Literacy in science: exploring barriers to literacy in secondary school science and the impact of an in-class intervention

This practitioner research project investigated key stage three students’ perception towards literacy in science lessons, the barriers towards literacy and the strategies that can be implemented to improve literacy standards. Pupils in two year 9 classes, one a high attaining set and the other a SEND class, completed assessments investigating their attitudes towards literacy and questions to quantitively assess their current working level, small semi-structured interviews were also conducted to obtain qualitative data and to allow students to discuss their ideas and opinions with greater freedom. A control group with students of similar attainment was utilise to strengthen any findings of this study. Pupils participated in a six-week intervention to target specific aspects of their literacy skills set, including explicit teaching of subject specific vocabulary and the use of vocabulary books, as well as engaging the students in frequent active reading tasks and dedicating time to enhancing their written work. Post intervention data collection followed the same mix-methods approach of interviews, assessments and evidence of students’ classwork to identified improvements. The findings of this small-scale research project are very positive, examples of students work show a marked improvement in the quality and quantity of their written work through greater use and understanding of key terminology and greater depth in their explanations. Pupils reading fluency also increased significantly with a 14.2% increase in their reading ages compared to the control groups 4.5%. The findings of this study are promising and will allow for greater exploration as to how these techniques and strategies can be applied across the science department but also strengthen cross curricula links

Results of the 2004/2005 Hospice Patient Survey: General Report

The National Minimum Standards for Independent Healthcare, published in 2002 by the Care Standards Commission (now the Healthcare Commission) states that hospices are required to conduct an annual patient survey. In response to this, a Patient Survey group (with representation from independent hospices, Marie Curie Cancer Care and with input from the Care Standards Commission) was set up by Help the Hospices. Its goal was to develop a questionnaire suitable for use in all adult hospices

Role stress and outcome variables : moderating effects of individual differences

Access to ETD opened per email request of the author 10/19/2016.M.S.C. Michael Yor

Service Development Programme: Maximising Life Opportunities for Teenagers. Teenagers' Views and Experiences of Sex and Relationships Education, Sexual Health Services and Family Support Services in Kent - Survey findings for Year 2

This brief report provides findings from data collected in year 2 of a survey of teenagers' views and experiences of sex and relationships education and sexual health services in Kent. The data in year 2 was collected in Autumn 2005, a year after the data collected in year 1. The purpose of this report is to highlight the results in year 2 which differ from the year 1 survey data. It is to be used in conjunction with the report in year 1 entitled "Service Development Programme: Maximising Life Opportunies for Teenagers: Teenagers' Views and Experiences of Sex and Relationships Educatioon, Sexual Health Services and Family Suupport Services in Kent: Survey Findings July 2005". The final report on the survey will consist of findings from further analysis of the data from year 1 and year 2 merged together, available at the end of 2006

Post-ischaemic immunological response in the brain: targeting microglia in ischaemic stroke therapy

Microglia, the major endogenous immune cells of the central nervous system, mediate critical degenerative and regenerative responses in ischaemic stroke. Microglia become "activated", proliferating, and undergoing changes in morphology, gene and protein expression over days and weeks post-ischaemia, with deleterious and beneficial effects. Pro-inflammatory microglia (commonly referred to as M1) exacerbate secondary neuronal injury through the release of reactive oxygen species, cytokines and proteases. In contrast, microglia may facilitate neuronal recovery via tissue and vascular remodelling, through the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors (a profile often termed M2). This M1/M2 nomenclature does not fully account for the microglial heterogeneity in the ischaemic brain, with some simultaneous expression of both M1 and M2 markers at the single-cell level. Understanding and regulating microglial activation status, reducing detrimental and promoting repair behaviours, present the potential for therapeutic intervention, and open a longer window of opportunity than offered by acute neuroprotective strategies. Pharmacological modulation of microglial activation status to promote anti-inflammatory gene expression can increase neurogenesis and improve functional recovery post-stroke, based on promising preclinical data. Cell-based therapies, using preconditioned microglia, are of interest as a method of therapeutic modulation of the post-ischaemic inflammatory response. Currently, there are no clinically-approved pharmacological options targeting post-ischaemic inflammation. A major developmental challenge for clinical translation will be the selective suppression of the deleterious effects of microglial activity after stroke whilst retaining (or enhancing) the neurovascular repair and remodelling responses of microglia

Phenology of the Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in the UK and provision of decision support for brassica growers

In the UK, severe infestations by Plutella xylostella occur sporadically and are due mainly to the immigration of moths. The aim of this study was to develop a more detailed understanding of the phenology of P. xylostella in the UK and investigate methods of monitoring moth activity, with the aim of providing warnings to growers. Plutella xylostella was monitored using pheromone traps, by counting immature stages on plants, and by accessing citizen science data (records of sightings of moths) from websites and Twitter. The likely origin of migrant moths was investigated by analysing historical weather data. The study confirmed that P. xylostella is a sporadic but important pest, and that very large numbers of moths can arrive suddenly, most often in early summer. Their immediate sources are countries in the western part of continental Europe. A network of pheromone traps, each containing a small camera sending images to a website, to monitor P. xylostella remotely provided accessible and timely information, but the particular system tested did not appear to catch many moths. In another approach, sightings by citizen scientists were summarised on a web page. These were accessed regularly by growers and, at present, this approach appears to be the most effective way of providing timely warnings

CT-PTSD following a COVID-19 ICU admission in the context of unresolved grief, delirium and incurable cancer:a single case design with an older adult client

This case study recounts an application of Ehlers and Clark's (2000) cognitive model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to post-intensive care unit (post-ICU) PTSD. An AB single case design was implemented. The referred patient, Rosalind (pseudonym), completed several psychometric measures prior to the commencement of therapy (establishing a baseline), as well as during and at the end of therapy. Idiosyncratic measures were also implemented to capture changes during specific phases of treatment. The importance of the therapeutic alliance, particularly in engendering a sense of safety, was highlighted. Findings support the use of cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) with an older adult, in the context of a coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19)-related ICU admission. This case is also illustrative of the effectiveness of implementing CT-PTSD in the context of co-morbid difficulties and diagnoses of delirium, depression, and complicated grief. Key learning aims (1) To recognise the therapeutic value of CT-PTSD in addressing PTSD following a COVID-19 admission, in the context of complicated grief and delirium. (2) To consider the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance when undertaking CT-PTSD. (3) To understand the intersection of complicated grief and delirium in the context of ICU trauma. (4) To consider the challenges in working with PTSD, whereby the target trauma (COVID-19 ICU admission) is linked with ongoing uncertainty and continuing indeterminate threat.</p

Making Space for Makerspaces

Makerspaces promote equity, diversity and creativity, and while different for each organization, can build peer-to-peer relationships and amplify learning by establishing shared, safe spaces where authentic experiences happen, allowing libraries to define the culture of their communities. The authors believe communities that learn and make together, stay and grow together

Inside Tallis : Reconstructing the Interiors of Tallis's London Street Views

This paper will examine how the physical reality behind Tallis’s illustrations can be illuminated to explore the commercial, domestic and social dimensions of Tallis’s London. It will explore the range of material culture available and how this can be used to analyse interior space, in particular through English Heritage’s Architectural Study Collection. Two preliminary case studies will investigate the future potential for looking behind the façades of early Victorian London