An Investigation on Predictors of Occupational Functioning in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder.

The goal of this research was to identify predictors of poor occupational functioning (OF) in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). This investigation involved three distinct, but related studies. The first study investigated the effects of clinical, demographic and neurocognitive features on OF in individuals with BD. Previous work found that as depression and neurocognitive deficits increased, OF decreased. However, few studies have examined these features over time using distinct aspects of work functioning. This study employed multilevel modeling (MLM) to determine which demographic, clinical and neurocognitive characteristics influence 4 aspects of work functioning over 5 years: attendance, conflict, enjoyment, performance. Those with higher levels of depression were more likely to experience difficulties in all work domains that persisted over the entire 5 years. The second study investigated the influence of interpersonal features of individuals with BD on OF. Prior work has typically investigated traditional features of BD (e.g., clinical, neurocognitive) overlooking interpersonal characteristics. This study employed MLM to determine which demographic, clinical and interpersonal characteristics (i.e., personality, impulsivity, hostility, social anxiety) of individuals with BD affect work functioning across 5 years. Those with higher levels of depression were more likely to experience impairments related to work attendance, conflict with coworkers and supervisors, quality of work and enjoyment from work. At baseline, higher levels of mania were associated with improved attendance at work. Yet over time, mania negatively affected overall work functioning, attendance at work, and work performance. Prior work on OF focuses mainly on the individual’s features of BD neglecting the environment. The third study took a novel approach and evaluated the relationship between social aspects of the work environment and work outcomes among individuals with BD. This study employed regressions in order to determine which demographics, mood symptoms and aspects of the work environment (i.e., conflict, exclusion, social support, stigma) predict work status and work functioning for individuals with BD. Exclusion and stigma at work predicted unemployment, whereas depressive symptoms and conflict at work predicted poorer work functioning. Taken together, this dissertation aims to inform approaches to remediating poor OF ultimately improving the overall functioning of individuals with BD.PhDSocial Work and PsychologyUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/120711/1/lao_1.pd

Fluorescence-based analyser as a rapid tool for determining soluble protein content in dairy ingredients and infant milk formula

peer-reviewedAbstract: Milk protein, in particular native whey protein, is of interest to dairy manufacturers as a measure of functional and nutritional quality. However, quantification of soluble whey protein (SP) is time consuming; giving rise to the need to develop rapid, accurate, and portable at-line process analytical technology. In this study, the performance of a fluorescence-based analyser(F) (Amaltheys II, Spectralys Innovations, France) was evaluated for quantification of SPF and whey protein nitrogen index (WPNI)F in skim milk, whey protein concentrate and infant formula powders. Rehydration of powders prior to analysis was a key factor for ensuring repeatability and reproducibility. A comparison of the analyser with reference methods for SPF and WPNIF resulted in coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.993 for both SPKjeldahl method and WPNIGEA. The results show the fluorescence-based analyser to be rapid, compact, and accurate device, suited for providing reliable support to dairy ingredient and infant formula manufacturers. Industrial relevance: The fluorescence based analysis investigated in this article is suitable for application in the dairy industry where it can be used as a rapid, at-line PAT tool for both liquid and powder samples. The technology has the potential to replace well-established methods for measurement of soluble protein. The main benefit to industry is the ability to respond more rapidly to variations in soluble protein without compromising on the accuracy associated with more time consuming methods

Evaluation of Increased Flexibility for 14 to 16 Year Olds Programme : Outcomes for the Second Cohort - Research Brief

The Increased Flexibility Programme (IFP) was the first national programme which formalised partnership working between post-16 and pre-16 education providers to deliver a broader curriculum for young people at key stage 4. Since its inception, the programme has expanded in the context of a continuing focus on improving the curriculum and qualification routes for 14 to 16 year olds and integrating these into a 14 to 19 framework. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to undertake a national evaluation of the first and second cohorts of IFP students, in order to examine the extent to which the aims and objectives of the IFP were being met. This research brief focuses on the outcomes for young people who participated in the programme between 2003 and 2005 (cohort 2) during a time of change in 14 to 19 policy

Nerve localization techniques for peripheral nerve block and possible future directions

Ultrasound guidance is now a standard nerve localization technique for peripheral nerve block (PNB). Ultrasonography allows simultaneous visualization of the target nerve, needle, local anesthetic injectate and surrounding anatomical structures. Accurate deposition of local anesthetic next to the nerve is essential to the success of the nerve block procedure. Unfortunately, due to limitations in the visibility of both needle tip and nerve surface, the precise relationship between needle tip and target nerve is unknown at the moment of injection. Importantly, nerve injury may result both from an inappropriately placed needle tip and inappropriately placed local anesthetic. The relationship between the block needle tip and target nerve is of paramount importance to the safe conduct of peripheral nerve block. This review summarizes the evolution of nerve localization in regional anesthesia, characterizes a problem faced by clinicians in performing ultrasound guided nerve block and explores the potential technological solutions to this problem