What are the Key Practices that STEM & Manufacturing based Companies are Deploying to Drive Improvements in the Diversity of their Workforce?

Studies have shown that approximately 67% of U.S. manufacturing companies are currently facing a worker shortage. This rate is dramatically higher than that of other private firms in the U.S. (See Appendix A). Subsequently there has been a huge push to recruit and advance female employees, which have been historically underrepresented. In order to do so, it is strongly encouraged that companies follow a strategy of Attract, Develop, Engage and Retain (A.D.E.R.) and employ as many best practices as possible

How Do You Effectively Engage Employees During Times of Change and Uncertainty?

HR professionals today must be effective change agents in order to drive engagement in the workplace. Our research revealed two key components that lead to success in these areas, 1) leadership & communication and 2) effective change management. Within each topic, the importance of the issue will be discussed, while simultaneously addressing how companies can start to develop these capabilities. Finally, we will discuss organizational case studies of success

Applying experience-based co-design with vulnerable populations: Lessons from a systematic review of methods to involve patients, families and service providers in child and youth mental health service improvement

The objective was to identify methods used to involve patients, family and service providers in child and youth mental health service improvement research. We analyzed the alignment of methods used with Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodology, and how power imbalances among participants were addressed. A systematic review of the English-language peer review literature since 2004 was carried out. The EMBASE, Scholar’s Portal, PubMed, Web of Science databases and the Ontario College of Art and Design University libraries were searched electronically for variations of ‘child’, ‘mental health’, ‘experience-based co-design’, ‘participatory research’ and ‘health care services’. Textual data was systematically extracted and analyzed. The electronic search identified 1468 articles; 13 remained following full text review and reference checking. Many participatory research studies in child and youth mental health were consistent with core elements of the EBCD methodology, but few focused on experiences and incorporated the perspectives of all participants throughout the research process. Story telling and visual media, employing youth as researcher partners, establishing equal status among participants, offering counseling support, paying particular attention to confidentiality, scheduling frequent breaks, and having skilled interviewers and facilitators were suggested methods to address power imbalances for this vulnerable population. Conclusion-The existing child and youth mental health participatory research literature aligns considerably with many elements of EBCD methodology and suggests diverse approaches to address power imbalances. More systematic application of the full range of elements will help to achieve patient centeredness and recovery in mental health and for other vulnerable populations

Phloem connectivity and transport are not involved in mature plant resistance (MPR) to Potato Virus Y in different potato cultivars, and MPR does not protect tubers from recombinant strains of the virus

This research was funded by UK Research and Innovation (BBSRC Grant # BB/L011840/1; Ecology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases), by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) Division, and by the James Hutton Institute.The aims of this study were: i) to investigate mature plant resistance (MPR) against four strains of Potato virus Y (PVYO, PVYN, PVYNTN and PVYN−Wi) in potato cultivars that differ in maturity (e.g. early or maincrop) at different developmental stages, and ii) to determine whether phloem translocation of photoassimilates at different stages including the source-sink transition influences MPR. The data showed that MPR was functional by the flowering stage in all cultivars, and that the host-pathogen interaction is highly complex, with all three variables (potato cultivar, virus strain and developmental stage of infection) having a significant effect on the outcome. However, virus strain was the most important factor, and MPR was less effective in protecting tubers from recombinant virus strains (PVYNTN and PVYN−Wi). Development of MPR was unrelated to foliar phloem connectivity, which was observed at all developmental stages, but a switch from symplastic to apoplastic phloem unloading early in tuber development may be involved in the prevention of tuber infections with PVYO. Recombinant virus strains were more infectious than parental strains and PVYNTN has a more effective silencing suppressor than PVYO, another factor that may contribute to the efficiency of MPR. The resistance conferred by MPR against PVYO or PVYN may be associated with or enhanced by the presence of the corresponding strain-specific HR resistance gene in the cultivar.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Intersection of diet and exercise with the gut microbiome and circulating metabolites in male bodybuilders : A pilot study

Diet, exercise and the gut microbiome are all factors recognised to be significant contributors to cardiometabolic health. However, diet and exercise interventions to modify the gut microbiota to improve health are limited by poor understanding of the interactions between them. In this pilot study, we explored diet–exercise–microbiome dynamics in bodybuilders as they represent a distinctive group that typically employ well-defined dietary strategies and exercise regimes to alter their body composition. We performed longitudinal characterisation of diet, exercise, the faecal microbial community composition and serum metabolites in five bodybuilders during competition preparation and post-competition. All participants reduced fat mass while conserving lean mass during competition preparation, corresponding with dietary energy intake and exercise load, respectively. There was individual variability in food choices that aligned to individualised gut microbial community compositions throughout the study. However, there was a common shift from a high protein, low carbohydrate diet during pre-competition to a more macronutrient-balanced diet post-competition, which was associated with similar changes in the gut microbial diversity across participants. The circulating metabolite profiles also reflected individuality, but a subset of metabolites relating to lipid metabolism distinguished between pre- and post-competition. Changes in the gut microbiome and circulating metabolome were distinct for each individual, but showed common patterns. We conclude that further longitudinal studies will have greater potential than cross-sectional studies in informing personalisation of diet and exercise regimes to enhance exercise outcomes and improve health

