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Using a multi-stakeholder experience-based design process to co-develop the Creating Active Schools Framework
Get PDFYesUK and global policies recommend whole-school approaches to improve childrens' inadequate physical activity (PA) levels. Yet, recent meta-analyses establish current interventions as ineffective due to suboptimal implementation rates and poor sustainability. To create effective interventions, which recognise schools as complex adaptive sub-systems, multi-stakeholder input is necessary. Further, to ensure 'systems' change, a framework is required that identifies all components of a whole-school PA approach. The study's aim was to co-develop a whole-school PA framework using the double diamond design approach (DDDA).
Fifty stakeholders engaged in a six-phase DDDA workshop undertaking tasks within same stakeholder (n = 9; UK researchers, public health specialists, active schools coordinators, headteachers, teachers, active partner schools specialists, national organisations, Sport England local delivery pilot representatives and international researchers) and mixed (n = 6) stakeholder groupings. Six draft frameworks were created before stakeholders voted for one 'initial' framework. Next, stakeholders reviewed the 'initial' framework, proposing modifications. Following the workshop, stakeholders voted on eight modifications using an online questionnaire.
Following voting, the Creating Active Schools Framework (CAS) was designed. At the centre, ethos and practice drive school policy and vision, creating the physical and social environments in which five key stakeholder groups operate to deliver PA through seven opportunities both within and beyond school. At the top of the model, initial and in-service teacher training foster teachers' capability, opportunity and motivation (COM-B) to deliver whole-school PA. National policy and organisations drive top-down initiatives that support or hinder whole-school PA. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time practitioners, policymakers and researchers have co-designed a whole-school PA framework from initial conception. The novelty of CAS resides in identifying the multitude of interconnecting components of a whole-school adaptive sub-system; exposing the complexity required to create systems change. The framework can be used to shape future policy, research and practice to embed sustainable PA interventions within schools. To enact such change, CAS presents a potential paradigm shift, providing a map and method to guide future co-production by multiple experts of PA initiatives 'with' schools, while abandoning outdated traditional approaches of implementing interventions 'on' schools.The conference and workshop were jointly funded through an internal Leeds Beckett Research grant, the Yorkshire Sport Foundation and Public Health England (Yorkshire and Humber). Twinkl Educational Publishing kindly sponsored the conference and workshop event. DDB and SEB’s involvement was supported by Sport England’s Local Delivery Pilot – Bradford. DDB and SEB invovlement was also funded by the National Institute for Health Research Yorkshire and Humber ARC (reference: NIHR20016), and the UK Prevention Research Partnership, an initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation Councils, the Department of Health and Social Care (England) and the UK devolved administrations, and leading health research charities. ACR is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration East Midlands (ARC EM)
Use of social media in citizen-centric electronic government services: A literature analysis
Get PDFYesThis article undertakes a literature review on such articles on social media and citizen-centric e-government services. This research uses 139 articles to perform the intended literature review. The keywords analysis of these articles indicates that Web 2.0, participation and open government/ open data were some of the frequently used keywords in addition to the two major themes of e-government and social media on which all the articles were searched for. The analysis of research methods indicated that majority of the studies were analytical, conceptual, descriptive, or theoretical in nature. The theoretical analysis however indicated that there is a lack of theory-based research in this area. The review of literature indicated that research themes such as electronic participation, engagement, transparency, communication/interaction, trust, security and collaboration are some of the most frequently used categories under this area of research. A research framework has also been proposed from the key themes emerging from the review
Faster visual reaction times in elite athletes are not linked to better gaze stability
Get PDFYesThe issue of whether visually-mediated, simple reaction time (VRT) is faster in elite athletes is contentious. Here, we examined if and how VRT is afected by gaze stability in groups of international
cricketers (16 females, 28 males), professional rugby-league players (21 males), and non-sporting controls (20 females, 30 males). VRT was recorded via a button-press response to the sudden appearance of a stimulus (circular target—diameter 0.8°), that was presented centrally, or 7.5° to the
left or right of fxation. The incidence and timing of saccades and blinks occurring from 450 ms before stimulus onset to 225 ms after onset were measured to quantify gaze stability. Our results show that (1) cricketers have faster VRT than controls; (2) blinks and, in particular, saccades are associated with slower VRT regardless of the level of sporting ability; (3) elite female cricketers had steadier gaze (fewer saccades and blinks) compared to female controls; (4) when we accounted for the presence of
blinks and saccades, our group comparisons of VRT were virtually unchanged. The stability of gaze is
not a factor that explains the difference between elite and control groups in VRT. Thus we conclude that better gaze stability cannot explain faster VRT in elite sports players.Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC, grant references: BB/J018163/1, BB/J016365/1 and BB/J018872/1
Motivating a linguistically orientated model for a conversational software agent
No full textYesThis paper presents a critical evaluation framework for a linguistically orientated conversational software agent (CSA) (Panesar, 2017). The CSA prototype investigates the integration, intersection and interface of the language, knowledge, and speech act constructions (SAC) based on a grammatical object (Nolan, 2014), and the sub-‐model of belief, desires and intention (BDI) (Rao and Georgeff, 1995) and dialogue management (DM) for natural language processing (NLP). A long-‐standing issue within NLP CSA systems is refining the accuracy of interpretation to provide realistic dialogue to support the human-‐to-‐computer communication.
