Digital Commons Network^™

Professional Development Needs In Educational Support For The Waldorf Teacher, Leah M. Mrozinski

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In the past few years of immersion into the Waldorf world through both my work and my educational pursuits, I have recognized that there is an absence of basic special education knowledge in the practice of Waldorf education. My research sought to answer the question: What topics of educational support are most relevant and needed for Waldorf teachers and trainees today? My literature review explored best practices in special education and Waldorf education and connections with polyvagal theory. More specifically, it includes a basic review of special education law, best practices in special education, how a Waldorf education meets the …

Heart-Thinking Leadership: A Transformative Approach To Binary Hierarchies In Waldorf Schools, Chiaki Uchiyama

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explores heart-thinking leadership as a transformative approach to dismantling elitism, hierarchy, and binary structures in education, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Grounded in insights from Damásio, Spinoza, Emerson, Hegelian dialectics, and wisdom traditions such as Manichaeism, African spirituality, and Indigenous feminism, it examines how third space thinking fosters inclusivity and dynamic leadership. By integrating intuition, intellect, and relational awareness, heart-thinking leadership moves beyond rigid dualisms—mind and body, self and other, power and subjugation—to cultivate a holistic way of knowing. This perspective critiques conventional DEI models that reinforce binaries of oppressor and oppressed, advocating instead for an …

Dirty Hands, Savage Enemies, And Bad Apples: A Taxonomy Of War Crimes Apologia, Jessica Wolfendale

Faculty Scholarship

In this paper, we detail and critique dominant narratives of war crime apologia. These narratives portray the circumstances of a war crime, the perpetrator’s character and motives, and the broader context in which the crime occurred, in ways that minimise or negate the perpetrator’s moral, and sometimes legal, blameworthiness. In section one, we identify and critique three broad categories: (1) individualising narratives (‘uncommon practice’), (2) excusatory narratives (‘essence of war’), and (3) justificatory narratives (‘tragic necessity’). Drawing on a range of real world examples, we outline the features of these narratives and the underlying theory of moral responsibility and blameworthiness …

Outcomes Of Covid-19: Posttraumatic Growth And Emotion-Focused Coping Among U.S. Veterans, Jessica Paige Wilding-Belalcazar

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Female veterans are currently the fastest growing population of veterans in the United States (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022) and have a higher prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than male veterans (Na et al., 2021), yet there has been limited research done on this population. Females have also been found to experience more posttraumatic growth (PTG) than males (Kalaitzaki, 2021; Prieto-Ursa & Jordar, 2020; Yildiz, 2021). Furthermore, women’s use of emotion-focused coping strategies has been shown to play a role in increasing experiences of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic (Chu-Si & Yunhwan, 2022). Yet, while research has examined …

Why Men Join The Incel Community: A Thematic Analysis, Aishwarya Lonikar

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Incels have gained mainstream attention in recent years because of increasing sexism and hatred that have manifested as violent acts committed towards women in the real world. This has led to growing research and discussion on social and political culture. The goal of this study is to understand why men join the incel community, to find ways to mitigate the need for men to join such communities. A theoretical thematic analysis was conducted using a survey to gain a deeper understanding of why men choose to join the incel community. A decolonial feminist interpretive framework was used to analyze the …

The Experience Of Psychologists In Providing Unexpected Feedback During Neurodevelopmental Evaluations, Alyssa J. Mayer

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of licensed psychologists who provided unexpected feedback to assessment clients about not meeting the criteria for neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals are increasingly seeking formal evaluation for neurodevelopmental disorders based on anecdotal information they come across on the internet. Many people develop strong identity attachments to these diagnostic labels, and it can be incredibly dysregulating to learn that they do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Six psychologists participated in semi-structured virtual interviews to share their experiences providing clients with this type of unexpected feedback. Through an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework, …

Cultivating Empathy: A Content Analysis Of Empathic Themes In Best-Selling Children's Books, Elnaz J. Afousi

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examines the presence and nature of empathic content in best-selling children’s picture books, with a focus on developmental relevance for preschool-aged readers. Using a modified version of the iEPIC empathy coding system, 10 titles from the New York Times best-seller list were analyzed to assess the frequency and complexity of three empathy-related constructs: Emotion or State Description (ESD), Exploring Emotion or State (EES), and Empathic Understanding or Concern (EUC). Results indicate that while all books contained some empathy-related content, ESD3 (self-reflective emotional descriptions) and EUC2/EUC4 (understanding and helping others) were most prevalent, suggesting an emphasis on both intrapersonal …

