions from the original version, and explained 66.4% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the Spanish version of the instrument. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the scale was .95, ranging from .80 to .97 for the subscales. Conclusion: This version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale instrument showed acceptable psychometric properties for use as an assessment scale in Spanish-speaking countries.

“La asistencia al enfermo mental” de Luis Valenciano: la profesionalización del cuidado al enfermo mental durante la Segunda República Española

La reforma de la asistencia psiquiátrica, impulsada a través de los cambios legislativos implantados durante la Segunda República Española, planteó mejoras en la profesionalización de los cuidadores de los establecimientos psiquiátricos. A través del Decreto de 16 de mayo de 1932 se organizó el personal subalterno en Practicantes en Medicina y Cirugía con el diploma de enfermeros psiquiátricos y Enfermeros y Enfermeras Psiquiátricos; y se reguló la obtención del Diploma de Enfermero Psiquiátrico. En el Decreto de 17 de mayo de 1932 se publicó el programa oficial de estudios para obtener dicha titulación y, el 5 de Julio de 1932, las bases de un concurso para una obra que se ajustara al temario. El Consejo Superior Psiquiátrico eligió y recomendó “La asistencia al enfermo mental”(1933) de Luis Valenciano Gayá. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el contenido del libro, que incluía los cuidados que precisaban los enfermos mentales, así como las condiciones físicas y actitudinales requeridas para ser “enfermero psiquiátrico”. Asimismo se pretende valorar la importancia del manual que, si bien no fue el primero publicado en español, si presentó una difusión nacional y se convirtió en la obra de referencia para los enfermeros psiquiátricos en los años treinta.

Ecological restoration across the Mediterranean Basin as viewed by practitioners

Restoration efforts in the Mediterranean Basin have been changing from a silvicultural to an ecological restoration approach. Yet, to what extent the projects are guided by ecological restoration principles remains largely unknown. To analyse this issue, we built an on-line survey addressed to restoration practitioners. We analysed 36 restoration projects, mostly from drylands (86%). The projects used mainly soil from local sources. The need to comply with legislation was more important as a restoration motive for European Union (EU) than for non-EU countries, while public opinion and health had a greater importance in the latter. Non-EU countries relied more on non-native plant species than EU countries, thus deviating from ecological restoration guidelines. Nursery-grown plants used were mostly of local or regional provenance, whilst seeds were mostly of national provenance. Unexpected restoration results (e.g. inadequate biodiversity) were reported for 50% of the projects and restoration success was never evaluated in 22%. Long term evaluation (> 6 years) was only performed in 31% of cases, and based primarily on plant diversity and cover. The use of non-native species and species of exogenous provenances may: i) entail the loss of local genetic and functional trait diversity, critical to cope with drought, particularly under the predicted climate change scenarios, and ii) lead to unexpected competition with native species and/or negatively impact local biotic interactions. Absent or inappropriate monitoring may prevent the understanding of restoration trajectories, precluding adaptive management strategies, often crucial to create functional ecosystems able to provide ecosystem services. The overview of ecological restoration projects in the Mediterranean Basin revealed high variability among practices and highlighted the need for improved scientific assistance and information exchange, greater use of native species of local provenance, and more long-term monitoring and evaluation, including functional and ecosystem services' indicators, to improve and spread the practice of ecological restoration.

