Parents as sex and relationship educators: A local evaluation of Speakeasy 4 Parents

This was a small scale-study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Speakeasy 4 Parents course in improving participants’ knowledge, skills and confidence to communicate and discuss sex and relationship issues with their children. A predominantly qualitative approach was adopted. There is evidence in this study that the Speakeasy 4 Parents courses run at Children’s Centres in Cheshire have been effective, from the perspectives of parents attending the courses and professionals facilitating them

Mapping and gapping services for children, young people and families in Blacon

This research report provides a map of the services available to children and families in Blacon and explores whether there are any gaps in provision.Blacon Education Villag

Information-based methods and models for particle flow filtering

Recursive estimation methodologies, such as Kalman and Bayesian filters, typically require models of some kind to perform the estimation. This filtering process seeks to improve knowledge surrounding some quantities of interest, or states, over time by incorporation of imperfect observations. The models required pertain to the state dynamics, sensors from which measurements are obtained, and probabilistic models of the underlying stochastic processes. In addition to any number of necessary models, real-world application of a filter is normally accompanied by at least one, if not several, techniques to promote better performance. These methods vary in purpose from expanding the kinds of quantities that can be estimated, to reducing sensitivity in the presence of unexpected events and preventing degradation of numerical precision. A more recently developed class of recursive filters, referred to as particle flow filters, introduce an update dynamics model to describe the evolution of the state probability density function (pdf) over the course of a measurement update. This is accomplished by moving particles, corresponding to samples of the a priori pdf, through the state space according to the update dynamics, or flow, model to approximate the a posteriori pdf given by Bayes’ rule. In doing so, the particle flow framework opens up new opportunities for improving filter performance by design of the flow model. In this work, a new formulation of the Gaussian particle flow filter is presented using an information-theoretic approach. The developed information-based form advances the Gaussian particle flow framework in two ways: it imparts physical meaning in the flow dynamics and provides the ability to incorporate both well-established and novel methods for promoting better performance. The Gaussian information-based model is then leveraged to allow for the inclusion of Gaussian mixture models, resulting in a robust and adaptive filter framework that is demonstrated in three challenging estimation problems --Abstract, page iii

The Cellular Consequences of FUS/TLS Depletion: A Loss of Function Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Dissertation

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of motor neurons, generally leading to paralysis and death within 3-5 years of onset. Over 50 different mutations in the gene encoding FUS/TLS (or FUS) will result in ALS, accounting for ~4% of all inherited cases. FUS is a multifunctional protein with important functions in DNA/RNA processing and stress response. How these mutations affect the structure or function of FUS protein and ultimately cause ALS is not known. The fact that mutations cause the protein to mislocalize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of cells suggests that ALS pathogenesis may occur through a loss of nuclear function, gain of toxic cytoplasmic function, or both. Several FUS knockout animal models have been utilized for investigating a loss of function hypothesis and show phenotypes such as early lethality, reduced lifespan, and locomotor defects. To uncover cellular pathways affected by loss of FUS function, I have characterized the knockdown of FUS in a motor neuron-like cell line, NSC-34. In NSC-34 cells, the depletion of FUS severely impacts cellular proliferation and potentially causes increased levels of DNA damage. A quantitative proteomics analysis performed on cells undergoing various degrees of FUS knockdown revealed protein expression changes for known RNA targets of FUS, consistent with a loss of FUS function with respect to RNA processing. Proteins that changed in expression as a function of FUS knockdown were associated with vii multiple processes, some of which influence cell proliferation including cell-cycle regulation, cytoskeletal organization, oxidative stress and energy homeostasis. Importantly, cellular proliferation could be rescued by the re-expression of FUS and by treatment with the small-molecule, rolipram, indicative of potential therapeutic approaches. Collectively, the work presented in this dissertation demonstrates the importance of FUS for cell health and homeostasis, is suggestive of a role for FUS in DNA damage repair and identifies additional cellular pathways influenced by FUS depletion. Overall, this work provides mechanistic insight into ALS pathogenesis through loss of FUS/TLS function

