Evaluation of Increased Flexibility for 14 to 16 Year Olds Programme : Outcomes for the Second Cohort - Research Brief

The Increased Flexibility Programme (IFP) was the first national programme which formalised partnership working between post-16 and pre-16 education providers to deliver a broader curriculum for young people at key stage 4. Since its inception, the programme has expanded in the context of a continuing focus on improving the curriculum and qualification routes for 14 to 16 year olds and integrating these into a 14 to 19 framework. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to undertake a national evaluation of the first and second cohorts of IFP students, in order to examine the extent to which the aims and objectives of the IFP were being met. This research brief focuses on the outcomes for young people who participated in the programme between 2003 and 2005 (cohort 2) during a time of change in 14 to 19 policy

Study of the breathing pattern based on 4D data collected by a dynamic 3D body scanner

The 3D-MATIC Research Laboratory at the University of Glasgow is currently developing a dynamic 3D whole body scanner. The basic concept is to equip a studio space such that the "working volume" of the space is imaged from all directions using fixed stereo-pairs of TV cameras. The stereo-pair images, collected by the camera pairs at a frame rate of 25 Hz, are then processed using photogrammetric techniques to create a spatio-temporal 3D model of this space. Using these unique 4D data, it is now possible to study 3D shape deformations. We present some preliminary results of a study of the breathing pattern of a couple of subjects. This research investigates the accuracy of the data and how it compares with the measurement standards of the fashion industry. Finally we discuss the potential use of dynamic 3D scanners in the apparel industry

Association Between Early Hyperoxia Exposure After Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest and Neurological Disability: Prospective Multicenter Protocol-Directed Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Studies examining the association between hyperoxia exposure after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and clinical outcomes have reported conflicting results. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that early postresuscitation hyperoxia is associated with poor neurological outcome. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective cohort study. We included adult patients with cardiac arrest who were mechanically ventilated and received targeted temperature management after return of spontaneous circulation. We excluded patients with cardiac arrest caused by trauma or sepsis. Per protocol, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (Pao2) was measured at 1 and 6 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. Hyperoxia was defined as a Pao2 >300 mm Hg during the initial 6 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. The primary outcome was poor neurological function at hospital discharge, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score >3. Multivariable generalized linear regression with a log link was used to test the association between Pao2 and poor neurological outcome. To assess whether there was an association between other supranormal Pao2 levels and poor neurological outcome, we used other Pao2 cut points to define hyperoxia (ie, 100, 150, 200, 250, 350, 400 mm Hg). RESULTS: Of the 280 patients included, 105 (38%) had exposure to hyperoxia. Poor neurological function at hospital discharge occurred in 70% of patients in the entire cohort and in 77% versus 65% among patients with versus without exposure to hyperoxia respectively (absolute risk difference, 12%; 95% confidence interval, 1-23). Hyperoxia was independently associated with poor neurological function (relative risk, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.35). On multivariable analysis, a 1-hour-longer duration of hyperoxia exposure was associated with a 3% increase in risk of poor neurological outcome (relative risk, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.05). We found that the association with poor neurological outcome began at ≥300 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Early hyperoxia exposure after resuscitation from cardiac arrest was independently associated with poor neurological function at hospital discharge

A new approach to generating research-quality data through citizen science: The USA National Phenology Monitoring System

Phenology is one of the most sensitive biological responses to climate change, and recent changes in phenology have the potential to shake up ecosystems. In some cases, it appears they already are. Thus, for ecological reasons it is critical that we improve our understanding of species’ phenologies and how these phenologies are responding to recent, rapid climate change. Phenological events like flowering and bird migrations are easy to observe, culturally important, and, at a fundamental level, naturally inspire human curiosity— thus providing an excellent opportunity to engage citizen scientists. The USA National Phenology Network has recently initiated a national effort to encourage people at different levels of expertise—from backyard naturalists to professional scientists—to observe phenological events and contribute to a national database that will be used to greatly improve our understanding of spatio-temporal variation in phenology and associated phenological responses to climate change.

