An evidence-based review of creative problem solving tools: a practitioner’s resource

Creative problem solving (CPS) requires solutions to be useful and original. Typically, its operations span problem finding, idea generation and critical evaluation. The benefits of training CPS have been extolled in education, industry and government with evidence showing it can enhance performance. However, while such training schemes work, less is known about the specific tools used. Knowing whether a particular tool works or not would provide practitioners with a valuable resource, leading to more effective training schemes, and a better understanding of the processes involved. A comprehensive review was undertaken examining the empirical support of tools used within CPS. Despite the surprising lack of research focusing on the use and success of specific tools some evidence exists to support the effectiveness of a small set. Such findings present practitioners with a potential resource that could be used in a stand-alone setting or possibly combined to create more effective training programmes

EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015

Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened

Root Zone Temperatures of \u3ci\u3eViburnum odoratissimum\u3c/i\u3e Grown in the Multipot Box System and Conventional Systems: Measurement and Analyses of Temperature Profiles and Predicting Root Zone Temperatures

This research study evaluates the effectiveness of a recently introduced irrigation- plant production system, multipot box system (MPBS), for moderating root zone temperature (RZT) compared with the conventional nursery containers. The study also deals with the development, calibration, and validation of a series of models that can be used to predict maximum (max) and minimum (min) RZTs using commonly available input variables. The Viburnum odoratissimum (Ker.-gawl.) was used as the test plant. Models were calibrated in the fall growing season and validated during the summer. The RZT was used as the dependent variable while the max and min air temperatures (Tmax and Tmin) and/or incoming solar radiation (Rs) were used as independent variables. The color of the MPBS had an effect on plant growth. Plants grown in the white MPBS had higher growth indices, shoot and root dry weights, and number of stems as compared with the plants in the blackMPBS orthe conventional (control) system (CS). White MPBS maintained cooler RZTs than the max air temperature during both seasons. Also, white MPBS maintained cooler RZTs than the black MPBS and CS during the two seasons. In both seasons, water temperature in the black MPBS was higher than the temperature in the white MPBS contributing to the high RZTs in the black MPBS. The RZT of the black MPBS and CS exceeded the critical value (40 °C), which is cited in the literatures as negatively impacting root growth, water and nutrient uptake, leaf area, plant survival, root and shoot dry weights, water status, and photosynthesis. The RZT in the CS was above 45°C for most of the summer season and plants were exposed to this extreme temperature for a few hours a day during most of the summer. The white MPBS provided a better environment and enhanced plant growth. For regions where ambient air temperature ranged from 2 to 41 °C, the white MPBS can provide adequate and effective RZT protection for plants grown in No. 1, 3.8-L standard black conventional containers. Predicted RZT values were well correlated with measured values in all systems. Rs did not have an effect on predicting RZTmax in the MPBS treatments. Wind speed did not contribute to predicting RZT in any production systems. The root mean square error between measured and predicted RZT was relatively low ranging from 0.9 to 2.8 °C. Models were able to explain at least 74% of the variability in RZTs using only Tmax, Tmin, and/or Rs. Models developed in this study should be applicable for estimating RZTs when similar management and cultural practices are present. Models of this study are practical, simple, and applicable to predict RZTs where ambient air temperature ranges from 1.9 to 40°C. Model results should not be extrapolated beyond these limits

Dwujęzyczność u progu edukacji szkolnej – interdyscyplinarny projekt badawczy

The paper describes a Polish research project which aims at creating a cognitive and linguistic profile of the Polish-English bilingual child at the school entrance age. With the increase in the number of bilingual children due to economic migrations, researchers, educators and practitioners are often faced with diagnostic dilemmas which arise from similarities in bilingual language acquisition in natural settings and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). The study, which aims at disentangling the effects of bilingualism from those of SLI, is a part of European cooperation programme COST Action IS0408/Bi-SLI. The aim of the Polish team is to create and test a set of tools which can be used for developing norms of typical bilingual development for Polish-English children entering school education