University of Bedfordshire

About: University of Bedfordshire is a education organization based out in Luton, Bedford, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Social work. The organization has 3860 authors who have published 6079 publications receiving 143448 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Luton.

Facilitators and barriers of implementing and delivering social prescribing services: a systematic review

Abstract: Social Prescribing is a service in primary care that involves the referral of patients with non-clinical needs to local services and activities provided by the third sector (community, voluntary, and social enterprise sector). Social Prescribing aims to promote partnership working between the health and the social sector to address the wider determinants of health. To date, there is a weak evidence base for Social Prescribing services. The objective of the review was to identify factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of SP services based in general practice involving a navigator. We searched eleven databases, the grey literature, and the reference lists of relevant studies to identify the barriers and facilitators to the implementation and delivery of Social Prescribing services in June and July 2016. Searches were limited to literature written in English. No date restrictions were applied. Findings were synthesised narratively, employing thematic analysis. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2011 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. Eight studies were included in the review. The synthesis identified a range of factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of SP services. Facilitators and barriers were related to: the implementation approach, legal agreements, leadership, management and organisation, staff turnover, staff engagement, relationships and communication between partners and stakeholders, characteristics of general practices, and the local infrastructure. The quality of most included studies was poor and the review identified a lack of published literature on factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of Social Prescribing services. The review identified a range of factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation and delivery of Social Prescribing services. Findings of this review provide an insight for commissioners, managers, and providers to guide the implementation and delivery of future Social Prescribing services. More high quality research and transparent reporting of findings is needed in this field.

Viability assessment of bacteria in mixed populations using flow cytometry

Abstract: SUMMARY In microbiology cells are called viable when they can be shown to proliferate. Due to long lag phases and the cells' sensitivity to the conditions around them, this definition presents problems when investigating stressed or injured cells. Colony counts only show reproduction, whilst direct single-cell investigation can divide the status of cells into four stages: (i) reproductive viable cells, (ii) vital cells, (iii) intact cells and (iv) dead cells. Multicolour staining flow cytometry has been found to provide a powerful method for investigating these various states of viability. This is illustrated with examples with some emphasis on mixed bacterial populations.

Report of resistance to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid in Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Abstract: Susceptibilities of UK and mainland European samples of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid were investigated over a 7 year period. All 24 strains collected between 1997 and 2003 showed similar baseline levels of susceptibility to that of a known susceptible laboratory strain when exposed to a diagnostic concentration (128 mg L−1) of formulated imidacloprid. Two samples collected during 2004, one from the UK and one from The Netherlands, demonstrated reduced susceptibility at this concentration. Using dose–response assays, the presence of resistant individuals was disclosed in both these strains; some individuals were unaffected at doses high enough to induce phytotoxic effects. This report represents the first confirmed cases of neonicotinoid resistance inducing control failures in T. vaporariorum, and highlights a need for careful vigilance to sustain the effectiveness of imidacloprid and related neonicotinoid insecticides. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Emotional resilience in the helping professions and how it can be enhanced

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of research that has examined the benefits of emotional resilience for the wellbeing and employability of helping professionals such as social workers, nurses and midwives. It outlines the competencies that have been associated with emotional resilience (such as emotional literacy, reflective ability, appropriate empathy and social competence) and considers how they have the potential to help people to cope with the emotional demands inherent in the helping professions. Some evidence-based strategies are highlighted to help academic staff develop an ‘emotional curriculum’ to foster emotional resilience in students training for the helping professions.