Subthreshold Depression In The National Epidemiologic Survey On Alcohol And Related Conditions Iii (Nesarc-Iii): A Quantitative Analysis Of Prevalence, Characteristics, And Burden In A Nationally Representative Sample, Scott T. Young

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

While subthreshold depression (subD) is relatively young for a diagnostic concept at a mere half century old, it has burdened individuals and societies for far longer. Research has established that it is a highly prevalent, clinically important entity with clear links to personal distress and impairment (including increased suicidal ideation and behavior), societal burden (e.g., increased reliance on public assistance programs), and economic costs (both personal and public). Research has also demonstrated that it represents a significant risk factor for incident major depression (MD) and that it likely represents both a prodromal and residual state in the normal course of …

The Lived Experience Of Fly Fishing And Its Significance For Cultivating A Communion Of Subjects, Eric Landon Mcduffie

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Inspired by the lived fly fishing experiences encountered with my grandfather and the spiritually ecological writings of Thomas Berry, I explored how the sacred art of fly fishing connects participants with the natural world from a universal perspective given to us by Thomas Berry in The New Story. Berry described three principles that make up the entire universe: Differentiation, Subjectivity and Communion. I wanted to understand how lived fly fishing experiences fit into Berry’s three universal principles and how an individual’s lived fly fishing experience(s) cultivate(s) a “Communion of subjects.”1 Answers to these two questions informed five initial approaches to …

Understanding The Effects Of Platelet Transfusions In Neonates, Robert W. Maitta

Faculty Scholarship

Platelet transfusions represent a common life-saving intervention used in intensive critical settings to treat neonates with thrombocytopenia, at risk of or actively bleeding, or undergoing clinical complications that make transfusions part of the management. Even though it is intended to help restore hemostasis in patients, platelet transfusions can, under certain circumstances, lead to negative effects, greater inflammation, and rarely increased mortality. It is the occurrence of these unforeseen and yet to be defined transfusion-associated complications that are at the center of a renewed effort to identify those factors increasing risk or that make a subset of patients more likely to …

A Cross-Sectional Survey And Latent Class Analysis Of Knowledge On Peripheral Arterial Disease In Hong Kong, Angel Lai, Guang-Ming Tan, Bryan P. Yan

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is prevalent and associated with significant cardiovascular (CV) mortality. However, it remains under-recognized, particularly in Asian countries. This study aims to assess awareness of PAD, its risk factors, and perceived consequences in relation to other CV diseases to inform strategies for improving clinical care.

METHODS: A total of 1,008 adults attending outpatient clinics at a university-affiliated tertiary hospital were recruited between January-August 2020 for a phone questionnaire. Differences between awareness groups were analysed by Pearson’s Chi-square test, predictors of PAD awareness were determined using multivariate logistic regression, and latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to …

Micra Leadless Pacemaker Implantation Via Transjugular Approach, Yuen-Fung Yiu, Ngai-Yin Chan

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Leadless pacemaker implantation offers a safe and effective option for patients with limited venous access or high bleeding risk. The procedure usually necessitates insertion of a large-bore sheath over the femoral vein. We report a case of successful Micra^TM implantation via transjugular approach in a patient with inferior vena cava obstruction.

A Retrospective Review On The Use Of Dapagliflozin And Empagliflozin In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With Or Without Heart Failure: A Local Hospital Data, Wong Chi Ieong

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background

This study aims at reviewing the use of the two SGLT2 inhibitors, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, in a local hospital, Caritas Medical Centre, in terms of efficacy and safety.

Methods

This study was a retrospective, single-centered review carried out in Caritas Medical Centre. 143 adult patients who were prescribed with one of the two SGLT2 inhibitors available in CMC, between 1 Mar 2021 and 1 Mar 2022 were included in the study. The inclusive study duration were 12 months pre- and post- SGLT2 inhibitor initiation.

Results

The mean change in HbA1c level was a 13.25% and 9.04% decrease after the …

The New Era Of Arrhythmia Care: Innovation, Intervention & Issues, Chu-Pak Lau, Ngai-Yin Chan

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract for this article type

Oral Anticoagulation In The Era Of Continuous Rhythm Monitoring, Chu-Pak Lau, Hung-Fat Tse

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background

Primary prevention of stroke using oral anticoagulants (OACs) is indicated for clinical atrial fibrillation (AF) documented on standard electrocardiogram (ECG) in those patients with a high risk of stroke. The recent availability of both external ECG monitors (either using consumer electronic or medical devices) and implantable devices have enabled earlier AF episodes to be detected before clinical AF become manifest. These episodes, often termed subclinical AF (SCAF), represent an area of controversy for the application of OAC.

