28 research outputs found
Quantum value indefiniteness
The indeterministic outcome of a measurement of an individual quantum is
certified by the impossibility of the simultaneous, definite, deterministic
pre-existence of all conceivable observables from physical conditions of that
quantum alone. We discuss possible interpretations and consequences for quantum
oracles.Comment: 19 pages, 2 tables, 2 figures; contribution to PC0
Modelling historical landscape changes
Context: Historical maps of land use/land cover (LULC) enable detection of landscape changes, and help to assess drivers and potential future trajectories. However, historical maps are often limited in their spatial and temporal coverage. There is a need to develop and test methods to improve re-construction of historical landscape change. Objectives: To implement a modelling method to accurately identify key land use changes over a rural landscape at multiple time points. Methods: We used existing LULC maps at two time points for 1930 and 2015, along with a habitat time-series dataset, to construct two new, modelled LULC maps for Dorset in 1950 and 1980 to produce a four-step time-series. We used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) Scenario Generator tool to model new LULC maps. Results: The modelled 1950 and 1980 LULC maps were cross-validated against habitat survey data and demonstrated a high level of accuracy (87% and 84%, respectively) and low levels of model uncertainty. The LULC time-series revealed the timing of LULC changes in detail, with the greatest losses in neutral and calcareous grassland having occurred by 1950, the period when arable land expanded the most, whilst the expansion in agriculturally-improved grassland was greatest over the period 1950–1980. Conclusions: We show that the modelling approach is a viable methodology for re-constructing historical landscapes. The time-series output can be useful for assessing patterns and changes in the landscape, such as fragmentation and ecosystem service delivery, which is important for informing future land management and conservation strategies
Assessing the habitat suitability of agricultural landscapes for characteristic breeding bird guilds using landscape metrics
The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act: Its Contributions and New Potential to Increase Public Health Preparedness
Engaging Individuals Recently Released From Prison Into Primary Care: A Randomized Trial
Objectives. Individuals released from prison have high rates of chronic conditions but minimal engagement in primary care. We compared 2 interventions designed to improve primary care engagement and reduce acute care utilization: Transitions Clinic, a primary care–based care management program with a community health worker, versus expedited primary care. Methods. We performed a randomized controlled trial from 2007 to 2009 among 200 recently released prisoners who had a chronic medical condition or were older than 50 years. We abstracted 12-month outcomes from an electronic repository available from the safety-net health care system. Main outcomes were (1) primary care utilization (2 or more visits to the assigned primary care clinic) and (2) emergency department (ED) utilization (the proportion of participants making any ED visit). Results. Both groups had similar rates of primary care utilization (37.7% vs 47.1%; P = .18). Transitions Clinic participants had lower rates of ED utilization (25.5% vs 39.2%; P = .04). Conclusions. Chronically ill patients leaving prison will engage in primary care if provided early access. The addition of a primary care–based care management program tailored for returning prisoners reduces ED utilization over expedited primary care
The Last of the Working-Class Subcultures to Die? Real Tales of Football Hooligans in the Global Media Age
‘This is the beginning of the new me’: process evaluation of a group fitness intervention to promote wellbeing in formerly homeless individuals
Background: Homelessness is a persistent social issue with diverse impacts reaching far beyond individuals. Strategies
and research concerning homelessness and health have largely focused on the risk factors and weaknesses of
individuals. Such preoccupation has meant the potential strengths and resources within individuals, and so-called
strength-based approaches have received less attention. Consequently, understanding how to effectively work with
and engage this population in such interventions is limited.
Methods: The current study presents a process evaluation of an 8-week group fitness intervention in a supportive
housing facility. The purpose of the intervention was to increase tenants’ physical activity together with opportunities
for social interaction and support to, in turn, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and ultimately help individuals
re-engage in their community. The evaluation focused on seven key components: context, recruitment, reach/
participation, dose delivered, dose received, satisfaction/feedback and fidelity. Data collection methods included
observation, attendance records and participant and staff interviews.
Results: Findings indicate the intervention was appropriate, well delivered, and enjoyed by participants who
highlighted the importance of the sessions for their mental wellbeing and social inclusion. The intervention being
conducted on site, the trainers’ ability to build good rapport with participants together with the supportive
environment they created were central to successful implementation.
Conclusion: Group fitness sessions represent a promising intervention to improve wellbeing of this population.
However, the need for more personalised care when delivering fitness sessions, due to the complexity of health issues
prevalent in this population, was identified. This has implications for already limited resources, including staffing.
Strategies to address this are required to ensure the continuity of fitness programs. Impact evaluation to quantify
changes/improvements in wellbeing would complement this work and add much to understanding the effects of
participation.Griffith Health, School of MedicineFull Tex