This prototype constitutes three phase models: (1) a linguistic model based on a functional linguistic theory – Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) (Van Valin Jr, 2005); (2) Agent Cognitive Model with two inner models: (a) knowledge representation model employing conceptual graphs serialised to Resource Description Framework (RDF); (b) a planning model underpinned by BDI concepts (Wooldridge, 2013) and intentionality (Searle, 1983) and rational interaction (Cohen and Levesque, 1990); and (3) a dialogue model employing common ground (Stalnaker, 2002). The evaluation approach for this Java-‐based prototype and its phase models is a multi-‐approach driven by grammatical testing (English language utterances), software engineering and agent practice. A set of evaluation criteria are grouped per phase model, and the testing framework aims to test the interface, intersection and integration of all phase models and their inner models. This multi-‐approach encompasses checking performance both at internal processing, stages per model and post-‐implementation assessments of the goals of RRG, and RRG based specifics tests.
The empirical evaluations demonstrate that the CSA is a proof-‐of-‐concept, demonstrating RRG’s fitness for purpose for describing, and explaining phenomena, language processing and knowledge, and computational adequacy. Contrastingly, evaluations identify the complexity of lower level computational mappings of NL – agent to ontology with semantic gaps, and further addressed by a lexical bridging consideration (Panesar, 2017)
Local diagnostic reference levels for skeletal surveys in suspected physical child abuse
No full textNoThe purpose was to determine if an age based, local diagnostic reference level for paediatric
skeletal surveys could be established using retrospective data.
Methods: All children below two years of age referred for a primary skeletal survey as a result of suspected physical abuse during 2017 or 2018 (n ¼ 45) were retrospectively included from a large Danish
university hospital. The skeletal survey protocol included a total of 33 images. Dose Area Product (DAP)
and acquisition parameters for all images were recorded from the Picture Archival and Communication
System (PACS) and effective dose was estimated. The 75th percentile for DAP was considered as the
diagnostic reference level (DRL).
Results: The 75th percentile for DAP was 314 mGy*cm2
, 520 mGy*cm2 and 779 mGy*cm2 for children <1
month, 1e11 months and 12 < 24 months of age respectively. However, only the age group 1e11 months
had a sufficient number of children (n ¼ 27) to establish a local DRL. Thus, for the other groups the DAP
result must be interpreted with caution. Effective dose was 0.19, 0.26 and 0.18 mSv for children <1, 1e11
months and 12 < 24 months of age respectively.
Conclusion: For children between 1 and 11 months of age, a local diagnostic reference level of
520 mGy*cm2 was determined. This may be used as an initial benchmark for primary skeletal surveys as
a result of suspected physical abuse for comparison and future discussion.
Implications for practice: While the data presented reflects the results of a single department, the suggested diagnostic reference level may be used as a benchmark for other departments when auditing
skeletal survey radiation dose
Scope and limitations of modelling, simulation, and optimisation of a spiral wound reverse osmosis process-basedwater desalination
Get PDFYesThe reverse osmosis (RO) process is one of the best desalination methods, using membranes to reject several impurities from seawater and brackish water. To systematically perceive the transport phenomena of solvent and solutes via the membrane texture, several mathematical models have been developed. To date, a large number of simulation and optimisation studies have been achieved to gauge the influence of control variables on the performance indexes, to adjust the key variables at optimum values, and to realise the optimum production indexes. This paper delivers an intensive review of the successful models of theROprocess and both simulation and optimisation studies carried out on the basis of the models developed. In general, this paper investigates the scope and limitations of the RO process, as well as proving the maturity of the associated perspective methodologies
Ethnic minority inclusion: a means to achieving greater employee performance. (A study of selected transnational companies in Nigeria)
Get PDFAdvances in transportation and communication have resulted in the ease of
migration of people across transnational borders and the internationalisation of
business organisations. These events have brought about changing workforce
demographics, intense global competition, and the quest for talents across the world.
