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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet: A study via metaphoric perceptions on how online feedback benefited Chinese learners
Get PDFTheoretical claims about the benefits of online feedback suggest it can facilitate language learning. However, despite the calls for new digital literacies on language education, attitudes of educators have not been encouraging. To delve further into this issue, the present study addresses the following research concerns: (1) learners’ metaphoric perceptions of online feedback, (2) how metaphoric perceptions show the impact of online feedback on language learning, and (3) the messages educators can glean through these metaphoric perceptions. A subsequent question would be what new insights we can gain by asking students to reflect on online feedback via metaphors not unearthed by previous research using more traditional means. We argue that different methods should be used based on student differences and the contextual realities of the learning setting. Participants are introverted Chinese novice learners who are not accustomed to technology-enhanced teaching/learning and are restrained in the open expression of their feelings and thoughts. Given participants’ backgrounds, the use of metaphors enables them to express their reflective thinking in a more profound manner. Therefore, the findings of the present study, i.e., learners’ metaphoric thoughts, are considered timely and can be used in academic training to address the necessity of applying different approaches to different types of students. They can also showcase the impact of online feedback on introverted learners. Together, these findings can encourage educators to consider changing their attitudes regarding educational technology
Developing management guidance for Government funded dwelling retrofit schemes to improve occupant quality of life
Get PDFThis paper discusses a methodology for gathering empirical data on occupant views that live in dwellings retrofitted under the Arbed two scheme in wales, UK, and also the views of stakeholder’s that delivered and managed the retrofit scheme between 2012 and 2014. The analysis of this data is being used to develop guidance for managing government funded dwelling retrofit schemes, contributing to occupant quality of life. The methodology used consists of Causal Loop Diagrams, Theory of Change and IDEFØ mapping to systematically map out relationships between activities extracted from the findings of two case studies, demonstrating key issues for investigation. This multi-tool process has been critical within the process of developing key clusters. The key clusters are fed into the IDEFØ mapping system, from analysing the complex tacit knowledge data in order to produce guidance documents to be used in government funded residential retrofit schemes. This paper will be useful for academics, landlords of housing stock undergoing retrofit measures, scheme managers undertaking large scale residential energy and retrofit upgrades, and government agencies funding retrofit upgrades to dwellings
Overtourism Dystopias and Socialist Utopias: Towards an Urban Armature for Dubrovnik
Get PDFThe recent discourse on overtourism and anti-tourist attitudes has opened up the space to reimagine tourism development and planning. Employing an interdisciplinary approach we combined research by design methodology and rapid ethnography in order to problematise Dubrovnik’s overtourism. The research turned for inspiration to the ex-Yugoslavian resorts and integrated planning. The paper advocates a praxical, socially informed and environmentally aware perspective and proposes interventions that offer the potential of practical applications in Dubrovnik’s urban planning. Focusing on the need for connectivity and continuity the interventions address issues of segregation and marginalisation of local groups, such as students and seasonal workers. Inspired by the utopian ideals of socialist resorts, the research developed an urban armature that aims to connect the different parts of the old and modern city, reclaim tourist spaces for locals, and create open spaces in local areas
A qualitative study of cardiovascular disease risk communication in NHS Health Check using different risk calculators: protocol for the RIsk COmmunication in NHS Health Check (RICO) study. BMC family practice, 20(1), 11.
Get PDFBackground
NHS Health Check is a national cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment programme for 40–74 year olds in England, in which practitioners should assess and communicate CVD risk, supported by appropriate risk-management advice and goal-setting. This requires effective communication, to equip patients with knowledge and intention to act. Currently, the QRISK®2 10-year CVD risk score is most common way in which CVD risk is estimated. Newer tools, such as JBS3, allow manipulation of risk factors and can demonstrate the impact of positive actions. However, the use, and relative value, of these tools within CVD risk communication is unknown. We will explore practitioner and patient CVD risk perceptions when using QRISK®2 or JBS3, the associated advice or treatment offered by the practitioner, and patients’ responses.
