Who's Feeding the Kids Online? Digital food marketing to children in Ireland: Advertisers’ tactics, children’s exposure and parents’ awareness

Obesity in children and young people is a global health challenge. The widespread marketing of unhealthy foods (food and non-alcoholic drinks high in fat, sugar and salt, or HFSS) plays a causal role in unhealthy eating and obesity. Food and eating is typically presented as an issue of ‘choice’. However, this disregards the fact that current obesogenic environments use many tactics to promote unhealthy foods, interfering with people’s ability to make good choices. This study examined: 1. Content appealing to children and young people on websites of top food and drink retail brands in Ireland 2. Marketing techniques on Facebook: Pages of food brands that have the highest reach among young teens, the first such study of which we are aware 3. Parents’ awareness of digital food marketing to their children in an online, two-stage survey with digital marketing examples and open-ended response options

Transcriptional regulation of retrovirus-like VL30 genetic elements

The nucleotide sequence of the long terminal repeats (LTRs) of the retrovirus - transmissible mouse VL30 cDNA clones, NVL-1 and NVL-2, were determined and compared with that of the prototype clone NVL-3. The three LTRs shared a typical U3 R U5 structure and showed the unusual features of redundancy in the tRNAgly primer binding site and adjacent inverted repeat. The NVL-1 and NVL-2 LTRs were almost identical and differed from the NVL-3 LTR in the U3 domain harbouring transcriptional regulatory determinants. The VL30 elements were serum responsive and showed elevated levels of expression in many transformed cell lines. SI nuclease analysis showed that all the NVL VL30 elements responded to cellular transformation, but only NVL-1/2 elements were serum responsive. Both types of response were mediated via protein kinase C-independent pathways. Transient expression assays showed that the NVL-1/2 and NVL-3 U3 domains possess promoter and enhancer activities. The U3 region of both types of LTR contained enhancer determinants important in controlling the response to N-ras as well as sequences important for controlling basal levels of expression. However the U3 domain of the NVL-1/2 LTRs did not confer serum responsiveness. These results showed that the U3 domains of the NVL VL30 LTRs contain cis acting regulatory determinants important in controlling basal levels of expression and the response to cellular transformation. However the mechanisms controlling the serum response are at least in part dissociable from those responsible for cell transformation regulated expression

Understanding the social impact of participation in Driven Game Shooting in the UK

Taking a critical realist, mixed methods approach, this study fills a gap in the research base relating to driven game shooting (DGS) and its social impact. It looks at how involvement in DGS affects the people involved, using a recognised social impact assessment methodology with a theoretical underpinning of social capital theory. It considers the extent to which DGS creates social impact through the creation of social capital and reinforcement of identity, whether this is affected by size and/or type of shoot and how these impacts can be valued in future. A need for this was clearly outlined by National Resources Wales and its independent evaluation consultants (Hillyard and Marvin, 2017; Natural Resources Wales, 2017). This study is the first research study to consider the social impacts of DGS in full, utilising a recognised Social Impact Assessment method to produce a framework for future use in evaluating the social impact of shooting and therefore represents an original and needed contribution to knowledge. The study comprised of two stages of data collection. Firstly, qualitative, visiting shoots of different sizes and types from small and larger syndicates through to small and larger commercial shoots nationwide, observing/engaging with participants, contacting a sample of 45 people afterwards for a longer telephone interview. Results of these reflective observations and interviews were analysed using a Straussian grounded theory approach, allowing the production of a questionnaire for wider distribution using online and hard copy distribution channels, during the second quantitative stage, which received 2,424 responses suitable for analysis. Results indicate a positive impact on participant’s mental health and well-being measured using the short Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale (SWEMWBS) compared to national data. This positive impact, facilitated by social support networks created within DGS, is influenced strongly by identity. Regular participation in physical activity, time spent outdoors, a sense of purpose and reduced loneliness appear to be contributing factors to this positive impact. Syndicate membership in particular enhances the mental well-being benefits. This study confirms that the financial value of these social impacts is potentially significant, as the cost-savings to the taxpayer in avoiding poor mental health and maintaining physical health can be very high. This will have implications for policy-makers when considering amendments to the rules surrounding DGS in the UK

CIDA and the environment: An evaluation of the agency\u27s commitment to sustianable development.

Mounting global and domestic environmental awareness has proved to be an impetus for change within various Canadian governmental agencies. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is no exception. In response to the changing international and domestic environmental climate, CIDA attempted to develop a comprehensive environmental policy. In 1987, CIDA released its first policy initiative, Environment and Development: The Policy of CIDA, and in 1992, the Agency re-articulated its commitment to the environment in CIDA\u27s Policy on Environmental Sustainability. As well, CIDA\u27s commitment to the environment and sustainable development was affirmed in various other documents on CIDA\u27s general policy. The second component of CIDA\u27s Official Development Assistance Charter is of particular significance. The Charter is mentioned in two CIDA documents, To Benefit A Better World and Sharing Our Future, and it states: Canadian ODA should work to strengthen the human and institutional capacity of developing countries to solve their own problems in harmony with the natural environment. This paper examines CIDA\u27s environmental policy initiatives and the various commitments made by the Agency found within these documents. In addition to the policy documents, three cases are examined to ascertain CIDA\u27s level of commitment to sustainable development. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of History, Philosophy, and Political Science. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1994 .B46. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 34-02, page: 0586. Adviser: Bruce Burton. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1994

