Introduction: The Dynamics of Epistemic Communities

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Learning conversions in science: The case of vocational students in the UK

The paper describes two aspects of a research project that focused on vocational science students. The paper begins with a general description of vocational science in the UK, to put the work in context. It then outlines an analysis of the ways in which these students approach problems involving converting between units of measurement. Finally the development and evaluation of computer‐based activities designed to support students in learning about unit conversion are described

No One Fights Alone: Exploring Social Participation of Young Adults with Cancer

Background: Young adults are relatively understudied and often misrepresented in oncology research and practice, as they are often overlooked or clumped in with pediatric or older adult patients. There is a gap in literature for young adults with cancer and this study was done in an effort to help bridge that gap while exploring social participation along with peer support. Social participation is the interweaving of occupations to support desired engagement in community and family activities as well as those involving peers and friends (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). This will not only elicit a better understanding of the impact that cancer has on social participation, but also provide evidence for age-appropriate services to facilitate social participation for young adults with cancer. Method: Four young adults were interviewed about their experience with cancer and social participation. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach, which included coding and collapsing codes into themes. Results: Study findings suggest a significant need for social participation opportunities for young adults with cancer. Discussion: Occupational therapists can provide unique ways to overcome barriers to social participation within the community, and with family, and friends for young adults with cancer

Exposing the impact of Citizens Advice Bureau services on health: a realist evaluation protocol

Introduction Welfare advice services can be used to address health inequalities, for example, through Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Recent reviews highlight evidence for the impact of advice services in improving people's financial position and improving mental health and well-being, daily living and social relationships. There is also some evidence for the impact of advice services in increasing accessibility of health services, and reducing general practitioner appointments and prescriptions. However, direct evidence for the impact of advice services on lifestyle behaviour and physical health is currently much less well established. There is a need for greater empirical testing of theories around the specific mechanisms through which advice services and associated financial or non-financial benefits may generate health improvements. Methods and analysis A realist evaluation will be conducted, operationalised in 5 phases: building the explanatory framework; refining the explanatory framework; testing the explanatory framework through empirical data (mixed methods); development of a bespoke data recording template to capture longer term impact; and verification of findings with a range of CAB services. This research will therefore aim to build, refine and test an explanatory framework about how CAB services can be optimally implemented to achieve health improvement. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the ethics committee at Northumbria University, UK. Project-related ethical issues are described and quality control aspects of the study are considered. A stakeholder mapping exercise will inform the dissemination of results in order to ensure all relevant institutions and organisations are targeted

From Mercantilists to Neo-Malthusianism: International Population Movement and the Transformation of Population Ideology in Kenya

Paper presented at the Workshop on Social Processes Underlying Fertility Change in Developing Countries, Committee on Population, National Academy of Sciences, 29-30 January 1998, Washington, D.C

‘Everything takes too long and nobody is listening’: Developing theory to understand the impact of advice on stress and the ability to cope

Shrinking state spending in the UK has been accompanied by a profound restructuring of the welfare system, leading to financial insecurity for many people, culminating in extreme stress and serious deterioration of physical and mental health. Theory surrounding the impact of welfare advice on stress is lacking; this paper undertakes an in depth exploration of the experiences of stress among welfare advice seekers, considering these in light of existing substantive theories of stress and coping to generate new insight. A thematic analysis explored the experiences of stress in welfare advice seekers. Four overarching themes and twelve subthemes emerged. They are further understood utilising traditional theories of stress (Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Conservation of Resources theory), which then underpin the development of a ‘Stress Support Matrix’ and a holistic theory related specifically to welfare, stress and coping

Feminists and neo-Malthusians: Past and present alliances

This article examines a century of interactions between American feminists and American social movements seeking to influence population trends. The historical analysis focuses on relations between feminists and neo-Malthusians and attempts to determine when they are likely to enter into alliances. The two movements are found to be neither natural allies nor natural enemies. Sturdy alliances arise when both movements agree on certain ideological premises, share a common demographic goal, and perceive mutual benefit in an alliance. The origin of the common ground alliance between American feminists and American neo-Malthusians that was so prominently displayed at the International Conference on Population and Development at Cairo is examined. Since the two movements currently are found to possess no clear common goals, to share no basic ideological beliefs, and to have entered a relationship of questionable mutual benefit, the alliance is considered to be fragile