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Exploring the secret garden of further education professional development: reflecting on the researcher’s honesties and opening the honesty box
Get PDFThis article engages in an examination of reflecting upon a researcher’s honesties within the context of conducting an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The purpose of this article is to outline how a researcher’s reflexivity and awareness of emotions is central to IPA research which investigates Further Education practitioners’ lived experiences of the Advanced Teacher Status (ATS), and its potential impact upon practitioners’ professional identity and agency
Decision-Making in Organizational Crisis in Traditional and Self-Managed Organizations: Towards a hybrid approach
No full textPurpose
Effective crisis management is essential for all organizations and both traditional and self-managed organizational structures have their advantages and challenges, when dealing with a crisis. Decision-making in self-managed organizations can be faster, however, the lack of clear chains of command can hinder strategic direction and coordination of resources. Considering the opportunities and drawbacks of both traditional and self-managed organizational structures in terms of crisis, this paper explores the potential for a hybrid model of the self-managed organization.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews the literature on crisis in traditional and self-managed organizations and considers the potential for a hybrid model of the self-managed organization.
Findings
Self-managed organizations offer speed and flexibility through decentralized decision-making, however they can struggle with coordination during large-scale crises, whereas traditional hierarchical structures provide clear command chains and centralized control but may be slower due to bottlenecks. To address this, the authors propose a hybrid model that combines the strengths of both systems, enabling organizations to operate with the agility of self-managed organizations during normal conditions and seamlessly shift to a traditional command structure during crises. Such an approach seeks to optimize responsiveness and coordination based on situational demands, although further research is needed to develop and test such a model.
Originality
This work proposed a hybrid self-managed organizational model that can dynamically switch between decentralized and centralized structures based on the demands of a situation, something existing models like Holacracy or Teal do not accommodate. Unlike prior approaches that advocate either fully autonomous or hierarchical systems, this paper introduces a flexible operational framework that integrates the strengths of both, aiming to optimize decision-making speed and coordination during crises. This concept challenges the rigidity of current models and opens new avenues for adaptive organizational design
Contribution of pollinators to delivering fruit quality in commercial sweet cherry orchards
Get PDFBackground
Pollinators provide an essential ecosystem service to many crops, including sweet cherry (Prunus avium), which can be quantified in terms of fruit number and/or quality. Most studies in sweet cherry have explored the extent to which fruit set relies on pollinators but have neglected pollinators' contribution to fruit quality. We investigated the impact of pollinators on fruit set (2018–2019) and fruit quality (2017–2019). In 10 commercial sweet cherry orchards under polytunnels, we conducted insect-exclusion experiments comparing insect-excluded blossoms (mesh-bagged blossoms) to blossoms exposed to floral visitors (open blossoms). We then investigated relationships between fruit set and fruit quality.
Results
Pollinators were key to underpinning commercial fruit set (15.4% fruit set from open blossoms compared to 1.1% with bagged blossoms), equivalent to a contribution of 92.8%. Pollinators were also essential to achieving higher cherry fruit quality. With open blossoms, fresh mass, width, dry matter, and flesh/pit ratio of cherries increased by 19.8%, 7.9%, 19.8%, and 10.5%, respectively, compared to cherries from bagged blossoms. In contrast, firmness was similar between both pollination treatments. We did not find a significant relationship between fruit set and quality, suggesting trees did not carry an excessive fruit burden.
Conclusion
Our results highlight the importance of pollinators, not only for underpinning commercial yields in terms of fruit set, but also for higher fruit quality. We recommend growers adopt effective pollinator management practices to help underpin commercially viable yields consisting of fruit with a higher marketable potential
Nurturing Compassionate Connections: A Guide to Practitioner Empathy in the Early Years
No full textIn a profession where empathy and compassion form the bedrock of impactful interactions, yet remain relatively unexplored, this book endeavours to be a beacon of inspiration and guidance.