e-Science and data support services: a survey of ARL members

After working for several years to promote research library support for e-science and e-research, the Association of Research Libraries E-science Working Group surveyed member libraries in the Fall of 2009 to gather data on the state of engagement with e-science issues. ARL members include the largest research libraries in the US and Canada and collectively support a substantial proportion of the North American research enterprise. The survey provides a current snapshot of data curation and e-science support activities, documenting a range of approaches and strategies evolving at research institutions and among research libraries. The research libraries reported on widespread planning and development at their institutions and described a variety of models for service provision and infrastructure development. Library engagement in data curation was also common. Respondents provided information on library services, organizational structures, staffing patterns and staff development, and involvement in research grants, along with perspectives on pressure points for service development

Can a motivational-interviewing-based outpatient substance abuse treatment achieve success? A theory-based evaluation

This study evaluated a South African outpatient drug counselling centre’s motivational interviewing-based treatment programme from theory and outcomes-based perspectives. 142 participants were interviewed at admission to the programme and followed up 6 and 10 weeks later. Trajectories of substance use, substance dependence, self-efficacy, motivation (using SOCRATES sub-scales of Problem Recognition, Ambivalence and Taking Steps) and NA/AA affiliation were examined. Self-efficacy and SOCRATES Taking Steps scores increased and were significantly associated with substance use levels, which decreased significantly over time. Higher self–efficacy scores at end-of-treatment (6 weeks) predicted lower substance use scores at 10 weeks. More programme attendance was associated with lower levels of substance use/dependence. Abstinence was achieved by 47% of participants.Keywords: substance abuse, substance dependence, treatment outcomes, self-efficacy, motivation, evaluation

Positive parenting in South Africa: why supporting families is key to development and violence prevention

Preventing and reducing violence by supporting parents is critical to national development. This policy brief explains how positive parenting relates to violence prevention and national development, and why the national implementation of evidence-based programmes to support positive parenting is both necessary and achievable

Diversity of the rural farming households and policy issues: an analysis based on a case study in the Northern Cape Province in South Africa

The transition from apartheid to integrated development is a contradictory process characterised by negotiations between an intervention and a market-driven liberal approach. Regarding agriculture, it was expected that a highly efficient and economically viable market-directed farming sector should enable the development of "small scale black commercial farms". Some economic interventions were also planned to support the development of these farms. But both design and implementation of such interventions are problematic as rural farming households are very diverse and as the role of agriculture is more important and more complex than its sole contribution to income generation. However, on the basis of a research carried out in a former reserve in the Northern Cape Province (Leliefontein), it is shown how this diversity can be analysed and formalised. In particular, it is possible to model the diversity of rural households into typologies and to understand the strategies of each type of households with regards to its objectives concerning agricultural activities. An accurate knowledge of the diversity of farm situations may help discuss the consequences of alternative agricultural policy measures for households in different social situations.South Africa, Namaqualand, agriculture, development policy, typology, farm trajectory, extension services

Alleviating unprecedented pressures faced by the General Practice workforce: a conceptual framework based on the extent to which Wessex GPs think that patients presenting with one condition could have been seen and appropriately managed by another healthcare professional [HCP]

