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Child observation is a critical component of quality pedagogy in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The ORICL (Observe, Reflect, Improve Children’s Learning) tool was co-designed by ECEC researchers, policymakers, leaders, and practitioners to support this work. Educators rate the experiences of individual children, and responses of educators and peers on 118 items across five domains. In this study of the utility of ORICL, the tool was used by 21 educators across 12 ECEC services for a total of 66 children. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to determine how educators used the full range of the ORICL rating scale, and the psychometric properties of the tool were explored. Findings suggest that the ORICL items can be readily observed and rated by educators for children aged under 3 years, the rating scale is appropriate, and there is early evidence to support the domain structure of the tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the relative productivity of primary medical services in England and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on productivity levels. Setting: Primary medical services for 59 million patients (98% of the population in England), in 101 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), across two time periods: period 1, pre-pandemic, April to December 2019 and period 2, pandemic, April to December 2020. Methods: We use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess relative productivity with four input measures (the number of full-time equivalent general practitioners, nurses, other direct patient contact staff and administrators), and five output measures (face-to-face appointments, remote consultations, home visits, referrals to secondary care and prescriptions). Our units of analysis were CCGs. DEA assigns an efficiency score to a CCG, taking a value between 0 and 100%, by benchmarking it against the most productive CCGs. We use Tobit regression to examine the association between productivity and other factors. Results: The mean bias-corrected efficiency score of primary medical services in CCGs was 92.9% (interquartile range 92.0% to 95.7%) in period 1, falling to 90.6% (interquartile range 86.8% to 95.2%) in period 2. In period 1, CCGs with a higher proportion of registered patients aged over 65 years, higher levels of deprivation, lower levels of disease prevalence, higher nurse to GP ratios and higher GP to other direct patient contact staff ratios, achieved statistically significantly higher general practice efficiency scores (p < 0.05). In period 2, only the ratio of GP to other direct patient contact staff was associated with efficiency scores (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our analysis indicates only modest geographic variation in productivity of primary medical services when measured at the level of clinical commissioning groups and a small reduction in productivity during the pandemic. Further work to establish relative productivity of individual GP practices is warranted once sufficient data on appointment rates by GP practice is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare, hereditary, metabolic disorder. FCS causes high levels of triglycerides in the blood, which can lead to abdominal pain, xanthomas, and acute pancreatitis (AP). Volanesorsen, along with adherence to a very low-fat diet is used to reduce triglyceride levels in individuals with FCS. We aimed to understand the symptoms of FCS and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Interviews were conducted with individuals with genetically confirmed FCS in the UK and Spain, some of whom had been treated with volanesorsen. Interview guides were developed with input from a patient advocacy group to explore the symptoms, impacts and management of FCS. Interviews were conducted by telephone and were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and saturation was recorded. Results: Seventeen interviews were conducted with individuals with FCS (aged 27–68 years), thirteen of whom were currently/previously treated with volanesorsen. Episodes of AP were the most impactful reported symptom, resulting in severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating and appetite loss. Other symptoms and functional issues included abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired cognitive function and fatigue. These had an impact on work, social activities, relationships and psychological wellbeing. These symptoms and impacts were illustrated in a conceptual model, including management strategies. The challenges of managing a low-fat diet and experience with volanesorsen were discussed. Conclusion: Individuals with FCS experience a range of interrelated symptoms and functional limitations which impact their broader HRQoL. Treatments which alleviate symptoms and reduce the incidence of AP episodes have the potential to improve the HRQoL of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Preschool teachers can deliver rhythm and movement interventions. • Rhythm and movement intervention effective for self-regulation growth in preschool. • Intervention showed marginal positive impact for executive function of inhibition. • Scaling up of music therapy informed preschool programs promising. Self-regulation skills are an important predictor of school readiness and early school achievement. Research identifies that experiences of early stress in disadvantaged households can affect young children's brain architecture, often manifested in poor self-regulatory functioning. While there are documented benefits of coordinated movement activities and music education to improve self-regulation, few interventions have focused exclusively on rhythmic movement activities within a universal preschool setting. This study investigated the effectiveness of a preschool intervention, delivered across eight weeks by generalist preschool teachers, which focused on coordinated rhythmic movement with music to improve self-regulation and executive function. The program is known as Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR). The study involved 213 children across eight preschools in disadvantaged communities. The intervention group received 16 to 20 sessions of a rhythm and movement program over eight weeks, while the control group undertook the usual preschool program. Primary outcome measures were executive function and self-regulation with secondary outcomes being school readiness and visual motor integration. Children across the study had baseline measures demonstrating substantial self-regulation and executive function challenges when compared to norms on these measures. Post intervention, significant intervention effects were found for self-regulation and importantly, fidelity and teacher report measures show that it is feasible for educators without any music background to deliver the program. These findings are important given that children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are both more likely to need support for self-regulation to support school transition and have inequitable access to quality music and movement programs. This study confirms that universal access to this beneficial approach can be created through building capacity in early childhood educators. This trial was registered pre-recruitment with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001342101. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the application of machine learning techniques to the large-scale human expert evaluation of the impact of academic research. Using publicly available impact case study data from the UK's Research Excellence Framework (2014), we trained five machine learning models on a range of qualitative and quantitative features, including institution, discipline, narrative style (explicit and implicit), and bibliometric and policy indicators. Our work makes two key contributions. Based on the accuracy metric in predicting high- and low-scoring impact case studies, it shows that machine learning models are able to process information to make decisions that resemble those of expert evaluators. It also provides insights into the characteristics of impact case studies that would be favoured if a machine learning approach was applied for their automated assessment. The results of the experiments showed strong influence of institutional context, selected metrics of narrative style, as well as the uptake of research by policy and academic audiences. Overall, the study demonstrates promise for a shift from descriptive to predictive analysis, but suggests caution around the use of machine learning for the assessment of impact case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Crohn's anal fistula (CAF) is a complex condition, with no agreement on which patient characteristics should be routinely reported in studies. The aim of this study was to develop a core descriptor set of key patient characteristics for reporting in all CAF research. Method: Candidate descriptors were generated from published literature and stakeholder suggestions. Colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and specialist nurses in inflammatory bowel disease took part in three rounds of an international modified Delphi process using nine‐point Likert scales to rank the importance of descriptors. Feedback was provided between rounds to allow refinement of the next ratings. Patterns in descriptor voting were assessed using principal component analysis (PCA). Resulting PCA groups were used to organize items in rounds two and three. Consensus descriptors were submitted to a patient panel for feedback. Items meeting predetermined thresholds were included in the final set and ratified at the consensus meeting. Results: One hundred and thirty three respondents from 22 countries completed round one, of whom 67.0% completed round three. Ninety seven descriptors were rated across three rounds in 11 PCA‐based groups. Forty descriptors were shortlisted. The consensus meeting ratified a core descriptor set of 37 descriptors within six domains: fistula anatomy, current disease activity and phenotype, risk factors, medical interventions for CAF, surgical interventions for CAF, and patient symptoms and impact on quality of life. Conclusion: The core descriptor set proposed for all future CAF research reflects characteristics important to gastroenterologists and surgeons. This might aid transparent reporting in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most recently, Kantor was chosen as the principal designer for the redesign of two of our biggest brand identities: the GIA corporate logo and the I Gather i - I Fourth Edition i hymnal. All this work we did to refresh the GIA brand is a good case study for how branding can be used to elevate the reader's assumptions about I their own i church community brands. Keywords: Branding; hymnal; GIA Publications; promise; symbol EN Branding hymnal GIA Publications promise symbol 3 10 8 09/14/23 20230401 NES 230401 It was heavy in my hands, that first hymnal. [Extracted from the article]

There is substantial evidence confirming that children who begin school with strong developmental skills tend to maintain positive academic trajectories across the elementary school years. Much less is known about children who begin school with poorer developmental competencies yet go on to achieve academically on par with, or above, their initially more competent peers, demonstrating academic resilience. This study used a large population dataset, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n = 2,118) to identify children who demonstrated academic resilience between school entry and third grade, and the child, parenting, and school characteristics associated with this resilience. Findings show that two in five children who were initially identified as academically vulnerable on a school entry measure of language and cognitive skills were classified as academically resilient by Grade 3. In multivariate analysis, higher attentional regulation and receptive vocabulary skills were key factors associated with academic resilience in reading and numeracy, along with paternal consistency (for reading resilience) and fewer sleep problems (for numeracy resilience). Bivariate relations (ANOVAs) showed that resilient children, when compared to children who remained vulnerable, also showed fewer peer problems, fewer behavioral sleep problems, higher levels of parenting consistency and lower levels of parenting anger by mothers and fathers, higher levels of parental engagement in children's school, and higher levels of teacher self-efficacy. Supporting resilient pathways for children who are identified as vulnerable at school entry should include a particular focus on vocabulary development and attentional regulation, along with social skills and peer relationships, school-based parental engagement, and positive parenting support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse‐prevention intervention for people experiencing major depression. Three qualitative meta‐syntheses investigating experiences of taking part in MBCT and/or Mindfulness‐based Stress Reduction (MBSR) across different diagnostic populations reported themes including control, choice, group processes, relationships and struggles. As multiple studies have been published since, we aimed to update, systematically review and synthesize the experiences of participants with depression taking part in MBCT. Methods: Four databases were searched systematically (PsycInfo, Web of Science, Medline and CINAHL) up to and including 12 November 2021. Twenty‐one qualitative studies met the review criteria. All papers were rated as fair using a quality appraisal tool. Meta‐ethnography was applied. Results: Across 21 studies of participants with current or previous depression who had participated in MBCT, three overarching themes were developed: 'Becoming skilled and taking action', 'Acceptance' and 'Ambivalence and Variability'. Participants became skilled through engagement in mindfulness practices, reporting increased awareness, perspective and agency over their experiences. Participants developed acceptance towards their experiences, self and others. There was variability and ambivalence regarding participants' expectations and difficulties within mindfulness practices. Limitations: Many studies were conducted in MBCT‐research centres that may hold conflicts of interest. Many studies did not address the impact of the participant–researcher relationship thus potentially affecting their interpretations. Studies were skewed towards the experiences of female participants. Conclusions: Our findings help to enhance participant confidence in MBCT, alongside understanding the processes of change and the potential for difficulties. MBCT is beneficial and provides meaningful change for many but remains challenging for some. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a perspective on the availability of multidisciplinary wound care services in the community under the national wound care strategy of the United Kingdom (UK). Emphasis is given on the need to consider other wound types as well as the role of allied health professionals (AHP) in skin integrity and wound care. Emphasis is given on the need to reflect the representation of AHP in primary and community care services by providing the multidisciplinary team approach.

This paper focuses on understanding how displaced people perceive dignity. In doing so, empirical evidence from the displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, now living in Bangladeshi camps, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan are contrasted with how dignity is being conceptualised in existing social science literature. In most traditional models or theories of dignity, one's lived experience is absent, ignored or presumed by the theorist. This paper demonstrates that the common and traditional approaches that ignore the importance, experience and perception of dignity (and loss of it) from the perspective of the 'victim' group are, in effect, engaging in an act of denial – imposing the view and perspective of the powerful on the experience of the vulnerable, denying their voice. Rohingyas in Bangladesh and IDPs in Afghanistan are presented as two interesting case studies in understanding and revisiting existing conceptualisations of dignity through a bottom-up approach. Arguments presented in this paper enable us to view dignity through the lens of the affected, vulnerable and victimised people. It is argued that, for effective and sustainable resolutions for these vulnerable groups, such a view can inform national, regional and international policymakers, allowing them to become conscious of dignity from the perspective of the displaced people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the associations among emotional regulation in mothers and fathers and preschool children's physical and relational aggression using a Hong Kong Chinese sample. This study also explored whether child gender would moderate the association between parental emotional regulation strategies and children's physical and relational aggression. Participants were 168 children aged 4–6 years. Parents reported on their own emotional regulation approaches and kindergarten class teachers rated children's aggression 6 months