AN ESSAY ON FEDERAL-STATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS: NEEDS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE IN AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

Marketing,

Shortest path or anchor-based route choice: a large-scale empirical analysis of minicab routing in London

Understanding and modelling route choice behaviour is central to predicting the formation and propagation of urban road congestion. Yet within conventional literature disagreements persist around the nature of route choice behaviour, and how it should be modelled. In this paper, both the shortest path and anchor-based perspectives on route choice behaviour are explored through an empirical analysis of nearly 700,000 minicab routes across London, United Kingdom. In the first set of analyses, the degree of similarity between observed routes and possible shortest paths is established. Shortest paths demonstrate poor performance in predicting both observed route choice and characteristics. The second stage of analysis explores the influence of specific urban features, named anchors, in route choice. These analyses show that certain features attract more route choices than would be expected were individuals choosing route based on cost minimisation alone. Instead, the results indicate that major urban features form the basis of route choice planning – being selected disproportionately more often, and causing asymmetry in route choice volumes by direction of travel. At a finer scale, decisions made at minor road features are furthermore demonstrated to influence routing patterns. The results indicate a need to revisit the basis of how routes are modelled, shifting from the shortest path perspective to a mechanism structured around urban features. In concluding, the main trends are synthesised within an initial framework for route choice modelling, and presents potential extensions of this research

A heuristic model of bounded route choice in urban areas

There is substantial evidence to indicate that route choice in urban areas is complex cognitive process, conducted under uncertainty and formed on partial perspectives. Yet, conventional route choice models continue make simplistic assumptions around the nature of human cognitive ability, memory and preference. In this paper, a novel framework for route choice in urban areas is introduced, aiming to more accurately reflect the uncertain, bounded nature of route choice decision making. Two main advances are introduced. The first involves the definition of a hierarchical model of space representing the relationship between urban features and human cognition, combining findings from both the extensive previous literature on spatial cognition and a large route choice dataset. The second advance involves the development of heuristic rules for route choice decisions, building upon the hierarchical model of urban space. The heuristics describe the process by which quick, 'good enough' decisions are made when individuals are faced with uncertainty. This element of the model is once more constructed and parameterised according to findings from prior research and the trends identified within a large routing dataset. The paper outlines the implementation of the framework within a real-world context, validating the results against observed behaviours. Conclusions are offered as to the extension and improvement of this approach, outlining its potential as an alternative to other route choice modelling frameworks

Multichannel parametrization of \pi N scattering amplitudes and extraction of resonance parameters

We present results of a new multichannel partial-wave analysis for \pi N scattering in the c.m. energy range 1080 to 2100 MeV. This work explicitly includes \eta N and K \Lambda channels and the single pion photoproduction channel. Resonance parameters were extracted by fitting partial-wave amplitudes from all considered channels using a multichannel parametrization that is consistent with S-matrix unitarity. The resonance parameters so obtained are compared to predictions of quark models

Exitus: An Agent-Based Evacuation Simulation Model For Heterogeneous Populations

Evacuation planning for private-sector organizations is an important consideration given the continuing occurrence of both natural and human-caused disasters that inordinately affect them. Unfortunately, the traditional management approach that is focused on fire drills presents several practical challenges at the scale required for many organizations but especially those responsible for national critical infrastructure assets such as airports and sports arenas. In this research we developed Exitus, a comprehensive decision support system that may be used to simulate large-scale evacuations of such structures. The system is unique because it considers individuals with disabilities explicitly in terms of physical and psychological attributes. It is also capable of classifying the environment in terms of accessibility characteristics encompassing various conditions that have been shown to have a disproportionate effect upon the behavior of individuals with disabilities during an emergency. The system was applied to three unique test beds: a multi-story office building, an international airport, and a major sports arena. Several simulation experiments revealed specific areas of concern for both building managers and management practice in general. In particular, we were able to show (a) how long evacuations of heterogeneous populations may be expected to last, (b) who the most vulnerable groups of people are, (c) the risk engendered from particular design features for individuals with disabilities, and (d) the potential benefits from adopting alternate evacuation strategies, among others. Considered together, the findings provide a useful foundation for the development of best practices and policies addressing the evacuation concerns surrounding heterogeneous populations in large, complex environments. Ultimately, a capabilities based approach featuring both tactical and strategic planning with an eye toward the unique problems presented by individuals with disabilities is recommended

Processing fluency effects: can the content and presentation of participant information sheets influence recruitment and participation for an antenatal intervention?