Objective

The present review summarises the management of SCAF, based on recent guidelines and publications in the following areas:

1. In the presence …

Review Of Asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White (Wpw, Ventricular Preexcitation) In Children, Sabrina Tsao

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

The increased use of screening electrocardiograms has led to more incidental findings of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern, an abnormal ECG pattern. Asymptomatic WPW refers to patients with an abnormal ECG but no cardiovascular symptoms. The prevalence of WPW syndrome in childhood is estimated at 0.4-2.2 per 1000 individuals, with a higher incidence in males. Most patients have normal cardiac anatomy, but up to 30% of infants with SVT and WPW have associated structural heart diseases. WPW can also be linked to a familial form associated with glycogen storage disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There are four types of arrhythmias associated with WPW …

Will Conduction System Pacing Replace Biventricular Pacing For Treating Heart Failure In Patients With Wide Qrs Duration?, Chan Yat Sun Joseph

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Conduction system pacing CSP) is an emerging therapy for resynchronization of patients with heart failure and wide QRS duration. It has been proposed to replace cardiac resynchronization therapy with biventricular pacing (CRT with BVP) mainly because of shortcoming of CRT with BVP including failure to implant coronary sinus leads and unsatisfactory response in certain subset of heart failure patients. The current evidence for CSP in heart failure patients with wide QRS duration is reviewed and the gap in evidence in supporting CSP to replace CRT with BVP is discussed.

Associations Between Five-Year Blood Pressure Variability And Risk Of Cardiovascular Events And Mortality: A Territory-Wide Family Medicine Cohort Study, Jiandong Zhou, Sharen Lee, Wing Tak Wong, Keith Sai Kit Leung, Wai Kit Ming, Tong Liu, Kamalan Jeevaratnam, Bernard Man Yung Cheung, Gary Tse, Qingpeng Zhang

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Introduction: Blood pressure variability, in addition to blood pressure itself, has been used as a predictor for mortality. This study examined the predictive power of baseline/latest/mean/median blood pressure and blood pressure variability measures for all-cause mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods: The retrospective observational study analyzed patients who presented to family medicine clinics between 1^st January, 2000 and 31^st December, 2001. Blood pressure measurements were obtained over a five-year period. Standard deviation (SD), root mean square (RMS), coefficient of variation (CV) and a variability score (number of >=5 mmHg blood pressure change) were used as measures of blood …

32nd Annual Scientific Congress Of Hong Kong College Of Cardiology Proceeding

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract provided.

Challenges Faced In Managing The Hemodynamic Status Due To Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding In Typhoid Fever With Uncorrected Double Outlet Right Ventricle Patient: A Case Report, Kellyn Trycia Zenjaya, Lindawati Wijoyo, Jovan Amadeo Muliyanto, Rizqi Rokhmadhoni Pikir, Dwi Putri Lestari, Esthy Poespitaningtyas

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart defect often associated with polycythemia and bleeding risk. A 7-year-old boy with uncorrected DORV presented with fever, melena, and shock. He was cyanotic, tachypneic, and tachycardic, with SpO₂ of 68% and a harsh ejection systolic murmur. Labs showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and prolonged APTT. Tubex TF IgM was strongly positive. A diagnosis of typhoid fever with gastrointestinal bleeding and uncorrected DORV was made. Management included oxygen, inotropes, and fluid resuscitation. Propranolol was withheld. Severe infection with underlying cyanotic heart disease and coagulopathy presents a critical management dilemma.

Comparison Of Clinical Outcomes Between Provisional Stenting And Two-Stent Approach For True Left Main Bifurcation Lesions In The Era Of Imaging Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Ming Leo Lau, Ho Fai Daniel Fong, Nim Pong Kwong

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background

Currently there are two strategies in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of the true left main (LM) bifurcation lesions: provisional stenting and two-stent technique. The optimal treatment strategy for true LM bifurcation lesions is undetermined. In addition, the percentage of use of imaging-guiding in these studies was low. We would like to undertake a retrospective cohort study to compare the clinical outcomes of provisional stenting versus two-stent technique in treating the true LM bifurcation lesions with the help of intravascular imaging.

Methods

Data of consecutive patients undergoing PCI of true LM bifurcation lesions in Yan Chai Hospital from January, 2018 …

10th Asian Preventive Cardiology And Cardiac Rehabilitation Conference

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract provided.

