Otherworldly Ethics: Trouthe and the Fairy Mistress in the Lays of Lanval, Graelent, Guingamor and Sir Launfal

While the nature of fictional fairies in medieval romance has been widely discussed and it has been acknowledged by many scholars that fairies typically offer some critique of the human courts in which they intervene, they have yet to be examined in relation to their ethical impact and conceptions of justice. In order to address this, this thesis performs a close reading of four Breton lays, Lanval, Graelent, Guingamor and Sir Launfal using a framework of medieval folklaw. The four fairies of these lays introduce to their respective poems a unique feminine ethic that critiques the enactment of trouthe practiced in the human court by appearing to human knights and testing them, exposing their moral failings and the ways they contribute to the corrupt ethics of the human world. These fairy mistresses further offer an alternative model of justice and trouthe, often more forgiving than the model used in the human court. This thesis demonstrates that fairies, far from being arbitrary or illogical, establish a subtly didactic undertone to the narratives in which they intervene

Effects of Red Light Intensity on Cultivation & Oxygen Production in Arthrospira plantensis

Maintaining life sustaining resources during long-term space travel has encouraged scientists to turn their attention to the potential benefits of a cyanobacteria named Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as Spirulina algae. This experiment measures the oxygen production and cell population growth of two structurally different Spirulina cultures under two different levels of red light intensities, 8 µmol/m 2Js (high); 3 µmol/m2/s (low). The cell population, oxygen produced, and oxygen produced per cell measurements were observed and recorded at three 24 hour intervals. It was found there was not a significant difference between high and low light intensities when considering the cell concentration data which indicated the red light intensities did not affect the cell concentration level. However, both the oxygen alone and oxygen per cell produced from the high and low light intensities were found to result in significant data differences

Effects of Red Light Intensity on Cultivation and Oxygen Production in Arthrospira platensis

Maintaining life sustaining resources during long-term space travel has encouraged scientists to turn their attention to the potential benefits of a cyanobacteria named Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as Spirulina algae. This experiment measures the oxygen production and cell population growth of two structurally different Spirulina cultures under two different levels of red light intensities, 8 µmol/m2/s (high); 3 µmol/m2/s (low). The cell population, oxygen produced, and oxygen produced per cell measurements were observed and recorded at three 24 hour intervals. It was found there was not a significant difference between high and low light intensities when considering the cell concentration data which indicated the red light intensities did not affect the cell concentration level. However, both the oxygen alone and oxygen per cell produced from the high and low light intensities were found to result in significant data differences

A descriptive study of the implications of sleep hygiene and mental health in the Butler University student athlete

Introduction: There is ample research available regarding the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health, but not specifically within the collegiate student athlete population. The purpose of this study was to describe the sleep hygiene and perceived mental health within the Butler University student athlete population through the use of previously validated survey questionnaires. The study aimed to contribute to this growing field of research while also providing possible areas for improvement within this specific population. Methods: 92 total participants completed a 14-question survey which included the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the 18-item Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ), and the 8-item Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results: Within the data there were significant correlations found between the ASBQ (sleep hygiene), ESS (daytime sleepiness), and GHQ-12 (mental health) scores for the Butler University student athlete population. Also, there were significant discrepancies between the GHQ-12 scores, ESS scores, and ASBQ global scores between the male and female student athlete populations. Conclusion: There are significant relationships between sleep hygiene, daytime sleepiness, and mental health as seen by these data, with greater emphasis being seen within the female student athletes. In correspondence to the significant data reported, there are many key areas that can be focused on in order to improve the overall health of the Butler University student population and in order to further explore this area of study

Grade 12 peer-tutors' conceptions of their role as motivators for Grades 8 and 9 Mathematics learners