These trends have made workforce diversity inevitable for transnational companies
(TNCs). TNCs operating in Nigeria face a peculiar problem as there are two layers of
ethnic diversity created by the country’s enormous diversity. The task of managing
the layers of diversity is complicated by the weak legal and institutional provisions for
the management of diversity in public and private firms. Also, there is a general lack
of awareness about diversity and inclusion (D&I) in Nigeria; hence, the field has
received scant attention from academics and practitioners. This study explored the
D&I policies and strategies adopted by selected subsidiaries of TNCs in Nigeria and
describes ethnic minority employee perception of D&I policies and the effects these
policies have on performance at the individual and team levels. To achieve these
objectives, it aims to provide answers to two research questions: “What are the
organisational policies and strategies that enhance diversity and the inclusion of
ethnic minority employees in TNCs; and how do D&I policies and strategies impact
the performance of individuals and groups within the organisation?” The study adopted the exploratory mixed-methods design to collect qualitative and quantitative
data for analysis. The qualitative data included the primary and secondary sources;
and involved semi-structured interviews with six senior managers in four subsidiaries
of TNCs and documentary analysis. While the quantitative data involved a survey of
133 employees across the four participating companies. The reflexive thematic
analysis method was used to analyse the qualitative data, leading to the generation
of themes; while the quantitative data were analysed using the descriptive statistical
technique. Findings reveal the presence of varying degrees of D&I initiatives among
the participating organisations, ranging from well-articulated and established
programmes in one company to medium range policies in two companies, and no
initiatives in one company. Findings also suggest a high level of inclusion of ethnic
minority employees at the group or team level and a low inclusion at the top
management level. Also, participants generally report a positive perception of the
relationship between workforce D&I and performance at both the individual and team level. Some of the variables used to indicate inclusion are access to information,
participation in group activities, membership of informal networks, participation in
decision-making and participation in meeting with supervisor and senior
management. Similarly, some of the performance variables include creativity,
innovation, timely completion of tasks and quality of work output. Finally, the findings
from the study contributed to filling the gap in the literature as well as empirically
highlighting the D&I policies operational in TNCs in Nigeria. The study recommends
that diversity policy-makers pay attention to the additional layer of diversity while
developing global policies for a more inclusive organisational environment. This
study has provided valuable insights into the policies and practices as well as
employee perception of diversity in light of the dearth of studies from the Nigerian
context. Despite some inherent limitations, it serves as a starting point that could
ignite the interest of other researchers and practitioners in the fields of diversity.Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund
Occupational Factors Affecting the Accommodative Response in the Human Vision System
Get PDFAccommodative microfluctuations (AMFs) are temporal variations in the
accommodative response. AMFs can be divided into two categories, the low
frequency component (LFC) measuring below 0.6 Hz and the high frequency
component (HFC) measuring between 1.0 and 2.3 Hz.
This thesis examined occupational factors that may affect AMFs comprising
of cognitive demand, visual fatigue and the type of digital display used.
These effects were measured by assessing changes in the LFC, mid frequency component (MFC), HFC, and RMS accommodation. Analysis of
chaos and the overall accommodative response (AR) was also used.
Furthermore, an investigation into inter- and intra-participant variability was
completed.
The HFC was shown to increase in line with increasing cognitive demand. A
significant effect for task duration was found at higher accommodative
demands for the overall AR, LFC and MFC. There was a significant effect on
the LFC and AR depending on the type of display used during near work.
The HFC and MFC were found to be less repeatable in the same participant
relative to LFC, RMS accommodation and AR measurements.
AMFs appear to have an effect on occupational factors, however more
research is required to assess how much of an effect they may have relative
to other ocular factors that affect occupational settings
An in vitro investigation into the protective and genotoxic effects of myricetin bulk and nano forms in lymphocytes of MGUS patients and healthy individuals
No full textYesThe present study investigated the genoprotective and genotoxic effects of myricetin bulk (10 μM) and nano forms (20 μM) in the lymphocytes from pre-cancerous, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) patients and healthy individuals using the Comet and micronucleus assays. The study also evaluated the effect of myricetin on P53 expression levels, using the Western blot technique. Results showed that throughout the in-vitro treatment, lymphocytes from the patients group had higher levels of baseline DNA damage compared to the healthy group. Myricetin in both forms induced significant DNA damage, only at higher concentrations (>40 μM). The micronucleus assay showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the frequency of micronuclei in mono-nucleated cells in the patient group treated with the nano form of myricetin at the non-toxic dose of 20 μM. There was a significant increase in both gene and protein P53 levels in lymphocytes isolated from healthy individuals and pre-cancerous patients. These results suggested a protective effect of myricetin and indicated its nutritional supplement potential for protection against cancer development among patients suffering from MGUS.This study was kindly funded by Mr Nasir Qayyum, Bradford, UK
Analytical and Numerical Models for Velocity Profile in Vegetated Open-Channel Flows
Get PDFThe presence of vegetation in open channel flow has a significant influence on
flow resistance, turbulence structures and sediment transport. This study will
evaluate flow resistance and scale velocity profile in depth limited flow conditions,
specifically investigating the impact of vegetation on the flow resistance under
submerged flow conditions. The resistance induced by vegetation in open
channel flows has been interpreted differently in literature, largely due to different
definitions of friction factors or drag coefficients and the different Reynolds
numbers. The methods utilized in this study are based on analytical and
numerical models to investigate the effects of vegetation presence on flow
resistance in open channel flows. The performing strategy approach was
applied by three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
simulations, using artificial cylinders for the velocity profile. This is to estimate
the average flow velocity and resistance coefficients for flexible vegetation, which
results in more accurate flow rate predictions, particularly for the case of low Reynolds number. This thesis shows different formulas from previous studies
under certain conditions for a length scale metric, which normalises velocity
profiles of depth limited open channel flows with submerged vegetation, using
both calculated and simulated model work. It considers the submerged
vegetation case in shallow flows, when the flow depth remains no greater than
twice the vegetation height. The proposed scaling has been compared and
developed upon work that have been influenced by logarithmic and power laws
to present velocity profiles, in order to illustrate the variety of flow and vegetation
configurations