A snapshot of young children's mathematical competencies: results from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

This article presents a snapshot of the mathematical competencies of children aged four to five years in Australian early childhood education settings, as perceived by their educators. Data are presented from a nationally-representative sample of 6511 children participating in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). The results reveal that children are seen to possess a number of mathematical competencies at 4-5 years, with the majority of children displaying interest in mathematics. Moreover, differences were noted with respect to the different program types in which the children participated. These results are discussed in relation to previous research, and implications for future research, policy and practice are presented

Creating and Implementing a One Hour Inclusive Excellence Training for Faculty and Instructors

At the MGH Institute of Health Professions we designed a one-hour program for clinical nursing instructors to increase knowledge of challenges faced by diverse students, to foster open-minded attitudes, and to present teaching strategies to maximize student success. We believe principles from this training can be customized to any setting. Participants will role play using vignettes taken from student experiences. Our clinical faculty found our vignettes realistic and the teaching strategies helpful. In this workshop, participants will work in groups to create training programs for faculty colleagues

Does Light Control Algal Abundance in Large River Systems?

A limited amount of research has been done to investigate the factors influencing algal abundance in large river systems. This study examines light as the primary factor that controls algal abundance in the Upper Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio Rivers. Data were collected for 2004 in conjunction with the Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program- Great River Ecosystems EMAP-GRE project using EPA approved methods. Chlorophyll a concentrations were 34.6 µg•L-1 in the Upper Mississippi, 19.8 µg•L-1 in Missouri River and 9 µg•L-1 in the Ohio River for 2004. Chlorophyll a concentrations were significantly different among the three rivers (p\u3c0.0001) but not between years. Inter-river variation could be loosely correlated with light availability: mean Average Irradiance Dosages, which consider factors that affect light climate (depth, transparency, velocity, surface irradiance), by river corresponded with mean chlorophyll a levels by river. Intra-river variation seemed to be due to both the influence of light and nutrients

Does the provision of a DVD-based audio-visual presentation improve recruitment in a clinical trial? A randomised trial of DVD trial invitations

Abstract Background Recruitment to clinical trials can be challenging. Methods that improve the efficiency of trial recruitment are needed to increase successful study completions. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether sending an audio-visual presentation on a digital versatile disc (DVD), along with usual study invitation materials, would improve recruitment to the Febuxostat versus Allopurinol Streamlined Trial (FAST), a clinical trial in patients with established gout. Methods Potential participants for the FAST study who were identified by searches of GP records in Scottish primary care practices between August 2013 and July 2014 were included in this study. Individuals were randomly allocated to receive either a standard invitation (letter and information leaflet) or a standard invitation and a DVD containing an audio-visual presentation explaining the background and operation of FAST. Data on invitation response rates, screening attendances and randomisations were collected by research nurses. Results One thousand fifty potential participants were invited to take part in FAST during this period. 509 individuals were randomised to receive the DVD presentation and the standard invitation and 541 received a standard invitation only. DVD recipients were less likely to respond to the initial invitation (adjusted OR 0.76, CI 0.58–0.99) and marginally less likely to return a positive response (OR 0.75, CI 0.59–0.96). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in attendance for screening or randomisation. The DVD did not influence the age, gender, or socioeconomic deprivation scores of those responding positively to a letter of invitation. Conclusions The inclusion of a DVD presentation with FAST study invitations did not make any practical difference to the rate of positive response to invitation. Further innovation and evaluation will be required to improve recruitment to clinical trials. Trial registration EU Clinical Trials Register. EudraCT Number: 2011–001883-23. ISRCTN registry. ISRCTN72443278

The Heather Vole, Genus Phenacomys, in Alaska

Four specimens of heather vole (genus Phenacomys) collected in the coastal mountains of Southeast Alaska document the first Recent records of this vole in Alaska. Alternative hypotheses on the relationship of these newly-discovered populations to extant and historical populations are outlined, and additional studies proposed

