bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing rates of parasitism of the larval parasitoid Bracon brevicornis (Hym., Braconidae) by using kairomones, pheromones and a supplementary food
Authors: Zaki F. N. , El‐Saadany G. , Gomma A. , Saleh M.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The kairomonal effect of hexane extract of the larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis and Sesamia cretica on Bracon brevicornis adults was evaluated through olfactometer tests. The parasitoid males showed no definite response to any kairomone. Females were attracted to the kairomone of S. cretica more than to that of O. nubilalis. Highly significant effect of the sex pheromone of O. nubilalis on the females of B. brevicornis was recorded. Kairomones (hexane extracts of larvae) varied in their effect on the released B. brevicornis parasitoids. The kairomone of S. cretica increased the parasitisation from 7.74 to 17.05%, while the kairomones of O. nubilalis and of Spodoptera littoralis were not significantly effective. Spraying molasses solution (10%) on the corn stalks before releasing B. brevicornis parasitoids increased the rate of parasitism from 7.74 to 28.21%. The concentration of 5% gave insignificant increase in the parasitisation rate.
Evidence of shoot fly Atherigona soccata Rondani (Dipt., Muscidae) oviposition response to sorghum seedling volatiles
Authors: Nwanze K. F. , Nwilene F. E. , Reddy Y. V. R.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The effects of shoot fly resistant (IS 18551) and susceptible (CSH 5) sorghum seedling volatiles on oviposition of shoot fly were investigated by exposing mated females to various treatments under greenhouse conditions. It is hypothesized that shoot fly susceptible genotype and younger [5–10 days after emergence, (DAE)] seedlings emit different quantities and/or blends of volatiles than resistant or older (14–21 DAE) ones. Shoot fly response was greater to host plant odour alone than to host plant plus fishmeal. Transparent trap with 10 day‐old susceptible seedlings was found to be more effective and efficient for adult attraction than the other two types of traps [live fly trap and black trap]. The present study indicated that shoot fly females are attracted both to the volatiles emitted by the susceptible seedlings, and that phototactic (optical) stimuli that may facilitate orientation to its host for oviposition, but volatile blends associated with adult attraction will be reported in due course to confirm these results.
Prediction of damage and yield loss caused by rice leaffolder at different crop periods in a susceptible rice cultivar (IR 50)
Authors: Pandi V. , Babu P. C. Sundara , Kailasam C.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The predicted damage and yield loss under field conditions caused by rice leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) Guenee to the rice cultivar IR 50 was more in the unprotected crop than in protected crop. The yield loss was more when the infestation occurred at 40 days after sowing (DAS) than at 30, 60 and 80 DAS. The damage and yield loss was not concomitant with the larval population. The economics of protection of grain crop showed that the protection was not necessary when the crop was infested at 30, 60 and 80 DAS while at 40 DAS the protection was necessary. A seed crop may warrant protection of the crop at both 30 and 40 DAS.
Morphology and development of Vairimorpha spec. (Microsporida, Nosematidae) from diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lep., Yponomeutidae)
Authors: Nahif A. A. , Jungen C.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The morphology and development of Vairimorpha spec. are described from chronically infected Plutella xylostella. We detected a temperature independent dimorphism of Vairimorpha spec. in P. xylostella by rearing at 20–23 °C. All organs in each developing host stage of P. xylostella were infected heavily, especially in haemocytes and fat bodies. After infection of the host a complicated development cycle starts, which is characterized by merogony and sporogony. A disporoblastic (Nosema type) and an octosoproblastic (Thelohania type) life cycle was found to be temperature independent. Meronts, which are spherical with two or four nuclei in diplokaryotic arrangement, precede both types of sporogony. Both types occur mainly in the fat bodies of the larvae and adults, shown after staining with Giemsa and Iron haematoxylin.
Relative changes in the virulence and infectivity of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus in relation to the dietary habit of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lep., Noctuidae)
Authors: Ramarethinam S. , Marimuthu S. , Rajagopal B. , Murugesan N. V.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The implications of the dietary habit of Helicoverpa armigera on the virulence and infectivity of its nuclear polyhedrosis virus were examined in the laboratory by conducting three bioassays involving six different food regimes. Irrespective of the combination of food rations a significantly lower percentage mortality and higher time taken to kill the larvae were observed in cotton‐fed and dosed larval groups over the others. Correlation and regression analysis was also found to be significant between biochemical factors and percentage mortality. A negative correlation between percentage mortality and biochemical factors like foliar pH, phenols, tannins and protein binding capacity and positive correlations between percentage mortality and gut passage time were observed.
Pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi (Hyphomycetes) to the legume flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysan., Thripidae)
Authors: Ekesi S. , Maniania N. K. , Onu I. , Löhr B.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Twenty‐two strains of entomopathogenic fungi were tested in the laboratory to determine their pathogenicity to adult Megalurothrips sjostedti. All the fungal strains were pathogenic to the insect. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae strains caused mortality ranging between 29 and 100% and 54 to 100%, respectively. In contrast, Verticillium lecanii and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were less virulent, causing mortality ranging between 29 to 68 and 13%, respectively. The LT50 of the most virulent B. bassiana and M. anisopliae strains was 2.7 and 2.4 days, respectively. The LC50 for the most active B. bassiana strain was 7.9 × 106 conidia/ml. The LC50 for the most active strain of M. anisopliae was 1.3 × 106 conidia/ml. Two strains of B. bassiana and four strains of M. anisopliae were found to be highly pathogenic to M. sjostedti, which suggests a potential for their use in the biological control of the pest.
Fatigue thresholds of holed components under in‐phase and out‐of‐phase torsional and axial loadings
Authors: Tanaka K. , Morita K. , Akiniwa Y.
Published: August 2009

