Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Science

U kontekstu ostvarivanja ljudskih prava i izjednačavanja mogućnosti za osobe s invaliditetom i djece s teškoćama u razvoju, prije svega s oštećenjem sluha, ovaj rad problematizira suvremene spoznaje o teoriji i znanstvenim istraživanjima te zakonodavne okvire i prakse pružanja usluge (stručnih) komunikacijskih posrednika za gluhe, nagluhe i gluhoslijepe osobe u Republici Hrvatskoj. Daje pregled znanstveno utemeljenih spoznaja o znakovnome jeziku i kulturi gluhih, a značajnih za razumijevanje socijalnih pitanja te djelotvornije provođenje politika i odgovarajućih intervencija. Rad pridonosi području društvenih i njima srodnih znanosti, kao i svim relevantnim i zainteresiranim stručnjacima u neposrednome radu s populacijom osoba s oštećenjem sluha. Ključne riječi: hrvatski znakovni jezik; prevođenje; kultura gluhih; osobna asistencija; komunikacijski posrednici; ljudska prava; prava djeteta

Background While the benefits of physiotherapy for hospitalized older patients (HOPs) are well established, these patients are often considered demotivated by healthcare team members (HTMs), which is perceived as a hindrance to their rehabilitation. The quantitative data currently available on the lack of involvement of HOPs are mainly measures of mobility. Motivation as such has, to our knowledge, never been measured. Therefore, this study aims to quantify for the first time the motivation levels of HOPs in their participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) and physiotherapy, and to explore the motivating factors behind their participation in physiotherapy. Methods The motivation of 60 older patients hospitalized in an acute geriatrics ward was quantified using the Scale of Demotivation Assessment (SDA). Out of these participants, 14 were interrogated through individual semi-structured face-to-face interviews. After transcription, data were analyzed according to Self-Determination Theory, which has been proven effective in the understanding of motivational mechanisms. Results The prevalence of demotivation was 47% (95% CI: [0.34;0.6]) for ADLs and 35% (95% CI: [0.23;0.48]) for physiotherapy. The main demotivating factors were the feeling of external control (lack of autonomy) and dependance experienced by HOPs, as well as the limited availability of staff during hospitalization. Conversely, feelings of competence, security, respect for limits, and commitment from the HTMs were important motivating factors. Conclusion A large number of relational factors have an impact on the motivation of HOPs regarding their participation in ADLs and in physiotherapy sessions. Appropriate time and space organizing and the provision of suitable equipment, combined with a genuine caring and respectful attitude from the HTMs, could considerably encourage the expression of intrinsic motivation and thus the involvement of HOPs in their own care program.

Global climate change has increased average environmental temperatures world-wide, simultaneously intensifying temperature variability and extremes. Growing numbers of studies have documented phenological, behavioural and morphological responses to climate change in wild populations. As systemic signals, hormones can contribute to orchestrating many of these phenotypic changes. Yet little is known about whether mechanisms like hormonal flexibility (reversible changes in hormone concentrations) facilitate or limit the ability of individuals, populations and species to cope with a changing climate. In this perspective, we discuss different mechanisms by which hormonal flexibility, primarily in glucocorticoids, could promote versus hinder evolutionary adaptation to changing temperature regimes. We focus on temperature because it is a key gradient influenced by climate change, it is easy to quantify, and its links to hormones are well established. We argue that reaction norm studies that connect individual responses to population-level and species-wide patterns will be critical for making progress in this field. We also develop a case study on urban heat islands, where several key questions regarding hormonal flexibility and adaptation to climate change can be addressed. Understanding the mechanisms that allow animals to cope when conditions become more challenging will help in predicting which populations are vulnerable to ongoing climate change. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments’.

