Safer Gambling Strategic Frameworks to Drive Collaborative and Coordinated Evidence-Based Action

Reducing gambling-related harms at community, regional, national, and global levels requires evidence-informed, collaborative, and coordinated actions. Safer gambling strategic frameworks can identify and align stakeholders’ efforts to inspire and guide action. This is particularly salient with gambling being increasingly borderless with the proliferation of online gambling products and platforms. In the absence of safer gambling strategic frameworks, stakeholders’ efforts can be inconsistent or misguided, preventative opportunities are missed, social and economic costs are under accounted, and a competitive environment emerges when supportive and reifying efforts are more optimal. Safer gambling strategic frameworks create a rubric to continuously integrate emerging evidence, identify critical needs and gaps, and to strengthen our assessment of intended and unintended impacts in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment. By engaging stakeholders to organize and prioritize evidence-based action—safer gambling strategic frameworks can guide tactical decisions for programs, policies, and practices across several stakeholders and mobilize collaborative efforts. Case studies illustrating best practices in developing safer gambling strategic frameworks will be shared to highlight some of the ways Greo has worked with stakeholders to strengthen the coordinated delivery of a suite of initiatives that work together to achieve evidence-based impact and reduce harms related to gambling

A Preliminary Examination of an in situ Dual Dye Approach to Measuring Light Fluxes in Lotic Systems

Light is a critical parameter in aquatic ecosystems, affecting primary production and in situ photochemistry. However, measuring light exposure for suspended particles or dissolved components in a dynamic water column can be challenging with existing Eulerian approaches. Here, we assess the simultaneous deployment of two dyes differing in photolability (rhodamine WT and fluorescein) as a Lagrangian measure of sunlight exposure in a lotic system. Fluorescein is sensitive to light exposure; rhodamine WT is relatively photostable. We examined dye fluorescence at various pH, salinity, and temperature conditions. We also tested dye photolability as a function of pH and wavelength range. In conjunction with this laboratory work, we performed initial field testing of the dual-dye approach in a stream on the north shore of Lake Superior, USA. Irradiation of the dyes using long-pass filters identified wavelengths \u3e= 420 nm as responsible for the vast majority of the loss of fluorescein fluorescence, with rhodamine appearing relatively photostable in these short-term studies across the wavelength ranges tested. Dye response to irradiation is pH-sensitive; the dual-dye approach will require additional calibration for acidic or basic waters and should be used with caution in aquatic systems undergoing strong (several pH unit) changes in pH. Field testing showed that the fluorescein to rhodamine WT ratio decreased approximately linearly with light exposure. The dual-dye methodology shows promise as an in situ light sensor applicable to water column species in lotic systems if temperature is recorded, and the pH range is measured and relatively stable (e.g., varies by \u3c 1 unit)

Knowledge brokers in a knowledge network: the case of Seniors Health Research Transfer Network knowledge brokers

Background The purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect on the role of knowledge brokers (KBs) in the Seniors Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN). The paper reviews the relevant literature on knowledge brokering, and then describes the evolving role of knowledge brokering in this knowledge network. Methods The description of knowledge brokering provided here is based on a developmental evaluation program and on the experiences of the authors. Data were gathered through qualitative and quantitative methods, analyzed by the evaluators, and interpreted by network members who participated in sensemaking forums. The results were fed back to the network each year in the form of formal written reports that were widely distributed to network members, as well as through presentations to the network’s members. Results The SHRTN evaluation and our experiences as evaluators and KBs suggest that a SHRTN KB facilitates processes of learning whereby people are connected with tacit or explicit knowledge sources that will help them to resolve work-related challenges. To make this happen, KBs engage in a set of relational, technical, and analytical activities that help communities of practice (CoPs) to develop and operate, facilitate exchanges among people with similar concerns and interests, and help groups and individuals to create, explore, and apply knowledge in their practice. We also suggest that the role is difficult to define, emergent, abstract, episodic, and not fully understood. Conclusions The KB role within this knowledge network has developed and matured over time. The KB adapts to the social and technical affordances of each situation, and fashions a unique and relevant process to create relationships and promote learning and change. The ability to work with teams and to develop relevant models and feasible approaches are critical KB skills. The KB is a leader who wields influence rather than power, and who is prepared to adopt whatever roles and approaches are needed to bring about a valuable result

