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Purpose: Physical activity (PA) is increasingly being used in hospice care as a rehabilitation strategy to help patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, little is known about how to design and deliver interventions that promote uptake and maintenance of PA in this population. Single-level approaches (i.e., psychological models) have primarily been used to study factors that influence PA engagement among patients with advanced, incurable disease and therefore offer a limited perspective on strategies that target changes beyond the individual level. This study explored perspectives on factors perceived important for influencing PA participation in hospice care using a social-ecological framework. Method: Patients (n = 27) and health providers (n = 5) from multiple hospices (n = 5) across the UK were involved in this study. Data were collected using focus group and individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a thematic framework approach. Results: Eight main themes were perceived to be important for influencing PA engagement at the individual, interpersonal, physical environment, community, and policy levels including: (1) PA as therapy; (2) apprehension about PA-induced harm; (3) group-based PA with peers; (4) supervised PA sessions; (5) limited facilities and access; (6) patient-centered approach; (7) lack of a strong PA culture; and (8) absence of a policy and guidance for PA provision. Conclusion: Hospice-based PA interventions that target multiple levels simultaneously may be more effective at successfully changing and sustaining patients' PA behavior. Study findings provide evidence-based recommendations that may facilitate the effective delivery of PA interventions in hospice care.

In a rapidly changing world of work, little research exists on mid-career transitions. We investigated these using the open-systems approach of chaos theory as a guiding metaphor and conducted interviews with seven mid-career individuals chosen for their experience of a significant mid-career transition. Four common themes were identified through narrative analysis, where "false starts" to a career were a common experience prior to finding a career "fit". Career transitions, precipitated by a trigger state and/or event such as a period of disillusionment, were an important part of this "finding a fit" process. Overall, career success outcomes were shaped by a combination of chaos elements: chance, unplanned events, and non-linearity of resultant outcomes. We discuss implications for future research and practice. (Contains 1 table.)

Purpose: The first purpose of this paper is to review the practical and theoretical distinctions between training and development in the organisational psychology and human resource development (HRD) literatures. Then the paper seeks to investigate how managers responsible for the training and development function conceptualise these activities in practice, the factors that guide their decision making, how they evaluate the outcomes and the extent to which they perceive a relationship between training and development. Design/methodology/approach: Taking a critical realist perspective, 26 interviews were conducted with UK managers and analysed through thematic coding using template analysis. Findings: Managers' conceptualisations of training and development vary. Formal training is prioritised due to a perceived more tangible demonstrable return on investment. Perceived success in training focuses on improvements to job-related skills, whereas success outcomes for development are more varied and difficult to measure. Managers consider that training and development are more valuable when combined. Research limitations/implications: There is a need for further process-driven research to understand the interrelationship between training and development and to develop methods that can be used by organisations to evaluate both. This necessitates going beyond methods currently in use and including both qualitative and quantitative measures. Practical implications: Managers may take a more proactive and directive role in facilitating development than the literature suggests; consequently, their role needs to be considered more actively in HRD learning strategies. Originality/value: This is one of the first qualitative studies to explore the conceptualisations of managers responsible for training and development, highlighting the inter-relationship betweentraining and development and the factors guiding decisions regarding these activities. (Contains 3 tables.)