27th Asc Of Icsm Proceedings

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract provided.

Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Cryoballoon Ablation For Pulmonary Vein Isolation In Atrial Fibrillation: A Single-Centre Experience, Wan Ying Kwok

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of rhythm control for atrial fibrillation (AF), with cryoballoon ablation (CBA) representing the established single-shot technology. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) offers a novel non-thermal approach utilizing electroporation, potentially enhancing myocardial selectivity while minimizing extra-cardiac injury. This study compares the procedural efficacy and safety of PFA and CBA.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed 153 consecutive patients undergoing first-time PVI (CBA = 113; PFA = 40) for AF at a single tertiary centre. Primary efficacy endpoint was arrhythmia-free survival one year post-ablation, while the secondary efficacy endpoint was the improvement of symptoms, quantified …

An Unusual Cause Of Acute Constrictive Pericarditis, Yue Hin Tang, Raymond Chi Yan Fung

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the pericardium thickens and constricts, has long been considered as a chronic sequela of prior insults to the pericardium such as heart surgery, repeated pericarditis, tuberculosis infection, radiation exposure, etc. Susceptible populations are thus expected to be middle-aged.

We present a case in which a young gentleman was diagnosed with acute constrictive pericarditis due to Adult-onset Still’s disease with macrophage activation syndrome. This case illustrated that constrictive pericarditis could happen in acute settings and thus the importance of cardiologists to maintain open-minded in search of a diagnosis

Collateral Damage: Dual Mechanical Complications From An Apparently Small Myocardial Infarction, Irene Carrión-Sánchez, Luis Manuel García-Linacero, Paola Ramos-Cano, Jesús Ducay-Rico, Ana Pardo-Sanz, Diego Matellán-Alonso, Irene Gámez-Guijarro, Marcelo Sanmartín, José L. Zamorano

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

We report a rare case of myocardial infarction complicated by anterolateral papillary muscle rupture and right ventricular infarction in a 49-year-old man. Initial signs suggested pulmonary embolism, but imaging revealed inferolateral infarction with right ventricular involvement. Angiography showed a thrombosed obtuse marginal branch supplying a chronically occluded right coronary artery. Despite intervention, the patient developed refractory cardiogenic shock. Surgery revealed complete papillary muscle rupture; mitral valve replacement and bypass were performed, but the patient died postoperatively. This case highlights the fatal potential of uncommon infarction patterns and the limited success of surgery, emphasizing the need for alternative transcatheter strategies in …

Bridging Awareness, Risk, And Innovation In Peripheral Arterial Disease, Guang-Ming Tan, Bryan P. Yan

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract for this article type.

Machine Learning-Based Risk Stratification For Limb-Related Outcomes In Peripheral Artery Disease Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty, Yujia Zhang, Zhoudong Jing, Zhiqiang Liu, Angel Lai, Guangming Tan, Bryan P Yan

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) remain at high risk of mortality and major adverse limb events (MALE) after endovascular revascularization, yet outcome prediction tools are limited. We apply machine learning (ML) to improve prognostic stratification in this population. Methods: PAD patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) between 2007 and 2024 were included. The primary endpoint was 1-year major adverse limb events (MALE) or all-cause death. Data were divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) sets. Six ML models were developed, and performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Feature importance and risk …

Machine Learning For Computer-Aided Diagnostics From Complex Medical Images, Afsah Saleem

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Machine learning has significantly transformed medical image analysis in the current age of artificial intelligence offering vast potential in improving disease diagnosis and management. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading cause of global mortality, emphasizing the need for early detection for effective intervention and prevention. Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC) is an early indicator and contributor to Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases (ASCVDs) and is commonly assessed through imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), X-rays, and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Among these, lateral spine DXA scans, commonly used for osteoporosis screening, offer a cost-effective and low-radiation opportunity for opportunistic CVD risk …

The First International Study Into The Characteristics And Statistical Effectiveness Of Treatment For Indigenous And First Nations People Who Have Sexually Offended: A Meta-Analysis And Survey Of Routine Practice, James Finney

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Psycho-criminological literature has continued to examine post-treatment recidivism outcomes homogeneously for people who have sexually offended. Because results indicate clear differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who have sexually offended, this project set out to understand the characteristics and effectiveness of treatment for Indigenous and First Nations people from four jurisdictions: Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. A strategic three study strategy was implemented and resulted in a systematic narrative synthesis, meta-analysis and survey of sexual offender treatment organisations in Australia. The systematic review used a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous approach to identify studies (k = 14) that …