Doing more with less : the view from Staffordshire Library Service, UK

How can you do more with less? Surely that is impossible! But actually lots of public libraries show that ya can do this, and i would like to share some of our ideas with you

Towards an Identification and Investigation of Parameters Relevant to the Evaluation of Potential Sites for Outdoor Recreation

From the Resources for Tomorrow Conference held in 1961 came the recommendation for more research in the field of Recreation. With this challenge the thesis outlines various studies dealing with the classification and inventory of recreation lands. Because of the lack of correlation found to exist between the expected location of recreation sites based upon a capability classification and the observed locations of inventoried recreation sites, further analysis was undertaken. The results indicate that the potential of an outdoor rural recreation site is largely a function of historical, physical, accessibility, population, activity/facility and economic/political factors. These parameters, used in a systems behavioural approach, are analyzed using Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada as a study base. Essentially, they form a basic model that can be used by the recreation planner to identify, investigate and more comprehensively understand the real potential of an area for outdoor recreation use

Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degradation is central to the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a growing and currently incurable form of blindness. Due to its key role in maintaining the retinal structure and homeostasis, cell replacement of the RPE monolayer has emerged as a promising therapy to rescue visual acuity in AMD patients. Thanks to the tremendous progress of pluripotent stem cell technologies over the last decade, a potentially unlimited new source for RPE transplantation has reached clinical trials. This review summarizes the methods by which pluripotent stem cell-based RPE cells are produced for transplantation, the delivery methods currently being adopted and the latest clinical outcomes with regard to the treatment of AMD

Messages from the Margins: How Mature Women at Risk of Homelessness Sustain Their Psychosocial and Spiritual Lives

This community based qualitative study examined the psychosocial and spiritual lives of 10 mature women (age 50 and older) who were at risk of becoming homeless, in other words, the hidden homeless. A narrative inquiry research design was employed to explore the lived experiences of these women. Voluntary participants were recruited through Life*Spin, a community based non profit organization that works primarily with low income families and individuals in London, Ontario. The Executive Director of Life*Spin circulated the recruitment flyers and handbills throughout her networks of social agencies. Individual interviews were arranged with participants who met the inclusion categories of being 50 or older and possessing at least two risk factors for becoming homeless. Using a strengths based theoretical framework throughout the data collection and analysis this study addressed the primary research question “What sustains the psychosocial and/or spiritual lives of mature women at risk of homelessness, as revealed in their stories of lived experience?” A narrative analysis generated ten life stories which were further examined through a thematic analysis. Themes of relationships, identity, meaning and spirituality were analyzed for their multiple sub themes. In addition to augmenting the current minimal research available for older women at risk of homelessness, this study found that these hidden homeless women remained socially connected through relationships and through meaningful activities and pursuits. Volunteering was particularly meaningful for many. The women were resilient and deeply spiritual, articulating a variety of beliefs and engaging in a number of spiritual practices such as gratitude, prayer and meditation

Spectacle and Sport: Narrative Tenets and the Inclusion of Music in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The present study examined the opening and closing ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The purpose was to investigate the narrative by employing Seymour Chatman\u27s theoretical model of narrative structure. The structure of the ceremonies was observed, denoting the events, actions, characters, setting and elements of expression, specifically music. Focusing on an interdisciplinary approach, the study provided a foundation for understanding the ceremonies as a spectacle, which relate to storytelling principles. Through a content analysis, media sources, news articles, musical recordings, an interview with the Music Director, and official documents from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were examined. Additionally, the complete video footage of both ceremonies was instrumental in the data analysis. The analysis was categorized into pre-analysis, video analysis, and post-analysis. The results indicated that the ceremonies produced expressed a narrative as each component of the structure wove together and captured a unique story highlighting Canada

The health and well-being of Indigenous drug and alcohol workers: Results from a national Australian survey

The increasing demand for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services among the Australian Indigenous population, complex organisational challenges and limitations, and high unemployment rates are likely to negatively impact Indigenous AOD workers\u27 health and well-being. Building the capacity of Indigenous AOD workers is vital, as they play a crucial role in the delivery of treatment services and offer essential support to their communities. A national online survey was conducted to examine organisational, workplace and individual factors that might contribute to levels of stress and well-being among workers who provide services to Indigenous clients. A total of 294 eligible surveys were completed; 184 (63%) from Indigenous and 108 (37%) from non-Indigenous AOD workers. Multiple regression models were conducted to assess the significant predictors of mental health and well-being, job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion, and turnover intention. Indigenous AOD workers typically experienced above average levels of job satisfaction and relatively low levels of emotional exhaustion. However, 1 in 10 reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, a key predictor of turnover intention. Indigenous workers also experienced significantly lower levels of mental health and well-being and greater work/family imbalance, which was a significant contributor to emotional exhaustion. The findings highlight the importance of implementing workforce development strategies that focus on achieving culturally appropriate, equitable and supportive organisational conditions for Indigenous AOD workers. Preventing or managing levels of stress, ensuring adequate and equitable salaries and benefits, and providing more opportunities for career and personal growth may increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover intention among Indigenous workers in the drug and alcohol field