The book explores what compassionate relationships might look like and translates extensive research into actionable steps that practitioners can easily integrate into their routines. Chapters:
● Include guidance for fostering effective, empathetic relationships with colleagues and young children, as well as extending empathy to parents and carers
● Offer suggestions for supporting and promoting positive behaviour, with guidance on embracing empathy in challenging situations
● Prioritise practitioner wellbeing and include real-life case studies of nurturing connections, recognising both the demands and satisfaction of the profession
● Are full of reflective prompts and activities to reshape the narrative of early years practice and equip practitioners to navigate challenges with resilience.
Nurturing Compassionate Connections advocates a strengths-based approach and aspires to redefine the landscape of compassionate practice, enriching the journey of those who care for young children. It is essential reading for all early years practitioners and allied professionals
The landscape of validity and reliability practices from applied performance analysts: Establishing a best practice framework
Get PDFWhilst Theoretical Performance Analysts benefit from established validity and reliability frameworks, their practical application faces several challenges for Applied Performance Analysts (APAs). We explored the current practices and perceptions regarding validity and reliability by APAs to formulate best-practice recommendations. An open and closed-answer survey was completed by 175 APAs from a range of sports and countries, with responses analysed based on experience (early-career APAs vs experienced APAs). Findings reveal a desire for robust validity and reliability methods, particularly among experienced APAs. Collaborative approaches amongst APAs and other stakeholders were identified when determining performance indicators, yet decisions for live data collection were primarily made by APAs. Familiarisation and reliability processes varied, specifically the frequency of checks, with experienced APAs dedicating more time to learning new systems and checking data more frequently. Despite the existing theoretical frameworks, time constraints and personnel changes pose challenges for practical implementation, with APAs calling for an applied framework. These insights inform the development of a best-practice recommendations framework for collecting, analysing, and presenting accurate and meaningful performance analysis data in applied settings
Accountability, scapegoating and encouraging rebellious joys: Teaching in England
Get PDFThis article suggests that the rise that we see in referrals for children seen as having specific educational needs in England is the inevitable outcome of a system with ever rising expectations and accountability. It suggests two key reasons for this. The first is that the increased pressures upon teachers lead to them needing a ‘scapegoat’ to point the finger at when they fail to meet those unreasonable expectations. The child being ‘unable to perform’ is the last get out clause available to them. The second is that the toxicity created by ever mounting pressures placed upon teachers is, inevitably, impacting significantly upon teacher wellbeing. Tired, fraught and harried teachers are not in a position to offer a safe and secure learning environment for the children that they teach. The optimal conditions for the successful performance of both teacher and child, those based upon potential, unconditional positive regard, and care, are totally eroded from the heart of education. Children are not failing, the system is failing them. In light of this, this article encourages all educators to rebelliously see the positive potential of all children that they work with, and to be strengthened by those ‘moments of light’ that can be celebrated in even the smallest steps taken towards positive development
Alterations of Exercise-Induced Carbohydrate and Fat Oxidation by Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Are Associated with the Pre-Intervention Metabolic Function: A Secondary Analysis of Randomized Crossover Trials
No full textAbstract: Background/Objectives: Our studies have provided evidence for the alteration of exercise-induced metabolic responses by the intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract. In this secondary analysis of 10 studies, we examined the relationship between the pre-intervention exercise-induced respiratory exchange ratio and the blackcurrant-induced respiratory exchange ratio and substrate utilisation during exercise. Methods: Metabolic data of seven cohort and three case studies with females (n = 46) and males (n = 71), from recreationally active to ultra-endurance trained individuals that were dosed at different intake durations (acute to two-week intake) and dosages (105 to 420 mg of anthocyanins) of NZBC extract for walking-, running-, and cy-cling-induced effects, were included in the secondary analysis. Results: There was a strong positive correlation between the pre-intervention and blackcurrant-induced res-piratory exchange ratio for females (Pearson r: 0.7972, p < 0.0001) and males (Pearson r: 0.8674, p < 0.0001). A moderate positive correlation was obtained for the relationship between the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio and changes in fat oxidation