Conflict Reduction Research Articles

INVERSÃO DO GOLEADOR NA EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR: EXPERIÊNCIAS COOPERATIVAS E INCLUSIVAS NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL

A esportivização da Educação Física escolar cria obstáculos à inclusão de alunos que não se “enquadram” aos padrões exigidos pela lógica do rendimento esportivo padronizado nesses espaços. Mas apesar dessa conjuntura, é possível criar estratégias de cooperação entre pares, fomentando a participação, a inclusão e o envolvimento dos alunos nessas aulas? Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever e analisar experiências advindas dos Jogos Cooperativos, com sua estratégia “inversão do goleador”, ao longo do ano de 2018, em turmas de 4º e 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola pública municipal. Aspectos que dizem respeito ao contexto, às motivações e aos procedimentos utilizados, com tal estratégia, foram objetos de análise do presente trabalho. Como corolários da utilização da estratégia cooperativa posta em prática, pôde-se perceber, dentre outras coisas, uma redução de conflitos, maior envolvimento e aceitação de diferenças existentes entre os alunos, bem como o aprimoramento de técnicas e táticas. Além do mais, um clima saudável de otimismo, de participação e de ajuda mútua foi identificado, obtendo o reconhecimento de toda a equipe (de apoio e pedagógica). E assim foi possível criar estratégias de cooperação entre pares, fomentando a participação, a inclusão e o envolvimento dos alunos. Propostas como a dos Jogos Cooperativos, quiçá outras, não só podem como devem ser implementadas na base, isto é, em turmas de 1ª etapa do Ensino Fundamental, nas quais os alunos são mais receptivos e menos resistentes, conforme observado, a fim de se implementar uma ética cooperativa entre eles, considerados agentes culturais.

Effectiveness of Milieu Therapy in reducing conflicts and containment rates among schizophrenia patients.

Objective. To evaluate effectiveness of Milieu Therapy in reduction of conflict and containment rates among schizophrenia patients. Methods. This study utilized quasi experimental non-equivalent control group pre-post design. One hundred schizophrenia patients admitted in acute psychiatric wards were non-randomly assigned to either of the experimental (n=50) or control group (n=50). The experimental group received both milieu therapy and routine hospital treatment. The Milieu Therapy intervention Included environmental modification and structuring ward activities, establishing effective interaction with patient, and teaching caregivers on managing conflict behavior of patient. The control group received only routine treatment in the hospital. Outcome measures on conflict and containment rates were evaluated for both the groups at baseline and at 2nd, 3rd and 15th day. The Patient-Staff Conflict Checklist Shift Report (PCC-SR) was used to collect information about rates of conflict and containment.Results.Compared with control group, the experimental group participants showed decrease in aggressive behavior, self-harm behavior and general rule breaking behavior at baseline and 2nd, 3rd and 15th day (F=4.61, p<0.004, η 2=0.04; F=11.92, p<0.001, η 2=0.11; F=6.94, p<0.001, η 2=0.06) over seven days interval. Conclusion. The present study findings provided evidence for the effectiveness of integrating Milieu Therapy in psychiatric acute wards in reducing conflict behaviors among schizophrenia patients. Milieu therapy should be considered as an integral part of psychiatric care settings in these patients.

An assessment of the implications of alternative scales of communal land tenure formalization in pastoral systems

Pastoralism faces diverse challenges, that include, among others, land tenure insecurity, that has necessitated the need to formalize land rights. Some governments have started regularizing rights for privately owned land, but this is complex to implement in pastoral areas where resources are used and managed collectively. Our aim was to assess how the scale of communal land tenure recognition in pastoralist systems may affect tradeoffs among objectives such as tenure security, flexibility, mobility, and reduction of conflicts. We used a participatory scenario-building approach to investigate alternative scenarios of land tenure recognition in southern Ethiopia where a new communal land tenure system is in the early stages of implementation. Through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a workshop, respondents analyzed the likely outcomes of communal land tenure recognition at different scales. Our findings suggest that there is a good chance of success when the tenure policy is embedded onto customary structures. All scales have some shortcomings, but Reera seems best, yet pastoralists preferred the Dheeda which despite its challenges, is the best for maintaining flexible mobility. There are multiple uncertainties and complexities, which suggest the for multi-pronged approaches and various support mechanisms when implementing a formal land tenure system in these areas.