1. Outline of the problem/contextThe number of patients who are finding it difficult to make a GP appointment has increased due to a lack of sufficient resourcing for general practice (i.e. shortage in workforce: GPs and nurses, decreased funding and increased costs) in a context of rapidly growing demand, brought about by the rising demographics, especially, but not exclusively, ageing population with long-term and complex conditions (RCGP 2015; Goodwin et al, 2011; Rosen and Parker, 2013; Deloitte, 2014; Baird et al, 2016).2. Assessment of problem and analysis of its cause/ literature reviewVarious solutions have been proposed to decrease the GP workload while also increasing the accessibility of primary care: promoting NHS Choice website (Nelson et al, 2010); improving health and self-management (Goodwin et al, 2011); collaboration between GP practices (Naylor et al, 2013); multi-specialty or multi-disciplinary new integrated models of care (Smith et al, 2013; NHS England 2015; Snow-Miller, 2015; Roland et al, 2015; Matheson, 2016b, 2016c); telephone consultations (Longman, 2012); emails (Atherton et al, 2012) and e-consultations (Adamson and Bachman, 2010; Madan 2014; Longman and Diggines, 2014).NHS Choice website was deemed in need of more marketing (Nelson et al, 2010). Multi-specialty or multi-disciplinary new integrated models of care have proven to be successful (Langridge, 2015; NHS England 2015; Liles, 2016a, 2016b; Matheson, 2016b, 2016c). Improving health initiatives (Goodwin et al, 2011; HSIC, 2015) and collaboration between GP practices (Naylor et al, 2013) have been slower to show progress. Although deemed convenient and useful, physicians have been slow to adopt secure patient messaging (Wallwiener et al, 2009). Limited evidence, variable results and shortcomings in data in relation to email has been such that it could not be adequately assessed (Atherton et al, 2012). Telephone-based consultation have shown conflicting evidence: from popular and successful (NHS England, 2015, p38) to ineffective and leading to increased workload (Campbell et al, 2014). Despite various claims (Adamson and Bachman 2010; Madan et al 2014; Longman and Diggines, 2015) of increased access for patient and decreased GP workload, evidence for online consultations has demonstrated a lack of significant benefit and low uptake (NHS England, 2015; Matheson, 2016d).3. Strategy for change/aims and objectivesTo try and identify ways of closing this gap between demand and supply by investigating, from the perspective of GPs, the extent to which HCPs could replace GPs re face-to-face consultations with patients who presented with one condition. 4. Measurement of improvement/methods/outcome measuresA survey questionnaire one side of A4 would be sent via a Wessex LMCs mailing to be completed discretely by hand by GPs ‘live’ during a consultation using 5-bar gate tallies to count the number patients presenting with one condition who could have been seen and appropriately managed by another Healthcare Professional [HCP] and to indicate which HCP (out of a choice of 4) could best do this with free text too for choice of HCP.5. Effects of changes/resultsA total of 212 questionnaires were received from a total of 23 practices spanning 9 Wessex CCGs that recorded 4,303 patient visits with 35% assessed as could have been seen and appropriately managed by another HCP: 18.5% could have been seen by an advanced nurse practitioner; 5.4% by an extended scope physiotherapist; 3.6% by a practice nurse; 3.1% by a MH nurse; 2.6% by a clinical pharmacist; and 1.7% by other HCPs or elsewhere. Of the 35% of consultations that could have been undertaken by an HCP: just over half (52.5%) could have been managed by advanced nurse practitioners; 15.5% by extended scope physiotherapists, 10.4% by practice nurses, 8.9% by MH nurses; 7.4% by clinical pharmacists and 5% by others/elsewhere. 6. Lessons learnt/discussion/strengths and limitations6.1. Strengths-First time that GPs have actually been asked to audit their practice ‘live’ to determine how many patients could have been seen and managed by another HCP and to identify which HCP could actually have done this-The sample represented 13.7% of GP practices in West Hampshire and 15% of GP practices in North Hampshire.-The survey enabled a dashboard to be built based on the results of the survey that can be populated by individual GP practices so visualise expanding the role of HCPs 6.2. Limitations-No respondents from Portsmouth CCG and Isle of Wight CCG.-The results entirely based on the conceptualisation by GPs of the ability of other HCPs to see patients presenting with one problem and to manage them appropriately for one -Does not take into account patients presenting with more than one problem -A very brief snapshot lacking in depth and does not take into account the interplay of complex factors. 7. Message for others/recommendations-The project could be replicated on a larger scale and supplemented by focus group with GPs or an additional electronic survey.-Involve patients and other HCPs in the design of interventions.<br/