The early impact of Brighton and Hove's school admission reforms

We analyse the initial impact of a major school admission reform in Brighton and Hove. The new system incorporated a lottery for oversubscribed places and new catchment areas. We examine the post-reform changes in school composition. We locate the major winners and losers in terms of the quality of school attended. We match similar cities and conduct a difference-in-difference analysis of the policy change. We see no significant change in student sorting: if anything, the point estimates suggest a rise in socio-economic segregation. We do see a significant weakening of the dependence of school attended on student’s prior attainment.school lottery, segregation, school admissions reforms

Co-design of health literacy interventions to improve understanding, access and use of health services

This study examined the relationship between health literacy and use of hospital services. Having both low and high health literacy resulted in higher use of hospital services. An established relationship with a health professional may act as a potential mediator and prevent avoidable emergency department presentations and hospital admissions

Research Exemplars from an Interdisciplinary Healthcare Genetics Program

The first chapter of this dissertation provides an overview of the interdisciplinary Healthcare Genetics model, the framework for the studies described in Chapters Two, Three and Four. The model is comprised of five core constructs: Research, Environment, Clinical Practice, Ethical/Legal/Social Implications (ELSI) and Education. Each construct is defined. Chapter One also presents a brief overview of subsequent chapters. Chapter Two details a biophysical approach to the phenotypic classification of mutations in the 7-dehydroxycholesterol reductase (DHCR7) gene, involved in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. This study utilized computer modeling to determine the biophysical effects of each mutation on structure and function of the DHCR7 protein. The third chapter is a narrative review of the role of the cytokine interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the gynecological condition endometriosis. This review discusses the incidence, etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis and outlines general guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are outlined. Finally, potential IL-17-targeted therapies are explored. Chapter Four presents original bench research that evaluated the effects of the phyto-cannabinoid beta-caryophyllene (BCP) on a cell culture model of endometriosis. The effects of BCP on markers of inflammation such as cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production were assessed. The final chapter, Chapter Five, summarizes the findings from Chapters Two, Three and Four. The significance and limitations of these studies are discussed. Finally, Chapter Five provides recommendations for future research

The Role of Investor Relations in Crisis Communications

By the end of the 2000s, Domino’s Pizza Inc. was facing decreasing sales and a dwindling stock price, as consumers were frequently disappointed in the quality of the chain’s food. In April 2009, the pizza giant was faced with a sudden crisis when a YouTube video surfaced showing employees contaminating food with bodily functions. This study will focus on the events following the crisis. Specifically, the study will examine Dominos’ unique pivot towards a transparent communications strategy in hopes of revitalizing its business model and its share price. The methodology used to explore Domino’s new communications approach includes an in-depth examination of Domino’s communications and advertisements. Further research included heavy analysis of media publications and analyst recommendations surrounding the company. The analysis will argue that Domino’s used an innovative communications strategy centered on transparency and honesty to revitalize its business. Additionally, this study will argue that the company’s approach fully aligns with the Page Principles, seven key guidelines for public relations professionals. Ultimately, Domino’s multi-step approach will be considered a model for future crisis communications efforts. The campaigns have resulted in a 13 times return for Domino’s share price over the past seven years and have led to the company being named the World’s Top Pizza Chain by Business Insider