The value-added of primary schools: what is it really measuring?

This paper compares the official value-added scores in 2005 for all primary schools in three adjacent LEAs in England with the raw-score Key Stage 2 results for the same schools. The correlation coefficient for the raw- and value-added scores of these 457 schools is around +0.75. Scatterplots show that there are no low attaining schools with average or higher value-added, and no high attaining schools with below average value-added. At least some of the remaining scatter is explained by the small size of some schools. Although some relationship between these measures is to be expected – so that schools adding considerable value would tend to have high examination outcome scores – the relationship shown is too strong for this explanation to be considered sufficient. Value-added analysis is intended to remove the link between a schools’ intake scores and their raw-score outcomes at KS2. It should lead to an estimate of the differential progress made by pupils, assessed between schools. In fact, however, the relationship between value-added and raw scores is of the same size as the original relationship between intake scores and raw-scores that the value-added is intended to overcome. Therefore, however appealing the calculation of value-added figures is, their development is still at the stage where they are not ready to move from being a research tool to an instrument of judgement on schools. Such figures may mislead parents, governors and teachers and, even more importantly, they are being used in England by OFSTED to pre-determine the results of school inspections

The birds of Perth\u27s urban parks : Factors influencing their distribution and community attitudes towards them

Knowledge of the general responses of bird populations to urbanisation and an understanding of their habitat requirements is necessary to ensure the continuation of bird life in urban areas. Most of the literature on urban birds around the world has concentrated on birds in streets and remnant patches. Urban parks provide much potential habitat for birds, although there are few publications addressing this issue. The aims of this project were to determine the terrestrial avifauna of Perth\u27s northern suburban parks, investigate physical factors that might influence the distribution of birds, and determine the attitudes of park users towards birds in suburban parks. Sixteen suburban recreational parks, ranging from 2.5 - 10 ha, were sampled for birds in the northern suburbs of the Perth metropolitan region. Twenty-six terrestrial bird species (including five introduced species) were recorded. This is only a small sample of the potential pool of species available and may be attributed to the isolation and relatively small size of all of Perth\u27s northern suburban parks. The feeding and foraging guilds of the birds of Perth\u27s parks were different to those documented in other urban studies around the world, which is a reflection of high proportion of native vegetation retained in Perth\u27s suburbs. Tree canopy height was the most influential factor on the birds of urban parks. Birds were also surveyed in streets adjacent to the park sites. The results revealed that urban birds use the individual components of the urban matrix differently. All facets of the urban matrix should be investigated in future studies which aim to determine the effects of urbanisation on birds. No park users mentioned watching birds as a reason to visit Perth\u27s suburban parks. The Galah, Kookaburra and Rainbow Lorikeet were identified by Perth\u27s park users as the most desirable urban bird species; the Raven and Magpie were considered the least desirable species. Bird song/call was identified as the most desirable bird characteristic and aggression the least desirable bird characteristic. Ninety-seven percent of park users thought that birds should be encouraged to inhabit suburban areas. The results suggest that while birds are not considered an important reason for visiting parks, most birds are liked by park users and there is a general consensus that birds should be encouraged in suburban areas. Methods to encourage birds into suburban areas include establishing habitat corridors between isolated parks and remnant bushlands, ensuring a diverse, native vegetation of differing strata levels, controlling cats and dogs, reducing lawn cover, retaining some large, old trees with suitable nesting holes and, narrowing the gap between the public\u27s interest and their knowledge regarding birds

Redefining the Use of Sustainable Development Goals at the Organisation and Project Levels—A Survey of Engineers

The United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to deliver an improved future for people, planet and profit. However, they have not gained the required traction at the business and project levels. This article explores how engineers rate and use the SDGs at the organisational and project levels. It adopts the Realist Evaluation’s Context−Mechanism−Outcomes model to critically evaluate practitioners’ views on using SDGs to measure business and project success. The study addresses the thematic areas of sustainability and business models through the theoretical lens of Creating Shared Value and the Triple Bottom Line. A survey of 325 engineers indicated four primary shortfalls for measuring SDGs on infrastructure projects, namely (1) leadership, (2) tools and methods, (3) engineers’ business skills in measuring SDG impact and (4) how project success is too narrowly defined as outputs (such as time, cost and scope) and not outcomes (longer-term local impacts and stakeholder value). The research study is of value to researchers developing business models that address the SDGs and also practitioners in the construction industry who seek to link their investment decisions to the broader outcomes of people, planet and profit through the UN SDGs