The resistance‐curve (R‐curve) method was applied to the prediction of the fatigue thresholds of notched components under in‐phase and out‐of‐phase combinations of cyclic torsion and axial loadings. The prediction was compared with the experimental data obtained from thin‐walled tubular specimen of medium‐carbon steel with a hole. The stress was completely reversed and the mean stress was zero. The crack nucleated at the position of the maximum range of the circumferential stress on the periphery of a hole, and propagated almost straight for all cases examined. The experimental data of the thresholds for crack initiation and fracture agreed well with the predictions for in‐phase and for out‐of‐phase loadings with 45° phase difference. For out‐of‐phase loading with 90°, the threshold for fracture was close to the crack initiation limit, because of the reduction of crack closure due to crack face rubbing by mode II shear cycling.
Dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics in pediatric intensive care – a pooled analysis
Authors: POTTS AMANDA L. , ANDERSON BRIAN J. , WARMAN GUY R. , LERMAN JERROLD , DIAZ SUSAN M. , VILO SANNA
Published: August 2009

Background: Published dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetic studies in children are limited by participant numbers and restricted pathology. Pooling the available studies allows investigation of covariate effects.

Methods: Data from four studies investigating dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics after i.v. administration (n = 95) were combined to undertake a population pharmacokinetic analysis of dexmedetomidine time–concentration profiles (730 observations) using nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM). Estimates were standardized to a 70‐kg adult using allometric size models.

Results: Children had a mean age of 3.8 (median 3 years, range 1 week–14 years) and weight of 16.0 kg (median 13.3 kg, range 3.1–58.9 kg). Population parameter estimates (between subject variability) for a two‐compartment model were clearance (CL) 42.1 (CV 30.9%) l·h−1·70 kg−1, central volume of distribution (V1) 56.3 (61.3%) l·70 kg−1, inter‐compartment clearance (Q) 78.3 (37.0%) l·h−1·70 kg−1and peripheral volume of distribution (V2) 69.0 (47.0%) l·70 kg−1. Clearance maturation with age was described using the Hill equation. Clearance increases from 18.2 l·h−1·70 kg−1at birth in a term neonate to reach 84.5% of the mature value by 1 year of age. Children given infusion after cardiac surgery had 27% reduced clearance compared to a population given bolus dose. Simulation of published infusion rates that provide adequate sedation for intensive care patients found a target therapeutic concentration of between 0.4 and 0.8 μg·l−1.

