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An evaluation of the summary, assessment, response (SAR) call handling risk assessment framework in South Wales Police
No full textThis report sets out the findings of an independent evaluation of the Summary,
Assessment, Response (SAR) risk assessment framework conducted by Anglia
Ruskin University in collaboration with the College of Policing and South Wales
Police (SWP).
An evaluation of the summary, assessment, response (SAR) call handling
risk assessment framework in South Wales Police college.police.uk
November 2024 Page 6 of 40
SAR is a risk assessment framework designed to improve call handling performance.
It was introduced by SWP in direct response to inefficiencies with the application of
the existing risk assessment framework (THRIVE) highlighted by staff and a strong
desire to enhance the force’s service to the public. In particular, SAR aims to reduce
call times, reduce the number of calls abandoned and reduce inefficiency resulting
from call regrading. In doing so, SAR supports the force’s broader strategy to
strengthen the protection of vulnerable people.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)
has long highlighted issues with contact management across forces, with many of
the 43 territorial forces reported as needing attention in this area. Common issues
include forces having high wait times and abandonment rates and not responding to
calls for service within published time frames due to calls being prioritised incorrectly.
There are also inconsistencies in the application of risk assessment and recording of
safeguarding intelligence, as well as an inability to identify repeat and vulnerable
callers.
The evaluation sought to understand the impact of SAR in relation to the above
issues via a mixed methods approach. This included:
an impact evaluation analysing quantitative management information data
collected as part of the local pilot study conducted by SWP
a process evaluation reviewing the implementation of the approach using
qualitative interviews with key force personnel to inform and support the further
rollout of this intervention in subsequent forces. This included exploration of any
key facilitators and barriers to implementation
1.2. Summary of key findings
Call duration reduced: The average call duration (combining talk time and wrap
time) for the group of call handlers using the SAR approach for emergency and
non-emergency calls (referred to as the ‘pilot group’) was one minute and 26
seconds shorter compared to the group not using SAR (referred to as the ‘control
group’).
An evaluation of the summary, assessment, response (SAR) call handling
risk assessment framework in South Wales Police college.police.uk
November 2024 Page 7 of 40
Call wrap time reduced: Call wrap time, the time between a call being
concluded and the call handler becoming available to take a waiting call, was
shorter for the pilot group by an average of one minute and five seconds.
Calls answered within target times increased: The pilot group answered 4.9%
more emergency (999) calls and 4.1% more non-emergency (101) calls than the
control group within the set target time. This finding is statistically significant.
Call abandonments reduced: Abandoned emergency calls decreased by 0.1%
and non-emergency calls by 1.3% in the pilot group compared to the control.
These differences are statistically significant. However, the finding for emergency
calls should be treated with caution due to the very small difference between the
two groups.
Number of call regrades reduced: The pilot group experienced 4% fewer police
response regrades when compared to the control group.
Deployment times improved: The improved efficiency of call grading appeared
to have a notable impact on deployment times. On average, emergency
deployment times decreased by 15 seconds and non-emergency deployment
times decreased by five minutes and 18 seconds. This suggests that using SAR
improved the clarity of risk assessment communication between call handers and
police dispatch officers. The timely dispatch of police resources is crucial in
ensuring that vulnerable victims receive prompt help.
Caller vulnerability more clearly communicated: Most (84%) of the audited
call handlers’ SAR risk assessments included all the elements of THRIVE (threat,
harm, risk, investigation, vulnerability and engagement) in a simplified format.
This made the SAR assessment visible and meaningful to colleagues tasked with
dispatch, providing clarity and supporting the communication of risk between call
handlers and dispatch operators.
Police officers also reported that the positioning of the SAR risk assessment was
clearly visible on their handheld devices rather than being lost in a lengthy
incident log narrative. This assisted their on-scene assessment of risk and
vulnerability.
An evaluation of the summary, assessment, response (SAR) call handling
risk assessment framework in South Wales Police college.police.uk
November 2024 Page 8 of 40
1.3. Conclusion
The evaluation has indicated that the SAR model may be effective in protecting
vulnerable people by reducing call duration times, call wait times, abandonment
rates, response grade changes and deployment times. In doing so, more calls were
answered and police resources were deployed more swiftly. Further research using
raw data to undertake robust statistical analysis would establish any real differences
with more certainty.
No significant barriers were found to the implementation of SAR. Interviewees in
force suggested this was because communications officers (COs), those handling
the emergency and non-emergency calls, had recommended and were involved in
the change process. Therefore they were on board with and facilitated the change
where possible.
COs stated in interview that the training package they received during
implementation of SAR helped with delivery as it provided clear, concise and
meaningful content to support them through the change process.
The quality assurance framework, developed by SWP to support the SAR pilot,
provided a robust mechanism to gather and learn from feedback and inform ongoing
implementation.
