Extended Deterrence: Some Observations

This essay aims to take a fresh look at so-called extended deterrence. In many ways a venerable problem, extended deterrence is attracting renewed attention as American and Soviet capabilities evolve and as a volatile world political situation challenges the structure, effects and uses of deterrence

Functional regeneration of glossopharyngeal nerve through micromachined sieve electrode arrays

To assess the potential of micromachined silicon sieve electrodes for long term recording from single afferent sensory fibers, we implanted them between the cut ends of rat glossopharyngeal nerves which innervate taste and somatosensory receptors on the posterior tongue. After the implants had been in place for an average of 101 days nerve regeneration was measured using histological and electrophysiological methods. Axons of the glossopharyngeal nerve regenerated through holes in the sieves and supported the functional regeneration of taste, thermal and mechanoreceptors.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29783/1/0000122.pd

Early career resilience: interdisciplinary insights to support professional education of Radiation Therapists

Background : A number of studies across a range of countries have indicated a proportion of the radiotherapy workforce maybe experiencing burnout. Furthermore, current national attrition from UK radiotherapy training programmes is approximately 36%. The consequence is a potential shortfall in qualifying practitioners. The loss of skilled practitioners from the workplace through burnout and a reduction in the numbers qualifying at a time of rising cancer referrals has implications on the ability of radiotherapy services to keep pace with demand. A report from the College of Radiographers on the factors affecting attrition from UK training programmes recommends the development of emotional resilience as part of the educational preparation for Therapists, but failed to identify specific interventions that may help. Radiation Therapists (RTTs) are not unique in terms of their exposure to the potential of burnout and other professionals share similar concerns. In this paper we report on an interdisciplinary study of professional resilience, which indicates that there is much we can learn from other professions that are engaged in emotional labour. The concept of ‘resilience’ is important in retention studies but research in this field is limited by a lack of detailed accounts of resilience in specific professional contexts; with few accounts of strategies in professional education to develop resilience. Aim : To identify: what supports and hinders the development of professional resilience in early career professionals, in professions involving emotional and moral challenge, such as radiation therapy; what creative pedagogical approaches may help to develop resilience. Method : Using a mixed method design over 50 participants were invited to participate from radiotherapy, social work and teacher education. A combination of survey research, interpretative interviews and innovative group activities were used across four key groups; early career professionals, current students, Higher Education lecturers and work based professionals who support students. Purposive sampling was undertaken with codes, themes and texts used iteratively to develop understanding of professional resilience. Coding was informed by principles of constructivist grounded theory to allow for the identification of themes. Peer debriefing was used to agree the coding structure and member checking was used to confirm identified themes with research participants. Results : Emergent themes indicate resilience is dependent on a complex interplay between individual and organisational (or situated) characteristics. Key concepts were: Transitions- new identity demands Organisational and systemic issues- being treated unfairly, team culture, difficult cases, feedback and support, professional demands Personal Characteristics – personal actions, personal qualities (accepting, confidence, forms of reflection, interpersonal skills and positive psychology) Professionality- agency, commitment, moral purpose and value Conclusion : By addressing issues of resilience course credibility is enhanced as a preparation for professional life; with a subsequent corollary of reduced attrition. The data from this study can be used to inform a creative curriculum to enhance professional resilience in students and early career professionals.</p

Public, private and personal: Qualitative research on policymakers' opinions on smokefree interventions to protect children in 'private' spaces

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Governments use law to constrain aspects of private activities for purposes of protecting health and social wellbeing. Policymakers have a range of perceptions and beliefs about what is public or private. An understanding of the possible drivers of policymaker decisions about where government can or should intervene for health is important, as one way to better guide appropriate policy formation. Our aim was to identify obstacles to, and opportunities for, government smokefree regulation of private and public spaces to protect children. In particular, to seek policymaker opinions on the regulation of smoking in homes, cars and public parks and playgrounds in a country with incomplete smokefree laws (New Zealand).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Case study, using structured interviews to ask policymakers (62 politicians and senior officials) about their opinions on new smokefree legislation for public and private places. Supplementary data was obtained from the Factiva media database, on the views of New Zealand local authority councillors about policies for smokefree outdoor public places.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, interviewees thought that government regulation of smoking in private places was impractical and unwise. However, there were some differences on what <it>was </it>defined as 'private', particularly for cars. Even in public parks, smoking was seen by some as a 'personal' decision, and unlikely to be amenable to regulation. Most participants believed that educative, supportive and community-based measures were better and more practical means of reducing smoking in private places, compared to regulation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The constrained view of the role of regulation of smoking in public and private domains may be in keeping with current political discourse in New Zealand and similar Anglo-American countries. Policy and advocacy options to promote additional smokefree measures include providing a better voice for childrens' views, increasing information to policymakers about the harms to children from secondhand smoke and the example of adult smoking, and changing the culture for smoking around children.</p

Paths to Peace "Exploring the Feasitility of Sustainable Peace"

viii.68 hal.;ill.; 20 cm

Paths to Peace

xiv.111 hal.;22 c