Paid Sick Leave in Washington State: Evidence on Employee Outcomes, 2016-2018.

Objectives. To estimate if Washington State's paid sick leave law increased access to paid sick leave, reduced employees' working while sick, and relieved care burdens.Methods. I drew on new data from 12 772 service workers collected before and after the law took effect in January 2018 in Washington State and over the same time period in comparison states that did not have paid sick leave requirements. I used difference-in-difference models to estimate the effects of the law.Results. The law expanded workers' access to paid sick leave by 28 percentage points (P < .001). The law reduced the share of workers who reported working while sick by 8 percentage points (P < .05). Finally, there was little evidence that the law served to reduce work-life conflict for Washington workers.Conclusions. Mandated paid sick leave increased access to paid sick leave benefits and led to reductions in employees' working while sick. However, covered workers did not experience reductions in work-life conflict in the period immediately following passage.

Abstract P6-12-04: Does the addition of a patient decision aid video reduce decisional conflict in patients considering a de-escalation of radiotherapy trial? Results from the PRIMETIME study

Abstract Background: PRIMETIME is a UK-led prospective biomarker-directed cohort study aiming to identify a group of breast cancer patients who can safely avoid radiotherapy following breast conserving surgery. This group is deemed to be at such a low risk of local relapse that the potential benefits of radiotherapy are unlikely to outweigh the risks. The uncertainty patients face regarding healthcare decisions is known as decisional conflict. Patient decision aids (PDA) are interventions which help patients to weigh up the risks and benefits of treatments. Evidence suggests PDA reduce decisional conflict. A study within a trial (SWAT) concept which enables trialists to conduct research embedded within a larger trial was used to investigate if the introduction of a PDA video reduces decisional conflict within PRIMETIME. Methods: The PDA video was designed to be used in addition to the standard written information and developed in close collaboration with PRIMETIME patient advocates. The PRIMETIME SWAT was implemented using a cluster stepped-wedge trial design. Each cluster was defined as the radiotherapy centre and peripheral centres referring into that centre. All clusters began in the standard information group (receiving written information) and then crossed over to the enhanced information group (receiving written information and PDA video) at either 2, 4 or 6 months. The primary endpoint was a reduction in decisional conflict following PDA implementation. Decisional conflict was assessed using the validated decisional conflict scale questionnaire (0-100 scale with greater scores indicating more decisional conflict) in the standard and enhanced information groups. The target sample size was 288 patients from 24 clusters, to provide 84% power (alpha 0.05) with an effect size of 0.55 (assuming standard deviation, SD=18) across the 0-1 range of possible intra-class correlation values. For the primary endpoint an estimate of the difference in mean decisional conflict pre- and post-implementation of the PDA video was obtained from a multilevel mixed effects linear regression model. Results: In an interim analysis conducted on 2nd May 2019, 318 evaluable questionnaires were returned from 463 eligible patients (69%) recruited across 24 clusters; 158 questionnaires from the standard and 160 questionnaires from the enhanced group. 60/130 (53%) patients in the enhanced information group (with available data) reportedly did not watch the PDA video. The mean decisional conflict score in the standard group [158 patients] was 10.73 (SD=11.63) and 8.43 (10.83) in the enhanced group [160 patients]. There was a reduction in decisional conflict in the enhanced compared with the standard group, however the effect size was small and unlikely to be clinically significant [estimated difference in means = -2.50 (-4.73- -0.28), p=0.03, effect size=0.11]. The final analysis will be conducted after the last cluster has crossed over to the enhanced group in October 2019. Conclusions: A SWAT using a cluster stepped-wedge trial design testing the implementation of a PDA video on patient’s decisional conflict was conducted across multiple UK centres participating in PRIMETIME. The average decisional conflict scores were low therefore there is less scope for obtaining further reductions, and the difference we observed was not clinically significant. The low baseline scores may reflect the PRIMETIME study population who are at low risk of local recurrence. Almost half of patients reportedly did not watch the video; this may be due to the standard written information being sufficient to fulfil the needs of this patient population. Citation Format: Indrani Subarna Bhattacharya, Joanne Haviland, Ada Balasopoulou, Liba Stones, Hilary Stobart, Lesley Turner, Penelope Hopwood, Charlotte E Coles, Judith M Bliss. Does the addition of a patient decision aid video reduce decisional conflict in patients considering a de-escalation of radiotherapy trial? Results from the PRIMETIME study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-04.