Methods
RIsk COmmunication in NHS Health Check (RICO) is a qualitative study with quantitative process evaluation. Twelve general practices in the West Midlands of England will be randomised to one of two groups: usual practice, in which practitioners use QRISK®2 to assess and communicate CVD risk; intervention, in which practitioners use JBS3. Twenty Health Checks per practice will be video-recorded (n = 240, 120 per group), with patients stratified by age, gender and ethnicity. Post-Health Check, video-stimulated recall (VSR) interviews will be conducted with 48 patients (n = 24 per group) and all practitioners (n = 12–18), using video excerpts to enhance participant recall/reflection. Patient medical record reviews will detect health-protective actions in the first 12-weeks following a Health Check (e.g., lifestyle referrals, statin prescription). Risk communication, patient response and intentions for health-protective behaviours in each group will be explored through thematic analysis of video-recorded Health Checks (using Protection Motivation Theory as a framework) and VSR interviews. Process evaluation will include between-group comparisons of quantitatively coded Health Check content and post-Health Check patient outcomes. Finally, 10 patients with the most positive intentions or behaviours will be selected for case study analysis (using all data sources).
Discussion
This study will produce novel insights about the utility of QRISK®2 and JBS3 to promote patient and practitioner understanding and perception of CVD risk and associated implications for patient intentions with respect to health-protective behaviours (and underlying mechanisms). Recommendations for practice will be developed
Laboratory re-enactment of storage practices of older adults to determine potential implications for growth of listeria monocytogenes
Get PDFOlder adults are more susceptible to listeriosis, and many frequently consume ready-to-eat (RTE) foods associated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consequently, safe storage of RTE-food is essential to reduce the risks of listeriosis. This study aimed to re-enact domestic food-storage malpractices of older adult consumer in a laboratory to assess the potential impact on L. monocytogenes. Observed and self-reported data relating to domestic food-storage malpractices included prolonged storage of RTE foods and/or refrigeration temperatures exceeding recommendations (>5.0°C). Re-enactment occurred using soft-cheese and RTE meat inoculated with ~3.7 log CFU L. monocytogenes, stored at recommended temperatures (2.5°C)(n=110); temperatures exceeding recommendations (7.8°C)(n=110) and ambient-temperature (19.5°C)(n=55). Samples were analyzed every 24h for <21d. Results indicated L. monocytogenes grew at all storage temperatures. Average generation times indicated slower growth of L. monocytogenes at 2.5°C (94h t-1) than at 7.8°C (21.5h t-1) and 19.5°C (11h t-1), suggesting prolonged storage of RTE foods at increased L. monocytogenes populations (<7.6 log CFU/g), potentially making such foods unsafe for consumption. Findings indicate storage malpractices contrary to consumer recommendations intended to reduce the risk of foodborne disease, increase L. monocytogenes populations, thus increasing the potential for foodborne disease
INSPIRE sustainability internships: Promoting campus greening initiatives through student participation
Get PDFPurpose - An exploration of the outputs of an internship programme, one of a number of campus-based sustainability activities that have been introduced at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, to encourage student-led campus-based greening initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach - A Case Study approach was undertaken, allowing the
researcher to investigate the programme in its real-life context. The researcher used multiple
sources of evidence to gain as holistic a picture as possible.
Findings - Interns report positive changes in their behaviours towards sustainability as well
as encouraging feedback on their experiential learning, the development of their soft skills,
and the creation of new knowledge. Moreover, students communicated perceived benefits for
their future careers. The reported outcomes reflect mutually beneficial relationships for
student and institution, for example raising the profile of campus greening activities;
supporting the University’s aim to embed sustainability throughout its campus, community
and culture.
Research limitations/implications - The researcher recognises the limitations of the
research, in particular the small sample size, which has resulted primarily in qualitative
results being presented.
Practical implications - Feedback from previous interns will be used to shape future
internships. In particular, INSPIRE will look for opportunities to work more closely with
University operations, departments, faculties and alongside University staff, both academic
and support staff.
Social implications - Following student feedback, INSPIRE will give students opportunities
for wider involvement including an opportunity to propose their own projects in order to
shape future internships that meet the needs of student body on campus.
