Understanding research, consent and ethics: a participatory research methodology in a medium secure unit for men with a learning disability

People with learning disability have historically been the subjects or recipients of research, rather than participants or contributors. Whilst there is considerable literature on issues of informed consent, little is known about what people with learning disability understand about research, participation in research or how to facilitate understanding. Ways of facilitating consent have been offered by a number of studies (Fisher, 2003, Murphy and Clare, 1995, DeRenzo et al 1998) but these studies have not researched the effectiveness of such methods from the perspective of the participants. Understanding what is meant by research is fundamental to involving people with learning disabilities in research and to developing and maintaining informed consent (Gilbert, 2004). This study set out to discover how men with a learning disability living in a Medium Secure Unit understand research, consent and ethics and what enables them to learn about these concepts. Seven men and ten staff were invited to become co-researchers with two researchers from Northumbria University, over 20 months. Lessons learned from this study about research can now be used to educate other adults with learning disability concerning research, how it can be helpful, and how it can make a difference in the lives of people with learning disability

Unintended Consequences of DNA Analysis Delays in North Carolina

The processing of DNA recovered from felony crime scenes often causes delays in trials of up to 3 years, calling into question defendants\u27 rights to a speedy trial. Using Lewin\u27s force field analysis as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this quantitative, comparative study was to compare the processing and reporting of results related to DNA testing in 4 states. Survey data were collected from state bar members (n=137), members of a professional law organization (n=149), and members of a state DNA laboratory (n=20). The purpose of this quantitative, comparative study was to determine whether these variables (interagency communications, staff retention, budget, legislative support, and changes in procedures and protocols) have an impact on outcome variables. Results indicated a major delaying factor was the delivery of evidence to process from law enforcement, as well as communication issues between agencies. The positive social change implications stemming from this study include recommendations to state decision makers. Recommendations include either administratively or legislatively engaging in efficiency improvements related to ensuring the timely delivery of DNA evidence. Timely delivery would allow for more speedily engagement in trials when appropriate

The Changing Face of Milk Production, Milk Quality and Milking Technology in Brazil

This introductory paper gives an overview of milk production in Brazil and discusses a series of recent regulations implemented to improve milk quality with the purpose of asserting the Brazilian dairy industry as a competitor on the international market. It also points out the economic advantage of setting design guidelines for milking machines that would be best suited to Brazilian crossbred cows.Brazilian Milk Quality, Brazil Dairy Industry, Brazilian Milk Production, Brazilian Milk Prices, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, International Development, Political Economy,

Embedding information skills training on student learning: making a difference

This article was first published in the Wolverhampton Intellectual Repository and E-Theses (WIRE). There is no printed version.This embedding project builds on one that was delivered in 2001, headed by Oliver Pritchard, Dudley Learning Centre Manager, leading a research team with staff working from different Learning Centres in the University. In the 2001 project, sessions on information skills were run in three differing subject areas for second and third years and their impact on student learning was assessed using questionnaires and focus groups for students and in-depth interviews with academic staff. Findings were encouraging. Skills and experience gained within the sessions were taken on and applied within assignment work to good effect. Within this small study there is evidence of a progression in student awareness, confidence and skills and Information Skills sessions bring a longer-term, practical and tangible element to the learning experience and are a valuable part of helping students to become more effective learners

A stochastic mesoscale model of transiently networked fluids.

Macroscale models of physically networked fluids suffer from the inability to connect directly to mesoscale processes due to nonlinearity and thus the need for closure approximations. In this paper physically networked complex fluids are modeled stochastically at the mesoscale, thus avoiding the need for closure assumptions. In the modeling and simulations the network consists of linear chains of Hookean bead-spring dumbbells. The linear chains break and reform stochastically subject to prescribed local attractive potentials. In the simulations the topology of the network is tracked allowing for quantification of the distribution of chain lengths and of individual dumbbell stretch. This formulation allows for breakage and recombination associated with local stress. Model predictions of the distributions of chain lengths and of dumbbell stretch both in equilibrium and in steady shearing are presented. As well, shear thickening and shear thinning regimes in steady shearing and relaxation after step strain are examined

A Framework for Classification of the Data and Information Quality Literature and Preliminart Results (1996-2007)

The value of management decisions, the security of our nation, and the very foundations of our business integrity are all dependent on the quality of data and information. However, the quality of the data and information is dependent on how that data or information will be used. This paper proposes a theory of data quality based on the five principles defined by J. M. Juran for product and service quality and extends Wang et al’s 1995 framework for data quality research. It then examines the data and information quality literature from journals within the context of this framework

Redressing Wrongs of the Blamelessly Ignorant Survivor of Incest

Until recently, our society has refused to acknowledge and recognize the widespread incidence of incest. Childhood sexual abuse, especially incestuous abuse, has reached unconscionable proportions. A representative study by Dr. Diana E. H. Russell determined that as many as thirty-eight percent of the female population have experienced sexual molestation by the age of eighteen years. Formerly, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other investigators who did discover the severe effects of childhood incestuous abuse on adult women reacted by suppressing and denying their findings