Development Of Best Practices Research Articles

Energy retrofit of tower blocks in UK: making the case for an integrated approach

Tower blocks in UK are at a critical stage. They were built at a time when no energy efficiency requirements were considered. They are now approaching the end of their design service life and they are damp, and cold place to live. Starting from the analysis about the diffusion of multi-storey buildings in EU, and the findings of other research projects such as INSPIRE and Faro, this work debates the strategies applied for energy efficiency improvement of large panel concrete buildings. This work debates the structural retrofit that in many cases are required prior to any energy retrofit intervention and draw the attention on the necessity to develop more holistic retrofit approaches, aiming to the development of best practice for energy, safety and social benefits.

Digital Forensics: Review of Issues in Scientific Validation of Digital Evidence

Digital forensics is a vital part of almost every criminal investigation given the amount of information available and the opportunities offered by electronic data to investigate and evidence a crime. However, in criminal justice proceedings, these electronic pieces of evidence are often considered with the utmost suspicion and uncertainty, although, on occasions are justifiable. Presently, the use of scientifically unproven forensic techniques are highly criticized in legal proceedings. Nevertheless, the exceedingly distinct and dynamic characteristics of electronic data, in addition to the current legislation and privacy laws remain as challenging aspects for systematically attesting evidence in a court of law. This article presents a comprehensive study to examine the issues that are considered essential to discuss and resolve, for the proper acceptance of evidence based on scientific grounds. Moreover, the article explains the state of forensics in emerging sub-fields of digital technology such as, cloud computing, social media, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and reviewing the challenges which may complicate the process of systematic validation of electronic evidence. The study further explores various solutions previously proposed, by researchers and academics, regarding their appropriateness based on their experimental evaluation. Additionally, this article suggests open research areas, highlighting many of the issues and problems associated with the empirical evaluation of these solutions for immediate attention by researchers and practitioners. Notably, academics must react to these challenges with appropriate emphasis on methodical verification. Therefore, for this purpose, the issues in the experiential validation of practices currently available are reviewed in this study. The review also discusses the struggle involved in demonstrating the reliability and validity of these approaches with contemporary evaluation methods. Furthermore, the development of best practices, reliable tools and the formulation of formal testing methods for digital forensic techniques are highlighted which could be extremely useful and of immense value to improve the trustworthiness of electronic evidence in legal proceedings.

Engaging with Pregnancy Care Providers: An Interview Study of Teenage Women

Background: Teenage pregnancy is associated with a large societal and personal burden, worldwide. The rate of teenage pregnancy at Ballarat Health Services (14.2/1000 births) was higher than the Victorian average of 10/1000 births. Attendance for pregnancy care is associated with improved outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to engagement with pregnancy care providers experienced by teenage women. Method: Between Feb-Jun 2017 semi structured interviews were conducted with women from Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough health services who were pregnant aged ≤ 19 yrs. Interviews were audio taped and professionally transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Transcripts of 16 women were analysed and four themes emerged: Valuing pregnancy care, Access, Individualised care and Resilience, Young women were motivated to attend to ensure the wellbeing of their baby and lack of engagement occurred when the importance of care was not understood. Flexibility of appointments and a central location was important; most participants were highly reliant on others for transport. Continuity of carer was valued and the interpersonal skills of staff was keenly noted. Many women had fractured families and pregnancy led to a contraction of their social world yet there was a sense of purpose in their lives. Conclusions: These findings have informed the development of best practice for teenage pregnancy care.

Is best practice in development still viable? The case of financial management in fragile Afghanistan

ABSTRACTThe concept of best practice has few friends in international development; however, the wholesale rejection of best practice is incorrect. The article first reviews the critique of best practice by describing its four main features and analyses it through a case study of public financial management (PFM) in Afghanistan country using three donor-funded projects that employ a best practice approach. The PFM projects are evaluated based on the four components of the critique. The article concludes with a modest reassessment of the continued salience of best practice in international development.

A Comprehensive Review of Seven Steps to a Comprehensive Literature Review

Onwuegbuzie and Frels (2015) provide the framework for evaluating current research and present seven steps for developing a Comprehensive Literature Review. Today a significant dilemma of research involves the sparse number of rigorous, empirical research studies to guide development of best practices of writing. The authors describe the purpose of their book as “a tool and guide for master’s-level students, doctoral-level students, and new and experienced researchers” to approach writing a CLR in a through and investigative way. The thrust and challenge is for researchers to concentrate on improving their methods and practices when reviewing topics with strong potential for shaping long-term educational policies.

Family-focused practices in addictions: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionFamilies are significantly impacted by addictions and family involvement in treatment can reduce the harms and can also improve treatment entry, treatment completion and treatment outcomes for the individual coping...

A Global Review of Sustainable Construction Project Financing: Policies, Practices, and Research Efforts

Despite the increasing investment in sustainable development over the past decade, a systematic review of sustainable construction project financing is lacking. The objectives of this paper are to conduct a systematic review to examine the policies, practices, and research efforts in the area of sustainable construction project financing, and to explore the potential opportunities for the future research. To achieve these goals, this paper first reviewed the sustainable construction project financing practices implemented by four representative developed economies including the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, and Australia. Then, this paper reviewed the efforts and initiatives launched by three international organizations including the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and International Finance Corporation. After that, this paper reviewed the research efforts of sustainable construction project financing published in peer-review journals and books. This paper identified four major research themes within this area, which are the review of financial stakeholders and market of sustainable construction, benefits and barriers to sustainable construction project financing, financial vehicles for sustainable construction projects, innovative models and mechanisms for sustainable construction project financing. Additionally, this paper revealed five directions for the future research of sustainable construction project financing, which are the identification of financial issues in sustainable construction projects, the investigation of financial vehicles for sustainable construction projects in terms of their strengths, limitations, and performances, the examination of critical drivers for implementing sustainable construction project financing, the development of a knowledge-based decision support system for implementing sustainable construction financing, and the development of best practices for implementing sustainable construction project financing. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by reviewing existing policies, practices, and research efforts in the area of sustainable construction project financing. Meanwhile, the findings from this paper benefit the industry as well, because they are able to provide the practitioners with a holistic view of sustainable construction project financing, thereby enhancing their knowledge and skills in this regard.

Workflow guidelines for digital content preservation: A snapshot of current practice

Effective management of incoming born-digital content can be informed by a review of the decisions being made and the methods being used at organisations in the digital preservation community, and the best practice resources that are available online and in print. A survey administered in 2016 captures a snapshot of solutions, recommendations and complaints by practitioners in the field. Three workflow models are compared with the survey results and synthesised for clarity and practicality. Within each stage of the workflow guidelines, functions are defined and tools suggested, based on survey results. Recommendations are outlined for next steps towards the development of best practices.

Presenting comparative study PRO results to clinicians and researchers: beyond the eye of the beholder

PurposePatient-reported outcome (PRO) results from clinical trials can inform clinical care, but PRO interpretation is challenging. We evaluated the interpretation accuracy and perceived clarity of various strategies for displaying clinical trial PRO findings.MethodsWe conducted an e-survey of oncology clinicians and PRO researchers (supplemented by one-on-one clinician interviews) that randomized respondents to view one of the three line-graph formats (average scores over time for two treatments on four domains): (1) higher scores consistently indicating “better” patient status; (2) higher scores indicating “more” of what was being measured (better for function, worse for symptoms); or (3) normed scores. Two formats displayed proportions changed (pie/bar charts). Multivariate modeling was used to analyze interpretation accuracy and clarity ratings.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty-three clinicians and 248 researchers responded; ten clinicians were interviewed. Line graphs with “better” directionality were more likely to be interpreted accurately than “normed” line graphs (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.01–2.38; p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between “better” and “more” formats. “Better” formatted graphs were also more likely to be rated “very clear” versus “normed” formatted graphs (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.44–2.54; p < 0.001). For proportions changed, respondents were less likely to make an interpretation error with pie versus bar charts (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.2–0.6; p < 0.001); clarity ratings did not differ between formats. Qualitative findings informed the interpretation of the survey findings.ConclusionsGraphic formats for presenting PRO data differ in how accurately they are interpreted and how clear they are perceived to be. These findings will inform the development of best practices for optimally reporting PRO findings.