Demographics and Incident Location of Gunshot Wounds at a Single Level I Trauma Center

Introduction:  Little is known surrounding the demographic and geospatial factors of firearm-related traumas in the Midwest Region.  The purpose of this study was to describe the overall incidence of firearm-related traumas and examine any racial/ethnic disparities that may exist. Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted of all patients 14 years or older who were admitted with a gunshot wound (GSW) to a Level I trauma center between 2016 and 2017.  Results:  Forty-nine percent of patients were Caucasian, 26.5% African American, and 19.6% Hispanic/Latino.  Hispanic/Latino patients were the youngest (25.8 ± 8.8) and Caucasians were the oldest (34.3 ± 14.1, P = 0.002).  Compared to Caucasian patients, African American (42.0%) and Hispanic/Latino (54.1%) patients were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (P = 0.034) and experienced longer ICU lengths of stay (2.5 ± 6.3 and 2.4 ± 4.7, P = 0.031, respectively).  African American patients (96.0%) experienced more assaults while Caucasians were more likely to receive gunshot wounds accidentally (26.9%, P = 0.001).  More African American (86.0%) and Hispanic/Latino (89.2%) patients were injured with a handgun and Caucasians sustained the highest number of shotgun/rifle related injuries (16.1%, P = 0.012).  Most GSWs occurred in zip codes 67202, 67203, 67213, 67211, and 67214.  Geographical maps indicated that GSWs were concentrated in low-income areas and areas with high minority populations.                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusions:  Racial differences were noted, however, unlike national trends, most of our patients were older Caucasian males

A Placebo‐Controlled Double‐Blinded Randomized Pilot Study of Combination Phytotherapy in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136500/1/pros23317_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136500/2/pros23317.pd

The development and implementation of a performance appraisal framework for radiation therapists in planning and simulation.

It is a challenge for radiation therapists (RTs) to keep pace with changing planning technology and techniques while maintaining appropriate skills levels. The ability of individual RTs to meet the demands of this constantly changing practice can only be assured through establishing clearly defined standards for practice and a systematic process for providing feedback on performance. Investigation into existing models for performance appraisal produced minimal results so a radiation therapy-specific framework was developed. The goal for this initiative was to establish a framework that would reflect the complexity of practice and provide a clear measure of performance against them. This paper outlines the implementation of this framework into practice and discusses some lessons learned in the process. The framework was developed and implemented in six stages: (1) project team, (2) scope, (3) dosimetry pilot, (4) staff consultation, (5) finalisation and implementation and (6) future development and evaluation. Both cultural and organisational obstacles needed to be addressed before this framework could be successfully introduced. Even though this slowed progress, addressing these obstacles during the development process was essential to the success of this framework. The incremental approach provided the opportunity for each aspect to be tested and the development of subsequent stages to be informed by lessons learned during the previous one. This approach may be beneficial when developing and implementing projects involving performance appraisal to promote consistency, fairness and quality

Top-Ranked Priority Research Questions for Soil Science in the 21st Century

Soils provide critical support essential for life on earth, regulate processes across diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and interact with the atmosphere. However, soil science is constrained by a variety of challenges including decreasing funding prospects and a declining number of new students and young professionals. Hence, there is a crucial need to revitalize the impact, relevance, and recognition of soil science as well as promote collaboration beyond traditionally defined soil science research disciplines. Such revitalization and collaboration may be fostered by a shift from discipline-focused soil science research to cross-disciplinary research approaches and issue-driven research. In this paper, we present the outcomes of an initiative to identify priority research questions as a tool for guiding future soil science research. The collaborative approach involved four stages including (i) survey-based solicitation of questions; (ii) criteria-based screening of submitted candidate questions, (iii) criteria-based ranking of screened questions, and (iv) final revision of top ranked questions. The 25 top ranked research questions emerged from 140 submitted candidate questions within five predetermined thematic areas that represent current and emerging research areas. We expect that the identified questions will inspire both existing and prospective researchers, enhance multi-disciplinary collaboration both within and outside soil science, draw the attention of grant-awarding bodies, and guide soil science research to address pressing societal, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Furthermore, we hope that the approach and findings presented in this paper will advance soil sciences by fostering improved collaboration among soil science practitioners and researchers, as well as with other sciences, policy experts, and emerging professionals (including students) to meet societal needs