In mountain environments, populations of a species are subjected to different environmental conditions. Environmental variables impose different selection pressures that could result in a marked heterogeneity in genetic characteristics (e.g. ploidy level, genome size, population genetic diversity and structure), population features and reproductive success. Cactaceae inhabit in arid and semi-arid areas of America, from sea level to 4500 m a.s.l. and in these environments, species can present wide altitudinal ranges. The aim of this work was to analyze how genetic (cytogenetic, DNA content and AFLP genetic diversity), population features (population density and individual size) and reproductive success are related to an altitudinal gradient in five populations of Gymnocalycium monvillei. Our results showed that individuals in all studied populations are tetraploid. Analyses of the genetic structure revealed that the five altitudinal populations could be genetically two populations and that, regardless of population affiliation, all individuals analyzed are genetically very similar. The population density and individual size varied unimodally in the gradient. The population at intermediate altitude had the highest number of seeds per plant, so this population would be presenting favorable ecological conditions. Interestingly, more differences among the populations have been found in their population features and reproductive success than in genetic characters among the populations.

Background Parenting responsibilities, while a source of happiness, often lead to considerable stress for parents of children with disabilities. While most parents try to cope with these challenges together, some level of interparental conflict is almost inevitable. Frequently assuming primary responsibility for children with disabilities, mothers can be substantially impacted by interparental conflict with their partners and the resulting stress. However, implementing dyadic coping strategies in managing stressful situations serves as a buffer against adverse effects, while also enhancing relationship satisfaction. Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between interparental conflicts, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction among 232 mothers of children with disabilities in Croatia who were in an intimate relationship and shared a household with their partners, regardless of marital status. Methods We analysed a non-probabilistic sample of women in Croatia who reported being in an intimate relationship, sharing a household with a partner (whether married or simply cohabitating) and being a mother to a child with a diagnosed developmental disability. Participants completed questionnaires online in March of 2021 (sociodemographic variables, the Parent Problem Checklist, the Dyadic Coping Inventory and the Marriage Quality Index). Results Results of hierarchical multiple regression show that mothers’ perceptions of how they help their partner cope with stress do not predict how satisfied they are in a relationship; instead, relationship satisfaction depends on their perceptions of how their partner helps them and how they cope with stress as a team. Furthermore, moderation analysis revealed the effect of interparental conflicts were entirely mitigated by high supportive and low negative dyadic coping of the partner. When mothers felt adequately supported by their partner, the negative impact of stress caused by interparental conflicts did not spill over into their relationship. Conclusion Our results suggest that by recognizing the importance of psychological support and couples therapy in strengthening dyadic coping, government and non-profit initiatives can effectively empower parents of children with disabilities, fostering healthier and more resilient family dynamics that promotes the well-being of parents and their children.

Although there is extensive literature on the risks faced by families dealing with cumulative challenges, including the emotional and behavioural problems of the child, limited research exists on the potential resilience of these families. Additionally, there are a lot of ambiguities in family resilience research with respect to indicators of good outcomes while facing risks. Therefore, this study aimed to answer the following research questions: 1) What risks do family members recognise that they are facing?; and 2) How do family members perceive good outcomes in the context of the risks that they are facing? To answer these research questions, we conducted group interviews with 8 families whose children, aged 12 to 18 years, manifest emotional and/or behavioural problems. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. For the first question, the results highlight one theme - Families with complex needs: multiple risks at different levels. Four themes contribute to answering the second research question: Survival, Not giving up and asking for help, Positive change, and Wish for togetherness and good communication. The families reported three indicators of good family outcomes, while striving for the fourth (Wish for togetherness and good communication), suggesting that outcome indicators can be distributed on a “continuum”. However, family members also reported that as they cope with and resolve the challenges they face, new risks emerge that may take the family back to an earlier stage, emphasising the circular rather than linear nature of this continuum. All participating families stressed that togetherness can be achieved with more professional help and time. The findings of this study address the importance of strength-based approaches in practice that will provide a space for fostering resilience in families facing chronic and cumulative risks.