later. Path analyses showed that higher levels of reappraisal and lower levels of suppression by mothers was associated with higher levels of child relational aggression. There were no significant associations among fathers' emotional regulation and children's aggression. Results from multi-group analysis showed that there were no significant moderation of the associations by child gender. Results highlight the importance of mothers' emotional regulation in child aggression and suggest that the maladaptive consequences of emotional suppression are culturally relative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing evidence highlighting the link between psychological factors such as self-esteem, self-efficacy and optimism on employability outcomes, this paper reports an evaluation of a unique student experience initiative called 'Life Design' developed to support the professional and personal development of undergraduate students. First year undergraduates engaged in a two-hour workshop involving interactive exercises designed to foster self-reflection, self-efficacy, and career optimism. The impact of this workshop on validated self-report measures of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and optimism, alongside career-related outcomes was explored using a prospective longitudinal design. Analyses revealed a significant immediate and sustained increase in self-esteem following Life Design, but no impact on self-efficacy or career optimism. Certainty of career developing steps increased at a later follow up, but no changes to career prospect confidence or career choice certainty were reported. This paper highlights the benefits and wider challenges of delivering and engaging students in initiatives designed to enhance employability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no singular way of measuring the value of research. There are multiple criteria of evaluation given by different fields, including academia but also others, such as policy, media, and application. One measure of value within the academy is citations, while indications of wider value are now offered by altmetrics. This study investigates research value using a novel design focusing on the World Bank, which illuminates the complex relationship between valuations given by metrics and by peer review. Three theoretical categories, representing the most extreme examples of value, were identified: 'exceptionals', highest in both citations and altmetrics; 'scholars', highest in citations and lowest in altmetrics; and 'influencers', highest in altmetrics and lowest in citations. Qualitative analysis of 18 interviews using abstracts from each category revealed key differences in ascribed characteristics and judgements. This article provides a novel conception of research value across fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological disorder associated with a range of symptoms and functional impairments. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of AADC deficiency across five different motor milestone health states.Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with AADC deficiency in Italy, Spain, Portugal and the United States. An interview guide was developed with input from clinical experts and caregivers, and explored the symptoms and impacts of AADC deficiency. Interviews were conducted by telephone and were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the symptoms and impacts were compared across health states.Results: Fourteen caregivers took part, who provided care to 13 individuals with AADC deficiency aged 1-15 years. Six individuals were in the 'no motor function' health state, one in the 'sitting unsupported' health state, one in the 'standing/stepping when fully supported' health state and five in the 'walking with minimal support' health state. The results highlight a substantial impact of AADC deficiency, even among those who were able to walk with minimal support. Overall, those with better motor function also had better functional hand use, communication skills, ability to eat and perform other activities independently, and interact with their peers. The burden of caring was high across all health states, but caregivers of individuals in the walking health state were better able to participate in social and leisure activities.Conclusion: Individuals with higher levels of motor function had less severe symptoms and were better able to perform their daily, leisure and social activities. Treatments which improve motor function have the potential to improve other aspects of the lives of individuals with AADC deficiency and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an 8‐week relapse‐prevention intervention designed for people who have experienced multiple episodes of depression and remain vulnerable to relapse. Previous qualitative explorations of the effects of MBCT for people in remission from depression have suggested a number of themes regarding changes arising from participating in MBCT ranging from awareness, agency, perspective, group processes, self‐related change, and new ways of understanding depression. We aimed to qualitatively explore how participants in remission from depression experienced MBCT both post‐MBCT and during a follow‐up period. Methods: In a preference‐choice trial design, 35 participants took part in qualitative interviews and assessments post‐MBCT and at three time points during a 12‐month follow‐up. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two overarching themes were developed as follows: (1) 'reconnection with experience, self, and others' and (2) 'acknowledging an ongoing process of change'. In theme one, sub‐themes captured participants' experiences of increasing levels of awareness of their experience (e.g., thoughts, emotions, sensations, and present moment) from which they described changes in their relationship with experience describing increases in control, choice, acceptance, and calm. Participants described shifts towards reconnection with aspects of the self and relationships with others. In theme two, sub‐themes reflected participants' conflict between avoidance and engagement in mindfulness practices, and the recognition of the gradual change following MBCT and long‐term investment needed in mindfulness practices. Conclusions: Our findings have clinical implications in terms of facilitating MBCT and point to important themes around recognizing the ongoing process of reconnection with experiences, self, and others. Practitioner points: Participants with histories of depression may have experienced disconnection and isolation from internal experiences (e.g., thoughts and emotions), self, and others; MBCT encourages a deliberate shift towards reconnection with these experiences.Practitioners could encourage more psychoeducation and discussions around depression during MBCT to encourage reflections on the process of reconnection.Practitioners should maintain an awareness of the ongoing, gradual processes of change and potential for conflict experienced during MBCTPractitioners could provide a stronger emphasis on building awareness of body sensations during MBCT, with suggestions provided in the discussion section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological condition, associated with a wide range of symptoms and functional issues, such as profound motor impairment and learning disability. Most individuals with AADC deficiency are completely dependent on their caregivers. This study explored the impact of caring for an individual with AADC deficiency. Qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with AADC deficiency in Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States. An interview guide was developed with input from clinical experts and caregivers and included questions on the impact of caring for an individual with AADC deficiency. Interviews were conducted by telephone/videoconference and were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Fourteen caregivers took part who provided care to 13 individuals with AADC deficiency aged 1–15 years. Caregivers reported that their lives centred around the individual with AADC deficiency, due to their need for 24-hour care and regular healthcare appointments. They reported both proximal impacts (impact on time, planning, physical health and emotional wellbeing), and distal impacts (impact on social/leisure activities, relationships, work and finances). These concepts and relationships were illustrated in a conceptual model. This is the first qualitative study to report on the experience of caring for an individual with AADC deficiency. Caregivers reported that caring had a substantial multifaceted impact on their lives. These