Parnell to Partition: Irish-Scottish Connections, 1889-1921

This thesis focuses on Irish-Scottish connections, from Charles Stewart Parnell’s 1889 visit to the city of Edinburgh at the same time as James Connolly’s return to Edinburgh and the beginning of the latter’s career as an agitator, to the Government of Ireland Act of 1921 and the imposition of partition. It aims to provide greater understanding of the unique relationship between Scotland and Ireland by concentrating on a range of Irish and Scottish literature across time and genres. This is a crucial period in history and literature, with long lasting impact which has yet to be explored fully from a comparative perspective, particularly through exploration of the act of commemoration. The first chapter concentrates on the figure of Parnell as a focal point for cultural nationalism and the Irish-Scottish perspective. This opening section provides a foundation for the turning point of militant nationalism and anti-imperialism that is explored through the remaining chapters. Chapters two and three concentrate on James Connolly’s writings within an Irish-Scottish context and the multiple revolutionary strands that were woven through the conflict, in feminism, anti-imperialism, socialism, and the movement for Irish Independence, challenging existing criticism by demonstrating how vital this work was to our understanding of this major cross-border figure, of First World War literature as a source of counter-narratives to that of the Easter Rising, and to wider Irish-Scottish cultural links. From Connolly’s corpus, the thesis moves on to Connolly’s corpse in chapters four and five, using fellow working-class hero and martyr, John Maclean, as a comparative figure, to underscore the extensive rewritings of their characters and intentions that have occurred through literature of the preceding century in the act of literary commemoration, and the measures that have been taken to exhume the core work of the men themselves, shrouded in memory and myth and a story of sacrifice. Through this comparison, tensions between nationalism and socialism, peaceful protest and armed struggle, become apparent. These chapters raise the question of the representation of women, both politically and in literature, and this is addressed directly in chapter six, which specifically explores the representation of revolutionary women in literature and the challenges faced in making their voices heard, as well as just how vital this is for understanding how acts of commemoration can be a way of forgetting as well as a means of remembrance. In reading Ireland and Scotland comparatively through this period and acknowledging the bonds shared, positive or negative, and the existing contrasts, it becomes evident that struggles of Irish and Scottish independence are bound up together and that our contemporary misunderstandings and anxieties stem from an often fractious history. Our experiences of that history come primarily through literature and commemorative acts, often tied to a specific idea of nationhood. By exploring the complex dynamic of Irish-Scottish relations in this period we can gain a deeper awareness of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and of their shared histories and futures

Evaluation of a performance appraisal framework for radiation therapists in planning and simulation

Introduction: Constantly evolving technology and techniques within radiation therapy require practitioners to maintain a continuous approach to professional development and training. Systems of performance appraisal and adoption of regular feedback mechanisms are vital to support this development yet frequently lack structure and rely on informal peer support. Methods: A Radiation Therapy Performance Appraisal Framework (RT-PAF) for radiation therapists in planning and simulation was developed to define expectations of practice and promote a supportive and objective culture of performance and skills appraisal. Evaluation of the framework was conducted via an anonymous online survey tool. Nine peer reviewers and fourteen recipients provided feedback on its effectiveness and the challenges and limitations of the approach. Results: Findings from the evaluation were positive and suggested that both groups gained benefit from and expressed a strong interest in embedding the approach more routinely. Respondents identified common challenges related to the limited ability to implement suggested development strategies; this was strongly associated with time and rostering issues. Conclusions: This framework successfully defined expectations for practice and provided a fair and objective feedback process that focussed on skills development. It empowered staff to maintain their skills and reach their professional potential. Management support, particularly in regard to provision of protected time was highlighted as critical to the framework's ongoing success. The demonstrated benefits arising in terms of staff satisfaction and development highlight the importance of this commitment to the modern radiation therapy workforce