Although cyberbullying is a significant problem nowadays, there are few theoretical explanations for this phenomenon in the literature. Based on Barlett and Gentile’s cyberbullying model (2012), the aim of this paper was to examine the contribution of a variable specific to the virtual world - perceived anonymity - in explaining cyberbullying. It also aimed to examine whether there is a mediating effect of attitudes in the relationship between anonymity and cyberbullying, as well as a moderating effect of frequency of internet use on the relationship between anonymity and cyberbullying, as well as between attitudes towards cyberbullying and cyberbullying itself. A survey was administered online in March and April 2021 and data was collected from a convenient sample of 329 students (110 males), aged 18-30 years (M = 21.53, SD = 2.50). The results of the moderation-mediation analysis, performed in the Process macro for SPSS, showed that there was a significant mediation effect of positive attitudes in the relationship between perceived anonymity and cyberbullying, in the way that greater perceived anonymity predicted positive attitudes toward cyberbullying, which predicted more frequent cyberbullying. There was no significant direct contribution of more pronounced perceived anonymity to more frequent cyberbullying. Finally, the results showed that frequency of internet use did not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between perceived anonymity and cyberbullying, as well as between attitudes and cyberbullying.

Infant-directed speech (IDS) and infant-directed actions (IDA) represent specific behavioural modifications of adults when they communicate with infants and young children. Infant-directed modifications (IDMs) have specific behavioural representations marked by high positive affection, greater expressiveness, simplification, and increased repetition. Both IDS and IDA appear as part of the same larger behavioural system of IDMs. However, so far, studies have analysed the features and functions of these behaviours separately. Compared to adult-directed speech, IDS is characterised by longer pauses, a slower tempo, more prosodic repetition, higher fundamental frequency, longer vowels, repetitive intonation structures, and greater melodiousness. In IDA, compared to adult-directed actions, the amplitude of movements, simplification, and number of repetitions tend to increase as the distance between communication partners decrease. In this review, we draw a parallel between IDS and IDA to show that adults change both their speech and actions in similar ways and that both actions and speech change depending on the infant’s age and/or developmental stage. We discuss possible (biological) mechanisms that elicit the use of IDS and IDA and argue that this specific type of adult behaviour has a unique impact on how infants perceive and process information. Insights on biological, behavioural, and functional aspects of IDMs could provide a new perspective on the importance of early interactions and knowledge acquisition in both typically developing children and those with developmental disorders.

Opće je poznato da su djetetov temperament i njegove osobine ličnosti, kao i osobine ličnosti roditelja, povezane s obilježjima njihovih uzajamnih komunikacijskih izmjena. Cilj je ovog rada utvrditi povezanost osobina ličnosti majke i komunikacijskih funkcija djeteta. U ispitivanju je sudjelovalo 20-ero djece tipičnog razvoja i njihove majke, te 20-ero djece s utvrđenom dijagnozom poremećaja iz spektra autizma (PSA) i njihove majke. Komunikacijske funkcije djece analizirane su za svaki djetetov iskaz pomoću transkripata dobivenih iz videozapisa polustrukturiranih aktivnosti djece i majki. Majke su ispunile upitnik osobina ličnosti IPIPNEO-120, a sastoji se od 120 čestica, kojima se procjenjuje pet dimenzija ličnosti petfaktorskog modela: neuroticizam, ekstraverzija, otvorenost iskustvima, ugodnost i savjesnost. Rezultati ovog istraživanja pokazuju da ne postoji povezanost između prosječnih vrijednosti na dimenzijama ličnosti majki, te broja komunikacijskih funkcija iniciranja i odgovaranja djece, osim za dimenziju savjesnosti. Naime, dobivena je pozitivna povezanost između majčine savjesnosti i broja komunikacijskih funkcija odgovaranja djece, ali samo za skupinu djece sa PSA-om. U literaturi nisu pronađena jasna objašnjenja ovih rezultata, što ukazuje na mali broj radova o ovoj tematici i potrebom za podrobnijim istraživanjima odnosa ličnosti majke i obilježja komunikacije djeteta. To bi omogućilo stjecanje jasnih zaključaka, koji bi zasigurno imali važne kliničke implikacije u smislu suradnje s roditeljima djece uključene u terapiju s ciljem poboljšanja funkcionalne komunikacije.

