Driving precision policy responses to child health and developmental inequities

The growing evidence base on the extent of and opportunities to reduce inequities in children’s health and development still lacks the specificity to inform clear policy decisions. A new phase of research is needed that builds on contemporary directions in precision medicine to develop precision policy making; with the aim to redress child inequities. This would include identifying effective interventions and their ideal time point(s), duration, and intensity to maximise impact. Drawing on existing data sources and innovations in epidemiology and biostatistics would be key. The economic and social gains that could be achieved from reducing child inequities are immense. <br

Calculating a health index for power transformers using a subsystem-based GRNN approach

A power transformer is one of the most crucial items of equipment in the electricity supply chain. The reliability of this valuable asset is strongly dependent on the condition of its subsystems such as insulation, core, windings, bushings and tap changer. Integration of various measured parameters of these subsystems makes it possible to evaluate the overall health condition of an in-service transformer. This paper develops an artificially intelligent algorithm based on multiple general regression neural networks to combine the operating condition of various subsystems of a transformer to form a quantitative health index. The model is developed using a training set derived from four conditional boundaries based on IEEE standards, the literature and the knowledge of transformer experts. Performance of the proposed method is compared with expert classifications using a database of 345 power transformers. This shows that the proposed method is reliable and effective for condition assessment and is sensitive to poor condition of any single subsystem

Does human resource management add value to organisations in New Zealand or is it just another job?

This paper aims to discuss current literature, the focus areas of future HR in academic context, roles of the HR professional, and a model with three key areas for the HR professional which are identified for future use by New Zealand organisations. Trends and developments in HR should not be ignored. Generation Yer’s entering the workforce affects how the HR manager should manage workforces in future. HR’s future is dependant on committed practitioners who are knowledgeable in their field. HR has four distinct areas where they can contribute to add value and they are discussed. In conclusion: HR is not just another job, but a profession that’s on the forefront of business success with leading thinkers and respected executives. The HR value proposition is the blue print for the future of HR

Evaluation of the IncoStress device for urinary incontinence: a feasibility study and pilot randomised controlled trial

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruitment to and outcomes from a pilot randomised study of the IncoStress device as an adjunct to conservative treatment for urinary incontinence. Methods Women with urinary incontinence were randomised on a 2:1 basis to usual care (control) or usual care plus use of the IncoStress device (intervention). Process outcomes (retention and compliance) were recorded plus symptom outcomes (IQOL and ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaires). A sample of participants took part in an interview to understand the frequency of use of the device and satisfaction. Results Eighty women (51 intervention, 29 control) were recruited. Follow-up responses were obtained from 34 intervention group (66.7%) and 17 (58.6%) control patients. Women used the device for a median 3 days a week (0–7), 18 out of 34 (53%) found it easy to use and 21 (61.8%) were satisfied with the device. Median IQOL score in the intervention group improved from a baseline of 42.4 (0–94) to 68.2 (5–98) at follow-up and in the control group from 45.5 (0–88) to 53.0 (0–94). Median ICIQ-FLUTS score in the intervention group improved from 14.5 (6–35) to 12.5 (4–26) and in the control group from 15.0 (5–35) to 14.0 (6–38). Conclusions Recruitment and randomisation were feasible and robust. This study demonstrates that a large-scale RCT is feasible and the IncoStress has potential value

Spatial data trusts: an emerging governance framework for sharing spatial data

Data Trusts are an important emerging approach to enabling the much wider sharing of data from many different sources and for many different purposes, backed by the confidence of clear and unambiguous data governance. Data Trusts combine the technical infrastructure for sharing data with the governance framework of a legal trust. The concept of a data Trust applied specifically to spatial data offers significant opportunities for new and future applications, addressing some longstanding barriers to data sharing, such as location privacy and data sovereignty. This paper introduces and explores the concept of a ‘spatial data Trust’ by identifying and explaining the key functions and characteristics required to underpin a data Trust for spatial data. The work identifies five key features of spatial data Trusts that demand specific attention and connects these features to a history of relevant work in the field, including spatial data infrastructures (SDIs), location privacy, and spatial data quality. The conclusions identify several key strands of research for the future development of this rapidly emerging framework for spatial data sharing