Digital Commons Network^™

A Large Population-Based Study Of The Mental Health And Wellbeing Of Children And Young People In The North Of England, Barry Wright, Megan Garside, Victoria Allgar, Rachel Hodkinson, Helen Thorpe

Peninsula Medical School

Background: There has been a recent reported rise in prevalence of mental health problems among children in the United Kingdom, alongside increased referrals into specialist services. There is a need for up-to-date information regarding changing trends of young people’s mental health to allow for improved understanding and service planning. Objectives: This article aims to provide an overview of the current mental health and well-being of years 8, 9 and 11 secondary school–aged pupils from two large regions in the North of England. Method: This was a cohort cross-sectional study. Measures including the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire, the EQ-5D-Y, social media …

Book Review: Microeconomics: A Critical Companion By Ben Fine, R Sheaff

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

The Physical Activity Wearables In The Police Force (Paw-Force) Study: Acceptability And Impact, Sa Buckingham, K Morrissey, Aj Williams, L Price, J Harrison

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Abstract Background Policing is a highly stressful and increasingly sedentary occupation. The study aim was to assess the acceptability and impact of a mobile health (mHealth) technology intervention (Fitbit® activity monitor and ‘Bupa Boost’ smartphone app) to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary time in the police force. Methods Single-group, pre-post, mixed methods pilot study. Police officers and staff (n = 180) were recruited from two police forces in South West England. Participants used the technology for 12 weeks (an ‘individual’ then ‘social’ phase) followed by 5 months of optional use. Data sources included Fitbit®-recorded objective step count, questionnaire …

Implications For Practice: Why Signposting Patients To The Pituitary Foundation Matters, Sue Jackson, Alyson Norman, Pat Mcbride, Pauline Whittingham

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.

Aging Predicts Decline In Explicit And Implicit Memory: A Life-Span Study, Emma V. Ward, Christopher J. Berry, David R. Shanks, Petter L. Moller, Enida Czsiser

School of Psychology

Explicit memory declines with age, but age effects on implicit memory are debated. This issue is important because if implicit memory is age invariant, it may support effective interventions in individuals experiencing memory decline. In this study, we overcame several methodological issues in past research to clarify age effects on implicit memory (priming) and their relationship to explicit memory (recognition, source memory). We (a) recruited a large life-span sample of participants ( N = 1,072) during a residency at the Science Museum in London, (b) employed an implicit task that was unaffected by explicit contamination, and (c) systematically manipulated attention …

Physical Activity And The Prevention, Reduction, And Treatment Of Alcohol And Other Drug Use Across The Lifespan (The Phase Review): A Systematic Review, T. P. Thompson, J. Horrell, A. H. Taylor, A. Wanner, K. Husk, Y. Wei, S. Creanor, R. Kandiyali, J. Neale, J. Sinclair, M. Nasser, G. Wallace

Peninsula Medical School

The aim of this review is to systematically describe and quantify the effects of PA interventions on alcohol and other drug use outcomes, and to identify any apparent effect of PA dose and type, possible mechanisms of effect, and any other aspect of intervention delivery (e.g. key behaviour change processes), within a framework to inform the design and evaluation of future interventions. Systematic searches were designed to identify published and grey literature on the role of PA for reducing the risk of progression to alcohol and other drug use (PREVENTION), supporting individuals to reduce alcohol and other drug use for …

Adding Web-Based Behavioural Support To Exercise Referral Schemes For Inactive Adults With Chronic Health Conditions: The E-Coacher Rct, Ah Taylor, Rs Taylor, Wendy M. Ingram, Nana Anokye, Sarah Dean, Kate Jolly, Nanette Mutrie, Jeffrey Lambert, Lucy Yardley, Colin Greaves, Jennie King, Chloe Mcadam, Mary Steele, Lisa Price, Adam Streeter, Nigel Charles, Rohini Terry, Douglas Webb, John Campbell, Lucy Hughes, Ben Ainsworth, Ben Jones, Ben Jane, Jo Erwin, Paul Little, Anthony Woolf, Chris Cavanagh

Peninsula Medical School

Background There is modest evidence that exercise referral schemes increase physical activity in inactive individuals with chronic health conditions. There is a need to identify additional ways to improve the effects of exercise referral schemes on long-term physical activity. Objectives To determine if adding the e-coachER intervention to exercise referral schemes is more clinically effective and cost-effective in increasing physical activity after 1 year than usual exercise referral schemes. Design A pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm randomised controlled trial, with a mixed-methods process evaluation and health economic analysis. Participants were allocated in a 1 : 1 ratio to either exercise referral schemes …

