A Multi-Dimensional Evaluation of Youth Justice Practices and Outcomes in Wales

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model has been recognised as the leading model of offender supervision due to its ‘empirical validity and practical utility’ (Polaschek, 2012:1). However, this thesis discusses the need to develop the explanatory depth, theoretical and empirical base of the RNR model in order to make it more applicable to youth justice practices in Wales. To date, the precise processes of supervision in the Welsh youth justice system has remained largely unexplored. This has created a gap in knowledge and poses several implications. With limited empirical insight, it is difficult to understand whether practitioners effectively implement evidence-based practices into their front-line service delivery. This thesis utilises the Correctional Programme Assessment Inventory 2010 (CPAI-2010) to evaluate the practices of four Youth Offending Services and one Secure Estate in Wales. Designed by North American academics, the CPAI-2010 measures practice integrity and indicates the extent to which criminal justice agencies are aligned to Gendreau et al.’s (2004; 2010) conceptualisation of the RNR model. Previous research has revealed that high CPAI scores (high practice integrity) are associated with lower levels of recidivism. This study revealed that a practice integrity gap exists in Wales. As such, this thesis discusses the factors that undermine practice integrity and provides practical solutions to bridge the gulf that exists between the theory of effective practice and its implementation of front-line service delivery. Additionally, this thesis addresses the evaluation responsivity issues associated with using the CPAI-2010 in Wales. The innovation of this study is the development of a responsive, youth-specific, evidence-based evaluation tool - the Youth Justice Evaluation Inventory (YJEI)

Physical ACtivity facilitation for Elders (PACE):Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: As people live longer, their risk of disability increases. Disability affects quality of life and increases health and social care costs. Preventing or delaying disability is therefore an important objective, and identifying an effective intervention could improve the lives of many older people. Observational and interventional evidence suggests that physical activity may reduce the risk of age-related disability, as assessed by physical performance measures. However it is unclear what approach is the most cost-effective intervention in changing long-term physical activity behaviour in older adults. A new theory-driven behavioural intervention has been developed, with the aim of increasing physical activity in the everyday lives of older adults at risk of disability. This pilot study tests the feasibility and acceptability of delivering this intervention to older adults. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) design will be used in the pilot study. Sixty patients aged 65 years and older will be recruited from primary care practices. Patients will be eligible to participate if they are inactive, not disabled at baseline, are at risk of developing disability in the future (Short Physical Performance Battery score <10/12), and have no contraindications to physical activity. Following baseline measures, participants will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio to the intervention or to a control arm and all participants will be followed-up after 6 months. Those randomised to the intervention arm will receive sessions with a trained Physical Activity Facilitator, delivering an intervention based on self-determination theory. Control participants receive a booklet on healthy ageing. The main outcomes of interest are recruitment, adherence, retention and acceptability. Data will also be collected on: self-report and accelerometer-recorded physical activity; physical performance; depression; wellbeing; cognitive function; social support; quality of life, healthcare use, and attitudes to physical activity. A mixed-methods process evaluation will run alongside the RCT. DISCUSSION: The intervention, if effective, has the potential to reduce disability and improve quality of life in older adults. Before proceeding to a full-scale trial a pilot trial is necessary to ensure intervention feasibility and acceptability, and that the intervention shows evidence of promise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN80470273. Registered 25 October 2013

Identifying Developmental Language Disorder in Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants: A Case Study of Three Children

(1) Background: While spoken language learning delays are assumed for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children after cochlear implant (CI), many catch up with their hearing peers. Some DHH children with CIs, however, show persistent delays in language, despite protective factors being in place. This suggests a developmental language disorder (DLD). However, at present there is little consensus on how to diagnose DLD in DHH children. (2) Methods: Given the lack of consensus in this area, a set of case studies provides an appropriate first step. The goal of this paper is to show the plausibility of a DLD diagnosis, following careful analysis of protective and risk factors. A retrospective case study review was conducted for three children. Their long-term language outcomes up to four years after CI were considered in the context of access to sound, speech sound discrimination, social skills and non-verbal cognition. (3) Results: It was possible to posit DLD in one child who had experienced good access to sound, alongside good speech discrimination abilities and social development, and normal non-verbal cognition, but who presented with severe language learning difficulties. (4) Conclusions: Finding markers for DLD in DHH children is important for diagnosis and intervention. The implications for clinical practice are discussed

Understanding the experiences of older adults using technology to stay connected: A facilitator or creator of new vulnerabilities?

