Ample Opportunity For Discussion Research Articles

Let science be told: A review of ideas for storytelling in science communication

There is a rich literature on storytelling in public science communication, mostly advancing the premise that it helps in telling science to the public. We present here a summary of results from a review of ideas on the subject guided by a set of questions about goals, techniques, and research. We found no consensus on the notion of what is a story, yet some useful approximations emerged. There are various goals driving the use of storytelling to communicate science, from engaging to creating emotions to favouring understanding. The structure of the stories appeared as a crucial element, and three types of structures are dominant. As a field in evolution, there are not many empirical studies, but the few we found appear promising. We conclude that there is ample opportunity for discussion and research regarding emotions, persuasion, understanding and innovation in the use of narrative concepts and techniques to better let the science be told.

The DACRIN data project: A process for harmonising data collection for clinical research in alcohol and other drugs services in New South Wales.

Standardised data collection processes allow for harmonisation and comparison of data across different studies and services. This project aimed to develop a 'core dataset' to serve as the default collection when designing future studies and evaluations, building upon data routinely collected in clinical alcohol and other drugs (AOD) settings in NSW, Australia. A working group was established, comprising clinicians, researchers, data managers and consumers from public sector and non-government organisation AOD services in the NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network. A series of Delphi meetings occurred to reach consensus on the data items to be included in the core dataset for three domains: demographics, treatment activity and substance use variables. There were 20-40 attendees at each meeting. An initial consensus criterion of having received >70% of the vote was established. Given the difficulty in reaching consensus for most items, subsequently, this was changed to eliminate items that received <5 votes, after which the item receiving the most votes would be selected. This important process received considerable interest and buy-in across the NSW AOD sector. Ample opportunity for discussion and voting was provided for the three domains of interest, allowing participants to contribute their expertise and experience to inform decisions. As such, we believe the core dataset includes the best options currently available to collect data for these domains in the NSW AOD context, and potentially more broadly. This foundational study may inform other attempts to harmonise data across AOD services.

Interdisciplinary Research on Space and Power

In this introductory article, the authors discuss the topic of social constructions of space by deconstructing what are widely referred to in academic studies as hegemonic narratives. In order to introduce a collection of articles critically, however, the authors pay special attention to the ways in which academic studies have traditionally historicised cultural, political and geographical spaces and have therefore played a role in spatial interpretations of nationalism, sovereignty, and territory. References to research findings and observations presented by an interdisciplinary cohort of scholars during a symposium held at Durham University’s Institute for Advanced Studies provide the context for this article. To this end, the authors expand the scope of three of these presentations - comprising a collection of articles exploring nationalism, sovereignty, and territory - and extract common research findings before proceeding to engage more critically with questions about how the various participating disciplines understand space in the context of knowledge and power. The authors conclude that hegemonic narratives relate to individual past, present, and future contexts, as well as to the ways in which academics, politicians, and the wider public interpret them. In conclusion, the authors demonstrate how the relationship between knowledge about space on one hand, and power to construct or interpret space(s) on the other, provides ample opportunity for discussion across disciplines.

64 The Back-Yard Horse Owner and the Equine Industry at Large.

According to American Horse Council statistics there are approximately 9 million horses in the U.S., and the equine industry contributes approximately $102 billion in indirect economic impact. Of the total number of horses approximately 45% are categorized as “Recreation”, 30% “Showing”, 10% “Racing”, 15% “Other”. However, I suggest that there are probably about 10% in the “showing” segment and 5% in the “other” segment that also could be classified in the “recreational” segment, resulting in approximately 60% of the horses in the U.S. falling into the recreational use segment. For purposes of this discussion I am defining the “equine industry” as any entity that provides goods and/or services to horse owners. So, how does the industry define the “back yard” or recreational horse owner? From an industry perspective the back-yard owner may participate in local or even regional organized events, competitions or shows. Their participation varies from occasional to regular yet seasonal. They also participate in recreational riding in parks or neighboring country side. The recreational owner does not view horse ownership as an income or business opportunity. Their buying decisions are based on dispensable income and not based on a business perspective of value or return on investment. However, that does not mean they are not immune to price sensitivity. Given this demographic perspective the back yard / recreational horse owner represents the majority of horse ownership in the U.S., and it is to this segment that industry hopes to glean much benefit from its product development and marketing investment. Amongst these efforts resides some interesting questions such as; what does the recreational horse owner drive the industry to provide (this is what we want), what does the industry drive the horse owner to desire (this is what you need if you want the best), and where can the recreational owner get the best information to make the best decision? Obviously, the recreational horse owner is of importance to the equine industry. How the industry can best foster, serve and grow the recreational segment provides ample opportunity for discussion and debate. Perhaps for the equine industry the answer may be as simple as making sure the recreational owner can easily answer the question “is this of benefit to the horse and/or the people that care for them”?

