Analytical and scale model research aimed at improved hangglider design

Research consisted of a theoretical analysis which attempts to predict aerodynamic characteristics using lifting surface theory and finite-element structural analysis as well as an experimental investigation using 1/5 scale elastically similar models in the NASA Ames 2m x 3m (7' x 10') wind tunnel. Experimental data were compared with theoretical results in the development of a computer program which may be used in the design and evaluation of ultralight gliders

What makes research excellent? Digging into the measures aimed at quantifying and promoting research excellence

“Research excellence” is a tricky concept in theory and arguably trickier to capture in practice. Toni Pustovrh shares findings from a recent study which looks at how research is currently quantified and evaluated in Slovenia. In-depth interviews with scientists reveal a variety of views on the concept and the current mechanisms in place. The analysis suggests that neither a predominantly peer-review based evaluation system, nor one based mainly on quantitative metrics will ever be the best solution, as both have their inherent problems. As one survey respondent notes, “numerics do not reveal the content”

Critical Practices:A new research format aimed at bridging and nurturing research across academia and practice

The new experimental research format Critical Practices was launched at the 5th International Conference on Structures and Architecture, ICSA2022 held at The Department of Architecture, Design, and Media Technology at Aalborg University, Denmark in order to stimulate further cohesiveness across the theory and practice of structures and architecture. The booklet describes the outcome of the experiment as an outset for further development of the format

Interventions aimed at increasing research use in nursing: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There has been considerable interest recently in developing and evaluating interventions to increase research use by clinicians. However, most work has focused on medical practices; and nursing is not well represented in existing systematic reviews. The purpose of this article is to report findings from a systematic review of interventions aimed at increasing research use in nursing.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To assess the evidence on interventions aimed at increasing research use in nursing.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic review of research use in nursing was conducted using databases (Medline, CINAHL, Healthstar, ERIC, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Psychinfo), grey literature, ancestry searching (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), key informants, and manual searching of journals. Randomized controlled trials and controlled before- and after-studies were included if they included nurses, if the intervention was explicitly aimed at increasing research use or evidence-based practice, and if there was an explicit outcome to research use. Methodological quality was assessed using pre-existing tools. Data on interventions and outcomes were extracted and categorized using a pre-established taxonomy.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over 8,000 titles were screened. Three randomized controlled trials and one controlled before- and after-study met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of included studies was generally low. Three investigators evaluated single interventions. The most common intervention was education. Investigators measured research use using a combination of surveys (three studies) and compliance with guidelines (one study). Researcher-led educational meetings were ineffective in two studies. Educational meetings led by a local opinion leader (one study) and the formation of multidisciplinary committees (one study) were both effective at increasing research use.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Little is known about how to increase research use in nursing, and the evidence to support or refute specific interventions is inconclusive. To advance the field, we recommend that investigators: (1) use theoretically informed interventions to increase research use, (2) measure research use longitudinally using theoretically informed and psychometrically sound measures of research use, as well as, measuring patient outcomes relevant to the intervention, and (3) use more robust and methodologically sound study designs to evaluate interventions. If investigators aim to establish a link between using research and improved patient outcomes they must first identify those interventions that are effective at increasing research use.</p

Condition matters: pupil voices on the design and condition of secondary schools

This research was produced by Sheffield Hallam University. The project aimed to inform the creation of a national schools Facilities Management network and an ongoing programme to research and benchmark the impact of school condition and design on pupils

Motivations and experiences of UK students studying abroad

This report summarises the findings of research aimed at improving understanding of the motivations behind the international diploma mobility of UK student

Children’s views and experiences of their contact with social workers: a focused review of the evidence

"The review is ... aimed at exploring children’s reported experiences in terms of their relationship with social workers, as well as their views about social work tasks, and their perceptions concerning what makes a ‘good social worker’. The review also aimed to discuss the implications for initial qualification and continuing professional development in social work and to identify potential areas for further research." - Exec. summar

Airborne Particles in Museums

Presents one in a series of research activities aimed at a better understanding of the origin and fate of air pollution within the built environment