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Employability perceptions: Does a reference from probation reduce rejection rates?
Get PDFFinding and maintaining employment is challenging for those with a prior conviction, especially for those with a sexual offence. This study investigated perceived employability before and after the disclosure of criminal history through a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, using a mixed-methods design. A total of 226 participants were randomly assigned to one of three DBS conditions, each disclosing a different sexual offence: rape, sexual activity with a child, or possession of indecent images of children. Participants rated candidates on trustworthiness, value, and suitability for employment both before and after the DBS disclosure. To examine the potential mitigating effect of character references, half of the participants in each offence condition received an accompanying probation reference, while the other half did not. All participants were subsequently asked whether they would retain or reject the candidate and to provide reasoning for their decision. As hypothesised, ratings of trustworthiness, value, and suitability significantly declined following the disclosure of the DBS information. However, the inclusion of a probation reference led to reduced rejection rates in the conditions involving sexual activity with a child (by 18 %) and possession of indecent images of children (by 24 %). This mitigating effect was less pronounced in the condition involving rape. These findings highlight the persistent stigma associated with sexual offences in employment contexts and suggest that character references from probation services may partially mitigate negative perceptions, though their effectiveness varies by offence type
A discussion on two alternative approaches to CT coupon based K1C determination providing results comparable with ASTM E 399
Get PDFThe value of Plane Strain Fracture Toughness of a material calculated in accordance with the ASTM E 399 has been noted to be a specimen size-dependent value. The size-dependency of the same with respect to ductile materials has been an area of debate both for quality testing in production and the best applicable value for new structural design of components. While in case of production quality assessment the primary challenge is the repeatability of complying results for ductile materials, for new design – it is of a representative value for the material. Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) and the applied load are traditionally used to calculate K1C from CT specimen by ASTM (2023). A discussion on the comparison of two K1C equivalents is presented here based upon observations with respect to specific Aluminium alloys and their relationship with this established material indicator is explored. Equivalents considered are K1si and round tensile specimen inspired by Sarchamy et al (1996) and Wilson (1997). While K1si is based upon CMOD estimation by assuming a fixed amount of crack extension of 0.5 mm irrespective of tested specimen size, round specimen may be applicable when dimensionally constrained
Comparing approaches to teaching patients how to use an app-based home spirometer: Randomized controlled trial
Get PDFBackground Bluetooth-enabled, app-based home spirometry has been validated for use in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory disease. Remote teaching (virtual or self-directed) of patients on how to use an app-based home spirometry offers the opportunity to deliver diagnostics safely and at scale. However, the most appropriate method of teaching home spirometry to patients is unknown. Objective the aim of this pragmatic study undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic was to determine whether virtual or self-directed teaching were valid methods for deploying home spirometry to patients referred for outpatient lung physiology testing. Methods REACH-SPIRO is a single-center, unblinded, randomized controlled trial of adults referred for spirometry. Participants were randomized (1:1:1) to be taught to use a Bluetooth, app-based spirometer either (A) face-to-face, (B) virtually (live video conferencing), or (C) self-directed. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were recorded. Home spirometry (Spirobank Smart Spirometer) readings for each training modality were compared with gold standard hospital measurements (Vyaire Medical) using Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement (LoA). Patients' feedback questionnaires on acceptability and adherence were also collected, and common themes were described using content analysis.ResultsA total of 106 participants were randomized. Bland-Altman analysis between hospital and home FEV1 measurements for group A showed a mean difference of 0.108L, LoA -0.331L to 0.548L, group B 0.152L, LoA -0.358L to 0.661L, and group C 0.153L, LoA -0.358L to 0.661L. FVC measurements in group A showed a mean difference of 0.123L, LoA -0.402L to 0.648L, group B 0.249L, LoA -0.297L to 0.795L, and group C 0.340L, LoA -0.556L to 1.235L. There was no significant difference between randomized arms for either mean FEV1 (P=.41) or FVC (P=.84). Patient feedback was similar across all groups, with more positive feedback for face-to-face and virtual teaching methods. Conclusions there is no meaningful difference in spirometry measurement between patients taught to use a home spirometer remotely (virtual or self-directed) versus traditional face-to-face treatment. Patients' feedback was favorable to all three methods of teaching. This study supports the use of either virtual or self-directed teaching of home spirometry for the monitoring of respiratory disease. In doing so, we can improve access to spirometry in communities facing barriers to health care and clinically vulnerable populations