Uvod: Strana tijela jednjaka predstavljaju jedno od hitnih stanja koja su česta u otorinolaringološkoj praksi i kao takva predstavljaju izazov zdravstvenim djelatnicima. Glavni cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je prikazati smanjenje broja ezofagoskopija krutim ezofagoskopom zbog sumnje na strano tijelo, uz prikaz broja fleksibilnih ezofagogastroduodenoskopija (EGDS) učinjenih zbog sumnje na strano tijelo. Bolesnici i metode: Provedena je retrospektivna studija u koju je uključeno 855 ispitanika kojima je u KBC-u Split učinjena ezofagoskopija krutim ezofagoskopom ili fleksibilna EGDS zbog sumnje na strano tijelo tijekom razdoblja od 2001. do 2021. god. Prikupljeni podaci za bolesnike s Klinike za bolesti uha grla i nosa s kirurgijom glave i vrata uključivali su: dob, spol, datum obavljenog zahvata, prisutnost stranog tijela, vrstu stranog tijela, lokalizaciju stranog tijela, postojanje komplikacija i novootkrivenih medicinskih stanja. Za bolesnike s Odjela gastroenterologije dostupni su bili podaci za razdoblje od 2016. do 2021. god. Za usporedbu kategorijskih varijabli proveli smo hi-kvadrat test pri razini značajnosti od p<0.05. Rezultati: Na Klinici za bolesti uha, nosa i grla s kirurgijom glave i vrata učinjeno je ukupno 559 zahvata ezofagoskopije krutim ezofagoskopom, u razdoblju od 2001. do 2021.god. Od 2016. do 2021.god. učinjeno je 139 ezofagoskopija krutim ezofagoskopom. Od 2016. do 2021. god. na Odjelu gastroenterologije Klinike za unutarnje bolesti učinjeno je 296 fleksibilnih EGDS. Postoji statistički značajna razlika u broju zahvata fleksibilne EGDS i ezofagoskopije krutim ezofagoskopom u razdoblju 2016. do 2021.god.,p< 0.05 . Strano tijelo pronađeno je u 63% zahvata ezofagoskopije krutim ezofagoskopom. Ingestija stranog tijela češća je kod muškaraca. Medijan dobi ispitanika u Klinici za bolesti uha, nosa i grla s kirurgijom glave i vrata bio je 45,5 godina. Najveći broj ispitanika u pedijatrijskoj populaciji su predstavljala djeca do druge godine života. Najzastupljenija dobna skupina odrasle dobi bili su bolesnici u šestom desetljeću života. Najčešća razina opstrukcije u više od četvrtine bolesnika bilo je prvo suženje jednjaka. Kod četvrtine bolesnika sa stranim tijelom najčešću vrstu stranog tijela predstavljao je bolus hrane. Zaključci: Ovim je istraživanjem potvrđena promjena trenda u pristupu rutinskom vađenju stranih tijela jednjaka tijekom razdoblja od 2016. do 2021. god., u kojemu je prva metoda izbora bila fleksibilna EGDS. Ezofagoskopija krutim ezofagoskopom ostaje i dalje metoda izbora kod bolesnika kojima se fleksibilnom endoskopijom ne uspije odstraniti strano tijelo prilikom sumnje na oštro strano tijelo, te kod stranih tijela na razini gornjeg sfinktera jednjaka ili hipofarinksa.

The Lotka–Volterra competition model (LVCM) is a fundamental tool for ecology, widely used to represent complex communities. The Allee effect (AE) is a phenomenon in which there is a positive correlation between population density and fitness, at low population densities. However, the interplay between the LVCM and AE has been seldom analyzed in multispecies models. Here, we analyze the mathematical properties of the LVCM AE, investigating the coexistence of species interacting through neutral diffuse competition, their equilibria and stable points. Minimum viable population density arises as the threshold below which species go extinct, characteristic of strong Allee effects. Then, by imposing relationships of main parameters to body size, i.e. allometric scaling, we derive a general solution to the size-scaling maximum and minimum expected density under plausible scenarios. The scaling of maximum population density is consistent with the literature, but we also provide novel predictions on the scaling of the lower limit to population density, a critical value for conservation science. The resulting framework is general and yields results that increase our current understanding of how complex demographic processes can be linked to ubiquitous ecological patterns.