As a consequence of the perceived effectiveness of SAR, SWP has already rolled
out the SAR model to all of its COs</p
The use of digital technology in school music education: Artificial intelligence and emerging practices
No full textIncorporating digital technologies into school music education poses a challenge for teachers and curriculum leaders. On one hand, external pressures are mounting to equip students with technological and transferable skills that are essential for future career preparation. On the other hand, internal obstacles such as resource allocation and individual differences within the school community can hinder the development of such skills. Given the increasing integration of technology in the music classroom and beyond, it is crucial to thoroughly understand and carefully consider how emerging digital technologies can be effectively incorporated into contemporary music teaching and learning practices. This chapter aims to explore the adoption of the latest technological advancements in school music education, highlighting the potential for innovative pedagogical approaches and their impact on classroom learning activities and students’ learning process. Specifically, we will focus on emerging trends such as artificial intelligence and discuss the opportunities afforded by cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, we will offer suggestions on how these advancements can shape the development of music curricula that facilitate students’ learning in an ever-changing sociocultural environment and prepare them for future challenges.</p
Correction: Robinson et al. Relationships and Within-Group Differences in Physical Attributes and Golf Performance in Elite Amateur Female Players. Life 2024, 14, 674
No full textAddition of an Author [...]</p
The Anticancer Activity of Monosaccharides: Perspectives and Outlooks
No full textA major hallmark of cancer is the reprogramming of cellular metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. To sustain high rates of glycolysis, cancer cells overexpress GLUT transporters and glycolytic enzymes, allowing for the enhanced uptake and consumption of glucose. The Warburg effect may be exploited in the treatment of cancer; certain epimers and derivatives of glucose can enter cancer cells and inhibit glycolytic enzymes, stunting metabolism and causing cell death. These include common dietary monosaccharides (ᴅ-mannose, ᴅ-galactose, ᴅ-glucosamine, ʟ-fucose), as well as some rare monosaccharides (xylitol, ᴅ-allose, ʟ-sorbose, ʟ-rhamnose). This article reviews the literature on these sugars in in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, discussing their mechanisms of cytotoxicity. In addition to this, the anticancer potential of some synthetically modified monosaccharides, such as 2-deoxy-ᴅ-glucose and its acetylated and halogenated derivatives, is reviewed. Further, this article reviews how certain monosaccharides can be used in combination with anticancer drugs to potentiate conventional chemotherapies and to help overcome chemoresistance. Finally, the limitations of administering two separate agents, a sugar and a chemotherapeutic drug, are discussed. The potential of the glycoconjugation of classical or repurposed chemotherapy drugs as a solution to these limitations is reviewed.</p
Body understanding measure for pregnancy scale (BUMPS): psychometric properties and predictive validity with postpartum anxiety, depression and body appreciation among Italian peripartum women
No full textPregnancy is a unique phase in a woman's life marked by profound physical transformations, including changes in body shape and weight. The Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy Scale (BUMPs) was designed to assess body image during pregnancy. Despite its increasing use, the scale has not yet been adapted into Italian, and evidence regarding its predictive validity with respect to anxiety, depression, and body appreciation is lacking. This study aimed to address these gaps to validate the Italian BUMPs and test its predictive validity. A community sample of 726 Italian pregnant women was recruited (age range 18-48, Mage= 31.3 ± 4.79). Participants completed a translated BUMPs and other self-report questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, and body appreciation. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure for the BUMPs, with dimensions assessing Satisfaction with Appearing Pregnant, Weight Gain Concerns, and Physical Burdens of Pregnancy. BUMPs subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (ω = 0.765-0.866). Cross-sectional analysis revealed that BUMPs scores correlated with anxiety (r range from 0.25 to 0.32), depression (r range from 0.31 to 0.34), and gestational body mass index (r range from 0.18 to 0.37). Longitudinal analysis associated BUMPs with anxiety, depression, and body appreciation measured after childbirth, providing evidence of predictive validity. Overall, the present study supports the BUMPs as a valid and reliable tool for assessing body image during pregnancy within the Italian context. Additionally, it provides the first evidence of the BUMPs' predictive validity for postpartum mental health outcomes and body appreciation after childbirth.</p
Maximal fat oxidation during exercise in healthy individuals: lack of genetic association with the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism
No full textBackground/Objectives: Previous studies suggest that there is a genetically determined component of fat oxidation at rest and during exercise. To date, the FTO gene has been proposed as a candidate gene to affect fat oxidation during exercise because of the association of the “at-risk” A allele with different obesity-related factors such as increased body fat, higher appetite and elevated insulin and triglyceride levels. The A allele of the FTO gene may also be linked to obesity through a reduced capacity for fat oxidation during exercise, a topic that remains largely underexplored in the current literature. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism with the rate of fat oxidation during exercise and metabolic syndrome criteria in healthy participants. Methods: A total of 80 healthy participants (41 men and 39 women) underwent comprehensive assessments, including measurements of anthropometric variables, blood pressure and blood measures of fasting glucose, triglycerides, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c and HDL-c), insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Additionally, the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to evaluate insulin resistance. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) were also measured during an incremental cycling test. FTO rs9939609 genotyping (TT, AT, AA) was performed using genomic DNA samples obtained from a buccal swab and measured with PCR.Results: There were 32 participants (40.0%) with the TT genotype; 31 (38.8%) with the AT genotype; and 17 (21.2%) with the AA genotype. Age, body characteristics, VO2peak, blood pressure and blood variables were similar across all three genotypes. However, serum insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were associated with the FTO rs9939609 genotype with higher values in AA with respect to AT and TT participants (p Conclusions: In our sample of healthy individuals, the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was associated with several phenotypes associated with obesity and insulin resistance, particularly under the AA vs. T allele/recessive model. However, the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was not associated with MFO during exercise as fat oxidation was similar across genotypes. This suggests that reduced fat oxidation during exercise is unlikely to be a cause of the obesogenic influence of the FTO AA genotype. Clinically, these findings suggest that the obesogenic effects of the FTO AA genotype are unlikely driven by impaired fat oxidation during exercise. Instead, attention should focus on mechanisms like appetite regulation and energy intake. Moreover, exercise interventions may still effectively mitigate obesity risk, as AA individuals retain normal fat oxidation capacity during exercise.</p
The medical doctor (degree) apprenticeship
No full textIn this article we explore the United Kingdom context of apprenticeships and the history of development of the use of the term apprentice in medicine. We describe the development of the Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship (MDDA) in England and how Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has approached the development of the MDDA. We explore the rationale for developing the MDDA in Essex, the structure of the apprenticeship at ARU (which comprises 20% of employed time in NHS work and 80% in education undertaking the medical degree), the challenges and issues we encountered and mitigations we put in place. We describe the importance of stakeholder engagement (especially with direct entry medical students, medical professionals, and members of the university staff). The role of the employer is critical to the development and delivery of MDDA. The important role of regulators in developing and monitoring MDDA is the complexity of funding arrangements. Finally, we offer reflections on the development journey thus far.</p
The missing pieces: an investigation into the parallels between Charles Bonnet, phantom limb and tinnitus syndromes
No full textCharles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a condition characterised by visual hallucinations of varying complexity on a background of vision loss. CBS research has gained popularity only in recent decades, despite evidence dating back to 1760. Knowledge of CBS among both the patient and professional populations unfortunately remains poor, and little is known of its underlying pathophysiology. CBS parallels two other better-known conditions that occur as a result of sensory loss: phantom limb syndrome (PLS) (aberrant sensation of the presence of a missing limb) and tinnitus (aberrant sensation of sound). As ‘phantom’ conditions, CBS, PLS and tinnitus share sensory loss as a precipitating factor, and, as subjective perceptual phenomena, face similar challenges to investigations. Thus far, these conditions have been studied separately from each other. This review aims to bridge the conceptual gap between CBS, PLS and tinnitus and seek common lessons between them. It considers the current knowledge base of CBS and explores the extent to which an understanding of PLS and tinnitus could provide valuable insights into the pathology of CBS (including the roles of cortical reorganisation, emotional and cognitive factors), and towards identifying effective potential management for CBS.</p
An investigation into water quality monitoring models using remote sensing
No full textRemote sensing has been used to analyse water quality since its inception. With recent breakthroughs in machine learning and satellite technology, researchers have begun to take a deeper look at the process as a viable alternative to traditional methods for water quality analysis. This study offers a systematic review of articles in which numerous researchers collectively analysed 26,160 water samples and developed 329 equations through various mathematical models that assess 13 distinct environmental parameters. The aim of this study is to better understand how researchers have addressed the challenges of creating suitable models that use remote sensing data and to identify trends or consensus on water quality parameters. This research delves deeper into the creation of these models to examine the various statistical approaches and their performance by investigating individual mathematical models in the literature. This research also explores the usage and application of various satellite bands for water quality monitoring. Key findings include a detailed examination of the spectral regions utilized by each model, reliance on band ratios, the impact of limited data, an assessment of the literature’s strengths and limitations, and recommendations for future directions.</p
Association of chronic exercise with markers on cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground: The impact of chronic exercise on cardiometabolic risk is a crucial aspect of public health. However, limited knowledge exists regarding differences in cardiometabolic parameters between older athletes, older controls, and sedentary or active young controls.Methods: A comprehensive search in major databases until October 2024 was conducted for studies comparing older athletes with older controls or with both sedentary and active younger adults. Mean differences (MDs) with 95 % confidence intervals were used for data reporting.Results: From 25,910 screened studies, 61 studies including 75 cohorts were deemed of good quality, encompassing 1393 older athletes, 1369 older controls, 402 young sedentary controls, and 283 young active individuals. In comparison to older controls, older athletes exhibited significantly improved vascular parameters (systolic [MD=-5.04 mmHg] and diastolic [MD=-2.03 mmHg] blood pressure), cardiac (heart rate frequency [MD=-10.41 bpm]), and metabolic parameters (serum cholesterol profile). Conversely, when compared to young sedentary controls, older athletes displayed a less favorable blood pressure and metabolic (cholesterol, glucose) profile. Similar trends were observed when comparing older athletes to young active controls. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses suggested that exercise lasting over 30 years might offer partial benefits for several markers of cholesterol and VO2max.Conclusions: Long-term exercise is linked to a more optimal cardiometabolic profile, although it may not fully replicate the metabolic and cardiovascular health markers observed in younger individuals.</p
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