for females (Pearson r: 0.5311, p = 0.0001) and males (Pearson r: 0.3136, p = 0.002). In addition, a moderate negative correlation was obtained for the relationship between the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio and changes in carbohydrate oxidation for females (Pearson r: −0.3017, p = 0.0393) and males (Pearson r: −0.3327, p < 0.001). There were no differences between females and males in the changes of the exercise-induced metabolic responses to the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract. Conclusions: Our secondary analysis of the data in studies on the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract suggests that the metabolic response of individuals to the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract depends partly on the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio, with the majority of individuals showing enhanced exercise-induced fat oxidation and lower exercise-induced carbohydrate oxidation. However, a divergent metabolic re-sponse seems possible such that individuals with a very low intrinsic respiratory ex-change ratio may more likely experience lower fat oxidation and higher carbohydrate oxidation with the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant. Individuals with a high intrinsic respiratory exchange will more likely experience higher fat oxidation and lower car-bohydrate oxidation with the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant. Future work is re-quired to examine the factors and mechanisms for the individual variation of the re-sponse of exercise-induced substrate utilisation relative to the intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extracts
Folic Acid Supplementation for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases—Approaches and Opportunities for Research
Get PDFIntroduction: Folate, in its supplemental form as folic acid, plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Folate deficiency can lead to elevated homocysteine (HHcy) levels, which contribute to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since CVD is a leading cause of mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), investigating folate’s potential role in modulating disease progression and inflammatory processes is of clinical relevance. Objective: To review the current evidence on the impact of folate supplementation in patients with ARDs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases from 1965 to May 2023, using MeSH terms related to folic acid, folate, and various ARDs. The reference lists of selected articles were also screened to identify additional relevant studies. Results: Among all retrieved articles, only one randomized controlled trial met the inclusion criteria. The study included 26 patients, primarily women, with autoimmune hand osteoarthritis (AHO). Participants received either folate alone (6400 mg), folate plus cobalamin (6400 mg + 20 mcg), or a lactose placebo for two months. The combination of folate and cobalamin significantly improved handgrip strength compared with the other groups, achieving outcomes similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy but with fewer tender joints and no reported side effects. Conclusion: Current evidence on folate supplementation in ARDs remains extremely limited. The available trial suggests potential benefits of folate, particularly when combined with cobalamin, in symptom management for AHO. Given its low cost and favorable safety profile, further randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to investigate the efficacy of folate in managing pain and slowing disease progression in ARDs
The Planetary Health Report Card: evaluation of the integration of principles of sustainable healthcare into a new graduate entry medical programme
Get PDFNationally and internationally, medical students have a strong track record of engagement with sustainability and sustainable healthcare, notably through the development and implementation of the student-led international Planetary Heath Report Card initiative. The Medical Schools Council has endorsed a specific curriculum statement for integration of aspects of sustainable healthcare into undergraduate teaching and the General Medical Council has included the topic in Outcomes for Graduates. The Three Counties Medical School (TCMS) is a new medical school admitting its inaugural cohort in September 2023, and we are committed to supporting the development of doctors who are socially responsible, global citizens. We used the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) to complete the first loop of an evaluation of the new TCMS MBChB degree programme. Generally, the PHRC is used by medical schools around the world to score, and ultimately rank, performance in integrating aspects of sustainability in health into teaching and learning. We used the PHRC to help evaluate our curriculum planning to date and in so doing highlighted areas we might not otherwise have considered. This project was part of the University of Worcester Green Impact Project scheme, which funded a student-assessor (a GIPA) to participate with us in evaluating our progress, seek out gaps and use the tool to plan the next steps in curriculum design
Exploring the Genetic Architecture of Postpartum Psychosis
No full textAbstract W41 of the World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics (WCPG), October 19-23, 202