The margin and the mainstream : positioning Harry Partch's theories within the broader discourse of musical aesthetics

Bibliography: leaves 102-106.The dissertation examines the broader musical value of microtonal composer Harry Partch's musical theories by locating his critique of abstract music within mainstream compositional theory and aesthetics. This contextualisation aims to deconstruct Partch's iconoclastic image so as to understand his contribution within a wider realm of critical discourse. The work of composers that follow in Partch's footsteps becomes important in this context, especially that of his one-time student Ben Johnston whose own microtonal aesthetic is firmly rooted in European aesthetics from Debussy to Schoenberg. By a study of Johnston's utilisation of Partch's theory of just intonation the dissertation attempts to arrive at a more inclusive compositional theory, one which continues to address those aspects of Partch's theories that serve as a valid and constructive critique of traditional musical values. Taking Adorno's view that musical critique must deal with the problem of reification at the level of musical materials, the author proposes a reading of Partch's corporeal philosophy that is applicable beyond the confines of narrative musical drama. By creating a distinction between historical models of organisation and 'second nature' forms of musical presentation, it is suggested that critique does not necessarily prefigure alienation from the mainstream, but can rather be situated within musical discourse in such a way that a new image of the latter's forms results. On a practical level, the dissertation explores the validity of expanded just intonation as a means of achieving this immanent critique, both in the realm of compositional theory and, implicitly, in that of analytical theory, concluding with the description of a tuning system with the capacity to synthesise the range of compositional theories explored

Global Innovations in Measurement and Evaluation

We researched the latest developments in theory and practice in measurement and evaluation. And we found that new thinking, techniques, and technology are influencing and improving practice. This report highlights 8 developments that we think have the greatest potential to improve evaluation and programme design, and the careful collection and use of data. In it, we seek to inform and inspire—to celebrate what is possible, and encourage wider application of these ideas

Developing teacher self-efficacy via a formal HIV/AIDS intervention

This study investigated the effects of a HIV/AIDS module on teachers’ sense of self-efficacy regarding their ability to bring about behaviours in their learners which contribute to responsible living and a reduction of the spread of HIV in their communities. The sample was 128 in-service teachers studying in nine different centres in three South African provinces in their second year of a parttime degree in education. A modified Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI) was used to generate quantitative data, while semi-structured individual and focus group interviews provided qualitative data. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and MANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences between the participants pre- and post-test self-efficacy scores. Interview data suggested that improved confidence enabled the teachers to gain a better understanding of cultural barriers to HIV/AIDS education and theimpediments to developing an effective HIV/AIDS policy in their schools. The study also highlighted the importance of leadership from school management for the successful adoption and implementation of an effective HIV/AIDS policy in schools. Enhanced confidence is noted as a motivating factor for teacher participation in community efforts to support those affected by HIV/AIDS

A Compassionate and Caring Guide for Those Suffering with HIV/AIDS in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

This project will develop a hands-on practical Train- the-Trainer Resource Guide to implement caring HIV/AIDS ministries for the local churches in the Carolina Region of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. It will become an evangelistic tool to reach and empower the most marginalized in society that will provide resources leading to transformative ministries. Many lack understanding regarding those who suffer with HIV/AIDS, and winning over those who possess judgmental attitudes and fears keeps the church at odds with those living with this disease. Nonetheless, appropriate exposure to caring HIV/AIDS ministries can empower the disenfranchised and strengthen the faith community at large. Additionally, this thesis project will address the biases, stigmas, and prejudices of churches toward those suffering with HIV/AIDS. After analyzing focus group sessions and questionnaires from selected congregations, this study also looks to reveal the cultural fears, myths and barriers leading to apathy and offers practical steps toward prevention, acceptance, and producing ministries who through education and training, will become change-agents in their thinking and action

Valuing Data: How to Use It in Your Grant-Making

Valuing data: How to use it in your grant-making |There are over 10,000 charitable foundations in the UK. Between them, they generate a vast amount of data. But this data has not traditionally been seen as a resource in the same way that money has been, and this is a missed opportunity. This report outlines how grant-makers can use data at both an individual and a collective level to improve their funding practice

The impact of an HIV/AIDS module on the self-efficacy of teachers

In response to the crisis created by the HIV and AIDS pandemic in this country, South African education departments are demanding that educators play a significant role in creating awareness amongst children and adults alike. This task is challenging for teachers who are already working under the pressure of demanding workloads. In order to achieve the intended outcome of AIDS awareness, training of highly efficacious teachers is required. The education module, PSED201, Issues in School and Society, offered as part of a BEd degree for in-service mathematics and science teachers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, provides one such training opportunity. This study investigates the impact of this module on the self-efficacy of 128 teachers with respect to their role as HIV and AIDS educators. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used and data were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews. The results suggest that there has been an improvement in all four areas of teacher self-efficacy examined in this research. As such, it may be concluded that an important outcome of this intervention has been achieved. As highly efficacious teachers are more likely to influence the behaviour of their learners, the findings of this research should make a meaningful contribution to the debate around AIDS education in South African schools

An analysis of nursing error among licensed nurses working in North Carolina using the taxonomy of error root cause analysis and practice responsibility database