Pharmacists and prescribing rights: review of international developments

Purpose. Continuity of care, equitable access, and quality and safety are major foci in health services management. The introduction of limited prescribing rights to pharmacists has the potential to reduce fragmentation within the health system, optimise medication management, improve continuity of patient care and improve patient access to medication. Results. Eight models for pharmacists' prescribing have been implemented internationally, varying in their dependency on protocols, formularies and collaboration with physicians. These have also been described using terms such as Supplementary Prescribing and Patient Group Directions. Conclusion. Issues relating to practical implementation of pharmacists' prescribing include negotiation of national health policy, pharmacists' training and accreditation, liability, reimbursement and documentation

The Timing of the Literature Review in Grounded Theory Research: An Open Mind Versus an Empty Head

Copyright: © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & WilkinsThe timing of the literature review in grounded theory has been debated for decades, with previous recommendations to delay the review now under question. Mounting evidence suggests that a preliminary review can enhance theoretical sensitivity and rigor and may lead to innovative insights. However, researchers must acknowledge the influence of prior knowledge during data analysis and theory development to avoid bias. This article critically examines the ongoing debate and recommends that we should not seek to avoid preconceptions but ensure that they are well grounded in evidence and always subject to further investigation, revision, and refutation. If used reflexively, a preliminary literature review may well enhance grounded theory research

Coding, Constant Comparisons, and Core Categories: A Worked Example for Novice Constructivist Grounded Theorists

Made available in accordance with the publisher's copyright policyGrounded theory method has been described extensively in the literature. Yet, the varying processes portrayed can be confusing for novice grounded theorists. This article provides a worked example of the data analysis phase of a constructivist grounded theory study that examined family presence during resuscitation in acute health care settings. Core grounded theory methods are exemplified, including initial and focused coding, constant comparative analysis, memo writing, theoretical sampling, and theoretical saturation. The article traces the construction of the core category “Conditional Permission” from initial and focused codes, subcategories, and properties, through to its position in the final substantive grounded theory

Factors influencing decision-making around family presence during resuscitation: a grounded theory study

This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.Aim The aim of this study was to examine factors impacting family presence during resuscitation practices in the acute care setting. Background Family presence during resuscitation was introduced in the 1980s, so family members/significant others could be with their loved ones during life-threatening events. Evidence demonstrates important benefits; yet despite growing support from the public and endorsement from professional groups, family presence is practiced inconsistently and rationales for poor uptake are unclear. Design Constructivist grounded theory design. Methods Twenty-five health professionals, family members and patients informed the study. In-depth interviews were undertaken between October 2013–November 2014 to interpret and explain their meanings and actions when deciding whether to practice or participate in FPDR. Findings The Social Construction of Conditional Permission explains the social processes at work when deciding to adopt or reject family presence during resuscitation. These processes included claiming ownership, prioritizing preferences and rights, assessing suitability, setting boundaries and protecting others/self. In the absence of formal policies, decision-making was influenced primarily by peoples’ values, preferences and pre-existing expectations around societal roles and associated status between health professionals and consumers. As a result, practices were sporadic, inconsistent and often paternalistic rather than collaborative. Conclusion An increased awareness of the important benefits of family presence and the implementation of clinical protocols are recommended as an important starting point to address current variations and inconsistencies in practice. These measures would ensure future practice is guided by evidence and standards for health consumer safety and welfare rather than personal values and preferences of the individuals ‘in charge’ of permissions

Reducing PostPartum Hemorrhage Rates at Maine Medical Center

In the United States, approximately 700 women die each year from pregnancy related deaths and the most frequent cause of preventable maternal mortality is obstetric hemorrhage. The postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) rate at Maine Medical Center (MMC) is three times the national average. At our facility we care for the most complex patients in the State and we must decrease our rate to accurately reflect our expertise, knowledge and skills

“Anyone can co-design?”: A case study synthesis of six experience-based co-design (EBCD) projects for healthcare systems improvement in New South Wales, Australia

Experience-based co-design (EBCD) is a quality improvement approach that is being used internationally to bring service users and health professionals together to improve healthcare experiences, systems and processes. Early evaluations and case studies of EBCD have shown promise in terms of improvements to experience and organisational processes, however challenges remain in participation around shared power and decision making, mobilisation for implementation, sustainment of improvements and measurement of outcomes. The objective of this case study was to explore the emergent issues in EBCD participation and implementation in six quality improvement projects conducted in mental health, rehabilitation, blood and bone marrow transplant, brain injury rehabilitation, urinary incontinence and intellectual disability settings by the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), New South Wales, Australia (2015-2018). Methods: A two stage process of analysis was employed. The first stage involved a case to case synthesis using a variable-oriented approach. In this approach themes were identified within individual cases and compared across cases in workshops with all project leads. In the second stage the case themes were synthesised within an overarching thematic that was identified as the main challenge in effective participation and implementation in these EBCD projects. The results: themes identified in the first stage of analysis related to different methods for gathering experiences and the activities used for the co-design of improvements. Variability in service user participation within co-design workshops was also discussed. Four out of the six projects implemented improvements in full. The prominent thematic overarching all six EBCD cases was the need for guidance on capability development and co-design preparedness for all participants in co-design not only project leads. In conclusion, variability in EBCD implementation makes it difficult to identify which component parts are essential for improving experiences and services, and which of these lead to sustained changes and benefits for service users and health professionals. One way to address this is to develop a model for co-design capability and preparedness that is closely linked with a set of eight mechanisms that have been previously identified as essential to achieving change in healthcare improvement initiatives. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Innovation & Technology lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework. (http://bit.ly/ExperienceFramework) Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this len