Israel and Palestine: Can peace talks resume?

It all started so promisingly—the famous Cairo speech on the 4th of July by President Obama, the appointment of Northern Ireland peace broker George J. Mitchell as his special envoy to the Middle East and an unprecedented commitment from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Investigating the effectiveness and efficiency of forensic pathology practice in Western Cape, South Africa

Introduction: In South Africa (SA), the forensic sector faces significant challenges including how to meet increasing public expectations for high quality, reliable and valid scientific and medico legal results, whilst dealing with increasing caseloads and restricted resources in a developing country. Internationally, lean six-sigma and/or business-based frameworks have been developed to define, measure and analyse the efficiency, effectiveness and output of forensic laboratories, so as to assess performance to meet such challenges. Aim: This pilot project aimed to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of forensic pathology practice at Salt River Mortuary (SRM) by applying lean six sigma principles (define, measure, analyse and improve) and FORESIGHT metric analyses to retrospective case and staffing data, as well as prospective observational analyses. Methods: A retrospective analysis of cases admitted to Salt River Mortuary in 2015 was conducted to define and measure a snapshot of forensic pathology practice in Cape Town. In addition, observations of autopsy processes were conducted to identify bottlenecks in the system and provide suggestions for improvement. Results: An analysis of post-mortem report turn-around for 3567 cases admitted to SRM in 2015 showed that approximately 10% of cases were closed (cause of death was determined) on the day of the post-mortem, 65% within 14 days and 80% closed within a 30 day period. Certain requested ancillary investigations delayed the finalisation of cause of death; for example, only 8.33% of carbon monoxide testing and 30.31% of histological examinations were completed within the year. A process map outlining autopsy practices at SRM was generated through observational data, which also identified key bottlenecks in the process (e.g.: equipment issues). Preliminary financial data suggested that it cost on average R16 155.03 per case. Staff data demonstrated a lack of pathologists compared to other staff categories and high case load requirements. Discussion: This pilot study investigates the utilization of metrics and strategic frameworks to assess forensic pathology processes in Cape Town. This study offers a cross-sectional insight into financial performance, efficiency and effectiveness of post-mortem investigations at SRM, highlighting bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and providing suggestions for improvement. The findings will assist in forming a basis for future work into the development of a framework for monitoring performance and progress, and developing benchmark standards for the death investigation system in South Afric

Literature review about the science-journalism relationship:ENJOI D5.1

* New version available * This report describes the first literature review results to develop a robust base for a series of studies within the ENJOI project that explore the science-media relationship. The literature review focuses on the quality and effectiveness of interactions between scientists and media to identify challenges and changes in the science-media relationship. It addresses how collaborations between scientists and media producers can improve accuracy in science communication and how these interactions can be fostered and improved.ENJOI WP5. Evaluation of ENJOI steps and analysis of the science-media relationshi

Move Healthy Intellectual Output 1 Report:Mapping Report

One reason for non-participation in and drop-out from sports and physical activity participation is sports related injuries where especially knee and ankle injuries contribute to this problem. Therefore, the project MOVE HEALTHY: Improving Health and Sustaining Participation of Youngsters in Sports around Europe seeks to develop free-of-charge education material to effectively support sport coaches and physical educators around Europe to prevent primary lower extremity injuries of the youngsters participating in their sport trainings and physical education (PE) classes. Therefore, MOVE HEALTHY seeks to develop exercise based routines to prevent sports and physical activity related injuries. The routines will be web-based including instruction videos. The routines will be based on the OPTIMAL motor learning theory and Self Determination Theory. It is intended that the consortium develops – by the process of co-creation with sport coaches and PE teachers – functional sports exercises that can be integrated in real world sport training and PE classes. With it, the project directly contributes to an improved sharing of good practices and develops innovative instruments in order to lower the risks of injuries and enhance sports participation in youngsters. The objective is to improve the motor competence of the youngsters, as well as to attitudinal and behavioral changes of the sport coaches and PE teachers during their practice. The ultimate goal of the MOVE HEALTHY project is that the youngsters can enjoy a lifelong, healthy sport participatio