Prevalência de lesões musculo-esqueléticas em profissionais de artes musicais

Enquadramento: As lesões músculo-esqueléticas relacionadas com o trabalho apresentam-se atualmente como um crescente flagelo e a profissão de músico é uma atividade predisponente para a ocorrência dessas lesões, exigindo uma atenção especial dos profissionais de saúde para identificar e controlar os fatores de risco. Objetivos: O presente estudo pretende identificar a prevalência das perturbações músculo-esqueléticas nos músicos profissionais praticantes de Cordofones beliscados e analisar a sua relação com as variáveis sociodemográficas, estado de saúde e características da prática instrumental. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo não experimental, transversal, descritivo-correlacional e de caráter quantitativo, que envolveu 70 músicos portugueses praticantes de cordofones beliscados, residentes em Viseu, Porto e Lisboa, com idades compreendidas entre 18 e 55 anos. Foi realizado com recurso ao uso de um questionário que avalia as variáveis sociodemográficas, as clínicas e as relacionadas com a prática musical e para avaliação das perturbações musculoesqueléticas utilizámos o “Questionário Nórdico Músculo-Esquelético”. Resultados: Dos músicos estudados 70,0% referem sentir perturbações músculo-esqueléticas como dor/formigueiro/dormência nos últimos 12 meses, tendo estes ocorrido sobretudo nos punhos/mãos (68.6%), ombros (54.3%), pescoço e região lombar (44.3%). Observámos que são vários os fatores risco das perturbações musculoesqueléticas como a idade avançada, um Índice de Massa Corporal mais elevado, o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, não praticar atividade física, o excesso de espetáculos, a postura adotada, instrumentos mais pesados e tocar sem pausas. Conclusões: O nosso estudo reforça a ideia de que as perturbações músculo-esqueléticas estão presentes nos músicos portugueses e que a sua origem está relacionada com características individuais, estado de saúde e exigências da prática instrumental. Cabe então ao Enfermeiro de Reabilitação criar estratégias preventivas, para evitar que os fatores de risco acrescidos causem ou aumentem as já instaladas lesões músculo-esqueléticas nos músicos, promovendo uma carreira longa e saudável. Palavras-chave: Músicos; Lesões musculoesqueléticas; Fatores de risco; Enfermagem de Reabilitação.

Trends in diabetes incidence from 1992 to 2015 and projections for 2024: A Portuguese General Practitioner’s Network study

Background: Diabetes is known as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Portugal is known as the European country with the highest prevalence of this disease. While diabetes prevalence data is updated annually in Portugal, the General Practitioner’s (GP) Sentinel Network represents the only data source on diabetes incidence. This study describes the trends in Diabetes incidence, between 1992 and 2015, and estimate projections for the future incidence rates in Portugal until 2024. Methods: An ecological time-series study was conducted using data from GP Sentinel Network between 1992 and 2015. Family doctors reported all new cases of Diabetes in their patients’ lists. Annual trends were estimated through Poisson regression models as well as the future incidence rates (until 2024), sex and age group stratified. Incidence rate projections were adjusted to the distribution of the resident Portuguese population given Statistics Portugal projections. Results: The average increase in Diabetes incidence rate was in total 4.29% (CI95% 3.80–4.80) per year under study. Until 1998–2000, the annual incidence rate was higher in women, and from 1998–2000 to 2013–2015 turn out to be higher in men. The incidence rate projected for 2022–2024 was 972.77/105 inhabitants in total, and 846.74/105 and 1114.42/105, respectively, in women and men. Conclusions: This is the first study in Portugal to estimate diabetes incidence rate projections. The disturbing reported projections seem realistic if things continue as in the past. Actually, effective public health policies will need to be undertaken to minimize this alarming future scenario.

Nurse demonstrating procedure on a doll at Mott Children's Hospital Open House, March 22, 1994

side 2

The new nurse in industry : a guide for the newly employed occupational health nurse.

Includes bibliographical references.

The head nurse looks at her job;

Mode of access: Internet.

Practice before government agencies : Hearings, Eightieth Congress, first and second sessions, on H.R. 2657, a bill to protect the public with respect to practitioners before administrative agencies.

Hearings held July 9, 1947-Feb. 16, 1948.

The book of household management : comprising information for the mistress, housekeeper, cook, kitchen-maid, butler, footman, coachman, valet, upper and under house maids, lady's-maid, maid-of-all-work, laundry-maid, nurse and nurse-maid, monthly, wet, and sick nurses, etc. etc. : also, sanitary, medical, and legal memoranda : with a history of the origin, properties, and uses of all things connected with home life and comfort /

Includes index.

Passive solar design : a short bibliography for practitioners /

"Oct. 1978."

Text-book of insanity, based on clinical observations for practitioners and students of medicine.

Translation of Lehrbuch der Psychiatrie auf klinischer Grundlage für practische Aerzte und Studierende.

A compendium of the law of real and personal property : connected with conveyancing, for the use of students and practitioners /

Includes bibliographical footnotes and index.