Background: With a continued crisis of increasing workload and reduced workforce in general practice, supporting resilience is a key strategy for sustaining the profession into the future.Aim: How do GPs perceive professional resilience, and what workplace factors influence it?Design and Setting: A UK-based qualitative study of the perspectives of GPs currently practicing in mainly urban locations across the UK with ≥5 years' experience after completion of GP training.Method: Participants were recruited using convenience sampling, which included social media forums, and underwent semi-structured interviews undertaken in May and June 2020 (n = 27). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Participants offered definitions of and influences on resilience that largely fit with existing research, but in addition, may result in the perception that GPs are obstructive, or that resilience may be a 'surface act'. GPs agree that the current focus on methods of improving resilience does support them, but there is significantly more to be done in this field. Social media activity aiming at GP support may be counterproductive. Reduction of clinical working hours is a common strategy to improve resilience.Conclusion: That GPs feel to improve resilience they need to work fewer clinical hours may have huge implications for a workforce already in crisis, and ultimately, for the health care of the UK population. Urgent research is needed to formulate a bespoke assessment for measuring GP resilience to assess potential interventions, and to identify GPs at risk of mental ill-health or leaving the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living in poverty disadvantages young children reducing school readiness. ‘Pedagogy of listening’ can potentially support resilience remediating against poverty’s negative effects. Little, though, is known about how early childhood education and care (ECEC) practitioners work with children in poverty and the attainment gap between such children and their peers remains significant within England and the US. This article reports research using a mixed methodology which explored these issues in localities across both these countries. We argue a dominant technocratic model of early years provision in these contexts creates normalisation and diversity reduction. This, and austerity measures, stymie pedagogical space and practice organising out listening to children in poverty. We suggest this may help explain why the attainment gap remains so stubbornly resistant to reduction across these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To evaluate whether patients who had received early class III protraction facemask treatment were less likely to need orthognathic surgery compared with untreated controls. This paper is a 6-year follow-up of a previous clinical trial.Design: Multi-centre 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial.Setting: Eight United Kingdom hospital orthodontic departments.Participants: Seventy three 7- to 9–year-old children.Method: Patients were randomly allocated, stratified for gender, into an early class III protraction facemask group (PFG) (n = 35) and a control/no treatment group (CG) (n = 38). The primary outcome, need for orthognathic surgery was assessed by panel consensus. Secondary outcomes were changed in skeletal pattern, overjet, Peer Assessment Rating (PAR), self-esteem and the oral aesthetic impact of malocclusion. The data were compared between baseline (DC1) and 6-year follow-up (DC4). A per-protocol analysis was carried out withn = 32 in the CG andn = 33 in the PFG.Results: Thirty six percent of the PFG needed orthognathic surgery, compared with 66% of the CG (P = 0.027). The odds of needing surgery was 3.5 times more likely when protraction facemask treatment was not used (odds ratio = 3.34 95% CI 1.21–9.24). The PFG exhibited a clockwise rotation and the CG an anti-clockwise rotation in the maxilla (regression coefficient 8.24 (SE 0.75); 95% CI 6.73–9.75;P < 0.001) and the mandible (regression coefficient 6.72 (SE 0.73); 95% CI 5.27–8.18;P < 0.001). Sixty eight per cent of the PFG maintained a positive overjet at 6-year follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between the PFG and CG for skeletal/occlusal improvement, self-esteem or oral aesthetic impact.Conclusions: Early class III protraction facemask treatment reduces the need for orthognathic surgery. However, this effect cannot be explained by the maintenance of skeletal cephalometric change. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study assesses whether recent victimization influences one’s confidence in the criminal justice system. Specifically, the study tests whether the predictors of confidence in major types of actors in the justice system are different for victims and nonvictims. British Crime Survey (BCS) data are analyzed using a series of structural equation models with multiple group methods. Overall, the findings support the idea that there is little difference between victims and nonvictims in how views of legal actors predict overall confidence. Additionally, prosecutors are slightly more influential on system confidence, regardless of victimization experience. Policy implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the prospective validation of a chromatography data system used for quantitative Good Laboratory Practice studies within a contract research organization. An outline of the overall process and the documentation produced to support the data system validation is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to problems with spontaneous fluid ingress (strikethrough) in pressure-reducing support surfaces, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has worked alongside industry, testing a new mattress cover material. Since January 2012, mattresses supplied with Invacare's Strikethrough Resistant Technology™ (SRT) fabric have been in constant, heavy use throughout the hospitals. These products are regularly audited. Compared to the national average failure rate of 27%, the audit results revealed an annual replacement rate of approximately 1.9% for Crib 5 and 0.7% for Crib 7 covers. Failure was due to rips and tears rather than the small-scale damage traditionally associated with mattress strikethrough. There have been no reported product failures due to strikethrough. One SRT Crib 5 and one SRT Crib 7 cover were randomly selected and sent for testing at Dartex Coatings Quality Assurance laboratories after 3 years. Results across key performance indicators show the products still performed as well as the day they left the factory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Addressing a gap in the current work-life balance (WLB) literature regarding individual-focused approaches to inform interventions, we elicited behaviors used to self-manage WLB to draw up a competency-based WLB framework for relevant learnable knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs; Hoffmann, Eur J Ind Train 23:275-285, ) and mapping this against extant WLB frameworks. Design/Methodology/Approach: Our participants were from a major UK police force, which faces particular challenges to the work-life interface through job demands and organizational cutbacks, covering a range of operational job roles, including uniformed officers and civilian staff. We took a mixed methods approach starting with semi-structured interviews to elicit 134 distinct behaviors ( n = 20) and used a subsequent card sort task ( n = 10) to group these into categories into 12 behavioral themes; and finally undertook an online survey ( n = 356) for an initial validation. Findings: Item and content analysis reduced the behaviors to 58, which we analyzed further. A framework of eight competencies fits the data best; covering a range of strategies, including Boundary Management, Managing Flexibility, and Managing Expectations. Implications: The WLB self-management KSAs elicited consist of a range of solution-focused behaviors and strategies, which could inform future WLB-focused interventions, showing how individuals may negotiate borders effectively in a specific environment. Originality/Value: A competence-based approach to WLB self-management is new, and may extend existing frameworks such as Border Theory, highlighting a proactive and solution-focused element of effective behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the decision of European Commission to open a state aid investigation into Great Britain government's proposed support measures in the construction of a new nuclear station at Hinkley in England under electricity market reform (EMR). It discusses the three common European Union objectives behind the construction of a new nuclear station including decarbonisation and environmental protection, security of supply and diversity of generation and promotion of nuclear energy.

El Gobierno del Reino Unido carecía de unas directrices o formación específicas para los responsables de tomar decisiones sobre las solicitudes basadas en la orientación sexual. No fue hasta 2010 cuando una combinación de presiones judiciales, políticas y de la sociedad civil provocó que se publicaran rápidamente unas directrices políticas específicas y se realizó un importante progreso al respecto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) refugees in Great Britain. It recalls that until July 2010, refugees who seek asylum in the country based on their sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI) were denied protection in cases when it is reasonable for them to be discreet upon their return to their home country. Arguments considered when denying lesbian and gay protection are given which include potential for applicant to relocate within their home country and non-enforcement of laws that prohibit same-sex relationships. Quality of credibility assessment is cited as a major factor in lesbian, gas, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) asylum decision-making.