Originality/value - Despite being one case study from one institution, the research highlight
the value of such programmes for other institutions
Understanding the role of carbohydrates in optimal nutrition
Get PDFIn recent years, the regulation of carbohydrate intake has become regarded as essential to achieve a balanced diet, with a range of health benefits attributed to low-carbohydrate diets. However, much of the advice on reduced carbohydrate intake does not reflect government-led dietary guidelines. As a result of this conflicting information, patients requiring assistance with weight management or glycaemic control may become confused about the appropriate carbohydrate intake, or be encouraged to experiment with ‘fad’ diets. As front-line healthcare professionals, nurses are in a prime position to advise patients on carbohydrate intake, as well as signposting them to evidence-based dietary resources. This article outlines the constituents of dietary carbohydrate, considers the health benefits of carbohydrates, and explains their importance as part of a healthy and balanced diet
In Love and War with Service Robots: the Passionate Deployment, Challenges and National Policy Implications, Keynote of the 6th International Conference on Robot Intelligence technology and Applications
Get PDFThis paper lays a disparity discussion for the key debates of two camps in robotics and machines intelligence for industrialization 4.0. Disseminating the deployment of service robots in two national venues in Wales, the interactive model and lessons learnt can be of reference to other human-robot interaction and social intelligence researchers and practitioners. The findings of the deployment blended with the author’s contribution to the AI Select Committee’s publications at the UK Parliament, leading to the practical recommendation to the government and policymakers for a national policy implication
‘Are we there yet?’ Australian HR professionals and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Get PDFAlthough still in its early stages, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR), which involves a broad
range of artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning technologies, will fundamentally
change the way many of us work and relate to one another. Driven by technology, this transformation
presents a range of challenges, as well as opportunities, where we might expect Human
Resource (HR) professionals would lead the way. However, little is currently known in relation to
how prepared HR professionals in Australia are to ready their organisations for this new era of work
and associated resourcing. Consequently, this paper goes some way towards closing that gap. Specifically,
the study reported here sets out to explore the levels of preparedness amongst Australian
HRM professionals for the impact of the FIR on organisations, workplaces, jobs and skills, as well
as on their own professional roles and competencies. The study utilised a sequential mixed methods
research design with two phases, the first was qualitative focus groups (n = 5) followed by a quantitative
online survey of selected senior HR practitioners (n = 150). The findings indicate that, while
most believe that FIR technologies might be useful for their organisations and assist with improving
job performance, increasing productivity and making jobs easier for employees, contrarily many
did not intend to use them in the foreseeable future. Marginal support was also evident in relation
to the potential contributions of FIR technologies to HR process enhancement and overall HR
effectiveness. Most respondents were also not impressed with the lack of current Australian government
FIR strategies and policies
Left ventricular mechanics in late second trimester of healthy pregnancy
Get PDFObjective:
To evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanics in the second trimester of healthy pregnancy and to determine the influence of underpinning hemodynamics (heart rate (HR), preload and afterload) on LV mechanics during gestation.
Methods:
This was a cross‐sectional study of 18 non‐pregnant, 14 nulliparous pregnant (22–26 weeks' gestation) and 13 primiparous postpartum (12–16 weeks after delivery) women. All pregnant and postpartum women had uncomplicated, singleton gestations. Cardiac structure and function were assessed using echocardiography. LV mechanics, specifically longitudinal strain, circumferential strain and twist/untwist, were measured using speckle‐tracking echocardiography. Differences between groups were identified using ANCOVA, with age, HR, end‐diastolic volume (EDV) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as covariates. Relationships between LV mechanics and hemodynamics were examined using Pearson's correlation.
Results:
There were no significant differences in LV structure and traditional measurements of systolic and diastolic function between the three groups. Pregnant women, compared with non‐pregnant ones, had significantly higher resting longitudinal strain (–22 ± 2% vs –17 ± 3%; P = 0.002) and basal circumferential strain (–23 ± 4% vs –16 ± 2%; P = 0.001). Apical circumferential strain and LV twist and untwist mechanics were similar between the three groups. No statistically significant relationships were observed between LV mechanics and HR, EDV or SBP within the groups.
Conclusions:
Compared to the non‐pregnant state, pregnant women in the second trimester of a healthy pregnancy have significantly greater resting systolic function, as assessed by LV longitudinal and circumferential strain. Contrary to previous work, these data show that healthy pregnant women should not exhibit reductions in resting systolic function between 22 and 26 weeks' gestation. The enhanced myocardial contractile function during gestation does not appear to be related to hemodynamic load and could be the result of other physiological adaptations to pregnancy