Healthcare error is a persistent challenge for clinicians, administrators, regulators, and policy makers. Researchers argue that the number of errors originally cited by Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) landmark report, To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System (1999) were grossly underestimated and that despite concerted efforts aimed to mitigate error in healthcare settings, error remains a persistent and difficult problem to combat. Given the pervasiveness of this phenomenon, informed research is needed to discover why errors persist; informing interventions expressly created to reduce the incidence of error. Nurses are the largest provider of healthcare services in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013), and their surveillance across all healthcare settings is critical in efforts to improve patient safety by reducing errors. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of demographic and environmental factors on the prevalence of nursing errors resulting in patient harm among licensed nurses who violated the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act (NC NPA) between years 2011 and 2015. Exploration of nurse error through analysis of existing data from the Taxonomy of Error Root Cause Analysis and Practice Responsibility (TERCAP) database was important to identify patterns of error, risk factors, and systems issues that have contributed to practice breakdown. This cross-sectional study was guided by the Organizational Accident Causation Model. The model explains how latent and active failures contribute to the work conditions facilitating unsafe acts to occur. Nurse demographics (age, gender, educational preparation, and nursing tenure), organizational factors (shift worked, work environment, and history of prior employer discipline) and commission of a medication error (active failure) were assessed for their association with error resulting in patient harm through Chi-square tests and logistic regression (N=544). Findings revealed that error resulting in patient harm and commission of a medication error resulting in patient harm was significantly associated with the variables of age and work environment. Results also revealed that nurses = 50 years of age were found to be significantly associated with commission of a medication error that resulting in patient harm. Gender and work environment were found to be significant predictors of error resulting in patient harm with male nurses have lower odds of committing error resulting in patient harm than female nurses. Nurses who worked in ‘other’ work environments (non-traditional work settings) had lower odds of committing error resulting in patient harm when compared with nurses working in the hospital setting. Nurses working in ‘other’ work environments also had lower odds of committing medication errors resulting in patient harm when compared with nurses who worked in hospital settings. This study’s examination of relationships among organizational work environment factors, nurse demographics, and error resulting in patient harm among nurses practicing in North Carolina has implications for nursing regulation and clinical practice. Study findings provided nurses working in direct care roles information for consideration as they engage in their self-reflective activities to evaluate and enhance their personal practice while meeting continuing competence requirements of the state of North Carolina. Findings can serve as a catalyst for enhanced information sharing between nurse employers and the North Carolina Board of Nursing regarding remediation efforts for suspected violations of the Nursing Practice Act and nursing administrators can utilize findings to provide their staffs with focused education on contributing factors to nursing error while also evaluating work environments with a fuller appreciation of the needs of older nurses

Experiences and views of people who frequently call emergency ambulance services: a qualitative study of UK service users

Introduction: People who call emergency ambulances frequently are often vulnerable because of health and social circumstances, have unresolved problems or cannot access appropriate care. They have higher mortality rates. Case management by interdisciplinary teams can help reduce demand for emergency services and is available in some UK regions. We report results of interviews with people who use emergency ambulance services frequently to understand their experiences of calling and receiving treatment. Methods: We used a two‐stage recruitment process. A UK ambulance service identified six people who were known to them as frequently calling emergency services. Through third‐sector organisations, we also recruited nine individuals with healthcare experiences reflecting the characteristics of people who call frequently. We gained informed consent to record and transcribe all telephone interviews. We used thematic analysis to explore the results. Results: People said they make frequent calls to emergency ambulance services as a last resort when they perceive their care needs are urgent and other routes to help have failed. Those with the most complex health needs generally felt their immediate requirements were not resolved and underlying mental and physical problems led them to call again. A third of respondents were also attended to by police and were arrested for behaviour associated with their health needs. Those callers receiving case management did not know they were selected for this. Some respondents were concerned that case management could label frequent callers as troublemakers. Conclusion: People who make frequent calls to emergency ambulance services feel their health and care needs are urgent and ongoing. They cannot see alternative ways to receive help and resolve problems. Communication between health professionals and service users appears inadequate. More research is needed to understand service users' motivations and requirements to inform design and delivery of accessible and effective services. Patient or Public Contribution: People with relevant experience were involved in developing, undertaking and disseminating this research. Two public contributors helped design and deliver the study, including developing and analysing service user interviews and drafting this paper. Eight public members of a Lived Experience Advisory Panel contributed at key stages of study design, interpretation and dissemination. Two more public contributors were members of an independent Study Steering Committee

What are emergency ambulance services doing to meet the needs of people who call frequently? A national survey of current practice in the United Kingdom

Background Emergency ambulance services are integral to providing a service for those with unplanned urgent and life-threatening health conditions. However, high use of the service by a small minority of patients is a concern. Our objectives were to describe: service-wide and local policies or pathways for people classified as Frequent Caller; call volume; and results of any audit or evaluation. Method We conducted a national survey of current practice in ambulance services in relation to the management of people who call the emergency ambulance service frequently using a structured questionnaire for completion by email and telephone interview. We analysed responses using a descriptive and thematic approach. Results Twelve of 13 UK ambulance services responded. Most services used nationally agreed definitions for ‘Frequent Caller’, with 600–900 people meeting this classification each month. Service-wide policies were in place, with local variations. Models of care varied from within-service care where calls are flagged in the call centre; contact made with callers; and their General Practitioner (GP) with an aim of discouraging further calls, to case management through cross-service, multi-disciplinary team meetings aiming to resolve callers’ needs. Although data were available related to volume of calls and number of callers meeting the threshold for definition as Frequent Caller, no formal audits or evaluations were reported. Conclusions Ambulance services are under pressure to meet challenging response times for high acuity patients. Tensions are apparent in the provision of care to patients who have complex needs and call frequently. Multi-disciplinary case management approaches may help to provide appropriate care, and reduce demand on emergency services. However, there is currently inadequate evidence to inform commissioning, policy or practice development