Delivering UN Sustainable Development Goals’ Impact on Infrastructure Projects: An Empirical Study of Senior Executives in the UK Construction Sector

Achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is of paramount importance for both business and society. Across the construction sector, despite evidence that suggests 88% of those surveyed want to measure the SDG impact at both the business and project levels, there continues to be major challenge in achieving this objective. This paper shares the results of a qualitative research study of 40 interviews with executives from the United Kingdom (UK) construction industry. It was supported by a text-based content analysis to strengthen the findings. The results indicate that SDG measurement practices are embraced in principle but are problematic in practice and that rarely does action match rhetoric. While the research was completed in the UK, the findings have broader applicability to other countries since most construction firms have extensive global business footprints. Researchers can use the findings to extend the current understanding of measuring outcomes and impact at project level, and, for practitioners, the study provides insights into the contextual preconditions necessary to achieve the intended outcomes of adopting a mechanism for the measurement of SDGs. The international relevance of this research is inherently linked to the global nature of the SDGs and therefore the results could be used outside of UK

Assessing the Impact of Infrastructure Projects on Global Sustainable Development Goals

While sustainability of civil infrastructure is critical to professionals, project owners, regulators, funding agencies and the public, little is done to link individual project sustainability to the United Nation’s 17 global sustainable development goals for 2030. This paper provides some answers but also exposes many questions that need resolution by the infrastructure sector. Using empirical evidence, the authors have identified a ‘golden thread’ between best-practice sustainability-reporting frameworks at project level with those at organisational level. In doing so, they find there is sufficient linkage to embed sustainable-development-goal impact targets into the design stage of an infrastructure project. This would provide a more robust investment appraisal at the project design phase, helping to define project success more widely across the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental outcomes and associated impact

An exploration of communication within active support for adults with high and low support needs

Background The aim was to explore the relationship between quality of active support and communication support for people in group homes with high and low support needs. Methods Data from 182 service users, 20–81 years (mean = 40), 89 with high support needs, were observed to have either good (n = 142) or poor (n = 40) communication support. Measures were of quality of active support, engagement and staff contact; field notes provided examples of good and poor communication supports. Results We found a relationship between the quality of communication support and active support. Receiving good communication was associated with higher levels of engagement. Field notes included some examples of appropriate communication supports, but limited use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Conclusions Staff show limited use of appropriate communication with people having high support needs who require AAC. Strategies to improve quality of practice are discussed

Integrated diagnostic pathway for patients referred with suspected OSA: a model for collaboration across the primary-secondary care interface

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) presents a major healthcare challenge with current UK data suggesting that only 22% of individuals have been diagnosed and treated. Promoting awareness and improving access to diagnostics are fundamental in addressing these missing cases and the recognised complications associated with untreated OSA. Diagnosis usually occurs in secondary care with data from our trust revealing long wait times to undertake tests, reach a diagnosis and start treatment. This places a considerable time and emotional burden on the patient and a financial and logistical burden on the hospital. METHODS: We introduced an integrated community-based pathway for the diagnosis of OSA. This comprised a monthly clinic run from within a local general practice (GP) supported by a 'virtual multidisciplinary team' run by the hospital specialist team. Prospective collection of process, outcome and patient satisfaction data was compared with traditional hospital-based pathway data collected retrospectively. SETTING: A central London teaching hospital and GPs within a local commissioning neighbourhood. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and February 2019, 70 were patients referred and managed along the community pathway. Compared with the hospital pathway, data demonstrated a significant reduction in the time taken: from referral to perform a sleep test (29 vs 181 days, p<0.0001), to make a diagnosis (40 vs 230 days, p<0.0001) and commence treatment (127 vs 267, p<0.0001). Patient satisfaction in the community pathway was higher across all domains (p<0.05), fewer hospital outpatient appointments were required and cost estimates suggested an overall saving of up to £290 could be achieved for each patient. CONCLUSION: An integrated community-based pathway results in more timely diagnosis of OSA within a local setting while maintaining specialist input from the hospital team. It is favoured by patients and can reduce unnecessary appointments in secondary care