findings highlight the importance of considering the caregiver experience when evaluating the burden of AADC deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological condition, with an estimated global prevalence of 1:32,000 to 1:90,000 live births. AADC deficiency is associated with a range of symptoms and functional impairments, but these have not previously been explored qualitatively. This study aimed to understand the symptoms of AADC deficiency and its impact on individuals' health-related quality of life. Qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with AADC deficiency in Italy, Spain, Portugal and the United States. An interview guide was developed with input from clinical experts and caregivers, and explored the symptoms and impacts of AADC deficiency. Interviews were conducted by telephone and were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and saturation was recorded. Fourteen caregivers took part, who provided care to 13 individuals with AADC deficiency aged 1–15 years. All individuals had impaired motor function, which was attributed to low muscle tone and muscle weakness. The level of motor function varied considerably, ranging from no motor function (no head control) to being able to take a few steps without support. Other impairments included cognitive impairment, communication difficulties, movement disorders (e.g. oculogyric crises), gastrointestinal symptoms, eating difficulties, fatigue and sleep disruption. Most individuals were completely dependent on their caregivers for all aspects of their lives. This limited function had a negative impact on their ability to socialise with their peers and on their emotional wellbeing. These concepts and relationships are illustrated in a conceptual model, and moderating factors (e.g. physiotherapy and medication) are discussed. This is the first qualitative study to report on the experience of living with AADC deficiency. Caregivers report individuals with AADC deficiency experience a wide range of symptoms and functional impairments, which have a substantial impact on their health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare disease caused by complement dysregulation that can lead to progressive kidney damage or death if untreated. Owing to its rarity, the impact of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and available therapies (eculizumab and ravulizumab) on patients' health-related quality of life is difficult to describe, but such data are required for an economic evaluation.Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate utility values for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome-related attributes in five countries for an economic evaluation.Methods: Using discrete choice experiment surveys, key atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome-related attributes (life expectancy, administration frequency, risk of meningitis, need for hospitalization, and risk of kidney impairment) were evaluated in adult general population samples from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK. Survey choice sets were constructed using a published orthogonal array. A mixed-effects logit model estimated preference strength for each attribute. Utilities were estimated using marginal substitution rates between overall survival and other attributes, weighted against average life expectancy.Results: Across all countries (N = 2382), utility weights revealed a consistent pattern: participants were averse to the risk of kidney impairment (disutility/utility weight range: -0.185 to -0.158), risk of meningitis (-0.041 to -0.032), and the need for hospitalization (-0.063 to -0.048), but preferred 8-weekly vs 2-weekly infusions over 1 h (0.013-0.039).Conclusions: Although all attributes played a role in determining treatment preferences, the largest drivers were life expectancy and risk of kidney impairment. Participants favored 8-weekly dosing (corresponding to ravulizumab administration frequency) vs 2-weekly dosing. The discrete choice experiment was designed such that estimated (dis)utility weights can be used in future cost-effectiveness models in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As science becomes an increasingly crucial resource for addressing complex challenges in society, extensive demands are placed upon the researchers who produce it. Creating valuable expert knowledge that intervenes in policy or practice requires knowledge brokers to facilitate interactions at the boundary between research and policy. Yet, existing research lacks a compelling account of the ways in which brokerage is performed to gain credibility. Drawing on mixed‐method analysis of 12 policy research settings, I outline a novel set of strategies for attaining symbolic power, whereby policy experts position themselves and others via conceptual distances drawn between the "world of ideas" and the "world of policy and practice." Disciplinary distance works to situate research as either disciplinary or undisciplinary, epistemic distance creates a boundary between complex specialist research and direct digestible outputs, temporal distance represents the separation of slow rigorous research and agile responsive analysis, and economic distance situates research as either pure and intrinsic or marketable and fundable. I develop a theoretical account that unpacks the boundaries between research communities and shows how these boundaries permit policy research actors to achieve various strategic aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current studies examined the relative contribution of shape and colour in object representations in memory. A great deal of evidence points to the significance of shape in object recognition, with the role of colour being instrumental under certain circumstances. A key but yet unanswered question concerns the contribution of colour relative to shape in mediating retrieval of object representations from memory. Two experiments (N=80) used a new method to probe episodic memory for objects and revealed the relative contribution of colour and shape in recognition memory. Participants viewed pictures of objects from different categories, presented one at a time. During a practice phase, participants performed yes/no recognition with some of the studied objects and their distractors. Unpractised objects shared shape only (Rp–Shape), colour only (Rp–Colour), shape and colour (Rp–Both), or neither shape nor colour (Rp–Neither), with the practised objects. Interference effects in memory between practised and unpractised items were revealed in the forgetting of related unpractised items – retrieval-induced forgetting. Retrieval-induced forgetting was consistently significant for Rp–Shape and Rp–Colour objects. These findings provide converging evidence that colour is an automatically encoded object property, and present new evidence that both shape and colour act simultaneously and effectively to drive retrieval of objects from long-term memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of knowledge production involves negotiating several social worlds, whereby actors engage in positioning and repositioning to situate their intellectual labour and gain symbolic resources. This article considers the strategic positioning of policy research actors using interview and document data. It sets out the ways in which individual and institutional actors negotiate and situate their intellectual practice in order to gain capital from a range of relevant fields. The article considers how organisations position themselves in relation to other institutions, and how individual researchers position themselves vis-a-vis their own organisations and others in the hybrid space between more established fields. It demonstrates how identities are constructed in a relational way via comparison and juxtaposition in the liminal space of international development. In doing so, it directs attention to the strategic practices involved in the production of meaningful intellectual interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the development and psychometric testing of a new questionnaire to measure the burden of immunoglobulin treatment (Ig) from the perspective of patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PID). Patients and Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was administered to PID patients across 10 countries (nine European and Canada) who were receiving either intravenous (IVIg) or subcutaneous (SCIg) immunoglobulin therapy. The range and distribution of the responses (ie, levels of missing data, floor and ceiling effects), exploratory factor analysis (using factor loadings of 0.4 or greater) and measures of internal