Predictive validity of preschool screening tools for language and behavioural difficulties:A PRISMA systematic review

Background: Preschool screening for developmental difficulties is increasingly becoming part of routine health service provision and yet the scope and validity of tools used within these screening assessments is variable. The aim of this review is to report on the predictive validity of preschool screening tools for language and behaviour difficulties used in a community setting. Methods: Studies reporting the predictive validity of language or behaviour screening tools in the preschool years were identified through literature searches of Ovid Medline, Embase, EBSCO CINAHL, PsycInfo and ERIC. We selected peer-reviewed journal articles reporting the use of a screening tool for language or behaviour in a population-based sample of children aged 2–6 years of age, including a validated comparison diagnostic assessment and follow-up assessment for calculation of predictive validity. Results: A total of eleven eligible studies was identified. Six studies reported language screening tools, two reported behaviour screening tools and three reported combined language & behaviour screening tools. The Language Development Survey (LDS) administered at age 2 years achieved the best predictive validity performance of the language screening tools (sens 67%, spec 94%, NPV 88% and PPV 80%). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) administered at age 4 years achieved the best predictive validity compared to other behaviour screening tools (Sens 31%, spec 93%, NPV 84% and PPV 52%). The SDQ and Sure Start Language Measure (SSLM) administered at 2.5 years achieved the best predictive validity of the combined language & behaviour assessments (sens 87%, spec 64%, NPV 97% and PPV 31). Predictive validity data and diagnostic odds ratios identified language screening tools as more effective and achieving higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than either behaviour or combined screening tools. Screening tools with combined behaviour and language assessments were more specific and achieved higher negative predictive value than individual language or behaviour screening tools. Parent-report screening tools for language achieved higher sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value than direct child assessment. Conclusions: Universal screening tools for language and behaviour concerns in preschool aged children used in a community setting can demonstrate excellent predictive validity, particularly when they utilise a parent-report assessment. Incorporating these tools into routine child health surveillance could improve the rate of early identification of language and behavioural difficulties, enabling more informed referrals to specialist services and facilitating access to early intervention

Preschool developmental concerns and adjustment in the early school years:Evidence from a Scottish birth cohort

Funding Information Scottish Chief Scientist Office. Grant Number: MR/K023209/1 Medical Research Council. Grant Number: MR/K023209/1 Farr Institute at Scotland. Grant Number: MR/K007017/1Peer reviewedPublisher PD

In Situ Surface Voltage Measurements of Dielectrics Under Electron Beam Irradiation

New instrumentation has been developed for non- contact, in vacuo measurements of the electron beam-induced surface voltage as a function of time and position for non- conductive spacecraft materials in a simulated space environment. The novel compact system uses two movable capacitive sensor electrodes to measure surface charge distributions on samples, using a non-contact method that has little effect on charge dissipation from sample. Design details, calibration and characterization measurements of the system are presented, with \u3c1 V to \u3e30 kV surface voltage range, \u3c0.5 V voltage resolution, and \u3c1.5 mm spatial resolution. Used in conjunction with the capabilities of an existing ultrahigh vacuum electron emission test chamber, the new instrumentation facilitates measurements of charge accumulation, bulk resistivity, effects of charge depletion and accumulation on yield measurements, electron induced electrostatic breakdown potentials, radiation induced conductivity effects, and the radial dispersion of surface voltage. Three types of measurements of surface voltage for polyimide (Kapton HNTM) serve to illustrate the research capabilities of the new system: (i) accumulation using a pulsed electron beam, while periodically measuring the surface voltage; (ii) post charging, as deposited charge dissipated to a grounded substrate; and (iii). the evolution of spatial profile resulting from an incident Gaussian beam. Theoretical models for sample charging and discharge are outlined to predict the time, temperature, and electric field dependence of the sample’s net surface voltage

In Situ Surface Voltage Measurements of Dielectrics Under Electron Beam Irradiation

New instrumentation has been developed for non-contact, in vacuo measurements of the electron beam-induced surface voltage as a function of time and position for non-conductive spacecraft materials in a simulated space environment. Used in conjunction with the capabilities of an existing ultrahigh vacuum electron emission analysis chamber, the new instrumentation facilitates measurements of charge accumulation, bulk resistivity, effects of charge depletion and accumulation on yield measurements, electron induced electrostatic breakdown potentials, radiation induced conductivity effects, and the radial dispersion of surface voltage. The novel system uses two movable capacitive sensor electrodes that can be swept across the sample to measure surface charge distributions on samples, using a non-contact method that does not dissipate sample charge. Design details, calibration and characterization measurements of the system are presented, for a surface voltage range from30 kV, voltage resolution \u3c1 \u3eV, and spatial resolutio

Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems Energy Yield Modelling

AbstractA bifacial photovoltaic model was developed not only to calculate the power and energy yield for bifacial modules for various setup and installation conditions but also to identify suitable bifacial module applications and markets. The bifacial model shows that the energy yield for bifacial modules is very much location dependent and hugely influenced by how they are setup and installed. There is a need to have the modules mounted at a certain elevation above the ground to gain maximum energy yield. It is also important to ensure there is no blockage for the direct sun to shine on the area directly beneath the module. For locations at low latitude, a higher elevation is required. For locations at high latitude, the probability of the direct sunlight reaching the ground directly under the module is higher. Therefore, less module mounting elevation is required. However, there is a saturation point for energy yield improvement with increased module mounting height. In addition to the mounting height, a sufficient length of clearance path in front of the module array should be considered. The model also shows that the ground reflectance is one of the key parameters for bifacial module performance. The model indicates that >10% of energy yield gain with 20% background reflectance from REC bifacial multi-crystalline silicon solar module array with a bifaciality of 0.6 is achievable in Konstanz, Germany. This correlates well with the measured field energy yield data of the bifacial prototype modules

The Robber Bride: a Dystopian Female World in Margaret Atwood’s Mythology

The aim of this paper is to show how Atwood’s reformulations of myths contain hidden political messages from ancient and modern history and can be interpreted from Fredric Jameson’s views on ‘symbolic acts,’ discourse and the ideology of form. Several scholars have explored the symbolic relationship between the three major protagonists in The Robber Bride and fragments of the omnipotent image of the Neolithic deity the White Goddess. As the symbolic counterparts of Diana, Venus and Hecate in the novel, Tony, Roz and Charis demonstrate how women’s integrity has been crippled and how the restoration of female principle is just a utopian idea. However, our analysis has revealed that the younger generation of “goddesses” does not bring hope to the female gender in either the present or the future. Augusta, Paula and Erin symbolize oversimplified and parodied versions of the destructive Hecate in an unpromising world and “the not-good place” that resembles a dystopia

Exchange rate determination and equity prices: Evidence from the UK

YesThis paper develops a model of optimal choice over an array of different assets, including domestic and foreign bonds, domestic and foreign equities, and domestic and foreign real money balances, with a view to examine whether stock markets have an effect on the exchange rate in the long-run. The model is tested using data from the UK and the USA. Evidence suggests that the UK stock market has a significant effect on the value of the pound's sterling nominal effective exchange rate in the long-run over the period 1982 to 2011

Promoting healthy weight for all young children: a mixed methods study of child and family health nurses' perceptions of barriers and how to overcome them.

Background:Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early intervention to help parents adopt best practice for infant feeding and physical activity is critical for maintaining healthy weight. Australian governments provide universal free primary healthcare from child and family health nurses (CFHNs) to support families with children aged up to five years and to provide evidence-based advice to parents. This paper aims to examine factors influencing the child obesity prevention practices of CFHNs and to identify opportunities to support them in promoting healthy infant growth. Methods:This mixed methods study used a survey (n = 90) and semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with CFHNs working in two local health districts in Sydney, Australia. Survey data were analysed descriptively; interview transcripts were coded and analysed iteratively. Survey and interview questions examined how CFHNs addressed healthy infant feeding practices, healthy eating, active play and limiting sedentary behaviour during routine consultations; factors influencing such practices; and how CFHNs could be best supported. Results:CFHNs frequently advised parents on breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, and techniques for settling infants. They spent less time providing advice on evidence-based formula feeding practices or encouraging physical activity in young children. Although nurses frequently weighed and measured children, they did not always use growth charts to identify those at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Nurses identified several barriers to promoting healthy weight gain in infants and young children, including limited parental recognition of overweight in their children or motivation to change diet or lifestyle; socioeconomic factors (such as the cost of healthy food); and beliefs and attitudes about infant weight and the importance of breastfeeding and physical activity amongst parents and family members. Conclusions:CFHNs require further education and support for their role in promoting optimal child growth and development, especially training in behaviour change techniques to increase parents' understanding of healthy infant weight gain. Parent information resources should be accessible and address cultural diversity. Resources should highlight the health effects of childhood overweight and obesity and emphasise the benefits of breastfeeding, appropriate formula feeding, suitable first foods, responsiveness to infant feeding cues, active play and limiting screen time