Characterization of Methane-Seep Communities in a Deep-Sea Area Designated for Oil and Natural Gas Exploitation Off Trinidad and Tobago

Exploration of the deep ocean (>200 m) is taking on added importance as human development encroaches. Despite increasing oil and natural gas exploration and exploitation, the deep ocean of Trinidad and Tobago is almost entirely unknown. The only scientific team to image the deep seafloor within the Trinidad and Tobago Exclusive Economic Zone was from IFREMER in the 1980s. That exploration led to the discovery of the El Pilar methane seeps and associated chemosynthetic communities on the accretionary prism to the east of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, the E/V Nautilus, in collaboration with local scientists, visited two previously sampled as well as two unexplored areas of the El Pilar site between 998 and 1,629 m depth using remotely operated vehicles. Eighty-three megafaunal morphospecies from extensive chemosynthetic communities surrounding active methane seepage were observed at four sites. These communities were dominated by megafaunal invertebrates including mussels (Bathymodiolus childressi), shrimp (Alvinocaris cf. muricola), Lamellibrachia sp. 2 tubeworms, and Pachycara caribbaeum. Adjacent to areas of active seepage was an ecotone of suspension feeders including Haplosclerida sponges, stylasterids and Neovermilia serpulids on authigenic carbonates. Beyond this were large Bathymodiolus shell middens. Finally there was either a zone of sparse octocorals and other non-chemosynthetic species likely benefiting from the carbonate substratum and enriched production within the seep habitat, or sedimented inactive areas. This paper highlights these ecologically significant areas and increases the knowledge of the biodiversity of the Trinidad and Tobago deep ocean. Because methane seepage and chemosynthetic communities are related to the presence of extractable oil and gas resources, development of best practices for the conservation of biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago waters within the context of energy extraction is critical. Potential impacts on benthic communities during oil and gas activities will likely be long lasting and include physical disturbance during drilling among others. Recommendations for the stewardship of these widespread habitats include: (1) seeking international cooperation; (2) holding wider stakeholder discussions; (3) adopting stringent environmental regulations; and (4) increasing deep-sea research to gather crucial baseline data in order to conduct appropriate marine spatial planning with the creation of marine protected areas.

Development of best practices for scientific research vessel operations in a changing Arctic: A case study for R/V Sikuliaq

Reduced sea ice has made the Arctic Ocean more accessible for vessel traffic. In turn, the heightened interest to better understand rapidly changing sea ice dynamics, ecosystems, and related ocean processes in the Arctic Ocean has led to closer interactions with and the need to avoid potential conflicts between scientific researchers and Indigenous coastal communities. In particular, researchers need to minimize spatial and temporal overlap of science activities with subsistence hunts as the Arctic is essential to Indigenous communities for their food security and cultural heritage. In this regard, a Community and Environmental Compliance Standard Operating Procedure (CECSOP) was recently developed for the R/V Sikuliaq, which is owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and is part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. The CECSOP was developed with input and guidance from Alaska Indigenous community groups, state and federal agencies, and sea-going scientists. Here the document's basic principles and procedures are described, as well as its utility in helping guide constructive discussions and interactions between scientific users of R/V Sikuliaq and subsistence hunting communities when research and subsistence hunt activities have spatial and temporal overlap. The CECSOP is a “living” document and subject to future modifications and improvements. It may serve as a model for other scientific, commercial and industrial vessel operators to ensure best practices between subsistence hunting communities and vessel operators in the Arctic.

Common good practices in biomarker development in toxicology and ecotoxicology

Common good practices in biomarker development in toxicology and ecotoxicology

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND THE BUSINESS CONTEXT OF CSR BENEFITS ON THE POLISH MARKET

This paper identifies the development of innovative, good practices in CSR and sustainable development in Poland in 2011–2016. In the researched years, it was found that the greatest number of practices were recorded in the area of social involvement and development of local communities, workplace and environmental practises. The conducted analyses show that in the Polish market in the context of sustainable development, there are emerging new business paradigms, innovative CSR strategies as SDG’s implementation to building the competitive advantage of companies. The effectiveness of CSR activities is difficult to measure. On the example of the analysed companies it can be stated that they shape the intangible as well as tangible value. The intangible values are the social capital and trust in the company, while the tangible values are savings and revenue growth.

Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition as Student Performance Determinant in Undergraduate Research Modules

Vocabulary knowledge plays an important role in determining a person’s language proficiency level. This study investigates the role vocabulary plays in determining students’ performance within research modules at private higher education institutions (HEIs). The discipline-specific vocabulary in this study includes target words, sampled from an undergraduate research module’s prescribed textbook. A mixed-method design is used to explain students’ challenges and concerns with regard to research modules. An investigation is launched into students’ research vocabulary acquisition by administering pre- and post-testing with regular reliability. By measuring the students’ research vocabulary acquisition, the effectiveness of the research module’s (mostly incidental) learning process is determined. The relationship between the students’ research vocabulary acquisition and their research module performance as part of a Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.) curriculum is also established. This study contributes to the development of best practices and the advancement of institutional research development across HEI; it also stimulates interdisciplinary engagement within the research field research modules at HEI in South Africa.

Prospector: A Multivendor, Multitype, and Multistate Western Union Catalog

The Prospector project represents a unique union catalog. The origin, goals, and design of the union catalog that uses the INN-Reach system are presented. Challenges of the union catalog include the integration of records from libraries that do not use the Innovative Interfaces system and the development of best practices for participating libraries.

W kierunku „miejsca”. Budzenie uśpionego potencjału wsi

Studium przypadku społeczności lokalnych rozwijających dobre praktyki w zakresie samorozwoju, samoorganizacji społecznej, odbudowy tożsamości lokalnej i szerzej regionalnej, w tym tożsamości „miejsca” jest ważnym sposobem w odkrywaniu istoty społecznego świata i w próbie zrozumienia swoistych cech „wiejskości” w jej nowych kontekstach i interpretacjach. W ten sposób rozwija się dialektyczny związek pomiędzy tym co odkrywane, czyli społecznością lokalną a odkrywającym, tj. świadomym i zaangażowanym w próbę zrozumienia mechanizmu społecznej zmiany. W 2016 roku grupa badaczy z różnych krajowych ośrodków podjęła się napisania pracy pt. Tożsamość i „miejsce”. Budzenie uśpionego potencjału wsi. Podstawą doboru osiedli wiejskich z dużej grupy była zatem subiektywna decyzja osób, które pragną podzielić się swymi emocjami i przeżyciami w kontakcie z określoną lokalną społecznością w jej środowisku życia. Prezentowane tu opisy specyfiki i wyjątkowości wsi wynikają z potrzeby przekazania przez członków zespołu wielu przemyśleń i wrażeń, są prezentacją dobrych praktyk rozwoju lokalnego. Prace te są swego rodzaju afirmacją lokalnych wiejskich środowisk, oryginalnym pomysłem na interpretację opierającą się na humanistycznym wzorcu badawczym, w tym spojrzenie na procesy tworzące współczesną wieś przez pryzmat „miejsca”.

Influences on the Test–Retest Reliability of Functional Connectivity MRI and its Relationship with Behavioral Utility

Best practices are currently being developed for the acquisition and processing of resting-state magnetic resonance imaging data used to estimate brain functional organization—or “functional connectivity.” Standards have been proposed based on test–retest reliability, but open questions remain. These include how amount of data per subject influences whole-brain reliability, the influence of increasing runs versus sessions, the spatial distribution of reliability, the reliability of multivariate methods, and, crucially, how reliability maps onto prediction of behavior. We collected a dataset of 12 extensively sampled individuals (144 min data each across 2 identically configured scanners) to assess test–retest reliability of whole-brain connectivity within the generalizability theory framework. We used Human Connectome Project data to replicate these analyses and relate reliability to behavioral prediction. Overall, the historical 5-min scan produced poor reliability averaged across connections. Increasing the number of sessions was more beneficial than increasing runs. Reliability was lowest for subcortical connections and highest for within-network cortical connections. Multivariate reliability was greater than univariate. Finally, reliability could not be used to improve prediction; these findings are among the first to underscore this distinction for functional connectivity. A comprehensive understanding of test–retest reliability, including its limitations, supports the development of best practices in the field.

2085

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Describe (1) the features of the first release of Duke’s myRESEARCHhome portal for researchers, and 2) the methods and results of adoption strategies METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Through methods described previously (cite ACTS poster, 2016), the myRESEARCHhome portal team conducted a needs assessment to determine priorities for inclusion in the tool. Based on results of that assessment, the “minimal viable product” launched in June 2016 included the following features, organized into 9 distinct widgets: Access to all web-based research applications; ability to find and request research services; at-a-glance view of financial, protocol, and salary distribution information; access to financial and personnel reports; access to status of agreements and patents; access to CTSA-supported navigation services; visibility into required training and expiration dates; listing of announcements relevant to researchers; customized links area; ability to customize portal. The portal was developed using Ruby on Rails™, with a REACT grid framework. The development team, internal to Duke University, followed industry-standard best practices for development. After the initial release, the team employed several strategies to ensure awareness and adoption. Although written communications were an important factor for awareness, the presentations and hands-on studios proved most important. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Use of the portal was directly related to in-person outreach efforts. There were small spikes after written communications, but strategies such as presentations, hands-on demonstrations, training sessions, and faculty meetings garnered the steadiest adoption rates. As of early January, 2017, almost 3000 users have interacted with the portal, with numbers rising steadily. There are an estimated 10,000+ faculty, staff, and trainees engaged in research at Duke. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: To maintain high adoption rates with the research community, engagement strategies must be ongoing. In addition to frequent in-person demonstrations, updates via written communications, and attendance at events, the portal team will employ a key adopt strategy—engaging the researchers in ongoing needs assessments. By maintaining the portal’s relevance to the needs of the research community, the tool can better improve the efficiency of research at a large academic medical center.

A question of scale: Replication and the effective evaluation of conservation interventions

Conservation interventions can keep critically endangered species from going extinct and stabilize threatened populations. The species-specific, case-by-case approaches and small sample sizes inherent to applied conservation measures are not well suited to scientific evaluations of outcomes. Debates about whether a method “works” become entrenched in a vote-counting framework. Furthermore, population-level replication is rare but necessary for disentangling the effects of an intervention from other drivers of population change. Turtle headstarting is a conservation tool that has attracted strong opinions but little robust data. Logistical limitations, such as those imposed by the long lives of turtles, have slowed experimental evaluation and constrained the use of replication or experimental controls. Headstarting project goals vary among projects and stakeholders, and success is not always explicitly defined. To facilitate robust evaluations, we provide direction for data collection and reporting to guide the application of conservation interventions in logistically challenging systems. We offer recommendations for standardized data collection that allow their valuable results to contribute to the development of best practices, regardless of the magnitude of the project. An evidence-based and collaborative approach will lead to improved program design and reporting, and will facilitate constructive evaluation of interventions both within and among conservation programs.

A survey of practices for the use of electronic health records to support research recruitment.

Electronic health records (EHRs) provide great promise for identifying cohorts and enhancing research recruitment. Such approaches are sorely needed, but there are few descriptions in the literature of prevailing practices to guide their use. A multidisciplinary workgroup was formed to examine current practices in the use of EHRs in recruitment and to propose future directions. The group surveyed consortium members regarding current practices. Over 98% of the Clinical and Translational Science Award Consortium responded to the survey. Brokered and self-service data warehouse access are in early or full operation at 94% and 92% of institutions, respectively, whereas, EHR alerts to providers and to research teams are at 45% and 48%, respectively, and use of patient portals for research is at 20%. However, these percentages increase significantly to 88% and above if planning and exploratory work were considered cumulatively. For most approaches, implementation reflected perceived demand. Regulatory and workflow processes were similarly varied, and many respondents described substantive restrictions arising from logistical constraints and limitations on collaboration and data sharing. Survey results reflect wide variation in implementation and approach, and point to strong need for comparative research and development of best practices to protect patients and facilitate interinstitutional collaboration and multisite research.