Utjecaj COVID-19 na fonatorni sustav još uvijek nije moguće metodološki konačno sumirati zbog premalog broja znanstvenih i/ili stručnih radova koji ih obrađuju. Cilj ovoga rada je dati preliminaran pregled za sada dostupnih spoznaja o fonijatrijskim posljedicama COVID-19 temeljem pregleda baza podataka. Infekcija SARS-Cov-2 virusom u visokom je omjeru praćena tegobama vezanim uz upalne procese larinksa, te simptomima kao što su disfonija, osjećaj suhoće u grkljanu, zamor glasa ili afonija. Stopa prevalencije disfonije uzrokovane SARS-Cov-2 infekcijom kreće se čak do 79%, a kao glavni uzroci izdvajaju se intubacija, postviralne paralize i pareze glasnica, te postviralna laringalna senzorna neuropatija. Čini se da COVID-19, zbog utjecaja na larinks i pluća, također posredno utječe na akustičke karakteristike glasa, pa se kod bolesnika primjećuju smanjenje maksimalnog vremena fonacije, povećana šumnost u glasu, povećan jitter i shimmer, te povećan broj prekida glasa tijekom fonacije. S obzirom na to da je disfonija kod mnogih bolesnika prisutna i nakon otpusta s bolničkoga liječenja, važno je poznavati i multidimenzionalno procijeniti moguće postojanje poremećaja glasa kod bolesnika koji imaju ili su preboljeli COVID-19. Osim toga, za odgovarajuće liječenje, kao i funkcionalni i socioemocionalni oporavak bolesnika s disfonijom, potrebna je sveobuhvatna multidisciplinarna dijagnostika koja se ponajprije odnosi na uporabu vizualizacijskih dijagnostičkih metoda, ali ju je potrebno dopuniti objektivnom i subjektivnom analizom glasa, te samoprocjenom utjecaja kvalitete glasa na svakodnevni život. Imajući u vidu ozbiljnost posljedica poremećaja glasa na kvalitetu života, u liječenju i rehabilitaciji perzistirajuće disfonije neophodna je uska suradnja otorinolaringologa, odnosno fonijatra, te logopeda.

Scientific studies in criminology mainly neglect the criminality of women, especially the perspective of women prisoners. The aim of qualitative research was to examine the experience of imprisonment and institutional treatment for female prisoners. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview with 10 female prisoners in female penitentiary in Croatia. Research questions focused on the experience of stay in prison, treatment, perceived changes, suggestions for treatment improvement. Data were processed with inductive thematic analysis. Five topics have been separated: Expectations before coming to penitentiary, Experience of stay in penitentiary, Experience of treatment, Perception of personal changes, and Suggestions to improve the institutional treatment. It is necessary to continuously evaluate the treatment programs implemented in correctional institutions to determine their effectiveness, therefore the perspective of female prisoners can be an important criterion for the the creation of measures and policies pursued by the state regarding correctional institutions.

Konstrukt samosuosjećanja u znanstvenoj se zajednici intenzivno proučava tijekom posljednjih dvadesetak godina. Samosuosjećanje je povezano s pozitivnim mentalnim zdravljem i otpornošću, a označava odnos pojedinca prema samome sebi u teškim trenucima. U ovome je radu predstavljena teorijska konceptualizacija toga konstrukta prema kojoj samosuosjećanje uključuje nekoliko međusobno povezanih komponenata: (1) ljubaznost prema sebi nasuprot samoosuđivanju, (2) zajedničku čovječnost nasuprot izolaciji te (3) usredotočenu svjesnost nasuprot pretjeranoj identifikaciji. Također su ponuđeni prikazi instrumenata kojima se mjeri konstrukt samosuosjećanja te nejednoznačnih rezultata istraživanja faktorske strukture najčešće korištenog instrumenta za mjerenje samosuosjećanja. Nadalje, prikazani su i rezultati pojedinih istraživanja u kojima su ispitivane individualne razlike u samosuosjećanju s obzirom na rod i dob. Cilj je ovoga preglednog rada integrirati rezultate dosadašnjih istraživanja u svrhu pružanja uvida u teorijsku konceptualizaciju konstrukta samosuosjećanja, kao i predstaviti različite načine njegova mjerenja, pri čemu je poseban naglasak stavljen na kritički osvrt povezan s njegovom operacionalizacijom. Predstavljene su i implikacije nalaza individualnih razlika u samosuosjećanju za praksu te prijedlozi za buduća istraživanja. Naposljetku, u radu je istaknuta potreba za provjerom predloženoga teorijskog modela samosuosjećanja u našemu kulturnom kontekstu, kao i za njegovom potencijalnom adaptacijom.