consistency reliability (ie, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, inter-item and item-total correlations) were used to identify the domain and item pool. Results: In total, 472 patients completed the questionnaire, of which 395 were included in the analysis (32% underwent IVIg and 67% underwent SCIg). The final instrument contained 34 items across eight domains of treatment burden (time, organisation and planning, leisure and social, interpersonal relationships, employment and education, travel, consequences of treatment and emotional) and an additional Ig treatment burden global question at the end of the measure. All the scales achieved good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.70 to 0.85) and, with the exception of one item exceeded the minimum threshold of 0.35 for item-total correlations. Treatment burden was lower than anticipated across the different treatment routes and countries, although overall was more burdensome for patients undergoing IVIg compared to SCIg treatment. Conclusion: The IgBoT-35 appears to be a reliable, patient-generated questionnaire and may help to identify more individualised and preferred therapies for the PID patient when used in clinical practice. A new survey with a sample of US patients is currently being undertaken to further establish its validity and conceptual model. The overall Ig burden of treatment scores appeared to be low. PID patient preferences are important to guide treatment decisions and ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most familiar odors are complex mixtures of volatile molecules, which the olfactory system automatically synthesizes into a perceptual whole. However, odors are rarely encountered in isolation; thus, the brain must also separate distinct odor objects from complex and variable backgrounds. In vision, autistic traits are associated with superior performance in tasks that require focus on the local features of a perceptual scene. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the same advantage was observed in the analysis of olfactory scenes. To do this, we compared the ability of 1) 40 young adults (aged 16–35) with high (n = 20) and low levels of autistic traits and 2) 20 children (aged 7–11), with (n = 10) and without an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, to identify individual odor objects presented within odor mixtures. First, we used a 4-alternative forced choice task to confirm that both adults and children were able to reliably identify 8 blended fragrances, representing food-related odors, when presented individually. We then used the same forced choice format to test participants' ability to identify the odors when they were combined in either binary or ternary mixtures. Adults with high levels of autistic traits showed superior performance on binary but not ternary mixture trials, whereas children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis outperformed age-matched neurotypical peers, irrespective of mixture complexity. These findings indicate that the local processing advantages associated with high levels of autistic traits in visual tasks are also apparent in a task requiring analytical processing of odor mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How research is assessed affects what types of knowledge are valued, incentivized, and rewarded. An increasingly important element of contemporary research evaluation is the measurement of the wider impact of research (e.g. benefit to society, culture or economy). Although the measurement of impact has been highly contested, the area is under-theorized and dominated by pragmatic research policy imperatives. Informed by a sociological perspective, this article intervenes in this context by reframing research impact as the attainment and maintenance of capital (i.e. symbolic power or status) in various fields beyond academia. It argues that research impact occurs at the intersection of these fields of power. The article shows that impact involves various combinations of capital from the scholarly field, the field of politics, the field of application, the media field, and the economic field, which provide credibility, authority, utility, visibility, and weight, respectively. In exploring the forms of worth and value that underpin the pursuit of legitimacy in these fields, the article provides a new theoretical framework for understanding research impact and its assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The informatics moment is the moment when a person seeks help in using some digital technology that is new to him or her. This article examines the informatics moment in people's everyday lives as they sought help at a branch public library. Four types of literacy were involved: basic literacy (reading and writing), computer literacy (use of a mouse, buying a computer), library literacy (navigating online catalogs and databases), and domain literacy (most commonly and urgently, looking for work in a world where practically all job postings and applications are online). Social capital is also associated with many of these informatics moments: people seek help from those with enough skill who are close at hand, approachable, and familiar, and they collaborate with others in their networks to do so. Understanding the informatics moment could accelerate people's (and society's) anxious transition to an inclusive digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of 'penal drift' – the gradual adoption of criminal justice culture, language, and working practices – in voluntary sector organisations (VSOs) commissioned to deliver services to offenders. It identifies increases in coerced attendance, obligations to report non‐compliance, targets to reduce reoffending, and contracts to 'process' high caseloads, as factors behind such drift, which can jeopardise relationships with service users and the sector's traditional 'value‐driven' approach. It is concluded that most VSOs have so far managed to resist these threats and to balance contractual obligations with adherence to core values. However, this comes at a cost in staff time and energy and is difficult to sustain. There are concerns that the longer‐term effects may be quite damaging to the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruitment to and outcomes from a pilot randomised study of the IncoStress device as an adjunct to conservative treatment for urinary incontinence. Methods: Women with urinary incontinence were randomised on a 2:1 basis to usual care (control) or usual care plus use of the IncoStress device (intervention). Process outcomes (retention and compliance) were recorded plus symptom outcomes (IQOL and ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaires). A sample of participants took part in an interview to understand the frequency of use of the device and satisfaction. Results: Eighty women (51 intervention, 29 control) were recruited. Follow-up responses were obtained from 34 intervention group (66.7%) and 17 (58.6%) control patients. Women used the device for a median 3 days a week (0–7), 18 out of 34 (53%) found it easy to use and 21 (61.8%) were satisfied with the device. Median IQOL score in the intervention group improved from a baseline of 42.4 (0–94) to 68.2 (5–98) at follow-up and in the control group from 45.5 (0–88) to 53.0 (0–94). Median ICIQ-FLUTS score in the intervention group improved from 14.5 (6–35) to 12.5 (4–26) and in the control group from 15.0 (5–35) to 14.0 (6–38). Conclusions: Recruitment and randomisation were feasible and robust. This study demonstrates that a large-scale RCT is feasible and the IncoStress has potential value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored longitudinal and bidirectional associations among behavioral sleep problems and self-regulation difficulties across the elementary school years. Analyses drew data from the Kindergarten Cohort (N = 4983) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) across five data waves, when children were aged 4–13 years (49% female, 86% English-speaking). Cross-lagged structural equation models revealed significant bidirectional associations, with greater sleep problems consistently predicting classroom self-regulation two years later, while poorer self-regulation predicted later sleep problems only at certain time points. Greater behavioral sleep problems were associated with poorer post-elementary achievement and social-emotional wellbeing, while stronger classroom self-regulation skills supported more positive outcomes in these constructs. Findings indicate strong developmental associations among sleep problems and dysregulation. • Across 4- to 13-years of age, sleep problems consistently