Convegno Congiunto Sezione di Etica e RadiologiaForense – Gruppo Regionale Puglia

On September 26–27, 2013, two sub-committees of the Italian Society of Radiology – the Committee of Ethics and the Committee of Forensic Radiology – organized a joint conference for their members in the region of Puglia in the South of Italy (Fig. 1). The congress was held in the picturesque town of Lucera, just a few kilometers south of the provincial capital Foggia. The meeting itself took place in a beautiful historic theater the Teatro Garibaldi, complete with red velvet seats, elegant loges, and a heavy curtain framing the stage from where the speakers were lecturing. There were approximately 150 attendees at this meeting. The congress was divided in three principal sessions: postmortem forensic imaging, aspects of medical liability insurance, and aspects of the radiologist’s responsibilities and risks in litigation. Although aspects of ethics and forensics are important elements of the daily work of clinical radiologists, post-mortem imaging is rarely performed in Italy. Therefore, the congress committee had invited a number of speakers from Switzerland, Germany, and France to lecture on post-mortem imaging. These lectures covered various topics, including the role of crosssectional imaging in forensic death investigations, post-mortem computed-tomography angiography, post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging, and the role of the radiographer in forensic imaging. The reception of these invited lectures revealed that there radiologic community is very interested in this emerging subspecialty. The second and third sessions reflected how the growing risk of civil or criminal prosecution affects the work of clinical radiologist in Italy. During the second sessions, there were lectures on the typology of radiologic errors, challenges related to mammography screening, and difficulties regarding malpractice insurance. The last session of the congress was focused on practical aspects of legal challenges in clinical radiology. There were lectures on how to and what to communicate in a radiology report, risks and responsibilities related to imaging, professional responsibilities and risks of both radiologists in training and board certified radiologists, and how to learn from errors. In addition, the final session also included an unusual lecture on violence against radiologists. Overall, the congress was interesting and provided a comprehensive overview over diverse aspects of ethics and forensics in radiology. In addition, the social program of the meeting included an excellent dinner and provided ample opportunity for discussion. The activities of the ISFRI are currently focused on postmortem forensic imaging but it is important not to forget that other forensic aspects of radiology, such as professional risks and responsibilities related to liability do affect all radiologists and might also prove to be an interesting topic for ISFRI in the future.

The explicit teaching of reading comprehension in science class: A pilot professional development program

This pilot study aimed to address persistent gaps in the research regarding effective professional development models associated with reading comprehension pedagogy in content area classrooms (science). An appropriate instructional model was developed, (Do-Read-Do) which attempts to embed the explicit teaching of reading comprehension strategies within a science investigation. This model was then explored in workshops, discussion groups and in reciprocal in-class coaching situations over the course of a semester in a case study school. Findings highlighted many positive aspects of the professional development program such as the use of the gradual release of responsibility model that included modeling, practical application of the new methodology (both within the workshop and in the actual classroom) and ample opportunities for discussion and reflection. Despite some initial difficulties with the instructional model, it proved to be an effective method of embedding explicit reading comprehension instruction within a science investigation.

Hot topics in the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease

The 7th International Respiratory Syncytial Virus Symposium took place in Hotel Blijdorp, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The series has been running since 1996; this meeting took place after a 3-year gap, and was attended by approximately 200 clinicians, scientists and industry representatives from all over the world. The conference covered all aspects of respiratory syncytial virus disease, including virology, cell biology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, immunology, vaccines, antivirals and other therapeutic approaches. Reviews by invited keynote speakers were accompanied by oral and poster presentations, with ample opportunity for discussion of unpublished work. This article summarizes a small selection of hot topics from the meeting, focused on pathogenesis, therapeutics and vaccine development.