Jahodin model latentne deprivacije najčešće je teorijsko polazište za ispitivanje povezanosti nezaposlenosti i mentalnoga zdravlja. Prema tome modelu zaposlenje, osim što osigurava redovite prihode i financijsku sigurnost, omogućuje zadovoljenje duboko ukorijenjenih psiholoških potreba koje u suvremenome društvu nije moguće drugačije osigurati. Cilj je ovoga rada provjeriti konstruktnu valjanost Upitnika latentne i manifestne dobrobiti (Muller i sur., 2005), njegovu pouzdanost te prediktivnu valjanost u objašnjenju interindividualnih razlika u mentalnome zdravlju. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 209 nezaposlenih korisnika zajamčene minimalne naknade (Mdob = 44.9; SD = 10.45; 58.9 % muškoga spola). Provedene statističke analize i provjera latentne strukture skale potvrdili su da je šestfaktorska struktura Upitnika LAMB replicirana na hrvatskome uzorku siromašnih osoba. Prema dobivenim rezultatima podacima najbolje pristaje model ESEM (χ2 = 771.050; df = 429; CFI = .902; TLI = .856; SRMR = .039; RMSEA = .062 [.055 – .069]). Upitnik LAMB pouzdan je i valjan mjerni instrument čijih svih šest dimenzija u smislu konvergentne valjanosti značajno pozitivno koreliraju s mentalnim zdravljem. Rezultati analize traga s manifestnim varijablama pokazali su da su doživljaj svrhe, društveni status i razina aktivnosti značajni prediktori mentalnoga zdravlja nezaposlenih korisnika zajamčene minimalne naknade. Radom je potvrđen konceptualni model latentne deprivacije na uzorku teško zapošljivih osoba te je utvrđena valjanost Upitnika LAMB za korištenje u hrvatskome istraživačkom prostoru. Rezultati istraživanja impliciraju da je podršku korisnicima zajamčene minimalne naknade važno usmjeriti na njihovo mentalno zdravlje i latentnu deprivaciju.

Cilj ovog rada je istražiti i opisati doživljaj uloge mentora za mlade koji izlaze iz alternativne skrbi te opisati izazove u radu s kojima se mentori susreću iz njihove perspektive. Stoga su provedena tri grupna intervjua s devet mentora. Podaci su analizirani metodom tematske analize i izolirane su tri teme. To su: Višestruke mentorske funkcije i različiti pristupi u radu, Kvalitete mentora i Izazovi mentoriranja. Rezultati pokazuju da je uloga mentora zahtjevna, kompleksna i važna za mlade iz skrbi, no povremeno i zbunjujuća i nejasna za same mentore. Doprinos rada ogleda se u produbljivanju razumijevanja uloge mentora i izazova u njihovom radu, ponuđene su smjernice za rad budućim mentorima i voditeljima mentorskih programa, te formalnom sustavu s ciljem što kvalitetnije podrške mladima koji izlaze iz skrbi. The aim of this paper is to explore and describe the experience of the mentor’s role for young people leaving care, as well as the challenges mentors face in their work from their perspective. To this end, three group interviews were conducted with nine mentors. The data were processed using the thematic analysis method and three themes were isolated. These are: Multiple Mentoring Functions and Different Approaches, Qualities of Mentors, and Challenges of Mentoring. The results show that the role of the mentor is demanding, complex, and important for the youth being mentored, but sometimes confusing and unclear for the mentors themselves. The contribution of the work is reflected in deepening the understanding of the role of mentors and the challenges in their work. Moreover, guidelines for the work of future mentors and mentor- ing program leaders have been offered, as well as for the overall (social care) system with the goal of providing the best possible support to young people leaving care.