Quantifying Sources Of Variability In Infancy Research Using The Infant-Directed-Speech Preference, Michael C. Frank, Katherine Jane Alcock, Natalia Arias-Trejo, Gisa Aschersleben, Dare Baldwin, Stéphanie Barbu, Elika Bergelson, Christina Bergmann, Alexis K. Black, Ryan Blything, Maximilian P. Böhland, Petra Bolitho, Arielle Borovsky, Shannon M. Brady, Bettina Braun, Anna Brown, Krista Byers-Heinlein, Linda E. Campbell, Cara Cashon, Mihye Choi, Joan Christodoulou, Laura K. Cirelli, Stefania Conte, Sara Cordes, Christopher Cox, Alejandrina Cristia, Rhodri Cusack, Catherine Davies, Klerk M De, Luche C Delle, Ld Ruiter, Dhanya Dinakar, Kate C. Dixon, Virginie Durier, Samantha Durrant, Christopher Fennell, Brock Ferguson, Alissa Ferry, Paula Fikkert, Teresa Flanagan, Caroline Floccia, Megan Foley, Tom Fritzsche, Rebecca L.A. Frost, Anja Gampe, Judit Gervain, Nayeli Gonzalez-Gomez, Anna Gupta, Laura E. Hahn, Hamlin J Kiley, Ee Hannon, N Havron, J Hay, M Hernik, B Höhle, Dm Houston, Lh Howard, M Ishikawa, S Itakura, I Jackson, Kv Jakobsen, M Jarto, Sp Johnson, C Junge, D Karadag, N Kartushina, Dj Kellier, T Keren-Portnoy, K Klassen, M Kline, E-S Ko, Jf Kominsky, Je Kosie, He Kragness, Aar Krieger, F Krieger, J Lany, Rj Lazo, M Lee, C Leservoisier, C Levelt, C Lew-Williams, M Lippold, U Liszkowski, L Liu, Sg Luke, Ra Lundwall, Cassia V Macchi, N Mani

School of Psychology

Psychological scientists have become increasingly concerned with issues related to methodology and replicability, and infancy researchers in particular face specific challenges related to replicability: For example, high-powered studies are difficult to conduct, testing conditions vary across labs, and different labs have access to different infant populations. Addressing these concerns, we report on a large-scale, multisite study aimed at (a) assessing the overall replicability of a single theoretically important phenomenon and (b) examining methodological, cultural, and developmental moderators. We focus on infants’ preference for infant-directed speech (IDS) over adult-directed speech (ADS). Stimuli of mothers speaking to their infants and to an …

Protocol: A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Cognitive Behavioural Interventions Based On Delivery Features For Elevated Symptoms Of Depression In Adolescents, Gretchen J. Bjornstad, Shreya Sonthalia, Benjamin Rouse, Luke Timmons, Laura Whybra, Nick Axford

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Ecosystem Services Of Temporary Streams Differ Between Wet And Dry Phases In Regions With Contrasting Climates And Economies, Rachel Stubbington, Mike Acreman, Vicenç Acuña, Philip J. Boon, Andrew J. Boulton, Judy England, David Gilvear, Tim Sykes, Paul J. Wood

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Temporary streams are dynamic ecosystems in which mosaics of flowing, ponded and dry habitats support high biodiversity of both aquatic and terrestrial species. Species interact within habitats to perform or facilitate processes that vary in response to changing habitat availability. A natural capital approach recognizes that, through such processes, the ‘natural assets’ of all ecosystems deliver services that benefit people. The ecosystem services of temporary streams remain largely unexplored, in particular those provided during ponded and dry phases. In addition, recent characterizations have focused on dryland systems, and it remains unclear how service provision varies among different climatic regions, or …

The Effectiveness Of A Therapeutic Parenting Program For Children Aged 6-11 Years With Behavioural Or Emotional Difficulties: Results From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Nick Axford, Gretchen Bjornstad, Justin Matthews, Sarah Heilmann, Anam Raja, Obioha C. Ukoumunne, Vashti Berry, Tom Wilkinson, Luke Timmons, Tim Hobbs, Tim Eames, Angeliki Kallitsoglou, Sarah Blower, Georgina Warner

Peninsula Medical School

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a therapeutic parenting program that targets parents of children aged 6 to 11 years identified as having behavioral and emotional difficulties. The intervention comprises two parts, delivered sequentially: a 10–12-week group-based program for all parents, and one-to-one sessions for up to 12 weeks with selected parents from the group-based element. Methods/Design In a randomized controlled trial, 264 participants were allocated to the Inspiring Futures program (intervention) or services as usual (control) arms with follow-up assessments at 16 (post-group program) and 32 (post-one-to-one sessions) weeks. The primary …

Disease Severity Accounts For Minimal Variance Of Quality Of Life In People With Dementia And Their Carers: Analyses Of Cross-Sectional Data From The Modem Study, N Farina, Derek King, C Burgon, S Berwald, E Bustard, Y Feeney, R Habibi, A Comas-Herrera, Martin Knapp, S Banerjee

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Ethical Perceptions Towards Real-World Use Of Companion Robots With Older People And People With Dementia: Survey Opinions Among Younger Adults, Hannah L. Bradwell, Rhona Winnington, Serge Thill, Ray B. Jones

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: Use of companion robots may reduce older people’s depression, loneliness and agitation. This benefit has to be contrasted against possible ethical concerns raised by philosophers in the field around issues such as deceit, infantilisation, reduced human contact and accountability. Research directly assessing prevalence of such concerns among relevant stakeholders, however, remains limited, even though their views clearly have relevance in the debate. For example, any discrepancies between ethicists and stakeholders might in itself be a relevant ethical consideration while concerns perceived by stakeholders might identify immediate barriers to successful implementation. Methods: We surveyed 67 younger adults after they had …

Assessment Of Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Where An Undiagnosed Neurological Disease Is Suspected: A Report From An International Continence Society Consensus Working Group, Holly A. Roy, Jeremy Nettleton, Camilla Blain, Catherine Dalton, Bilal Farhan, Ailton Fernandes, Petros Georgopoulos, Sabine Klepsch, John Lavelle, Evangelista Martinelli, Jalesh N. Panicker, Ivan Radoja, Christina Anastasia Rapidi, E Silva R Pereira, Katarina Tudor, Adrian S. Wagg, Marcus J. Drake

Peninsula Medical School

AimLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common urological referral, which sometimes can have a neurological basis in a patient with no formally diagnosed neurological disease (“occult neurology”). Early identification and specialist input is needed to avoid bad LUTS outcomes, and to initiate suitable neurological management.MethodsThe International Continence Society established a neurological working group to consider: Which neurological conditions may include LUTS as an early feature? What diagnostic evaluations should be undertaken in the LUTS clinic? A shortlist of conditions was drawn up by expert consensus and discussed at the annual congress of the International Neurourology Society. A multidisciplinary working …

No Evidence That Footedness In Pheasants Influences Cognitive Performance In Tasks Assessing Colour Discrimination And Spatial Ability, Mark A. Whiteside, Mackenzie M. Bess, Elisa Frasnelli, Christine E. Beardsworth, Ellis J.G. Langley, Horik Jo Van, Joah R. Madden

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

ABSTRACTThe differential specialization of each side of the brain facilitates the parallel processing of information and has been documented in a wide range of animals. Animals that are more lateralized as indicated by consistent preferential limb use are commonly reported to exhibit superior cognitive ability as well as other behavioural advantages. We assayed the lateralization of 135 young pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), indicated by their footedness in a spontaneous stepping task, and related this measure to individual performance in either 3 assays of visual or spatial learning and memory. We found no evidence that pronounced footedness enhances cognitive ability in any …

Unboxing The Black Box: Reflections On Making With Ai And Automation, Polly Macpherson, Rachel Smith, Mike Phillips, Robert Dooley, Birgitte Aga, Patrick Crogan

School of Art, Design and Architecture

This collection presents thoughts, provocations and reflections onAI and automation in the arena of creative making from some of the SouthWest Creative Technologies Network’s Automation Fellows. The AutomationFellowship gathered together researchers, established creative producersand new talent to explore the challenges and opportunities of automationand AI for (re)making our personal and shared future.

If Your Device Could Smile: People Trust Happy-Sounding Artificial Agents More, Ilaria Torre, Jeremy Goslin, Laurence White

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.

Perspective Taking As Virtual Navigation? Perceptual Simulation Of What Others See Reflects Their Location In Space But Not Their Gaze, Eleanor Ward, Giorgio Ganis, Katrina L. Mcdonough, Patric Bach

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.