Traditional phenological observation protocols identify specific dates at which individual phenological events are observed. The scientific usefulness of long-term phenological observations could be improved with a more carefully structured protocol. At the USA-NPN we have developed a new approach that directs observers to record each day that they observe an individual plant, and to assess and report the state of specific life stages (or phenophases) as occurring or not occurring on that plant for each observation date. Evaluation is phrased in terms of simple, easy-to-understand, questions (e.g. “Do you see open flowers?”), which makes it very appropriate for a citizen science audience. From this method, a rich dataset of phenological metrics can be extracted, including the duration of a phenophase (e.g. open flowers), the beginning and end points of a phenophase (e.g. traditional phenological events such as first flower and last flower), multiple distinct occurrences of phenophases within a single growing season (e.g multiple flowering events, common in drought-prone regions), as well as quantification of sampling frequency and observational uncertainties. These features greatly enhance the utility of the resulting data for statistical analyses addressing questions such as how phenological events vary in time and space, and in response to global change. This new protocol is an important step forward, and its widespread adoption will increase the scientific value of data collected by citizen scientists.
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Preparing student radiographers for imaging patients with dementia: an exploratory study of the “what?” and the “how?” in higher education strategy

It has been well established across the spectrum of allied healthcare literature that newly qualified practitioners, fresh from university education, often feel unprepared for their early experiences of managing patients with dementia (Baillie, Cox and Merritt, 2012; Baillie, Merritt and Cox, 2012). Moreover, this situation can have unfortunate knock-on effects regarding practitioner confidence. As Miller, Booth and Spacey (2017) observe, however, such literature rarely goes beyond proposing that ‘more education’ is the solution. Rarely unpacked is what content this education should contain at undergraduate level, and how it should be integrated into extant curricula in order to best benefit graduates in their future clinical work. This exploratory study reports findings emergent of N=6 detailed interviews with final year Diagnostic Radiography students, at the time placed in a variety of hospitals in the North West of England. Employing an analytic approach based in the Straussian model of Grounded Theory (Sloane and Miller, 2017), four global issues were identified: 1. Education around the differentiated forms of dementia should be provided before any student encounters a pertinent patient on placement. 2. Direct education about best practice in communicating with patients with dementia is essential at the earliest possible stage. 3. Bringing in dementia carers and other affected parties can help contextualise potential problems in a non-abstract way. 4. The experiences of undergraduates on other healthcare programmes (particularly nursing) can help inform a student’s-eye understanding of dementia in radiography. It is contended that these findings can open up important pedagogical discussions around an issue that has hitherto remained largely unarticulated in contemporary radiography curricula

Museum Magazine, Number 68 (2016 Winter)

The issue's feature article, "Afro-Cuban artists: a Renaissance. Manuel Mendive and Eduardo "Choco" Roca Salazar February 23-May 1, 2016," focuses on two of the most celebrated Cuban artists working today. Both men benefited from the educational and cultural initiatives instituted by Fidel Castro following the 1959 Cuban Revolution and receive inspiration from their Afro-Cuban heritage. However, their distinct selections of subject matter and divergent styles underscore the manifold ways revolution and race continue to be interpreted and understood on the island today.From the Director / Alex W. Barker (Director) -- Afro-Cuban artists : a renaissance / Kristin Schwain (Associate Professor, Art History) -- Black American artists : envisioning social change / Alisa Carlson (Curator of European and American Art) -- Recent acquisition : a German Renaissance portrait / Alisa Carlson (Curator of European and American Art) -- Special exhibitions -- Events calendar -- Missouri Folk Arts Program / Lisa Overholser (Guest Author) -- From the Museum Educator / Cathy Callaway (Museum Educator) -- From the Academic Coordinator / Arthur Mehrhoff -- Cleaning an old master / Alex Barker (Director) -- Spotlight : The Moon God Men / Benton Kidd (Curator of Ancient Art) -- Museum Associates / Gary Anger (President, Museum Associates)

Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Populations in Alzheimer’s Disease Research: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged adults. Yet, these populations are significantly underrepresented in research. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature for published reports describing recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in ADRD research or underrepresented participants’ perspectives regarding ADRD research participation. Relevant evidence was synthesized and evaluated for quality. Results: We identified 22 eligible studies. Seven studies focused on recruitment/retention approaches, all of which included multifaceted efforts and at least one community outreach component. There was considerable heterogeneity in approaches used, specific activities and strategies, outcome measurement, and conclusions regarding effectiveness. Despite limited use of prospective evaluation strategies, most authors reported improvements in diverse representation in ADRD cohorts. Studies evaluating participant views focused largely on predetermined explanations of participation including attitudes, barriers/facilitators, education, trust, and religiosity. Across all studies, the strength of evidence was low. Discussion: Overall, the quantity and quality of available evidence to inform best practices in recruitment, retention, and inclusion of underrepresented populations in ADRD research are low. Further efforts to systematically evaluate the success of existing and emergent approaches will require improved methodological standards and uniform measures for evaluating recruitment, participation, and inclusivity

Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and neurological outcome: A prospective multi-center protocol-directed cohort study

Aims Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is a regulator of cerebral blood flow after brain injury. We sought to test the association between PaCO2 after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and neurological outcome. Methods A prospective protocol-directed cohort study across six hospitals. Inclusion criteria: age ≥ 18, non-traumatic cardiac arrest, mechanically ventilated after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and receipt of targeted temperature management. Per protocol, PaCO2 was measured by arterial blood gas analyses at one and six hours after ROSC. We determined the mean PaCO2 over this initial six hours after ROSC. The primary outcome was good neurological function at hospital discharge, defined a priori as a modified Rankin Scale ≤ 3. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was used to test the association between PaCO2 and neurological outcome. Results Of the 280 patients included, the median (interquartile range) PaCO2 was 44 (37-52) mmHg and 30% had good neurological function. We found mean PaCO2 had a quadratic (inverted “U” shaped) association with good neurological outcome, with a mean PaCO2 of 68 mmHg having the highest predictive probability of good neurological outcome, and worse neurological outcome at higher and lower PaCO2. Presence of metabolic acidosis attenuated the association between PaCO2 and good neurological outcome, with a PaCO2 of 51 mmHg having the highest predictive probability of good neurological outcome among patients with metabolic acidosis. Conclusion PaCO2 has a “U” shaped association with neurological outcome, with mild to moderate hypercapnia having the highest probability of good neurological outcome

Association Between Elevated Mean Arterial Blood Pressure and Neurologic Outcome After Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Objective: Laboratory studies suggest elevated blood pressure after resuscitation from cardiac arrest may be protective; however, clinical data are limited. We sought to test the hypothesis that elevated post-resuscitation mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) is associated with neurological outcome. Design: Pre-planned analysis of a prospective cohort study. Setting: Six academic hospitals in the United States. Patients: Adult, non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients treated with targeted temperature management after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Interventions: MAP was measured non-invasively after ROSC and every hour during the initial six hours after ROSC. Measures and Main Results: We calculated the mean MAP and a priori dichotomized subjects into two groups: mean MAP 70–90 and > 90 mmHg. The primary outcome was good neurological function, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 3. The mRS was prospectively determined at hospital discharge. Of the 269 patients included, 159 (59%) had a mean MAP > 90 mmHg. Good neurological function at hospital discharge occurred in 30% of patients in the entire cohort, and was significantly higher in patients with a mean MAP > 90 mmHg (42%) as compared to MAP 70–90 mmHg (15%) [absolute risk difference 27% (95% CI 17%−37%)]. In a multivariable Poisson regression model adjusting for potential confounders, mean MAP > 90 mmHg was associated with good neurological function, adjusted relative risk 2.46 (95% CI 2.09–2.88). Over ascending ranges of mean MAP, there was a dose-response increase in probability of good neurological outcome, with mean MAP > 110 mmHg having the strongest association, adjusted relative risk 2.97 (95% CI 1.86 – 4.76). Conclusions: Elevated blood pressure during the initial six hours after resuscitation from cardiac arrest was independently associated with good neurological function at hospital discharge. Further investigation is warranted to determine if targeting an elevated MAP would improve neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest