Implications For Future Projects Research Articles

Evaluation of a culturally adapted reminiscence therapy intervention: Improving mood, family and community connectedness in Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking older adults.

Reminiscence therapy (RT) is an evidence-based treatment for alleviating depression and improving life satisfaction among elders, yet less is known about its efficacy in diverse ethnic groups. We report on the evaluation of a cultural adaptation of the RT intervention that combines reminiscence with three innovative elements: including family members in RT; conducting community events for participants to present their artwork and life-story books created during the intervention; and using ethnically matched bilingual community workers. The 12-week intervention with pre- and post-test assessments was completed by 73 Hispanic and 92 Vietnamese elders (mean age = 75 years; 62% female; mostly foreign-born, with limited English proficiency). Paired t-tests indicated statistically significant improvement in depression, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Sixty-two percent of participants noted improved relationships with family/friends through improved communication and shared understanding of the participant's life story. Fifty percent of respondents participated in a community event and the qualitative comments noted improved connection with their community through listening to others' life experiences and sharing their own. Participant perceptions of ethnically matched community workers were positive, but several indicated they could work with someone from a different ethnic background. Similar to general RT findings, the culturally adapted RT intervention demonstrated improvement in depression, loneliness, and life satisfaction among elders from two different ethnic backgrounds. Implications for future projects are discussed based on the findings and experience of conducting this intervention.

Using a shared research practices paradigm with adult choral singers for the teaching and learning of musical literacy skills

This paper discusses the development of music lessons for adults in a non-professional choir. Based on the Kodály Concept, the lessons took place from April 2019 until March 2020. The singers and conductor engaged in shared research practices, tracking teaching and learning experiences through journaling and sharing our writings. Through this sharing, we have discussed the activities that are most enjoyable, difficulties we have encountered, and ways to overcome these difficulties. The data has important implications for my own practice as a music teacher and conductor, in addition to resonating with topics such as critical geragogy and life-long learning in non-academic contexts. Furthermore, shared research practices give adult learners an opportunity to actively engage in teaching and learning processes, with implications for future projects that include adult music education in nonacademic contexts.

NK Cells in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN).

Simple SummaryNK cells are important innate immune effectors that contribute substantially to tumor control, however the role of NK cells in haematological cancers is not as well understood. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of the role of NK cells in the management of Ph+ Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and emphasize the need and possible benefits of a more in-depth investigation into their role in classical MPNs and show potential strategies to harness the anti-tumoral capacities of NK cells.Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) comprise a heterogenous group of hematologic neoplasms which are divided into Philadelphia positive (Ph+), and Philadelphia negative (Ph−) or classical MPNs. A variety of immunological factors including inflammatory, as well as immunomodulatory processes, closely interact with the disease phenotypes in MPNs. NK cells are important innate immune effectors and substantially contribute to tumor control. Changes to the absolute and proportionate numbers of NK cell, as well as phenotypical and functional alterations are seen in MPNs. In addition to the disease itself, a variety of therapeutic options in MPNs may modify NK cell characteristics. Reports of suppressive effects of MPN treatment strategies on NK cell activity have led to intensive investigations into the respective compounds, to elucidate the possible negative effects of MPN therapy on control of the leukemic clones. We hereby review the available literature on NK cells in Ph+ and Ph− MPNs and summarize today’s knowledge on disease-related alterations in this cell compartment with particular focus on known therapy-associated changes. Furthermore, we critically evaluate conflicting data with possible implications for future projects. We also aim to highlight the relevance of full NK cell functionality for disease control in MPNs and the importance of considering specific changes related to therapy in order to avoid suppressive effects on immune surveillance.

Stepping stones for change – Conference proceedings from the Enfield Positive Behaviour Support Project, 31 October 2018

This article is based on presentations given to learning disability professionals based in North London boroughs on 31 October 2018. It gives an overview of the first year of the Enfield Positive Behaviour Project, how the project was implemented, outcomes, challenges faced, lessons learned and implications for future projects.

Assessing the Labour Market Impact of the PNG LNG Project and Implications for Future Projects

This paper assesses the labour market impact of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) LNG project – the largest resource project ever completed in PNG. It discusses employment during the construction phase from 2010 to 2014 and the subsequent production phase. While national employment figures in the formal economy grew substantially during LNG construction, many jobs were held by foreign workers. Many Papua New Guineans living close to LNG construction sites were employed for short periods of time without the opportunity to develop skills or gain enough work experience to facilitate their permanent transition into the formal workforce. The major LNG developers have been criticised for not providing more training opportunities for local workers and instead heavily relying on foreign workers. Many PNG government departments were taken by surprise by the project, and training institutions were not ready to provide training in relevant areas. The paper ends with recommendations for the future, including the upcoming Papua LNG project.

Music and textiles interact

This article describes a body of collaborative work titled Fifteen Images (Le Jardin Pluvieux). This web-based artefact brings novel approaches to textile representation in work produced under the umbrella of a practice-based research project in music called Active Notation a collective name for a set of approaches that seek to re-conceptualize the nature of music notation and the performer's relationship with it. Research undertaken during the creation of Fifteen Images investigated both aural and visual reception and issues of materiality and temporality in digital representations: how textile objects might become effective visual partners in the temporal domain of score-led music performance. Developed to exist primarily as a software artefact on the web, it links to a physical installation and performance that has stylistic and theoretical associations with the UK touring exhibition Taking Time (Carnac 2009). A description is given of the digital assets that support the project as a whole, the digital animation of textile images and the interaction with live musical performance. The article concludes with a review of the completed work and implications for future projects.

Astrosociology as the Missing Perspective

Astrosociology represents a distinctive emergent field within the sociological discipline and outside of it, inclusive of the other social sciences and a strong connection to the natural sciences. It provides a heretofore absent focus that partly serves to complement the work of space scientists and engineers, including the space policy issues that guide the direction of their work. By adopting astrosociology, this missing perspective increases the current scope of attention by adding its focus on the societal implications of human developments related to space generally and space exploration specifically. This relationship between space and society, viewed in both causal directions, influences social change within any particular society and possesses implications for future projects and missions. Astrosociology adds a sociocultural dimension to the conventional approach of space sciences that currently devalues a social science orientation. With the addition of astrosociology, practitioners of space will become exposed to decision-making criteria normally unavailable to them under current circumstances.

Compensation of time-dependent persistent current effects in superconducting synchrotrons.

Persistent currents in superconducting accelerator magnets are caused by the magnetization of the superconducting filaments in the field of the magnet itself. The magnetized filaments create additional field distortions which can have an important effect on beam dynamics. During the initial operation of the Tevatron as a colliding beam accelerator, the chromaticities at the injection energy were found to be time dependent, leading to instabilities and particle loss during injection and at the start of acceleration. Laboratory measurements on single Tevatron dipole magnets indicated that these effects were due to time-dependent persistent current phenomena. Using additional laboratory measurements and beam observations, we have developed a set of procedures to compensate the time-dependent chromaticities due to the persistent currents. The application of these procedures has eliminated all problems caused by time-dependent persistent current effects. We will discuss the general problem of persistent current distortions in superconducting accelerators, and, then, the laboratory measurements, the beam observations, and the successful implementation of the correction schemes. While these procedures have worked well, they have limitations which will be discussed, as well as possible future improvements and implications for future projects.

Early Attempts at Aquaculture in Malawi and Implications for Future Projects

This article discusses the evolution of the policy governing the initial introduction of fish farming in Malawi. It evaluates the implementation of the policy, paying particular attention to the response of the rural farmers, their expectations and frustrations. The article, based on interviews of farmers and on archival sources, demonstrates that lack of practical support such as the provision of extension workers contributed to the failure of the project. The study has lessons for planners and implementers of similar projects in Malawi and elsewhere in Africa.

Early Attempts at Aquaculture in Malawi and Implications for Future Projects

This article discusses the evolution of the policy governing the initial introduction of fish farming in Malawi. It evaluates the implementation of the policy, paying particular attention to the response of the rural farmers, their expectations and frustrations. The article, based on interviews of farmers and on archival sources, demonstrates that lack of practical support such as the provision of extension workers contributed to the failure of the project. The study has lessons for planners and implementers of similar projects in Malawi and elsewhere in Africa.