Abstract: Many energy system optimization studies show that hydrogen may be an important part of an optimal decarbonisation mix, but such analyses are unable to examine the uncertainties associated with breaking the ‘locked-in’ nature of incumbent systems. Uncertainties around technical learning rates; consumer behaviour; and the strategic interactions of governments, automakers and fuel providers are particularly acute. System dynamics and agent-based models, and studies of historical alternative fuel transitions, have furthered our understanding of possible transition dynamics, but these types of analysis exclude broader systemic issues concerning energy system evolution (e.g. supplies and prices of low-carbon energy) and the politics of transitions.This paper presents a hybrid approach to assessing hydrogen transitions in the UK, by linking qualitative scenarios with quantitative energy systems modelling using the UK MARKAL model. Three possible transition pathways are explored, each exploring different uncertainties and possible decision points, with modelling used to inform and test key elements of each scenario. The scenarios draw on literature review and participatory input, and the scenario structure is based on archetypal transition dynamics drawn from historical energy system transitions, reflecting insights relating to innovation system development and resistance to change. Conclusions are drawn about appropriate policy responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of early class III protraction facemask treatment in children under 10 years of age. Design: Multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Eight UK hospital orthodontic units. Subjects and methods: Seventy-three patients were randomly allocated, stratified for gender, into an early class III protraction facemask group (PFG) (n= 35) and a control/no treatment group (CG) (n = 38). Outcomes: Dentofacial changes from lateral cephalograms and occiusal changes using the peer assessment rating (PAR). Self- esteem was assessed using the Piers-Harris children's self-concept scale, and the psychosocial impact of malocclusion with an oral aesthetic subjective impact scores (OASIS) questionnaire. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) signs and symptoms were also recorded. The time points for data collection were at registration (DC1) and 15 months later (DC2). Results: The following mean skeletal and occlusal changes occurred from the class III starting point: SNA, PFG moved forwards 1.4° (CG forward 0.3°; P=0.018); SNB, PFG moved backwards -0.7° (CG forward 0.8°; P<0.001); ANB, PFG class III base improved + 2.1° (CG worsened by -0.5°; P<0.001). This contributed to an overall difference in ANB between PFG and CG of 2.6° in favour of early protraction facemask treatment. The overjet improved +4.4 mm in the PFG and marginally changed +0.3 mm in the CG (P<0.001). A 32.2% improvement in PAR was shown in the PFG and the CG worsened by 8.6%. There was no increased self-esteem (Piers-Harris score) for treated children compared with controls (P=0.22). However, there was a reduced impact of malocclusion (OASIS score) for the PFG compared with the CG (P=0.003), suggesting treatment resulted in slightly less concern about the tooth appearance. TMJ signs and symptoms were very low at DC1 and DC2 and none were reported during active facemask treatment. Conclusions: Early class III orthopaedic treatment, with protraction facemask, in patients under 10 years of age, is skeletally and dentally effective in the short term and does not result in TMJ dysfunction. Seventy per cent of patients had successful treatment, defined as achieving a positive overjet. However, early treatment does not seem to confer a clinically significant psychosocial benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short research note commences with a review of the limited literature on psychometrics in coaching. It then presents results from a survey of over 100 UK and international coaches, and thus extends the findings presented as a poster at the first European Coaching Psychology Conference in December 2008. We note that psychometrics are of benefit to coach, coachee and the coaching process and highlight avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the writing and publishing of political memoirs. The author compares the nature of the memoirs written by Canadian politicians with those written by the British. It discusses some notable memoirs have been published and the significance of the information they have produced. The article discusses the revelations about United States President Bill Clinton that were revealed in democratic advisor Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.'s journals. The author also discusses the memoirs produced by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson and those of Canadian Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien.

Background: Choose and Book is a central part of the UK Government patient choice agenda that seeks to provide patients with a choice over the time, date and place of their first outpatient appointment. This is done through the use of a computerised booking system. After a 2004 pilot study, Choose and Book was formally launched in January 2006. This is the first study of patient experience of Choose and Book since then.Methods: A questionnaire survey of reported experience of choice over the time, data and place of appointment, carried out in a National Health Service hospital in London. 104 patients at their first outpatient appointment completed the questionnaire, consisting of a consecutive series of patients referred through Choose and Book and a sample referred through the conventional booking system.Results: Among the Choose and Book patients, 66% (31/47; 95% CI 52 to 78%) reported not being given a choice of appointment date, 66% (31/47; 95% CI 52 to 78%) reported not being given a choice of appointment time, 86% (37/43; 95% CI 74 to 94%) reported being given a choice of fewer than four hospitals in total and 32% (15/47; 95% CI 20 to 46%) reported not being given any choice of hospital.Conclusion: In this study, patients did not experience the degree of choice that Choose and Book was designed to deliver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown precluded face-to-face final Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) in the UK. Results: In response, we rapidly developed and then successfully implemented a novel Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (VOSCE). Conclusions: In this article we both describe and reflect on our experience as well as discuss the implications for future undergraduate assessment as the situation evolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]