Nutrition-Related Symptoms In Adult Survivors Of Critical Illness Who Are Eating Orally: A Scoping Review Protocol., Louise Albrich, Lee Anne S. Chapple, Amelia Nock, Emma J. Ridley, Mary Hickson

School of Health Professions

OBJECTIVE: This review will explore and map the current literature on the nutritional impact of symptoms reported by adult survivors of critical illness who are eating orally after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). INTRODUCTION: Survivors of critical care often experience ICU-acquired weakness and poor functional recovery. It is plausible that nutrition interventions throughout their recovery could improve outcomes for these patients. Although a growing number of studies aim to explore the effect of nutrition delivered in the early phases of critical illness, this is also important post-ICU discharge, particularly in already nutritionally compromised patients presenting with muscle loss …

A Novel Lung Health Programme Addressing Awareness And Behaviour-Change Aiming To Prevent Chronic Respiratory Diseases In Rural Uganda: A Two-Year Train-The-Trainer Programme, R Jones, B Kirenga, S Buteme, S Williams, Gemert F Van

Peninsula Medical School

Chronic lung disease is a huge, growing, but under reported problem in Africa. Following a survey in rural Uganda, which found 16% of the adult population had COPD, we developed a lung health programme aiming to raise awareness in the community of the risk factors for developing chronic lung disease and how to reduce the risks. A two-year train-the-trainer programme was conducted by healthcare workers (HCWs) in Masindi District, Uganda. Strategy and preliminary education materials were co-developed in a series of meetings with stakeholders including clinicians and community members. An initial group of HCWs were trained and further refned the …

Interventions Demonstrate Potential To Promote Patient Comfort During Radiotherapy, S Goldsworthy, S Palmer, Jm Latour, H Mcnair, M Cramp

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Use Of The Patient Health Questionnaire (Phq-9) In Practice: Interactions Between Patients And Physicians, Joseph Ford, Felicity Thomas, Richard Byng, Rose Mccabe

Peninsula Medical School

We analyze the use of nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), an instrument that is widely used in diagnosing and determining the severity of depression. Using conversation analysis, we show how the doctor deploys the PHQ-9 in response to the patient’s doubts about whether she is depressed. Rather than relaying the PHQ-9 verbatim, the doctor deviates from the wording so that the response options are selectively offered to upgrade the severity of the patient’s symptoms. This works in favor of a positive diagnosis and is used to justify a treatment recommendation that the patient previously resisted. This contrasted with the rest …

Ambiguity In Psychology, J May

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.

Rhetorical Analysis Of Statements Of Purpose (Sps) For Admission To Graduate School: A Shared-Understanding Perspective Of The Sp Genre, Priyanka Ganguly

Masters Theses

"In this study, I analyzed twenty-four statements of purpose (SPs) submitted to the Department of English and Technical Communication at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) by current and former students. My goal was to determine the applicants' shared understanding of the SP genre. I analyzed the SPs from three dimensions: rhetorical moves, rhetorical appeals (pisteis), and rhetorical style (elocutio).

To understand the rhetorical moves used by the applicants, I analyzed the content of their SPs according to the categories (moves) and codes (steps) validated in my pilot study. To understand the arguments used by the …

On Predicting Stopping Time Of Human Sequential Decision-Making Using Discounted Satisficing Heuristic, Mounica Devaguptapu

Masters Theses

“Human sequential decision-making involves two essential questions: (i) "what to choose next?", and (ii) "when to stop?". Assuming that the human agents choose an alternative according to their preference order, our goal is to model and learn how human agents choose their stopping time while making sequential decisions. In contrary to traditional assumptions in the literature regarding how humans exhibit satisficing behavior on instantaneous utilities, we assume that humans employ a discounted satisficing heuristic to compute their stopping time, i.e., the human agent stops working if the total accumulated utility goes beyond a dynamic threshold that gets discounted with time. …

Games For Organizational Training: Gamer Motivation Profile And Organizational Training Climate Effect Of Trainee Preference For Gamified Training, Brooke-Nicole Woods Ruffin

Masters Theses

“Gamified training is often utilized in organizations as a way to revamp their training and gain the attention of their employees. However, this training is expensive, and research is needed to help ensure that this training delivery is successful. In this study, first an individual’s gamer motivation profile is compared with learning outcomes that share the same elements. This was completed to determine if the elements that they looked for in playing video games were in alignment with those same elements in training In addition, it was explored whether the preference for participating in video games based on an individual’s …

Quantifying Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Cognitive Performance, Quang Nghia Le

Masters Theses

“The most commonly used metric for evaluating alertness and vigilance is the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), previous studies have indicated that alertness and vigilance can be affected by the lack of sleep as a function of sleep loss. This study explores methods to predict median psychomotor vigilance reaction times. The data used in this study comes from a series of tests and surveys conducted on volunteer students. The data set contains many potential predictors of PVT and one aspect of the study was to identify variables that are useful in prediction. The performances of various prediction methods that allow for …