Current treatment strategies in managing side effects associated with domiciliary positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for patients with sleep disordered breathing: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep disordered breathing is commonly treated with positive airway pressure therapy. Positive airway pressure therapy is delivered via a tight-fitting mask with common side effects including: leak, ineffective treatment, residual sleep disordered breathing, eye irritation, nasal congestion, pressure ulcers and poor concordance with therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the effectiveness of current treatment strategies for managing side effects associated with positive airway pressure therapy. Five databases were searched and 10,809 articles were screened, with 36 articles included in the review. Studies investigated: dressings, nasal spray/douche, chin straps, heated humidification and interfaces. No intervention either improved or detrimentally affected: positive airway pressure concordance, Epworth Sleepiness Score, residual apnoea hypopnea index or interface leak. The review was limited by study heterogeneity, particularly for outcome measures. Additionally, patient demographics were not reported, making it difficult to apply the findings to a broad clinical population. This review highlights the paucity of evidence supporting treatment strategies to manage side effects of positive airway pressure therapy

Experiences and views of patients, carers and healthcare professionals on using modems in domiciliary non-invasive ventilation (NIV): a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Advances in technology means that domiciliary non-invasive ventilation (NIV) devices can be remotely monitored via modems in patients' homes. Possible benefits and challenges of modem technology have yet to be established. This study explored the perspectives and experiences of patients, their carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the addition of modem technology in managing home NIV. METHODS: A qualitative study using a combination of focus groups for HCPs and interviews for carers/patients was undertaken. 12 HCPs and 22 patients/carers participated. These focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified. 'Surveillance: a paradox of findings': HCPs were concerned about unduly scrutinising patients' lives, potentially impacting on HCP patient relationships. Conversely, patients welcomed modem monitoring and did not express concerns regarding invasion of privacy. 'Sanctions': HCPs reported the modem increased access to care and allowed appropriate assessment of ongoing treatment. 'Complacency and ethics': HCPs expressed concerns patients may become complacent in seeking help due to expectations of modem monitoring, as well as being concerned regarding the ethics of modems. There was a suggestion patients and carers' expectations of monitoring were different to that of clinical practice, resulting in complacency in some cases. 'Increased time for patient focused care': HCPs in the focus groups described a number of ways in which using modems was more efficient. 'Confidence: can be improved with technology': patients and carers were positive about the impact of the modems on their health and well-being, particularly their confidence. CONCLUSION: HCPs expressed concerns about surveillance were not corroborated by patients, suggesting acceptability of remote monitoring. Data suggests a need for increased clarity to patients/carers regarding clinical practice relating to responsiveness to modem data. The issue of complacency requires further consideration. Modem technology was acceptable and considered a useful addition by HCPs, patients and carers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03905382

Uranium(III) coordination chemistry and oxidation in a flexible small-cavity macrocycle

U(III) complexes of the conformationally flexible, small-cavity macrocycle trans-calix[2]benzene[2]pyrrolide (L)2–, [U(L)X] (X = O-2,6-tBu2C6H3, N(SiMe3)2), have been synthesized from [U(L)BH4] and structurally characterized. These complexes show binding of the U(III) center in the bis(arene) pocket of the macrocycle, which flexes to accommodate the increase in the steric bulk of X, resulting in long U–X bonds to the ancillary ligands. Oxidation to the cationic U(IV) complex [U(L)X][B(C6F5)4] (X = BH4) results in ligand rearrangement to bind the smaller, harder cation in the bis(pyrrolide) pocket, in a conformation that has not been previously observed for (L)2–, with X located between the two ligand arene rings