predicted poorer classroom self-regulation two years later. • Poorer self-regulation predicted later sleep problems only at certain time points. • Fewer behavioral sleep problems and stronger self-regulation were linked with better longer-term outcomes. • Intervening early in school on sleep problems and self-regulation has potential to boost achievement and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The heterogeneity in data quality presented in studies regarding Crohn's anal fistula (CAF) limit extrapolation into clinical practice. The ENiGMA collaborators established a core descriptor set to standardize reporting of CAF. The aim of this work was to quantify the use of these descriptors in recent literature. Method: We completed a systematic review of PubMed and the Cochrane Library, extracting publications from the past 10 years specific to the clinical interventions and outcomes of CAF, and reported in line with PRISMA guidance. Each article was assessed for inclusion of ENiGMA descriptors. The median number of descriptors per publication was evaluated along with the overall frequency of each individual descriptor. Use of ENiGMA descriptors was compared between medical and procedural publications. Results: Ninety publications were included. The median number of descriptors was 15 of 37; 16 descriptors were used in over half of the publications while 17 were used in fewer than a third. Descriptors were more frequently used in procedural (n = 16) than medical publications (n = 14) (p = 0.031). In procedural publications, eight descriptors were more frequently used including Faecal incontinence, Number of previous fistula interventions, Presence and severity of anorectal stenosis and Current proctitis. Medical publications were more likely to include Previous response to biological therapy and Duration and type of current course of biological therapy. Conclusion: With many descriptors being used infrequently and variations between medical and procedural literature, the colorectal community should assess the need for all 37 descriptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported playgroups are community-based services that provide low intensity family support, through regular group sessions for parents and their young children. Led by a playgroup facilitator, the program aims to enrich children’s early learning, enhance positive parenting behaviors, provide social connections for parents, and enable access to other community services. Despite high community acceptance and government investment, little is known about the extent to which such services are effective. This paper reports findings from a systematic review of research on supported playgroups and their effectiveness to improve child, parent, and community outcomes. Thirty-four studies were included, of which 28 were conducted in Australia. Programs targeted a diverse range of families who were considered socially disadvantaged. Seven studies employed experimental or quasi-experimental designs from which reliable evidence for effectiveness could be established. A high proportion of studies were qualitative and included action research, case studies, or ethnographies. A range of qualitative and quantitative measures were used to assess child, parent, and community outcomes. While findings suggested that supported playgroup programs were highly valued by parents and other stakeholders, rigorous evidence of effectiveness for achieving desired improvements in child outcomes or parenting behavior was rare and limited by low quality study designs. More explicit theories of change about how different types of supported playgroup programs can meet diverse family needs are required. Such theories of change would provide directions for specific content and delivery approaches that could address and improve different child and parent outcomes targeted to specific populations of attending families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy-oriented expert knowledge is increasingly applied, collaborative and socially accountable, created in a variety of organisations and institutions that display a diversity of funding patterns with a wide range of requirements and expectations. Given the complexities of knowledge production and recent changes in its funding environment (e.g. mode and availability of research funding and evaluation), few existing theoretical elaborations consider tensions between structural funding conditions and intellectual production in policy research contexts. This paper examines the role of funding in shaping the policy issues, format and content of intellectual output across two research contexts (universities, think tanks). It sets out a theoretical and methodological approach to understand the link between funding modalities and the type of knowledge and intellectual interventions they facilitate or thwart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent NHS initiatives aim to increase the implementation of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). We highlight considerations for maintaining integrity whilst increasing access through an enhanced understanding of the complexity of MBCT, teacher training requirements, good practice guidelines, and the evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a systematic review of the evolution of research impact assessment in Australia and the UK. We consider its inception and detail the development of relevant policy and procedures in each country. The article sets out the results of a comparative analysis of public policy documents, newspaper commentary, and academic literature in both countries. We examined the differences and commonalities between the two nations, revealing evaluation criteria and uncovering justifications for the adoption of impact assessment. The article highlights the convergence and divergence of the two countries' policy and procedures, as well as the political and bureaucratic contexts that have shaped their design and implementation. The article shows that the synergistic, intermittent, and iterative development of relevant policy and procedures in the two nations has been mutually beneficial for the evolution of retrospective impact assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined bidirectional relationships between maternal feeding practices and child food responsiveness and satiety responsiveness from 2 to 5 years. Methods: Mothers (N = 207) reported their own feeding practices and child eating behaviours using validated questionnaires at child ages 2, 3.7, and 5 years. Cross-lagged analyses were conducted to test for bidirectional effects, adjusting for child BMI z-score (based on measured weight and height) at 14 months. Results: Eating behaviours and feeding practices showed strong continuity across the three time points. Maternal feeding practices (higher reward for behaviour [β =0.12, p = 0.025] and lower covert restriction [β = -0.14, p =0.008]) were prospectively associated with higher food responsiveness. Conversely, increased child satiety responsiveness was primarily prospectively associated with mothers' feeding practices (increased structured meal timing [β =0.11, p = 0.038], overt [β =0.14, p = 0.010] and covert restriction [β =0.11, p = 0.022]). The only exception was family meal setting, which was prospectively negatively associated with satiety responsiveness (β = -0.11, p =0.035). Conclusion: While maternal feeding practices and child satiety and food responsiveness show strong continuity between child age 2 and 5 years, maternal feeding practices appear to be associated with child food responsiveness over time. Conversely, child satiety responsiveness, but not food responsiveness, may also be associated with maternal feeding practices over time. These results are consistent with interventions that provide feeding advice to parents on how to respond appropriately to individual child eating behaviour phenotype. Trial registration: ACTRN12608000056392. Registered 29 January 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimTo examine how the introduction of intensive community support (ICS) affected admissions to community hospital (CH) and to explore the views of patients, carers and health professionals on this transition.BackgroundICS was introduced to provide an alternative to CH provision for patients (mostly very elderly) requiring general rehabilitation.MethodRoutine data from both services were analysed to identify the number of admissions and length of stay between September 2012 and September 2014. In total, 10 patients took part in qualitative interviews. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were undertaken with 19 staff members, including managers and clinicians.FindingsThere were 5653 admissions to CH and 1710 to ICS between September 2012 and September 2014. In the five months before the introduction of ICS, admission rates to CH were on average 217/month; in the final five months of the study, when both services were fully operational, average numbers of patients admitted were: CH 162 (a 25% reduction), ICS 97, total 259 (a 19% increase). Patients and carers rated both ICS and CH favourably compared with acute hospital care. Those who had experienced both services felt each to be appropriate at the time; they appreciated the 24 h availability of staff in CH when they were more dependent, and the convenience of being at home after they had improved. In general, staff welcomed the introduction of ICS and appreciated the advantages of home-based rehabilitation. Managers had a clearer vision of ICS than staff on the ground, some of whom felt underprepared to work in the community. There was a consensus that ICS was managing less complex and dependent patients than had been envisaged.ConclusionICS can provide a feasible adjunct to CH that is acceptable to patients. More work is needed to promote the vision of ICS amongst staff in both community and acute sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Little is known about the experiences of people with HIV in the small island nation of Timor-Leste. This study explored the HIV-related stigma experiences of adults aged between 18 and 40 living with HIV in Dili, Timor-Leste. Participants were interviewed on topics related to living with HIV, both as key informants describing the experience of others with HIV known to them, and also with respect to their own personal experiences. Findings suggest that people with HIV in Timor-Leste face stigma and discrimination in various contexts. In this predominantly Catholic country, perceptions of HIV and attitudes towards people with HIV appear to be commonly shaped by religious beliefs. In families and communities, participants encountered gossip, social exclusion and threats of violence. In health settings, participants experienced discrimination from health providers in the form of failing to maintain confidentiality and inappropriate treatment. The impact of stigma was profoundly negative and influenced participants' decision to disclose their status to others. Participants attributed stigma to a lack of information about HIV among the general public. Unless stigma reduction interventions also address the Church's role in shaping perceptions of HIV, education campaigns are unlikely to be effective in reducing HIV-related stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article documents the longitudinal and reciprocal relations among behavioral sleep problems and emotional and attentional self-regulation in a population sample of 4,109 children participating inGrowing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC)–Infant Cohort. Maternal reports of children’s sleep problems and self-regulation were collected at five time-points from infancy to 8–9 years of age. Longitudinal structural equation modeling supported a developmental cascade model in which sleep problems have a persistent negative effect on emotional regulation, which in turn contributes to ongoing sleep problems and poorer attentional regulation in children over time. Findings suggest that sleep behaviors are a key target for interventions that aim to improve children’s self-regulatory capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The degree to which a true gender gap exists in mathematics achievement is still debated, and empirically-supported explanations for any gap rarely address very early childhood self-regulatory pathways. This study examines whether mathematics achievement at 8–9 years differs by gender, how achievement is associated with self-regulatory pathways beginning at 2–3 years of age, and whether these pathways differ by gender. Participants were 5107 children involved in the nationally-representative Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Boys outperformed girls in mathematics achievement and girls generally had better early attentional and emotional regulation. Path analysis revealed that attentional regulation was directly associated with mathematics achievement from 4 to 5 years, and emotional regulation was indirectly associated. These self-regulatory pathways to mathematics achievement were not moderated by gender. We discuss the implications for further research and new approaches to early years mathematics education that embed self-regulatory support and development for all children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children's sleep problems and self-regulation problems have been independently associated with poorer adjustment to school, but there has been limited exploration of longitudinal early childhood profiles that include both indicators. Aims This study explores the normative developmental pathway for sleep problems and self-regulation across early childhood and investigates whether departure from the normative pathway is associated with later social-emotional adjustment to school. Sample This study involved 2,880 children participating in the Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children ( LSAC) - Infant Cohort from Wave 1 (0-1 years) to Wave 4 (6-7 years). Method Mothers reported on children's sleep problems, emotional, and attentional self-regulation at three time points from birth to 5 years. Teachers reported on children's social-emotional adjustment to school at 6-7 years. Latent profile analysis was used to establish person-centred longitudinal profiles. Results Three profiles were found. The normative profile (69%) had consistently average or higher emotional and attentional regulation scores and sleep problems that steadily reduced from birth to 5 years. The remaining 31% of children were members of two non-normative self-regulation profiles, both characterized by escalating sleep problems across early childhood and below mean self-regulation. Non-normative group membership was associated with higher teacher-reported hyperactivity and emotional problems, and poorer classroom self-regulation and prosocial skills. Conclusion Early childhood profiles of self-regulation that include sleep problems offer a way to identify children at risk of poor school adjustment. Children with escalating early childhood sleep problems should be considered an important target group for school transition interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Little is known about the trajectory of health and well-being from before to after a cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to examine changes in health and well-being across three time points (0-2 years before a cancer diagnosis, 0-2 years post-diagnosis and 2-4 years post-diagnosis) in individuals receiving a new cancer diagnosis, and at matched time points in a cancer-free comparison group.Methods: Data were from waves 1-6 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to examine differences in self-rated health, mobility impairments, activities of daily living impairments, quality of life, depressive symptoms and life satisfaction by group and time, and group-by-time interactions.Results: Of the 4565 participants with data from three time points, 444 (9.7%) reported a new cancer diagnosis. Those in the cancer group reported poorer self-rated health (p < .001), quality of life (p < .001) and life satisfaction (p < .01) than participants in the comparison group, and a higher proportion reported depressive symptoms (p < .001) and impairments in mobility (p < .001) and activities of daily living (p < .001). All markers of health and well-being worsened significantly over time. The group-by-time interaction was significant for self-rated health (p < .001), with a greater decline in health over time in the cancer group.Conclusions: Cancer survivors in this sample had poorer health and well-being than those with no diagnosis, and self-rated health deteriorated more rapidly following a cancer diagnosis. Screening for these factors around the time of a cancer diagnosis could allow for interventions to be targeted effectively and improve the health and well-being of cancer survivors. © 2015 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospective studies and intervention evaluations that examine change over time assume that measurement tools measure the same construct at each occasion. In the area of parent-child feeding practices, longitudinal measurement properties of the questionnaires used are rarely verified. To ascertain that measured change in feeding practices reflects true change rather than change in the assessment, structure, or conceptualisation of the constructs over time, this study examined longitudinal measurement invariance of the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire (FPSQ) subscales (9 constructs; 40 items) across 3 time points. Mothers participating in the NOURISH trial reported their feeding practices when children were aged 2, 3.7, and 5 years (N = 404). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) within a structural equation modelling framework was used. Comparisons of initial cross-sectional models followed by longitudinal modelling of subscales, resulted in the removal of 12 items, including two redundant or poorly performing subscales. The resulting 28-item FPSQ-28 comprised 7 multi-item subscales: Reward for Behaviour, Reward for Eating, Persuasive Feeding, Overt Restriction, Covert Restriction, Structured Meal Setting and Structured Meal Timing. All subscales showed good fit over 3 time points and each displayed at least partial scalar (thresholds equal) longitudinal measurement invariance. We recommend the use of a separate single item indicator to assess the family meal setting. This is the first study to examine longitudinal measurement invariance in a feeding practices questionnaire. Invariance was established, indicating that the subscales of the shortened FPSQ-28 can be used with mothers to validly assess change in 7 feeding constructs in samples of children aged 2-5 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this Field Note is to outline our experiences developing and maintaining a Knowledge Translation and Transfer-Knowledge Mobilization (KTT-KMb) Learning Circle for graduate students at the University of Guelph. Since the fall of 2013, we have planned and held events and training opportunities for graduate students across the university's colleges and maintained an online presence for our membership of 107 students. In this article, we reflect on the successes of the Learning Circle, including a sustained presence across an interdisciplinary group, securing funding, and engaging in successful collaborations. We also highlight our challenges, including attendance at events, staying relevant in a quickly evolving field, and striving toward sustainability. Our hope is that this article provides a non-prescriptive guideline for students wishing to develop similar "by student, for student" initiatives to scaffold graduate student learning and engagement in KTT-KMb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including relationship between intellectual and institution, developments in organisational sociology, and the sociology of intellectuals.

Background: Many patients with chronic illness are limited in their physical activities. This systematic review evaluates the content and format of patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires that measure physical activity in elderly and chronically ill populations. Methods: Questionnaires were identified by a systematic literature search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsychINFO & CINAHL), hand searches (reference sections and PROQOLID database) and expert input. A qualitative analysis was conducted to assess the content and format of the questionnaires and a Venn diagram was produced to illustrate this. Each stage of the review process was conducted by at least two independent reviewers. Results: 104 questionnaires fulfilled our criteria. From these, 182 physical activity domains and 1965 items were extracted. Initial qualitative analysis of the domains found 11 categories. Further synthesis of the domains found 4 broad categories: 'physical activity related to general activities and mobility', 'physical activity related to activities of daily living', 'physical activity related to work, social or leisure time activities', and '(disease-specific) symptoms related to physical activity'. The Venn diagram showed that no questionnaires covered all 4 categories and that the '(disease-specific) symptoms related to physical activity' category was often not combined with the other categories. Conclusions: A large number of questionnaires with a broad range of physical activity content were identified. Although the content could be broadly organised, there was no consensus on the content and format of physical activity PRO questionnaires in elderly and chronically ill populations. Nevertheless, this systematic review will help investigators to select a physical activity PRO questionnaire that best serves their research question and context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal visual experience during childhood often leads to amblyopia, with strong links to binocular dysfunction that can include poor acuity in both eyes, especially in central vision. In animal models of amblyopia, the non-deprived eye is often considered normal and what limits binocular acuity. This leaves open the question whether monocular deprivation (MD) induces binocular dysfunction similar to what is found in amblyopia. In previous studies of MD cats, we found a loss of excitatory receptors restricted to the central visual field representation in visual cortex (V1), including both eyes’ columns. This led us to ask two questions about the effects of MD: how quickly are receptors lost in V1? and is there an impact on binocular acuity? We found that just a few hours of MD caused a rapid loss of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor proteins across all of V1. But after a few days of MD, there was recovery in the visual periphery, leaving a loss of AMPA receptors only in the central region of V1. We reared animals with early MD followed by a long period of binocular vision and found binocular acuity deficits that were greatest in the central visual field. Our results suggest that the greater binocular acuity deficits in the central visual field are driven in part by the long-term loss of AMPA receptors in the central region of V1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of early shared book reading between parents and children have long been established, yet the same cannot be said for early shared music activities in the home. This study investigated the parent–child home music activities in a sample of 3031 Australian children participating in Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) study. Frequency of shared home music activities was reported by parents when children were 2–3 years and a range of social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes were measured by parent and teacher report and direct testing two years later when children were 4–5 years old. A series of regression analyses (controlling for a set of important socio-demographic variables) found frequency of shared home music activities to have a small significant partial association with measures of children's vocabulary, numeracy, attentional and emotional regulation, and prosocial skills. We then included both book reading and shared home music activities in the same models and found that frequency of shared home music activities maintained small partial associations with measures of prosocial skills, attentional regulation, and numeracy. Our findings suggest there may be a role for parent-child home music activities in supporting children's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way in which police officers deal with the public has a profound and predominantly negative influence on how the police generally are viewed by the public. Tyler's theory of ‘procedural justice’ argues that if officers act with fairness and respect when interacting with the public, they can win legitimacy. This theory is however one sided; the process of interaction involves not only how the police behave, but also how members of the public perceive and interpret that behaviour. This article examines the perceptions and interpretations of police actions by 34 diverse focus groups in the ‘Black Country’ region of the West Midlands using a real-life videoed encounter between police officers and a suspected car thief. Whilst issues of fairness and respect surfaced repeatedly in these focus group discussions, there was also widespread dissension about how crucial phases of the encounter were perceived and appraised. Various participants drew attention to the same occurrences within the video clip to justify entirely contradictory evaluations. This demonstrates the problematic relationship between action, perception and approval. It poses an enormous practical problem for police officers in winning the trust and confidence of the public whom they encounter in the course of their duties, for there is no simple recipe for winning legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]