Introduction to CIPP V: A paediatric forum for respiratory disease

This special issue presents a selection of research and review articles from the Fifth International Congress on Pediatric Pulmonology (CIPP V) that was held in February 2002, 18−21, in Nice, France. Building on its tradition of excellence, the CIPP V offered in-depth, state of the art updates on major aspects of Paediatric Pulmonology, including coverage of basic mechanisms relevant to current understanding and management of paediatric pulmonary diseases. Specific problems pertaining to the practice of Paediatric Pulmonology in developing countries constituted a major element of the program, and thereby provided ample opportunities for discussion and interaction among colleagues practicing in such countries. Approximately 800 practicing physicians and scientists from over 25 countries attended the conference. Furthermore, more than 100 invited speakers representing the best expertise available in the areas covered by CIPP V contributed to the program through their lectures, and provided ample opportunities for discussion and interactions. The full program of the meeting, including abstracts of all poster presentations, is available at: http://www.cipp-meeting.com/CIPP5/index.htm Like the previous conferences, CIPP V introduced or highlighted a number of new areas that have only recently gained recognition in our discipline. For example, exercise testing in children and its implications to child well-being and growth were covered in a postgraduate course. Similarly another course focused on paediatric bronchoscopy, while noninvasive ventilation was address through the age spectrum. As would be expected, asthma took a prominent place in CIPP V, and topics ranging from genetics, immunology, environmental factors, clinical approaches to infants and children presenting with wheezing, as well as the role of steroids and of other novel interventions were all covered over the 3 days of the meeting. Similarly, the various infectious diseases that can lead to pulmonary involvement were extensively discussed and presentations ranged from basic mechanisms to clinical applications and diagnostic approaches. In this CIPP V, the transition from fetal life to the neonatal period was emphasised and novel concepts on lung growth, ontogeny of pulmonary circulation, congenital anomalies, as well as the care and antecedents of chronic lung disease in premature infants were all thoroughly discussed through a series of outstanding and complementary presentations. Of course, sessions dealing with cystic fibrosis and paediatric sleep disorders were also part of the expanded variety of issues and topics that were covered in this venue of CIPP. The organizers of the meeting thank Drs. JeanPaul Praud (President), Nemr Eid (Vice-President) and all the members of the Scientific Committee for their input and contributions to the organisation of scientific sessions. Special thanks are due to Dr. Annie Bidart and her staff for the superb on-site management of the conference. This special issue presents a sampler of topics covered at the meeting that are of particular interest to the readership of Paediatric Respiratory Reviews. The Guest Editors (D.G. and B.K.R.) and the Editorin-Chief of the journal thank all the contributing authors and hope that this special issue will be both timely and useful.

The endoplasmic reticulum--structure and function (Bristol, September 20-22, 1999).

The intention of this meeting, organised under the auspices of the British Society for Cell Biology (BSCB), was to bring together researchers with a range of specific interests, and a shared fascination with the endoplasmic reticulum. There were sessions on ‘ER structure, remodelling and dynamics’, ‘Receptors:channels’, ‘ER and calcium’ and ‘Protein synthesis and chaperones’ as well as poster sessions and ample opportunity for discussion. Thus, whilst the meeting itself generated lively and informative interactions between individuals from different research backgrounds, this report will focus on those talks most closely related to aspects of trafficking. A more broad ranging overview of the meeting is to be published elsewhere (Molecular Membrane Biology). Viki Allan opened the meeting by showing some high resolution Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy movies of ER membranes (from Xenopus egg extracts) moving on microtubules. She went on to discuss interactions between the ER and microtubules and the role of various motor proteins in this system, with dynein being the motor driving ER movement towards the minus end of microtubules (a process which is regulated by the reversible phosphorylation of the light intermediate chain of dynein). In

Twenty Years of Applied Anthropology

1961 marks the twentieth anniversary of the founding of The Society for Applied Anthropology. We plan to celebrate this event by holding, as our annual meeting, a conference on "Major Issues of Modern Society." Here, with a limited number of major papers and ample opportunity for discussion, we will take stock of the progress of our Society and the problems encountered by its members in research and application of research findings to some of the key issues of the day. We shall use this stocktaking particularly to look into the future and to search for more effective ways of contributing to scientific and social progress in the next twenty years.