Intersectoral interagency partnerships to promote financial capability in older people

From the second quarter of 2008, the UK economy entered a period of economic decline. Older people are particularly vulnerable during these times. To promote ways in which older people can be better supported to maintain their financial well-being, this study explored the sources older people utilize to keep themselves financially informed. Interviews with older people (n = 28) showed that older people access trusted sources of information (e.g. healthcare professionals) rather than specialist financial information providers (e.g. financial advisors) which highlighted the need for interagency working between financial services in the private, public and voluntary sectors. An example of how such interagency partnerships might be achieved in practice is presented with some recommendations on directions for future research into interagency working that spans public, private and voluntary sectors

Reviews of theoretical frameworks: challenges and judging the quality of theory application.

Background Rigorous reviews of available information, from a range of resources, is required to support medical and health educators in their decision making related to their educational practice. Aim The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of a review of theoretical frameworks specifically to supplement reviews that focus on a synthesis of the empirical evidence alone. Establishing a shared understanding of theory as a concept is highlighted as a challenge to these types of review and some practical strategies to achieving this are presented. The paper also introduces the concept of theoretical quality to the methodology of literature reviews, arguing that a critique of how theory is applied should complement the methodological appraisal of the literature in a review. Method We illustrate the challenge of establishing a shared meaning of theory through reference to experiences of an on-going review of this kind conducted in the field of interprofessional education (IPE) and use a high scoring paper selected in this review to illustrate how theoretical quality can be assessed. We focus on theories that apply to IPE curriculum design but the findings are transferable to all reviews of theoretical frameworks. Findings In reaching a shared understanding of theory as a concept, practical strategies that promote experiential and practical ways of knowing (e.g. small group work and piloting of all phases of the review protocol) are required in addition to more propositional ways of sharing knowledge. Concepts of parsimony, testability, operational adequacy and empirical adequacy are explored as concepts that establish theoretical quality. Conclusions Reviews of theoretical frameworks used in medical education are required to inform educational practice. Review teams should make time and effort to reach a shared understanding of the term theory. Theory reviews, and reviews more widely, should add an assessment of theory application to the protocol of their review method.

Numerical modelling of mass transfer for solvent-carbon dioxide system at supercritical (miscible) conditions

A numerical procedure of mathematical model for mass transfer between a droplet of organic solvent and a compressed antisolvent is presented for conditions such that the two phases are fully miscible. The model is applicable to the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) method of particle formation. In this process, solute particles precipitate from an organic solution when sprayed into a compressed antisolvent continuum. Effects of operating temperature and pressure on droplet behavior were examined. The CO2 critical locus and the conditions for which the densities of solvent and carbon dioxide are equal are identified. Calculations were performed using Peng-Robinson equation of state. The model equations were put into the form that allowed the application of the Matlab standard solver pdepe. Calculations with toluene, ethanol, acetone (solvents) and carbon dioxide (antisolvent) demonstrated that droplets swell upon interdiffusion when the solvent is denser than the antisolvent and shrink when the antisolvent is denser. Diffusion modeling results might be used for data interpretation or experiments planning of the more complex real SAS process

Using social innovation as a theoretical framework to guide future thinking on facilitating collaboration between mental health and criminal justice services.

Offender mental health is a major societal challenge. Improved collaboration between mental health and criminal justice services is required to address these challenges. This paper explores the potential social innovation as a concept that offers an alternative perspective on collaborations between these services and a framework to develop theoretically informed strategies to optimize interorganizational working. Two key innovation frameworks are applied to the offender mental health field and practice illustrations provided of where new innovations in collaboration, and specifically cocreation between the mental health system and criminal justice system, take place. The paper recommends the development of a competency framework for leaders and front line staff in the mental health system and criminal justice systems to raise awareness and skills in the innovation process, especially through cocreation across professional and organizational boundaries

Children’s experiences with Child Protection Services: A synthesis of qualitative evidence