Abstract P6-12-10: Method development for a ‘Study within a Trial’ using a cluster stepped wedge trial design: Evaluating a patient decision aid video on patients’ decisional conflict in the PRIMETIME study

Abstract Background: PRIMETIME is a UK-led prospective biomarker directed cohort study aiming to identify a group of breast cancer patients who can safely avoid radiotherapy following breast conserving surgery. This group is deemed to be at such a low risk of local relapse that the potential benefits of radiotherapy are unlikely to outweigh the risks. The uncertainty patients face regarding healthcare decisions is known as ‘decisional conflict’ which may increase when a component of standard of care is removed. Patient decision aids (PDA) are interventions which help patients to weigh up the risks and benefits of treatments. Evidence suggests PDA reduce decisional conflict. The study within a trial (SWAT) concept enables trialists to conduct research embedded within a larger trial in an economic and efficient manner. A SWAT testing whether the introduction of a PDA video reduces decisional conflict was conducted within the PRIMETIME study. The method development of the PRIMETIME SWAT is described. Methods: The SWAT was embedded within PRIMETIME after PRIMETIME had opened to recruitment. All eligible patients approached for the PRIMETIME study were eligible for the PRIMETIME SWAT. The SWAT utilised a cluster stepped-wedge trial design. Each cluster consisted of the radiotherapy centre and any peripheral centres referring into that radiotherapy centre. At the outset of the SWAT, all sites utilised the standard written information when discussing the trial with patients as had been envisaged in the original protocol. At pre-specified time-points each cluster “crossed over” to additionally incorporate the PDA video in the information provided to patients eligible for PRIMETIME. Decisional conflict was assessed in clusters prior to and following implementation of the PDA. The PDA was designed in collaboration with PRIMETIME patient advocates to be used in addition to the standard written information, explaining the same risks and benefits of radiotherapy but using an enhanced video format. Access to the PDA was restricted for healthcare professionals as well as patients until the cluster had crossed over to the intervention group to ensure that healthcare professionals did not alter the way in which they presented the study having watched the video. The primary endpoint was reduction in decisional conflict as measured on the decisional conflict scale. Discussion: The eligible population for the SWAT was greater than the population of the main PRIMETIME study (i.e. including patients who declined PRIMETIME), to try and obtain a SWAT sample representative of the general population. The cluster aspect of the stepped-wedge design ensured all patients in a cluster would receive uniform information which would simplify processes for sites and avoid cross-contamination between patients. The stepped-wedge aspect enabled all clusters to have access to the PDA by the end of the trial. The PDA was designed to complement the standard written information and explain the risks and benefits of radiotherapy in a different format using a video. If PDA are found to reduce decisional conflict within treatment de-escalation trials, this will provide the evidence to increase resources into the development of PDAs in future trials. Citation Format: Indrani Subarna Bhattacharya, Joanne S Haviland, Ada Balasopoulou, Liba Stones, Hilary Stobart, Lesley Turner, Penelope Hopwood, Judith M Bliss, Charlotte E Coles. Method development for a ‘Study within a Trial’ using a cluster stepped wedge trial design: Evaluating a patient decision aid video on patients’ decisional conflict in the PRIMETIME study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-10.

The Comparison of the Effectiveness of Structural Couple Therapy and Redecision couple Therapy Method on the Reduction of Marital Conflicts in Infertile Couples

Background: Marital conflict results from the disharmony of husband and wife needs and the way to meet them, egocentrism, difference in requests and irresponsible behavioral schemas for marital relationship and marriage. The goal of the current study is to compare the effectiveness of structural couple therapy and re-decision couple therapy on the reduction of marital conflicts in infertile couples of Sanandaj. Materials and Methods: to do this goal semi experimental pre and post test method using to control and experimental groups was applied. Statistical population of this research was infertile couples referring to infertility center of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj in 2018 who were selected by convenient sampling method and replaced randomly on 3 groups of 12 persons. To collecting data, marital conflicts questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed using statistical tests of multivariate analysis of covariance and spss-22 software. Results: The results showed that cooperation component (F=14.17, P&lt;0.001), decreased sex (F=28.53, P&lt;0.009), increasing emotional reactions (F=16.99, P&lt;0.001), increasing personal relationship with onechr('39')s relatives (F=24.02, P&lt;0.001), decreasing family relationship with spousechr('39')s friends and relatives (F=21.81, P&lt;0.001), separating financial affairs from each other (F=18.70, P&lt;0.001), decreasing effective relationship (F=28.53, P&lt;0.001), but there is no significant difference between three groups of experimental and control in increasing childrenchr('39')schr('39') support component (F=0.091, P&lt;0.05). There is a significant difference between the effectiveness of the Minuchin structural couple therapy and the re-decision couple therapy and control group in decreasing marital conflict (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: the results showed the importance of couple-therapy Interventions through re-decision on decreasing marital conflicts in infertile couples. Generally, the results indicated that Minuchin structural couple therapy is more effective than re-decision couple therapy on decreasing marital conflicts in infertile couples.

Personality differences between academic team sport players and physical education undergraduate students

Background and Study Aim: Although personality research in psychology of sport has a long history, a little is known about the personality of the team sport players among university students. The aim of this study is to investigate differences in personality traits between Team Sport Players (TSP), Physical Education Students (PES) and Other Faculties Students (OFS). Material and Methods: Participants in the cross-sectional study were 441 university students aged between 18 and 34 years old (M = 22.09, SD = 2.19), including 60.09% of men, at a large university in the south of Poland. The NEO-FFI questionnaire was used to assess Big-Five personality traits.&#x0D; Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that TSP sample scored significantly lower in neuroticism, openness and agreeableness than both PES and OFS groups. TSP also demonstrated higher scores in extraversion, in comparison to PES. The PES and OFS did not differ one another in personality traits. Conscientiousness was at the same level in all three groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: Increasing achievement motivation and compliance with norms may heighten conscientiousness among undergraduates. The information about personality should be used by the coach to team conflict reduction, to make an appropriate selection decision and to develop individual development plans for particular team members.

A Randomized Comparison of Two Psychosocial Interventions on Family Functioning in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

Impairments in family functioning are associated with more severe depressive and manic symptoms, earlier recurrences, and more suicidal behaviors in early-onset bipolar disorder. This study examined whether family-focused treatment for adolescents (FFT-A) with BD I or II disorder led to greater increases in family cohesion and adaptability and decreases in conflict over 2years compared to a briefer psychoeducational treatment (enhanced care, EC). Participants were 144 adolescents (mean age: 15.6±1.4years) with BD I or II with a mood episode in the previous 3months. Adolescents and parents were randomized to either FFT-A (21 sessions) or EC (three sessions). Patients received guideline-based pharmacotherapy throughout the 2-year study. Trajectories of adolescent- and parent-rated family cohesion, adaptability, and conflict were analyzed over 2years. FFT-A had greater effects on adolescent-rated family cohesion compared to EC over 2years. Participants in FFT-A and EC reported similar improvements in family conflict across the 2years. In the FFT-A group, low-conflict families had greater adolescent-rated family cohesion throughout the study compared to high-conflict families. High-conflict families in both treatment groups tended to show larger reductions in conflict over 2years than low-conflict families. Family psychoeducation and skills training may improve family cohesion in the early stages of BD. Measuring levels of family conflict at the start of treatment may inform treatment responsiveness among those receiving FFT-A.

Sustainable water access and willingness of smallholder irrigators to pay for on-farm water storage systems in Tsavo sub-catchment, Kenya

On-farm surface water storage systems can supplement irrigation needs and relieve pressure on surface streams. Using choice experiments, this study assessed farmer’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for the different attributes of on-farm water storage systems: all year water availability for irrigation, reduction of water resource conflicts and improved water quality. Results show that if smallholder irrigators could be assured of all year water availability, they would be willing to pay US$ 1459.90 per household per hectare. Similarly, a reduction in water resource conflicts attracted a marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) of US$ 1470.20 per household, while improved water quality for domestic use and ecosystems had a MWTP of US$ 870.20. High preferences and WTP for these attributes suggest that policies geared towards addressing water resource conflicts and uncertainty of irrigation water supply need to incorporate on-farm surface water storage systems.

Animal Welfare in Predator Control: Lessons from Land and Sea. How the Management of Terrestrial and Marine Mammals Impacts Wild Animal Welfare in Human-Wildlife Conflict Scenarios in Europe.

Simple SummaryBoth marine and terrestrial mammal predators come into conflict with humans in Europe and yet their situations are rarely compared. Areas of conflict include the predation of livestock and farmed fish, and also perceived competition for wild prey (for example wolves competing with hunters for deer and seals competing with fishermen for salmon). A lethal method (shooting) and non-lethal methods of conflict reduction used for terrestrial large carnivores (e.g., bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx) and marine mammals (seals) are discussed and their potential impacts on predator welfare are considered. The importance of carrying out an animal welfare assessment when choosing a control method is emphasized along with possible assessment methods. Recommendations for future work are also made.The control of predators, on land and in the sea, is a complex topic. Both marine and terrestrial mammal predators come into conflict with humans in Europe in many ways and yet their situations are rarely compared. Areas of conflict include the predation of livestock and farmed fish, and the perceived competition for wild prey (for example wolves competing with hunters for deer and seals competing with fishermen for salmon). A lethal method (shooting) and non-lethal methods of conflict reduction (including enclosures, guarding, and aversion) used for terrestrial large carnivores (e.g., bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx) and marine mammals (seals) are discussed. Control measures tend to be species- and habitat-specific, although shooting is a widely used method. Potential impacts on predator welfare are described and welfare assessments which have been developed for other wildlife control scenarios, e.g., control of introduced species, are considered for their potential use in assessing predator control. Such assessments should be applied before control methods are chosen so that decisions prioritizing animal welfare can be made. Further work needs to be carried out to achieve appropriate and widely-accepted animal welfare assessment approaches and these should be included in predator management planning. Future research should include further sharing of approaches and information between terrestrial and marine specialists to help ensure that animal welfare is prioritized.

An Assessment of Primary School Instructional Processes in Promoting Peace, Harmony, and Conflict Management in Government Primary Schools of the Addis Ababa City Government, Ethiopia: Implications for Teacher Education

Ethiopia has been suffering from absence of peace and recurrent conflicts emanating mainly from lack of tolerance of ethnic and religious differences. The purpose of the current study, therefore, is examining the contribution of primary school instructional processes to the prevalence of peace and harmony and reduction of conflicts and the implication it has for teacher education. A descriptive study design using quantitative method was used to study the current situation in schools. The instrument used for the study was questionnaire. Fifty per cent of teachers undergoing in-service education in the Addis Ababa University in the 2017–18 Academic Year were selected as sample using stratified simple random sampling technique. The validity of the instrument was determined using expert opinions and reliability was established by administering the questionnaire to 10 non-participating teachers. Data were collected by the researcher and an assistant and analyzed using mean, percentage and one way ANOVA. Outcomes suggested that the contents of harmony and conflict were not adequately taught and, consequently, lacked sufficient internalization by students Based on the outcomes, it was concluded that the contribution of instructional processes to the prevalence of peace and mitigation of conflicts was not sufficient. It was, thus, recommended that teachers should more extensively teach about the contents of peace and harmony. Moreover, the teacher education curriculum should include these same contents, and teachers need to be trained in the ways they could better teach the concepts and promote cooperation and collaboration among students.

Исследование удовлетворенности браком в семьях, воспитывающих детей с аутизмом

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of marital relations and family performance in parents of children with autism in 110 different questions. In this test, the coefficient was examined on 10 scales in 8 items. 51 families with at least one child with autism in Iran was tested. To assess the quality of marital relationships, marital adjustment, and family functioning, all parents completed the AMSS (Afrooz Marital Satisfaction Scale) questionnaire. The study, which looked at families' satisfaction with autism, found that there was a significant relationship between the quality of marital relationships and mental health in families with children with autism, based on all our hypotheses. This study and other similar studies show that families need ongoing programs. These programs include identifying, finding solutions, and providing direct advice to families. In this program, we will see a reduction in stress and conflict among families with autism, a correct and thoughtful approach to family members, and people with autism. This program should be done in groups and separately in autism centers and other psychological and counseling offices.