Data elicited through apps for health systems improvement

A promising approach to meeting the need in many jurisdictions for timely, in-depth qualitative health systems experience data, is to elicit feedback through smartphone and web applications (apps). Apps offer an appealing tool to elicit data from patients and family members who may feel stigma when receiving some services and a power imbalance when providing feedback to health-care providers. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of a suite of smartphone and web apps called myExperience (myEXP) that were created to gather care experiences of youth, family members, and service providers as part of an experience-based co-design (EBCD) study in Ontario involving youth with mental disorders. We analyzed data from 12 triads of youth (aged 16–24), family members, and service providers gathered between August 2015 and December 2016. We used qualitative content analysis to understand participant feedback on the myEXP apps and identify thematic categories that emerged from experience data elicited through the myEXP apps. We found overall that the myEXP apps were more effective at eliciting experience data from youth compared with family members and service providers. Rich experience data were gathered from youth about treatment plans in real time through the apps. The apps also showed important promise as reflective tools for all participants. They may offer advantages in research that seeks to improve responsiveness in service delivery and build mutual understanding. The apps also offer choice in how data are elicited, encourage more candid feedback and help to overcome stigma, which are important considerations for some vulnerable populations. For service redesign research using approaches such as EBCD, apps offer real-time data gathering that can complement and enhance traditional approaches such as retrospective interviews and observation

Regular breakfast consumption and type 2 diabetes risk markers in 9- to 10-year-old children in the child heart and health study in England (CHASE): a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Regular breakfast consumption may protect against type 2 diabetes risk in adults but little is known about its influence on type 2 diabetes risk markers in children. We investigated the associations between breakfast consumption (frequency and content) and risk markers for type 2 diabetes (particularly insulin resistance and glycaemia) and cardiovascular disease in children. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4,116 UK primary school children aged 9-10 years. Participants provided information on breakfast frequency, had measurements of body composition, and gave fasting blood samples for measurements of blood lipids, insulin, glucose, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). A subgroup of 2,004 children also completed a 24-hour dietary recall. Among 4,116 children studied, 3,056 (74%) ate breakfast daily, 450 (11%) most days, 372 (9%) some days, and 238 (6%) not usually. Graded associations between breakfast frequency and risk markers were observed; children who reported not usually having breakfast had higher fasting insulin (percent difference 26.4%, 95% CI 16.6%-37.0%), insulin resistance (percent difference 26.7%, 95% CI 17.0%-37.2%), HbA1c (percent difference 1.2%, 95% CI 0.4%-2.0%), glucose (percent difference 1.0%, 95% CI 0.0%-2.0%), and urate (percent difference 6%, 95% CI 3%-10%) than those who reported having breakfast daily; these differences were little affected by adjustment for adiposity, socioeconomic status, and physical activity levels. When the higher levels of triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein for those who usually did not eat breakfast relative to those who ate breakfast daily were adjusted for adiposity, the differences were no longer significant. Children eating a high fibre cereal breakfast had lower insulin resistance than those eating other breakfast types (p for heterogeneity <0.01). Differences in nutrient intakes between breakfast frequency groups did not account for the differences in type 2 diabetes markers. CONCLUSIONS: Children who ate breakfast daily, particularly a high fibre cereal breakfast, had a more favourable type 2 diabetes risk profile. Trials are needed to quantify the protective effect of breakfast on emerging type 2 diabetes risk. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary

Safety, resource use and nutritional content of home-blended diets in children who are gastrostomy fed : findings from 'YourTube' - a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risks, benefits and resource implications of using home-blended food in children with gastrostomy tubes compared with currently recommended formula feeds. DESIGN: This is a cohort study. Data were collected at months 0, 12 and 18 from parents and clinicians using standardised measures. SETTING: 32 sites across England: 28 National Health Service trusts and 4 children's hospices. PATIENTS: Children aged 6 months-18 years who were gastrostomy fed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure was the PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales score. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, sleep (child, parent), dietary intake, anthropometry, healthcare usage, safety outcomes and resource use. RESULTS: 180 children and families completed the baseline data collection, with 134 (74%) and 105 (58%) providing follow-up data at 12 and 18 months. There were fewer gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms at all time points in the home-blended diet group, but there was no difference in change over time within or between the groups. The nutritional intake of those on a home-blended diet had higher calories per kilogram and fibre, and both home-blended and formula-fed children have values above the dietary reference values for most micronutrients. Safety outcomes were similar between groups and over time. The total costs to the statutory sector were higher among children who were formula fed, but the costs of purchasing special equipment for home-blended food and the total time spent on childcare were higher for families with home-blended diet. CONCLUSIONS: Children who are gastrostomy fed a home-blended diet have similar safety profile, adequate nutritional intake and lower burden of GI symptoms than formula-fed children. Trial registration number ISRCTN13977361

Managing LUTS in primary care: qualitative study of GPs’ and patients’ experiences

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in older men and impact considerably on their quality of life. Management can be complex, and although most LUTS could be treated effectively in primary care, referrals to urology outpatients are increasing. The experiences of General Practitioners (GPs) and patients relating to the management of LUTS have not yet been fully explored. Aim: To explore GPs’ experiences of managing LUTS, together with patients’ experiences of and preferences for treatment in primary care. Design and setting: Qualitative telephone interviews with GPs and male patients presenting to primary care with bothersome LUTS. Method: Eleven GPs and 25 male patients were purposively sampled from 20 GP practices in 3 UK regions. Interviews were conducted between May 2018 and January 2019 and analysed using a framework approach. Results: Difficulty establishing causes and differentiating between prostate and bladder symptoms were key challenges to the diagnosis of LUTS in primary care, making treatment often a process of trial and error. Pharmacological treatments were commonly ineffective and often caused side-effects. Despite this, patients were generally satisfied with GP consultations and expressed a preference for treatment in primary care. Conclusion: Managing LUTS in primary care is a more accessible option for patients. Given the challenges of LUTS diagnosis, an effective diagnostic tool for use by GPs would be beneficial. Ensuring bothersome LUTS are not dismissed as a normal part of ageing is essential in improving patients’ quality of life. Greater exploration of the role of non-pharmacological treatments is needed