Executive Summary With rapid technological change, smart mobile technology has resulted in digital devices, social media, and the internet being suggested as potential solutions to promote social connection in later life. However, evidence in this field is insufficient and contradictory. This study aimed to explore older adults’ experiences of using technology (including social media) to connect with others. Specifically, this study aimed to understand: • Motivations for, and preferences towards, using digital devices and social media as a tool to connect with others • The impact of self-reported loneliness or social isolation on motivations for, and preferences towards, using digital devices and social media • Factors that enable or prevent older adults accessing, or using, digital devices and social media to connect with others • The impact of self-reported loneliness or social isolation in enabling or preventing older adults accessing, or using, digital devices and social media A mixed methods two-phase exploratory sequential design was utilised. Phase one involved semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 older adults (65+ years) across England, Scotland, and Wales. The findings from Phase one informed Phase two, a large survey completed by 410 older adults (65+ years) across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Findings from Phase one were analysed using Thematic Analysis, and findings from Phase two were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Access and use of digital devices and social media were valued as tools for social connection. However, online communication was perceived as being supplementary, and not a replacement for face-to-face communication. Specifically, visual communication tools (e.g. Skype, Zoom, and Facetime) were perceived positively, due to being most reminiscent of face-to-face communication. Importantly, Phase two identified a relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and older adults’ technology use. Older technology users who were neither lonely nor isolated used digital devices, social media, and visual communication tools to connect with others significantly more often than those who experienced loneliness, isolation, or both. Despite being regular technology users, individuals still faced biopsychosocial barriers when using technology for social connection, including physical functioning, self-efficacy, fear, attitudes toward communication, culture of communication, and social capital. The findings demonstrated that these biopsychosocial barriers can significantly heighten inequalities for individuals in many ways, even those with access and skills to use this technology. Phase two identified negative attitudes as being the only psychosocial factor that significantly predicted both digital device use and social media use across the groups. Recommendations for practice 1. This study showed that individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation use technology for social connection significantly less than those not experiencing loneliness or isolation. A preventative approach should be taken in supporting lonely or isolated individuals with opportunities to engage with technology for social connection. 2. Negative attitudes adversely affected use of digital devices and social media, independent of loneliness or social isolation, therefore, interventions should aim to target negative attitudes around using social technologies for all individuals. 3. This study showed that digital exclusion can also be experienced by regular technology users, and it is therefore recommended that the definition of digital exclusion is broadened and includes wider biopsychosocial factors. It is imperative that regular technology users are not overlooked when new technologies and services are being developed, or digital connection is being promoted. This will help to maximise the regular use, minimise the potential of disengaging, and promote the use of technology for social connection

Who is accessing community lateral flow device testing and why:Characteristics and motivations of individuals participating in COVID-19 community testing in two English local authority areas

BACKGROUND: Antigen testing using lateral flow devices (LFDs) plays an important role in the management of the novel coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) by rapidly identifying individuals who are asymptomatically carrying high levels of the virus. By January 2021, LFD community testing sites were set up across English local authority areas to support the management and containment of regional COVID-19 cases, initially targeting essential workers unable to work from home during the national lockdown. This study aimed to examine the characteristics and motivations of individuals accessing community LFD testing across two local authority areas (LAAs) in the South West of England. METHODS: Data were collected as part of a service evaluation from December 22(nd) 2020 until March 15(th) 2021 for two LAAs. Demographic and postcode data were collected from an online test appointment booking platform and the National Health Service testing service online system, with data accessed from Public Health England. An online survey was sent to individuals who made a testing appointment at an LAA1 site using the online booking platform, consisting of 12 questions to collect data on individual’s motivations for and experiences of testing. RESULTS: Data were available for individuals who completed 12,516 tests in LAA1 and 12,327 tests in LAA2. Most individuals who engaged with testing were female, working age, white, and worked as early years or education staff, health and social care staff, and supermarket or food production staff. 1249 individuals completed the survey with 60% of respondents reported getting tested for work-related reasons. Individuals first heard about LFD testing through various channels including work, media, and word of mouth, and decided to get tested based on the ease and convenience of testing, workplace communications, and to identify asymptomatic cases to help stop the spread. Most tests were completed by individuals living in less deprived areas based on national deciles of deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: While national and local COVID-19 testing strategies have evolved, community and personal LFD testing remains a crucial pillar of the testing strategy. Future studies should collect quantitative and qualitative data from residents to most effectively shape testing offers based on the needs and preferences of their population. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-12986-4