Objective: To assess the extent to which the title and font of participant information sheets (PISs) can influence pregnant women’s and trainee midwives’ perceptions of an antenatal intervention. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 35) and trainee midwives (n = 36) were randomly presented with one of four PISs where the title and font of the PIS had been manipulated to create four experimental conditions (i.e., Double-Fluent; Double-Awkward; Fluent Title-Awkward Font; Awkward Title-Fluent Font). After reading the PIS, participants rated their perceptions of the intervention (i.e., attractiveness, complexity, expected risk, required effort) using five-point Likert scales. Results: A 4x2 factorial multivariate analysis of variance revealed that pregnant women rated the Double-Awkward condition as significantly more complex than the Double-Fluent (p = .024) and Awkward Title-Fluent Font (p = .021) conditions. Conclusion: Font influenced pregnant women’s ratings of intervention complexity. Practice Implications: Results have implications for ethical recruitment, and in turn, the optimisation of corresponding interventions

Using participatory, practice development, Delphi and realist research approaches to understand how frontline teams can use the workplace to make sustainable improvements in the quality of their practice

The symposium will share the approaches and findings from three funded national and international research studies which all contribute to the body of knowledge about how to support person centred, safe and effective care in the workplace. The final presentation will integrate the theoretical insights emerging from the three studies to present a model for sustainable transformation in frontline teams. Paper 1 Safety culture, quality improvement, realist evaluation Authors and affiliations Professor Kim Manley CBE, (Presenter), Carolyn Jackson, Christine McKenzie, Anne Martin, Dr Toni Wright. Abstract Safety in health care is an international concern with impact on quality of care (Hollnagel, et al, 2015). A Regional Patient Safety Collaborative (PSC), one of 15 nationally set up to place patients, carers and staff at the heart of quality improvements in patient safety, supported four large acute NHS hospital trusts with a PSC model to help facilitators use safety and quality improvement tools with frontline teams and to be mutually supported through action learning. The evaluation used realistic evaluation (Pawson & Tilley, 2004) (and the study and its findings are reported using the RAMESES 11 international standards (Wong et al, 2017). The study took place between June 2016-October 2017. Its aim was to understand what works for whom 3S.40-5.10pm1 Symposia- – Tuesday 17 April 2018 and why, when: working with frontline teams in large acute hospitals to embed a safety culture, and grow leadership and quality improvement capability. Specifically, to identify which strategies are effective in supporting front line teams to sustain bottom up change and quality improvement driven by the needs of patients and practitioners. The study drew on ethnographic principlesacross study sites usingdescriptive case study design. Mixed methods of critical observation of frontline practice, stakeholder evaluation,emotional touch points, self-assessment;qualitative 360 degree feedback; and the Texas safety culture survey tool were used to facilitate the development of a rich picture for each teamand each context so as to answer the evaluation questions. In tandem, interrogation of the literature to distilled relationships between context, mechanisms and outcomes generating hypotheses at individual, team and organisational level factors for safety culture. Key findings identified an interdependence between clinical leadership within frontline teams, safety culture, safety behaviours and teamwork echoed in microcosm through safety huddles; the skills and attributes of facilitators;and the impact of organisations on microsystems. Theories of culture change at the microsystems level are further embellished. References Hollnagel E., Wears R.L. and Braithwaite J. From Safety-I to Safety II: A White Paper. The Resilient Health Care Net: Published simultaneously by the University of Southern Denmark, University of Florida, USA, and Macquarie University, Australia. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download doi=10.1.1.911.6550&rep=rep1&type=pdf (accessed 1st November 2017) Pawson, R. & Tilley, N. (2004) Realist Evaluation. [Online]. Available at: . Accessed: 14th November 2014. Wong, G.; Westhorp, G.; Greenhalgh, J.; Manzano, A.; Jagosh, J.; Greenhalgh, T, (2017) Quality and reporting standards, resources, training materials and information for realist evaluation: the RAMESES II project. Health Services and Delivery Research, 5(28) National Institute for Health Research October ISSN 2050-4349 DOI 10.3310/ Paper 2 Developing integrated facilitation standards to embrace the facilitation of learning in the workplace using e-Delphi Authors and affiliations Professor Kim Manley CBE, (Presenter), Carolyn Jackson, Anne Martin, Dr Toni Wright. Abstract This paper shares insights into the impact of system wide leadership initiatives that develop the facilitation capacity of the workforce to be effective clinical leaders in a time of increasingly complex system wide change (Manley et al, 2016, Crisp & Wilson 2011). The aim of this Delphi study (2015-16), was to develop a set of standards that could be used to guide an integrated approach to facilitation in and about the workplace. This includes the key qualities and skills required of facilitators who aim to integrate learning, development, improvement, inquiry, knowledge translation and innovation in and about the workplace. The study influenced by the knowledge base underpinning practice development methodology engaged international facilitation expertise. Three e-Delphi rounds involved participants from ten countries with expertise in facilitating either one or more of the purposes in work and/or about the workplace. The result, a set of