Abstract: Motivation is a complex concept that has taken many years by numerous researchers in various disciplines to define. For this study, motivation is defined as the compulsion, either intrinsic or extrinsic, that learners have to complete mathematics tasks and to achieve their individual goals. Trends have shown that motivation is a necessary entity for performance in mathematics. In particular, peer-tutoring was found to be a useful intention strategy to motivate learners in their mathematics learning. Keller’s (1987) Attention, Relevance, Confidence and Satisfaction (ARCS) model of motivation provided an effective framework with which to understand how peer-tutors’ conceptions of their role as motivators were able to influence learners’ mathematics motivation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how Grade 12 peer-tutors conceive their role as motivators for grades 8 and 9 mathematics learners in terms of Keller’s (1987) ARCS model of motivation. Various theories of motivation were addressed in this study, including the attribution theory, the achievement goal theory and the self-determination theory. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, self-regulated learning, as well as the factors of motivation in mathematics education, such as cognitive, psychological, environmental and external factors, were highlighted. This qualitative research adopted an interpretivist paradigm and utilised a descriptive case study. The population consisted of 175 Grade 12 learners who took core mathematics as a subject. Ten of the top Grade 12 learners from this population were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were collected through one-on-one pre- and post-interviews, observation sheets and weekly reflection reports. The qualitative data focused on understanding how peer-tutors conceived their role as motivators, the ways they were able to execute their role as motivators and how their conceptions aligned with Keller’s (1987) ARCS model of motivation. Data were inductively and deductively analysed according to the four categories of Keller’s (1987) ARCS model of motivation, namely Attention, Relevance, Confidence and Satisfaction...M.A. (Mathematics Education

Book-Buying and the Grand Tour: the Italian Books at Belton House in Lincolnshire

This article examines the Italian books in the library at Belton House in Lincolnshire, which were bought by family members in the early modern period on successive continental tours. It charts the growing prevalence of books at Belton House from its construction in the late seventeenth century and considers in detail the significance of two foreign tours: the first undertaken by Sir John Brownlow (1690–1754), later Viscount Tyrconnel, in the years 1710–11; and the second by John Cust (1779–1853), later Earl Brownlow, in the years 1801–2. As a whole, the article considers the ways in which books prepared tourists for going abroad, assisted them whilst they were in foreign countries, and helped them afterwards to recollect their travels.This is the final published version. It first appeared at http://library.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/1/51.short?rss=1

A thematic analysis assessing clinical decision-making in antipsychotic prescribing for schizophrenia

Abstract Background In recent decades atypical antipsychotics have increased treatment options available for schizophrenia, however there is conflicting evidence concerning the trade-off between clinical efficacy and side effects for the different classes of antipsychotics. There has been a consistent increase in atypical antipsychotic prescribing compared to typical, despite evidence showing that neither class is superior. This leads to the question of whether prescribers are selective in their uptake of research evidence and clinical guidelines and if so, what influences their choice.. This study aims to identify the factors that contribute to the prescribing choice and how these can be used to aid knowledge translation and guideline implementation. Methods A thematic analysis study was conducted using data from 11 semi-structured interviews with clinicians with experience in prescribing for schizophrenia. Results The analysis identified five themes underpinning prescribing behaviour: (1) ownership and collaboration; (2) compromise; (3) patient involvement; (4) integrating research evidence; and (5) experience. Conclusion The themes mapped to various degrees onto current models of evidence-based decision making and suggest that there is scope to re-think the guideline implementation frameworks to incorporate recurring themes salient to clinicians who ultimately use the guidelines. This will further translation of future evidence into clinical practice, accelerating clinical progress

A quantitative analysis of antipsychotic prescribing trends for the treatment of schizophrenia in England and Wales