Background - Research shows that young adults, previously in contact with Child Protection Services (CPS) often have lower overall wellbeing when compared to their peers in the general population. To redress this balance and fulfil children’s right to receive good quality and child-centred services, the child ´s lived experience of the CPS processes and interventions must be better understood. There is research with children about specific aspects of CPS, such as experiences of investigation, out-of-home care, end of intervention and participation. Yet, there is no available synthesis of the literature that would provide a general overview of children’s lived experiences of these services. Objective - The aim of this review was to comprehensively identify, synthesise and analyse the current empirical research that explored children’s overall experiences of Child Protection Services. Method - This is a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis of primary studies. A systematic search was conducted using five databases related to social sciences and social work for relevant qualitative publications in English. Using PRISMA, 39 studies were included in this review. A qualitative evidence synthesis was carried out, which entailed extracting, synthesising and thematic analysis of text from the findings section of the included studies. Results -Most of the literature focused on the perceptions of children in out-of-home care. Four main themes emerged that captured these subjective experiences: children described the processes of coming in contact with CPS, their experiences of the CPS intervention or services, their perceptions of the outcomes of the intervention and lastly their perceptions of self, social identity and stigmatisation. Discussion and Conclusion - This review concludes that, from the perspective of the child, clear, understandable and comprehensive information about the CPS process is required so that they can assert their right to participation and protection. Being in CPS is an emotional experience for them, thus emotional as much as physical safety, is needed. A sense of belongingness and self-actualization are as important as food and shelter. This knowledge should be considered in practice to improve both short and long-term outcomes for children in contact with the CPS

Textural and rheological properties of stevia ice cream

Ice cream contains high sugar content and therefore it is in contradiction with the concept of healthy diet. The objective of this study is to determine the suitability of using stevia as an alternative natural sweetener in making ice cream. In-house ice cream formulation (as the control) and three different concentrations of stevia ice cream formulations of (A, B and C) were used. Physical properties of the ice cream such as the overrun, total soluble solid, meltdown rate, rheology, and textural properties were evaluated. All ice cream samples exhibited a non-Newtonian flow with pseudoplastic behavior. Stevia ice cream has a lower melting rate and has a higher sustainability. The power law also showed that apparent viscosities of stevia ice cream were higher. Therefore, stevia can be used as a natural sugar substitute in ice cream production

Effects of multi-stage dehumidified-air drying on the polyphenol content of Hydrocotyle bonariensis

Traditional drying methods involve high temperatures that degrade heat-sensitive compounds. Dehumidified-air drying, an alternative to traditional drying methods, is suitable for heat-sensitive compounds; however, it consumes a large amount of energy and is comparatively expensive. In this study, a multi-chamber dehumidified-air dryer was designed to dry Hydrocotyle bonariensis, and the retention of the polyphenol content of Hydrocotyle bonariensis under various drying conditions was examined. Multi-chamber dehumidified-air drying involves two chambers; each chamber was operated at temperatures of 30, 40, and 50°C with air volumetric flow rates of 30 and 50 L/min. The results indicated that the highest retention of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content, 24.67 mg of GAE/g dry weight (DW) and 2.204 mg of catechin/g DW, respectively, was obtained at 50°C with a 50 L/min air flow rate in the first drying chamber. Multi-stage dehumidified-air dryers have the potential to dry heat-sensitive products with reduced energy consumption

The experiences of older people who live with a long-term condition

AIM: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of people aged 65 and older who have learned to live with a pre-existing long-term condition. METHOD: A qualitative approach and the principles of narrative research were used to learn as much as possible about the individuals' stories. A focus group of five men was interviewed and two women were interviewed as a pair. FINDINGS: Existing skills in condition management and interactions with professionals are transferable to new health needs that older people develop, but additional, age-related problems can affect management of long-term conditions. Progressive long-term conditions may become more difficult to manage with age, and it is difficult to distinguish between ageing processes and deterioration of pre-existing long-term conditions. Age-related social and financial changes and society's perception of older people may also present challenges to condition management. CONCLUSION: Nurses who care for older people should take into account the effects of the person's long-term condition and the ageing process when assessing their needs; understand that people may be reluctant to ask for practical assistance; explore existing support mechanisms that people have in place and their sustainability; and advocate with people to secure appropriate choices related to their health needs