Cinnamyl alcohol oxidation using supported bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticles: An optimization of metal ratio and investigation of the deactivation mechanism under autoxidation conditions

The aerobic oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol in toluene under autoxidation conditions has been studied using a range of 1 wt% Au–Pd/TiO2 catalysts. The catalysts have been studied to determine the effect of preparation method (impregnation and sol immobilisation) and metal ratio on the conversion of cinnamyl alcohol and the selectivity to cinnamaldehyde. The catalysts prepared by sol-immobilisation demonstrate higher selectivity to the desired aldehyde than the analogous impregnation materials. The most active catalyst was found to be 0.75 wt% Au–0.25 wt% Pd/TiO2 prepared by sol-immobilisation and this demonstrates the importance of metal ratio optimisation in this catalytic process. Furthermore, this metal ratio was found to be most stable under the reactions conditions with little change observed over multiple uses

Beyond Digital: Planning for a Hybrid World

In October 2020, we launched an inquiry into how a rapidly increasing reliance on digital technology, accelerated by the pandemic, may have a long-term impact on our social and economic wellbeing. There are many definitions of wellbeing, with Marie Brousseau-Navarro, from the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, emphasising the importance of economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing. For the purpose of this inquiry, we are using the Office of National Statistics’ (ONS) definition of wellbeing as “how we are doing, as individuals, communities and as a nation and how sustainable this is for the future”. Research has consistently found that the most important drivers of adult wellbeing are mental and physical health, relationships and employment, and so we decided to focus our work on the impact that digital technology is likely to have on these aspects of our lives in 2–5 years’ time, the opportunities and threats that this poses to our wellbeing, and what the Government should do in response. Given the critical role of education for the future wellbeing of children and young people, we also included consideration of this in our work. As our remit asked us to focus on social and economic wellbeing, we wanted our report to consider life online in the context of wellbeing. As Professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve reminded us: “Growth for the sake of growth no longer translates necessarily into greater well-being;” when looking at the benefits and drawbacks of life online we would support that

A pilot randomised controlled trial of physical activity facilitation for older adults:feasibility study findings

Abstract Background More people are living longer lives leading to a growth in the population of older adults, many of whom have comorbidities and low levels of physical function. Physical activity in later life can prevent or delay age-related disability. Identifying a cost-effective means of increasing physical activity in older adults therefore remains an important public health priority. Physical Activity Facilitation (PAF) is an intervention shown to increase physical activity in adults with depression. The PAF model was modified for a population of older adults at risk of disability. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of undertaking a definitive RCT of the PAF intervention in the target population. Methods A pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was delivered through primary care. Patients at risk of disability and who were not meeting recommended levels of physical activity were recruited through postal invitation and direct approach in the practice waiting room. Those meeting eligibility criteria were enrolled and randomised at a 2:1 ratio to the PAF intervention and control. Behaviour change techniques were used by facilitators with participants over the telephone and face-to-face for 6 months. Outcome measures including physical function, physical activity, depression, social support, and quality of life were collected at baseline and at 6 months. Results A high proportion of patients responded to the initial invitation (68%), yet many were ineligible due to high levels of self-reported physical activity and baseline physical function. Fifty-one participants were recruited to the trial, with an average age of 74 years (range 65–89), and there were high rates of adherence and retention to the study (94% follow-up at 6 months). The majority of outcome data collected from participants was complete; however, the validated scale used to measure self-reported physical activity was associated with high levels of missing data. Conclusions The findings of this pilot RCT suggest that it is feasible to deliver a definitive RCT of the PAF intervention in this population. Further work is required to improve the efficiency of recruitment and to minimise missing data from self-reported physical activity measures. Trial registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN80470273. Registered 25 October 2013