Objective This study aims to assess the current antipsychotic prescribing trends for the treatment of schizophrenia and to compare them with available guidelines and research evidence. Design An observational retrospective quantitative analysis. Setting Data were collected from the prescribing cost analysis for the period between 2007 and 2014, including all drugs from the British National Formulary 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. Prescriptions were included from primary and secondary healthcare settings in England and Wales. Participants None. Main outcome measures Defined daily doses of antipsychotics were used to compare popularity of individual drugs and classes of antipsychotics. Results There is a consistent increase in the proportion of atypical antipsychotics prescribed, compared to typical antipsychotics, between 2007 and 2014, with atypicals accounting for 79.9% of total antipsychotics prescribed in 2014. Conclusion The consistent popularity of atypical antipsychotics is not concordant with the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia or the most recent research evidence. </jats:sec

A systematic literature review of the quality of evidence for injury and rehabilitation interventions in humanitarian crises.

INTRODUCTION: Humanitarian crises continue to pose a significant threat to health; the United Nations estimates that 144 million people are directly affected by conflict or environmental disasters. During most humanitarian crises, surgical and rehabilitative interventions remain a priority. OBJECTIVES: This review assessed the quality of evidence that informs injury and physical rehabilitation interventions in humanitarian crises. METHODS: Peer-reviewed and grey literature sources were assessed in a systematic manner. Selected papers were evaluated using quality criteria based on a modified version of the STROBE protocol. RESULTS: 46 papers met the inclusion criteria. 63 % of the papers referred to situations of armed conflict, of which the Yugoslav Wars were the most studied crisis context. 59 % of the studies were published since the year 2000. However, only two studies were considered of a high quality. CONCLUSIONS: While there is now a greater emphasis on research in this sector, the volume of evidence remains inadequate given the growing number of humanitarian programmes worldwide. Further research is needed to ensure a greater breadth and depth of understanding of the most appropriate interventions in different settings

Assessment of Cancer Survivors’ Experiences of Using a Publicly Available Physical Activity Mobile Application

Background: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) is associated with improved physical and psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors. However, PA levels are low during and after cancer treatment. Interventions to promote PA in this population are needed. PA mobile apps are popular and have potential to increase PA participation, but little is known about how appropriate or relevant they are for cancer survivors. Objective: This study aims to (1) assess recruitment, study uptake, and engagement for a publicly available PA mobile app (GAINFitness) intervention in cancer survivors; (2) assess cancer survivors’ attitudes towards the app; (3) understand how the app could be adapted to better meet the needs of cancer survivors; and (4) to determine the potential for change in PA participation and psychosocial outcomes over a 6-week period of using the app. Methods: The present study was a one-arm, pre-post design. Cancer survivors (N=11) aged 33 to 62 years with a mean (SD) age of 45 (9.4), and 82% (9/11) female, were recruited (via community/online convenience sampling to use the app for 6 weeks). Engagement with the app was measured using self-reported frequency and duration of usage. Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted after the 6-week study period and were analyzed using thematic analysis. PA, well-being, fatigue, quality of life (QOL), sleep quality, and anxiety and depression were self-reported at baseline and at a 6-week follow-up using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Scale Questionnaire, the Health and Quality of Life Outcomes (EQ5D) Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Results: Of the people who responded to the study advertisement, 73% (16/22) agreed to participate and 100% (11/11) of the participants who started the study completed all baseline and follow-up outcome measures and the telephone interview. On average, participants used the app twice a week for 25 minutes per session. Four themes were identified from the qualitative interviews surrounding the suitability of the app for cancer survivors and how it could be adapted: (1) barriers to PA, (2) receiving advice about PA from reliable sources, (3) tailoring the application to one’s lifestyle, and (4) receiving social support from others. Pre-post comparison showed significant increases in strenuous PA, improvements in sleep quality, and reductions in mild PA. There were no significant changes in moderate PA or other psychosocial outcomes. Conclusions: All participants engaged with the app and qualitative interviews highlighted that the app was well-received. A generic PA mobile app could bring about positive improvements in PA participation and psychosocial outcomes among cancer survivors. However, a targeted PA app aimed specifically towards cancer survivors may increase the relevance and suitability of the app for this population