The PePCAA project: formative scenario-based CAA in psychology for teachers

The European funded PePCAA project developed a series of scenario-based computer delivered formative assessments of pedagogical psychology for teachers and trainee teachers, using a range of software features, including the addition of confidence measurement. Scenarios were based on realistic classroom situations and focused on problem solving or on utilising best practice. The PePCAA Learning Assessment Circle (PLAC) provided a framework for indexing the kind of processes required of users. Examples of assessments are described, together with results of small scale trialling in the UK. Transfer of assessments between countries proved more difficult than expected. There is scope for further development of the PePCAA approach and for its application in other subjects

Designing spaces for knowledge work - can the use of fiction help construct new realities?

This paper is concerned with two approaches to designing spaces for knowledge work. The central concern of the first approach is with the use of fictional descriptions of the workplace, in order to stimulate creative thought about new workspaces. The second approach draws on the emerging potential of three dimensional virtual reality as a tool to develop shared visions and to stimulate creativity. The paper ends by summarising findings in three important dimensions of knowledge management in business: (a) The nature of knowledge work and its workspace requirements (b) Specific processes for developing creatively shared insights and understandings by potential users about future knowledge spaces (c) The overall philosophy of design of such space

Expletives Explained. Metaphor, Moral Panic and Swearing

The aim of this thesis is to examine discourse on swearing by exploring the language used in two UK newspapers The Mirror and The Express between 2008 and 2009. In particular, the focal point became two national anti-swearing campaigns that developed after an incident on BBC Radio 2 known as Sachsgate. This was followed by the publication of several polls and reports that appeared to contradict the reasoning for the two campaigns. The discourse used in news reports, editorials and letters pages regarding swearing at this time was closely reviewed within two theoretical frameworks. Firstly, the study drew from Conceptual Metaphor Theory, as outlined by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (2003). Secondly, it used a Moral Panic Theory framework, derived from Stanley Cohen's (2002) original thesis. The primary findings from this investigation demonstrated a significant correlation between swearing and three clusters of conceptual metaphors: Religiosity, Hygiene and Invasion. It is suggested that there is a blurring between the literal and non-literal that has resulted in swearing being stereotyped as something filthy, irreligious and a threat to the social and moral norms of the Self. The study continued to examine whether the discourse constituted a moral panic, finding that the narrative was presented in the stylised and stereotypical manner indicative of a moral panic and that this intensified the social issue of swearing as a deviant behaviour. This interdisciplinary study has provided evidence as to how (negative) attitudes towards swearing become defined and sustained

Preoperative fluid management of the older adult patient with hip fracture

Background While recommendations about the preoperative fluid management of the older adult hip fracture patient have been produced the evidence relating to postoperative outcomes is scant. Aim The aim of this study is, therefore, to explore the relationships between preoperative fluid management (PFM) - defined as timing to start of fluids (oral or intravenous) after admission, preoperative oral fluid rate, and timing of last preoperative oral fluids – and postoperative outcomes - defined as change in renal function (creatinine and GFR), new reported postoperative confusion, timing of discontinuation of postoperative intravenous fluids (IV), and length of stay (LOS). Method This observational study looked at 100 consecutive older adult patients admitted to a tertiary New Zealand hospital with traumatic hip fracture between March and September, 2012. Data was gathered regarding cohort demographics and in hospital events, including surgical details, alongside PFM and postoperative outcomes. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, independent t-tests, tests of equality, and multiple logistic regression were utilised to ascertain relationships between variables. Results Characteristics of the perioperative journey of 100 consecutive patients, with mean age of 85.2 yr (SD 6.6) and predominantly female (70%), presenting to CCDHB with a fragility hip fracture were itemised. High rates of co-morbidities were observed in this group, with 92% of patients having cardiac, pulmonary, vascular or renal co-morbidities, but with a mortality rate (2%) much lower than the literature would suggest might be expected. There was no substantiated statistically significant relationships observed between preoperative fluid management in this cohort and postoperative outcomes, but this may reflect limited power in this study. Conclusion These results provide useful data for planning services with regards management of the older adult hip fracture patient at CCDHB. In addition, the study has highlighted a number of clinical guidelines that might be more effectively promoted

A Practical Introduction to Mechanistic Modeling of Disease Transmission in Veterinary Science.

Computer-based disease spread models are frequently used in veterinary science to simulate disease spread. They are used to predict the impacts of the disease, plan and assess surveillance, or control strategies, and provide insights about disease causation by comparing model outputs with real life data. There are many types of disease spread models, and here we present and describe the implementation of a particular type: individual-based models. Our aim is to provide a practical introduction to building individual-based disease spread models. We also introduce code examples with the goal to make these techniques more accessible to those who are new to the field. We describe the important steps in building such models before, during and after the programming stage, including model verification (to ensure that the model does what was intended), validation (to investigate whether the model results reflect the modeled system), and convergence analysis (to ensure models of endemic diseases are stable before outputs are collected). We also describe how sensitivity analysis can be used to assess the potential impact of uncertainty about model parameters. Finally, we provide an overview of some interesting recent developments in the field of disease spread models

Defining Wellbeing With Children and Young People

A webinar for practitioners, academics and policy makers on applying the capabilities approach in group work with children and young peopl

Men’s experiences of help-seeking for female-perpetrated intimate partner violence: A qualitative exploration

The subject of female-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) against men has been one of controversy, with well-rehearsed arguments surrounding both the nature and existence of female-perpetrated abuse against men. The aims of this study were to explore men's help-seeking experiences and/or their perceptions of utilising support services/support networks following IPV victimisation. Consequently, this study explored the help-seeking experiences of 26, largely British, men who self-identified as having experienced female-perpetrated IPV. As the focus was on subjective experiences, a qualitative design was employed. Participation was invited from men who had sought help for their IPV victimisation from a range of sources and those who had not sought help at all. Semi-structured interviews explored the men's experiences of seeking help, and barriers to seeking help, following IPV. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Some of the participants who took part in this study had received formal support for their experiences of IPV (i.e. counselling, calling IPV helplines and support services, contact with social workers or the police) and informal support (e.g. speaking to work colleagues, family and friends). Five participants had never spoken to anybody about their experiences prior to taking part in the interview. A range of barriers prevented the men from seeking help. First and foremost, the importance of maintaining a sense of masculinity consistently underpinned the participants’ narratives. The men's fear of being judged negatively by others was often not unfounded. Negative help-seeking experiences included being treated with suspicion and contempt. Positive help-seeking experiences facilitated the men in recognising their relationship as abusive, which for some of the men was influential in their decision to leave or seek help. The lack of recognition and understanding of male IPV within society was of concern to most of the men. Some expressed a desire to use their own experiences in order to help other men in abusive relationships. These results have important implications for the development of appropriate support for male victims, including the need for practitioners to be non-judgemental whilst assisting men in recognising their relationship as abusive