Ecological values of Hamilton urban streams (North Island, New Zealand): constraints and opportunities for restoration

Urban streams globally are characterised by degraded habitat conditions and low aquatic biodiversity, but are increasingly becoming the focus of restoration activities. We investigated habitat quality, ecological function, and fish and macroinvertebrate community composition of gully streams in Hamilton City, New Zealand, and compared these with a selection of periurban sites surrounded by rural land. A similar complement of fish species was found at urban and periurban sites, including two threatened species, with only one introduced fish widespread (Gambusia affinis). Stream macroinvertebrate community metrics indicated low ecological condition at most urban and periurban sites, but highlighted the presence of one high value urban site with a fauna dominated by sensitive taxa. Light-trapping around seepages in city gullies revealed the presence of several caddisfly species normally associated with native forest, suggesting that seepage habitats can provide important refugia for some aquatic insects in urban environments. Qualitative measures of stream habitat were not significantly different between urban and periurban sites, but urban streams had significantly lower hydraulic function and higher biogeochemical function than periurban streams. These functional differences are thought to reflect, respectively, (1) the combined effects of channel modification and stormwater hydrology, and (2) the influence of riparian vegetation providing shade and enhancing habitat in streams. Significant relationships between some macroinvertebrate community metrics and riparian vegetation buffering and bank protection suggest that riparian enhancement may have beneficial ecological outcomes in some urban streams. Other actions that may contribute to urban stream restoration goals include an integrated catchment approach to resolving fish passage issues, active reintroduction of wood to streams to enhance cover and habitat heterogeneity, and seeding of depauperate streams with native migratory fish to help initiate natural recolonisation

The importance of adaptive coping, peer support, psychological input and team resilience among fire and rescue service workers in maintaining wellbeing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic : a cross sectional survey

Background Frontline railway workers have provided an essential service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Although railway workers are known to be at risk of developing traumatic stress-related conditions, little is known about the effects of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of railway workers in the UK. We tested two hypotheses: (1) increased scores in COVID-19-related risk factors will predict decreased mental wellbeing and (2) protective factors will mediate the relationship between COVID-19-related risk factors and mental wellbeing. Methods The study consisted of a cross-sectional online survey exploring the effects ofCOVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of railway workers (n=906) in the UK, using data collected during third lockdown (between Dec 1, 2020, and March 24,2021). The survey, advertised on social media and internal platforms of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, included measures of COVID-19-related risk factors (COVID-19 Perceived Risk Scale, COVID-19 Stress Measure, COVID-19 Burnout Scale, and PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version) and protective factors (brief resilience coping, team resilience, general help-seeking questionnaire) associated with mental wellbeing (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale–Short Form). We analysed responses via multiple regression and parallel mediation analyses. Open-ended questions, exploring railway workers' views of risks and protective factors for their mental wellbeing, were analysed using content analysis. The institutional ethics committee granted ethical approval and participants gave informed consent. Findings COVID-19 related risk factors negatively predicted wellbeing (r2=0·50, F=273·556 [3 variables, n=813], p<00001). Protective factors significantly mediated the relationship between wellbeing and burnout (indirect effect [IE] –0·0252, 95% CI –0·0364 to–0·0152), stress (IE –0·0252, –0·0364 to –0·0152), post-traumatic stress disorder (IE –0·0311, –0·0493 to –0·0145), and risk perception (IE –0·0244,–0·0411 to –0·0089). Content analysis found self-reported mental health decline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived loss of workplace supports, need for psychological support, and concerns for the future. Interpretation These findings emphasise the importance of adaptive coping and team-based resilience in alleviating the negative impact that COVID-19 has on railway workers' mental wellbeing and in preventing burnout. Work-based supports and access to psychological input for railway workers who need it is highlighted. Building a resilient railway workforce moving forward requires attention to staff mental wellbeing and to ensuring that support systems are robust and accessible