Strengthening anger management in the classroom: contributions from B-learning training

The present study analysed the contributions of a B-learning training experience to the reduction of school conflicts in classrooms by encouraging cognitive-behavioural anger management techniques. Using a mixed concurrent nested dominant approach, research took place from 2015 to 2017 with 43 Colombian children between the ages of 8 and 14. Data was collected using a pre-test/post-test, checklists, observation logs, and a focus group. The findings showed satisfactory performance in the execution of the indicated techniques; these results were verified by Wilcoxon's Z test, showing a significant increase in the measurement of internal wrath control with both self-applied and hetero-applied instruments (−2,841 with sign. 0.004 in the hetero-applied instrument and −1,699 with sign. 0.089 in the STAXI-NA). Finally, an analysis of the qualitative results provides suggestions for improving the technical and pedagogical aspects.

Mutual Fund Dual Holdings and Shareholder-Creditor Conflicts

Mutual fund families increasingly hold bonds and stocks from the same firm. We study the implications of such dual holdings for corporate governance and firm decision-making by exploiting variations in dual ownership resulting from the rise in the popularity of bond mutual funds and from cross-family fund mergers. We present evidence of a reduction in shareholder-creditor conflicts, which allows firms to increase valuable investments and to refinance by issuing bonds with lower yields and fewer restrictive covenants. Overall, our results suggest that fund families internalize the shareholder-creditor agency conflicts of their portfolio companies, highlighting the benefits of such institutional ownership.

Brief Education and a Conjoint Valuation Survey May Reduce Decisional Conflict Regarding Lung Cancer Screening.

Background. Recent data and policy decisions have led to the availability of lung cancer screening (LCS) for individuals who are at increased risk of developing lung cancer. In establishing implementation policies, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services required that individuals who meet eligibility criteria for LCS receive a patient counseling and shared decision-making consultation prior to LCS. Methods. This study evaluated the potential of a values clarification/preference elicitation exercise and brief educational intervention to reduce decisional conflict regarding LCS. Participants (N = 210) completing a larger online survey responded to a measure of decisional conflict prior to and following administration of a conjoint survey and brief educational narrative about LCS. The conjoint survey included 22 choice sets (two of which were holdout cards), incorporating 5 attributes with 17 levels. Results. Results pertaining to changes in decisional conflict showed that participants reported statistically significantly and clinically meaningful reductions in decisional conflict following administration of the brief educational narrative and conjoint survey across the total score (Δ = 29.30; d = 1.09) and all four decisional conflict subscales: Uncertainty (Δ = 27.75; d = 0.73), Informed (Δ = 35.32; d = 1.11), Values Clarity (Δ = 31.82; d = 0.85), and Support (Δ = 18.78; d = 0.66). Discussion. While the study design precludes differentiating the effects of the brief educational narrative and the conjoint survey, data suggest that these tools offer a reasonable approach to clarifying personal beliefs and perspectives regarding LCS participation. Given the complicated nature of LCS decisions and recent policies advocating informed and shared decision-making approaches, conjoint surveys should be evaluated as one of the tools that could help individuals make choices about LCS participation.

Developing cognitive complexity and value pluralism within prevention curricula:: An empirical assessment of the Living Well with Difference course for secondary schools in England

Purpose: To promote gains in cognitive complexity (measured by integrative complexity, IC) associated with recognition of validity in others’ viewpoints/values, supporting peaceful conflict reduction. Design: Assessment of effectiveness of Living Well with Difference (LWWD) course designed to promote critical thinking about contested social issues. LWWD was delivered to 199 secondary school students in England, comprising eight hours of sessions in curriculum time. Findings: Results using Paragraph Completion Tests showed that IC increased in the intervention condition in comparison to the smaller control condition IC gains. Resilience scores did not show significant gain, although it correlated moderately with IC gain. Research Limitations: Unequal numbers of control: intervention groups, non-random school sample, and a moderate amount of missing data are potential limitations. Practical Implications: The discussion explores the possible contribution that LWWD can make to citizenship education and ‘deep’ critical thinking that engages with emo-tions and values, complementing prevention curricula in the light of EU recommendations.