standards builds on the current knowledge base about facilitation. The standards clarify the key components that facilitators need to attend to when supporting individuals, teams, organisations and services to achieve higher order learning in and about the workplace and positively impact on person centred cultures and health outcomes. The contribution of practice development as a discipline that integrates all the agendas was highlighted and needs to be promoted more explicitly at the policy level. The key messages from this work are that: Facilitators work within different contexts and help staff appreciate the broader contexts in which they work. These contexts impact on both facilitator and staff purposes within and across each context. An integrated approach to facilitation aims to support a number of purposes. Enablers, skills and strategies for achieving these purposes are identified in the set of standards developed Facilitators need to attend to the evaluation of outcome and impact in the given context whilst keeping focus on constantly refining the processes that are effective. References Crisp, J., & Wilson, V. (2011). How do facilitators of practice development gain the expertise required to support vital transformation of practice and workplace cultures? Nurse Education in Practice, 11(3), 173-178. Manley, K., Martin, A., Jackson, C., & Wright, T. (2016). Using systems thinking to identify workforce enablers for a whole systems approach to urgent and emergency care delivery: a multiple case study. BMC Health Services Research, 16(1), 1 Paper 3 Developing theoretical insights into sustainable transformation in front line teams – the Venus model Authors and affiliation Carolyn Jackson, Director, England Centre for Practice Development, Canterbury Christchurch University, UK (Presenter), Professor Kim Manley CBE, Anne Martin, DrToni Wright. Abstract Definitions for continuous Professional Development (CPD) tend to focus on individual objectives, yet the goals of CPD activity are mutually interdependent on individual and system aspects (Billet, 2002) This paper presents the theoretical and practical insights gathered from a realist synthesis and evaluation (2014-2015) that led to a tool designed to measure the impact of learning on individual, team and organisational effectiveness in relation to improvements in quality of care and patient outcomes in the workplace. The aim of the project was to develop and test a CPD Impact Tool that identifies mechanisms for measuring the impact of learning on individual, team and organisational effectiveness and the indicators useful for providing information on individual and team effectiveness in relation to outcomes in the workplace? The study used mixed methods across two phases with different stakeholder groups to first develop theories about the relationship between contexts, mechanisms and outcomes for CPD to help understand which strategies work best for whom in what circumstance and why? Phase 1 methods included: a literature review, underpinned by 12 critical questions, to identify what is known about CPD across three broad themes 1) What is CPD is and why it is important? 2) Purpose and impact of CPD, and 3) Facilitating and Judging the Effectiveness of CPD. This together with a stakeholder surveyanalysis and documentary analysis of CPDlearning outputs informed the development of the CPD framework and indicators which was then further tested in phase 2 with CPD providers, learner and an expert international reference group. Key findings centre on four transformation theories that underpin an overarching framework for understanding effective CPD and a set of Impact indicators for guiding evaluation In order for CPD to be effective it has to address all of the interdependent outcomes for individual, team, service and organisational transformation. Reference Billett S. Critiquing Workplace Learning Discourses: Participation and Continuity at Work. Stud Educ Adults. 2002; 34(1):56-67. Paper 4 Developing theoretical insights into sustainable transformation in front line teams – the Venus model Authors and affiliation Carolyn Jackson, Director, England Centre for Practice Development, CanterburyChristchurch University, UK (Presenter), Professor Kim Manley CBE. Abstract This paper presents a synthesis of the theoretical insights emerging from the three research studies together with outputs from a workshop for an international network of fellows. This synthesis is presented as a theoretical framework – the Venus Model for sustainable person centered transformation. This framework describes the key elements and linked concepts (and relationships) required to support front line teams (micro-systems) transform practice through interprofessional learning, development, improvement and innovation, and the essential organisational and systems factors required to enable this. The five key elements of the model are 1) supporting development of facilitation skills across a continuum of complex purposes, 2) leadership development at clinical to systems levels, 3) practice development - a complex methodology that focuses on collaborative, inclusive and participative approaches with stakeholders,to develop person-centred, safe and effective cultures, 4) using quality improvement skills and tools, and 5) the culture change skills at the front line of practice. Bottom up, as opposed to top down models for supporting complex change in organisations are crucial to understand how to transform systems, services and cultures of care within and across organisations to deliver new models for 21st century health and well-being. The symposium will conclude by sharing implications for practice based research and inquiry, workforce development and new emergent roles by considering how best to support and evidence the contribution of nurses to the future workforce on a global platform. This will include consideration of how nurses can take a leadership roles in both the delivery and evaluation of sustainable transformation across the health economy to impact on future new models of care