When work context limits opportunities for career sustainability: Insights from people diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood
No full textPurpose The studies into attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the workplace are limited and an improved understanding of the factors, which may enhance the career sustainability of adults with ADHD can contribute to their health, happiness and productivity. Thus, we aimed to examine the perceptions of this group of neurodivergent employees, with the aim of describing how they experience organizational work contexts and developing suggestions for improving their work experience. Design/methodology/approach We conducted ten semi-structured interviews with participants who were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, each of whom had more than five years of employment, and analyzed interviews using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings Three themes summarizing the workplace experiences of ADHDers were developed: (1) “Taped up with your arms behind your back” – The “non-neuro spicy world of work”; (2) “How to show up at work” – “Finding a way to pass”; (3) A double-edged sword – diagnosis and the disclosure dilemma. These themes describe experiences of restriction and constraint in the workplace, their impact on psychological wellbeing and participants’ autonomy and performance in the workplace. Originality/value The study contributes to gaps in the career sustainability literature, specifically by exploring the workplace experiences of adults with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD and discussing their implications for sustainable careers
Library, Information and Knowledge (LIK) practitioners’ experiences, skills and confidence of taking part in research as part of professional practice: a baseline report
Get PDFThis report presents an overview of the findings of a survey to provide a baseline of skills and confidence of UK Library Information and Knowledge (LIK) professionals engaging in research. The survey covers all sectors and will underpin and provide recommendations for the Library & Information Research Group (LIRG) and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professional’s (CILIP’s) work in this area going forward
Data literacy and data usage amongst teaching staff in UK Higher Education Institutions: Current practices, challenges, and aspirations
Get PDFWhile research on Learning Analytics (LA) is plentiful, it often prioritises perspectives on LA systems over the practical ways instructors use data to analyse and refine the learning process per se. The present study addresses this inadequacy by investigating how student data is employed by educators in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and how it could be optimised. Specifically, a mixed-methods approach was employed combining survey data, mainly from one institution (N = 85) with insights gleaned from interviews with academics (N = 11). The findings reveal a real desire for better data capabilities and access, underscoring the need for HEIs to enhance data capture, better integrate systems and invest in professional development to enhance data literacy and foster a culture of data-driven decision-making. Importantly, a similar emphasis to that given to assessment and attendance needs to be given to data for the differentiation and personalisation of learning
Measuring the impact of managing incontinence on people with dementia and informal caregivers: Cognitive debriefing interviews of ‘ICIQ-Cog’ (English translation)
Get PDFAim:The ICIQ-Cog questionnaire was developed in German to measure the impact of incontinence and/or toilet use problems on people living with dementia and their paid carers and unpaid caregivers; it has been translated into English. This study aimed to (1) examine the linguistic validity of the ICIQ-Cog English translation and (2) determine whether it addresses what is important to unpaid caregivers.Methods:Cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with 13 unpaid caregivers of people with dementia and problems with incontinence or toilet use recruited via Joint Dementia Research. Interviews were conducted across 3 rounds and transcribed then thematically analysed based on the questionnaire framework.Results:All participants were unpaid caregivers; they highlighted the need for the questionnaire. Changes were made to the title and response options were added to 10 of 12 questions; wording changes were made to 5 questions. One of the questions was deemed difficult to answer as an unpaid caregiver due to the need for more general caring experience; another used phraseology potentially more understandable by professional carers. Several participants emphasised missing questions (such as cost of buying continence aids and extra washing). The interviews were halted because the questionnaire did not fully meet unpaid caregivers needs.Conclusion:This linguistic validation of the ICIQ-Cog questionnaire identified that it is not appropriate for use among unpaid caregivers. A questionnaire to assess impact of managing incontinence designed purposefully for unpaid caregivers of a person with dementia is needed. Further work is required to finalise the English translation for paid carers