Autonomous Coordinated Control Strategy for Complex Process of Traffic Information Physical Fusion System Based on Big Data

In the era of big data, the global data is growing explosively. The huge growth rate makes data processing and storage difficult, especially in the field of transportation. Based on the above background, this paper aims to study the autonomous coordinated control strategy for the complex process of traffic information physical fusion system based on big data. In this paper, the information physical fusion system is applied to the modern transportation system, and it is used to realize the high integration of computation, communication and control. Realize the independent and coordinated control of the transportation system. This paper proposes an autonomous traffic management mechanism based on multi-agent CPS system. In view of the instability and untimely of the original control strategy, a new traffic optimization control strategy conflict reduction control strategy is proposed. In order to solve the complexity of traffic system, the generation method of CPS autonomous control strategy based on multi-agent is studied and analyzed. Through the evaluation and verification of the conflict reduction control strategy and the online simulation of the incremental data synchronization strategy, it can be seen that the inconsistency ratio curves of message quantity and byte transmission quantity are always kept at a relatively low level, 1% and 2%, respectively. During the whole experiment, the average number of inconsistent messages and byte transmission of the agent are ideally controlled at 1.2 messages / train and 0.5kb/train.

THE INFLUENCE OF POISON PILLS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

We examine whether the poison pills influence on the executive compensation of Brazilian publicly-traded firms, considering that there is a particularity of this anti-takeover device in Brazilian firms when compared to US firms, since the managers can include in the company's bylaws an "eternity" clause that prevents poison pills change or removal, which may lead to a managerial entrenchment, maintaining managers privileges in the detriment of minority shareholders, including increases in the executive compensation levels. To test our hypotheses, we use a sample of 217 Brazilian publicly-traded firms listed on B3 with available data on Bloomberg® database and Brazilian Securities Exchange Commission website between 2010 and 2017. We use the total, fixed and variable compensations as proxies for executive compensation. However, to mitigate several outliers of these variables, we use the quantile regression as a robust alternative to the extreme sensitivity of the ordinary least squares estimator to modest amounts of outliers. Our main results show that poison pills have a positive influence on total, fixed and variable executive compensation. Furthermore, in an exploratory way, our results show that these "eternity" poison pills also have a positive influence on these proxies of executive compensation. These findings are consistent with the entrenchment hypothesis that since managers are protected in their positions, they may obtain private benefits at the expense of shareholders, such as higher levels of executive compensation. In this sense, our study contributes to the literature by showing that although reducing the risk of a hostile takeover, the poison pills are incurring in an additional agency cost for shareholders that not always leads to the reduction of conflicts between managers and shareholders since these anti-takeover defenses seem not being adopted in the Brazilian context to benefit the shareholders, but to protect managers in their positions.

A Study on Climate Change Adaptation in Early Modern England with a Focus on the Elizabethan Act for the Relief of the Poor in 1598

In this article, we will look at evidence about how climate change creates conflict between different social strata and how cooperation and solidarity between different groups of people can help them to reconcile and overcome crisis. The late 16th century was perceived as a time of crisis due to cold weather, poor harvests, famines, and revolts. In particular, the abnormal weather at that time impacted England with severe cold and unusual temperatures. This change in climate caused grain prices to rise, leading several farmers toward impoverishment. Death rates also increased due to famine and the spread of epidemic disease. With these difficulties, people moved into cities, and the number of poor people increased with the rise of public health problems. Scholars have long emphasized the political crisis like regime changes and the social confusion that resulted from the abnormal climate of the Little Ice Age. However, recent studies have paid specific attention to human efforts to deal with climate change and their resiliency. Famine from the extreme cold of the 1590s bolstered a communal responsibility to join forces in the fight against famine and disease, and local cooperation was promoted and initiated. Public prayers were held for community members who were afflicted by disease, pastors preached the values of restraint and abstinence, charity was repeatedly emphasized, and parishes collected funds and offered refuge for the poor. While climate change created class conflicts between the rich and the poor, it also unexpectedly led to social solidarity, when in 1598, the Elizabethan Act for the Relief of the Poor was legislated. In conclusion, institutional responses and philanthropy led to the prevention and reduction of social conflict and strengthened the cause of coexistence.