Using digital health to support home implemented speech and language therapy [dataset]

This data provides information on Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations. CMOs are a way of depicting how contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of an intervention react. CMOs show causal explanations about outcomes of an intervention, to explain what works, for who, how, in what contexts. This dataset uncovers what works, how and in which contexts when using digital health to support parents/carers to implement intensive speech and language therapy at home for children with speech sound disorder. The CMO data is presented within a table, saved as a PDF document. For each identified CMO, the table columns presents the Context, Mechanism resource, Mechanism response, Outcome, Supporting literature, and Example quotations from the literature

Plasmonic Geometry-Induced Viscoelastic Biocomplex Formation with Optical Concealment, Liquid Slips, and Soundscapes in Bioassays

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs), typically made up of gold or silver, are widely used in point-of-care bio- and chemical sensing due to their role in enhancing detection sensitivity. Key NP properties influencing sensing performance include the material type, NP size, and geometry. While much research has focused on material and size optimization, less attention has been given to understand NP geometry effects and interactions with biomolecules involved in the bioassay. In this context, we investigate the interfacial propertiesof the biocomplex formed by spherical-shaped gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) and gold nanostars (AuNSts) during a sandwich assay using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The chosen model to study the biocomplex specifically detects interleukin-6 (IL-6). Our results show that AuNSts, with their anisotropic shape and higher surface area, form antibody−antigen complexes more effectively than AuNPs. AuNSts also create a softer, more hydrated layer due to their complex geometry, which leads to larger liquid slips. Lastly, we showed that AuNSts avoid optical concealment at high IL-6concentrations, unlike AuNPs, making them more reliable for detecting a wider range of concentrations. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing NP geometry for improved bio/chemical sensor performance

An evaluation of the performance of a scroll machine in a reversible high-temperature heat pump - organic Rankine cycle system using R1233zd(E) as the working fluid

A reversible high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) - Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system can effectively recover industrial waste heat in the lower temperature band (&lt;100 °C). This system can provide upgraded heat in HTHP mode or generate electrical power in ORC mode. For a compact reversible HTHP-ORC system, it is essential to utilise a volumetric machine that can function as both a compressor (HTHP mode) and an expander (ORC mode). This paper presents a performance analysis of an open-drive scroll machine operating in both modes, using R1233zd(E) as the working fluid. Steady-state models developed for this analysis were validated against data from previous experimental tests and subsequently used to evaluate the performance of the scroll compressor/expander under extended operating conditions. The model predictions indicated that the scroll compressor could achieve an overall isentropic efficiency of 73 % (T sf,ev,in = 90 °C, N cp = 2,000 RPM) and a volumetric efficiency of 92.3 % (T sf,ev,in = 90 °C, N cp = 2,500 RPM). In expander mode, the overall isentropic efficiencies were lower than in compressor mode, reaching a maximum value of 57.7 %. The results also demonstrated that the scroll machine could produce a gross power output of 1.01 kW (r p = 3.6, T sf,ev,in = 90 °C) at higher pressure ratios in expander mode.</p

Co-design and feasibility testing of the heart failure carer support programme (HELP): A convergent, mixed-method study

Objectives This study co-designed and feasibility tested a novel psychoeducational intervention delivered online to carers of patients with heart failure (HF) and examined the potential impact on carer-related outcomes. Methods The HEart faiLure carer support Programme (HELP) was co-designed with carers and healthcare professionals at a large University hospital. This intervention comprises an information booklet and six psychoeducational support group sessions delivered online by a multidisciplinary team. A convergent mixed-method design examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of HELP. Carers of patients with HF were recruited in the United Kingdom (UK) via clinical teams along with printed and online advertisements. Quantitative measurements included carer-related outcomes (carer burden, carer preparedness, quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, and social support) and feasibility assessments (recruitment rates, attrition, and intervention usefulness). Focus groups conducted post-intervention qualitatively investigated the acceptability of HELP. Data was collected at baseline, 6 weeks post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed with descriptive and thematic analysis, respectively. The results were integrated to generate a holistic understanding of the findings. Results 51 carers were eligible and 22 (43 %) provided consent. Of those 22, 18 (89 %) participated and 12 (67 %) completed all intervention sessions. Participants highly rated the usefulness of the intervention via a feedback questionnaire (4.7 ± 0.59 out of 5, overall) and positive changes were found across the following carer-related outcomes: anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, stress, preparedness, and social support. Data integration generated three key findings: (1) Improved carer preparedness and knowledge, (2) Support from group environment, and (3) Emotional support and personal wellbeing. Conclusions HELP delivery to carers of patients with HF is feasible and potentially provides emotional support and empowerment in their caring role. Practice implications HELP will advance to implementation testing across the UK to inform large-scale adoption in routine clinical practice

Capturing or compensating? Comparing legitimacies, legitimations and rationales of added value capture instruments

The development of land leads to immense increases in land value. Across different planning systems, there are calls for this revenue to be used to enable planning gain for the general public budget. This can be achieved through the use of added value capture: a policy approach rooted in the notion that public action should generate public benefit. Planning literature hypothesises that the successful introduction and implementation of added value capture depends on the rationale during the process of legitimation. Acceptance of the added value capture instrument is higher if it is justified with pragmatic rationales; capturing it for the ‘greater good’, such as financing local social infrastructure. Conversely, if justice-based rationales are referred to (compensating the “unearned increment”), acceptance is lower, as the direct added value for the public is not as apparent. The existence and application of the instrument therefore depends on the rationale, making the analysis of legitimising arguments interesting, even to countries that have not (yet) introduced the instrument. However, studies on legitimacies, legitimations and rationales are rare, and are not adequately considered in existing literature reviews. This paper identifies rationale patterns across different legal traditions. Switzerland and the UK are selected as two countries with different planning systems, but both have experience with added value capture instruments. Discourse analysis is used to analyse key documents at the time of policy change, to determine how the instrument used in each country is officially legitimised and the extent of variation across the different legal traditions