Ten-year trends in traumatic brain injury: a retrospective cohort study of California emergency department and hospital revisits and readmissions.

OBJECTIVE:To describe visits and visit rates of adults presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the USA; yet, current literature is limited because few studies examine longer-term ED revisits and hospital readmission patterns of TBI patients across a broad spectrum of injury severity, which can help inform potential unmet healthcare needs. DESIGN:We performed a retrospective cohort study. SETTING:We analysed non-public patient-level data from California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for years 2005 to 2014. PARTICIPANTS:We identified 1.2 million adult patients aged ≥18 years presenting to California EDs and hospitals with an index diagnosis of TBI. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES:Our main outcomes included revisits, readmissions and mortality over time. We also examined demographics, mechanism and severity of injury and disposition at discharge. RESULTS:We found a 57.7% increase in the number of TBI ED visits, representing a 40.5% increase in TBI visit rates over the 10-year period (346-487 per 100 000 residents). During this time, there was also a 33.8% decrease in the proportion of patients admitted to the hospital. Older, publicly insured and black populations had the highest visit rates, and falls were the most common mechanism of injury (45.5% of visits). Of all patients with an index TBI visit, 40.5% of them had a revisit during the first year, with 46.7% of them seeking care at a different hospital from their initial hospital or ED visit. Additionally, of revisits within the first year, 13.4% of them resulted in hospital readmission. CONCLUSIONS:The large proportion of patients with TBI who are discharged directly from the ED, along with the high rates of revisits and readmissions, suggest a role for an established system for follow-up, treatment and care of TBI