Exploring patient experience of rehabilitation within the surgical pathway for lower limb soft tissue sarcoma in the UK: A single-centre study
Get PDFThe primary treatment for localised soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is surgery. Surgery for lower limb sarcoma is associated with poorer functional outcomes than other anatomical sites. Rehabilitation is essential, yet provision is not standardised, and patient experience of current service delivery is unknown. This study therefore aimed to explore patients’ experiences of rehabilitation in the surgical pathway for lower limb STS at a United Kingdom (UK) specialist centre.MethodsA qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was undertaken to explore patients’ rehabilitation experiences. Eight patients who had undergone lower limb STS surgery at a specialist centre were purposively sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree main themes were identified: (1) Accessing the right services at the right time. Participants described good access to inpatient rehabilitation post-operatively but delays and challenges in accessing local services affected continuity of care. Rehabilitation gaps pre-operatively, and in facilitating return to meaningful activities, were described; (2) “Communication is key” — providing knowledge and support to navigate uncertainty. Unclear and unrealistic expectations of recovery were challenging. Communication was key to patients feeling supported and facilitating access to rehabilitation; (3) The importance of person-centred rehabilitation. Collaborative, person-centred rehabilitation optimised motivation and engagement.ConclusionParticipants experienced good access to inpatient rehabilitation post-operatively. In contrast, gaps and delays at other timepoints led to missed opportunities to support preparation for, and recovery from, surgery. A multidisciplinary approach across settings from diagnosis, to deliver person-centred rehabilitation, may improve access, expectation management and continuity of care
On the ethical governance of swarm robotic systems in the real world
No full textIn this paper, we address the question: what practices would be required for the responsible design and operation of real-world swarm robotic systems? We argue that swarm robotic systems must be developed and operated within a framework of ethical governance. We will also explore the human factors surrounding the operation and management of swarm systems, advancing the view that human factors are no less important to swarm robots than social robots. Ethical governance must be anticipatory, and a powerful method for practical anticipatory governance is ethical risk assessment (ERA). As case studies, this paper includes four worked examples of ERAs for fictional but realistic real-world swarms. Although of key importance, ERA is not the only tool available to the responsible roboticist. We outline the supporting role of ethical principles, standards, and verification and validation. Given that real-world swarm robotic systems are likely to be deployed in diverse ecologies, we also ask: how can swarm robotic systems be sustainable? We bring all of these ideas together to describe the complete life cycle of swarm robotic systems, showing where and how the tools and interventions are applied within a framework of anticipatory ethical governance
“I sometimes feel like I can’t win!”: An exploratory mixed-methods study of women’s body image and experiences of exercising in gym settings
No full textDespite an increase in gym memberships, women are less active than men and little is known about the barriers women face when navigating gym spaces. This study explored women’s body image and experiences exercising in gyms. Two-hundred and seventy-nine women (84% current gym-goers; 68.1% White) completed an online mixed-methods survey. Thematic analysis of qualitative data produced four themes and nine subthemes: (1) “Never enough” ([perceived] judgement about appearance, [perceived] judgement about performance); (2) “Often too much” (self-criticism, clothing challenges); (3) “Always on display” (harassment and safety, fighting for space, the appearance contingency); and (4) “Sometimes empowered” (empowering places, empowering self). Qualitative and quantitative data showed that women often feel judged for their appearance and performance, leading to a persistent sense of inadequacy, as well as having to fight for space in the gym and to be taken seriously, while navigating harassment and unsolicited comments from men. Despite this, women showed signs of resistance towards gendered and appearance ideals permeating gym environments and some experienced empowerment through skill acquisition, breaking gender norms, and exercising in supportive environments. Based on our findings, we suggest a multi-level approach to tackling these barriers and creating more inclusive gym spaces for women