Collecting Research Evidence to Inform Programming to Tackle Violence Against Young Women and Girls: The Importance of Diverse Data for Policy Making

In September 2024, the devolved Northern Ireland government published their Strategic Framework to end violence against women and girls. In this article, we report the key results of two studies that were undertaken to inform this Strategy: Young Life and Times (YLT)—an annual social attitude survey of 16-year olds, and the bespoke ‘It’s just what happens’ study which was commissioned to qualitatively explore the views and experiences of girls and young women in relation to gender-based violence (GBV). YLT survey data are presented on the prevalence of GBV experiences and perceived barriers to reporting violence. Qualitative data gathered through focus groups and interviews are drawn on to demonstrate how these methods surface additional information, context and nuance that could not be captured in large-scale surveys alone. Young women experience disproportionately high levels of GBV compared to young men, whilst, at the same time, more barriers to reporting. Qualitative data from the bespoke survey flesh out the prevalence data with young women’s lived experiences. This paper demonstrates the value of diverse data for providing a more holistic understanding of complex social issues which, we argue, can benefit the development and evaluation of targeted policy interventions

Tackle Techniques and Characteristics Associated With a Concussion in Tackling Players in the National Football League:The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Background: Concussions remain a major concern in football. A qualitative video review can provide contextual evidence supporting changes in rules and coaching techniques aimed at reducing the risk of players sustaining a concussion. Purpose: To identify tackling techniques and characteristics associated with concussions to the tackling player. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A qualitative review of 51 concussions sustained by tacklers in National Football League (NFL) games between the 2015 and 2019 seasons as well as 96 control tackles was performed using video from multiple perspectives. For each concussive case, 1 to 3 nonconcussive control tackles were matched based on player trajectory and closing speed as determined from on-field player tracking data from Next Gen Stats. Cases and controls were coded for 20 different tackle techniques and characteristics. The data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression models, and the results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as well as adjusted and unadjusted P values. Results: Despite attempting to match cases and controls based on closing velocity, closing velocity was significantly associated with the concussion risk in every logistic regression model. Predictors that had the greatest effect on the increased risk of concussions were “tackler leading with helmet” (OR, 5.18 [95% CI, 1.87-14.33]; false discovery rate [FDR]–adjusted P =.0032) and “tackler primary loading” being the helmet as opposed to the shoulder (OR, 4.61 [95% CI, 1.41-15.05]; FDR-adjusted P =.0000). Important factors associated with a reduced concussion risk were the tackler’s “head placed on correct side” of the ball carrier (OR, 4.17 [95% CI, 1.58-11.01]; FDR-adjusted P =.0088) and “ball carrier primary loading,” with the torso having the lowest risk relative to all other body segments. Conclusion: The less a tackler involved his helmet in a tackle, the lower his risk of sustaining a concussion. This study supports teaching players to place their heads on the correct side of the ball carrier (neither into the ball carrier nor into the path of the ball carrier) when tackling to reduce their risk of a concussion, and players should target the torso of the ball carrier as their primary contact point.</p

Enhancing children's numeracy and executive functions via their explicit integration

Executive functions (EF) are crucial to regulating learning and are predictors of emerging mathematics. However, interventions that leverage EF to improve mathematics remain poorly understood. 193 four-year-olds (mean age = 3 years; 11 months pre-intervention; 111 female, 69% White) were assessed 5 months apart, with 103 children randomised to an integrated EF and mathematics intervention. Our pre-registered hypotheses proposed that the intervention would improve mathematics more than practice as usual. Multi-level modelling and network analyses were applied to the data. The intervention group improved more than the control group in overall numeracy, even when controlling for differences across settings in EF and mathematics-enhancing practices. EF and mathematics measures showed greater interconnectedness post-intervention. In addition, disadvantaged children in the intervention group made greater gains than in the control group. Our findings emphasise the need to consider EFs in their integration with co-developing functions, and in their educational and socio-economic context

We Lose Sight of the Night

We Lose Sight of the Night is the first in a series of exhibitions which address climate and environmental change commissioned by the MAC Belfast and curated by Hugh Mulholland. O’Beirn (born in Galway) is a Belfast based artist, her practice explores the relationship between art and science and manifests variously as sculpture, installation, animation and site-specific projects.This major survey exhibition across all three of the MAC galleries brings together new commissioned works and reworked older pieces made over the last two decades. An interest in the wonders and political importance of the night sky characterises much of this exhibition, where stars are celebrated as the ultimate recycling plants and where our right to the nighttime environment is highlighted and explored. Using both traditional means such as drawing and animations as well as a range of absurd sculptural devices, O’Beirn explores the celestial as an ecologically active agent in urgent need of protection and preservation from the ravages of aggressive short term economic opportunism. Projects have investigated ideas around entropy, order, disorder and balance exploring how laypersons try to understand scientific and mathematical ideas in political terms.For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in the DNA of all plants and animals. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night.Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark to govern life-sustaining behaviours such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection from predators.Scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants.<br/