Conclusions: The sedation target concentration is similar to that described for adults. Immature clearance in the first year of life and a higher clearance (when expressed as l·h−1·kg−1) in small children dictate infusion rates that change with age. Extrapolation of dose from children given infusion in intensive care after cardiac surgery may not be applicable to those sedated for noninvasive procedures out of intensive care.
A molecular assessment of the iron stress response in the two phylogenetic clades of Trichodesmium
Authors: Chappell P. Dreux , Webb Eric A.
Published: August 2009

Trichodesmium spp. play key roles in global carbon and nitrogen budgets and thus defining what controls their productivity is important for understanding climate change. While iron availability has been shown to be an important chemical factor for controlling both growth and nitrogen fixation rates in Trichodesmium, all culture experiments to date have focused solely on representatives from one clade of Trichodesmium. Genomic sequence analysis determined that the Trichodesmium erythraeum (IMS101) genome contains many of the archetypical genes involved in the prokaryotic iron stress response. Focusing on three of these genes, isiB, idiA and feoB, we found that all three showed an iron stress response in axenic T. erythraeum (IMS101), and their sequences were well conserved across four species in our Trichodesmium culture collection [consisting of two T. erythraeum strains (IMS101 and GBRTRLI101), two Trichodesmium tenue strains (Z‐1 and H9‐4), Trichodesmium thiebautii and Trichodesmium spiralis]. With clade‐specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) primers for one of these genes, isiB, we found that high isiB expression at low Fe levels corresponded to specific reductions in N2 fixation rates in both major phylogenetic clades of Trichodesmium (the T. erythraeum clade and T. tenue clade). With regard to the two clades, the most significant difference determined was temperature optima, while more subtle differences in growth, N2 fixation rate and gene expression responses to Fe stress were also observed. However the apparent conservation of the Fe stress response in the Trichodesmium genus suggests that it is an important adaptation for their niche in the oligotrophic ocean.
First record of the brachiopod Lingulella waptaensis with pedicle from the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale
Authors: Pettersson Stolk Sandra , Holmer Lars Erik , Caron Jean‐Bernard
Published: August 2009

Pettersson Stolk, S., Holmer, L. E. and Caron, J ‐B. 2010. First record of the brachiopod Lingulella waptaensis with pedicle from the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 150–162

The organophosphatic shells of linguloid brachiopods are a common component of normal Cambrian–Ordovician shelly assemblages. Preservation of linguloid soft‐part anatomy, however, is extremely rare, and restricted to a few species in Lower Cambrian Konservat Lagerstätten. Such remarkable occurrences provide unique insights into the biology and ecology of early linguloids that are not available from the study of shells alone. Based on its shells, Lingulella waptaensis Walcott, was originally described in 1924 from the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale but despite the widespread occurrence of soft‐part preservation associated with fossils from the same levels, no preserved soft parts have been reported. Lingulella waptaensis is restudied herein based on 396 specimens collected by Royal Ontario Museum field parties from the Greater Phyllopod Bed (Walcott Quarry Shale Member, British Columbia). The new specimens, including three with exceptional preservation of the pedicle, were collected in situ in discrete obrution beds. Census counts show that L. waptaensis is rare but recurrent in the Greater Phyllopod Bed, suggesting that this species might have been generalist. The wrinkled pedicle protruded posteriorly between the valves, was composed of a central coelomic space, and was slender and flexible enough to be tightly folded, suggesting a thin chitinous cuticle and underlying muscular layers. The nearly circular shell and the long, slender and highly flexible pedicle suggest that L. waptaensis lived epifaunally, probably attached to the substrate. Vertical cross‐sections of the shells show that L. waptaensis possessed a virgose secondary layer, which has previously only been known from Devonian to Recent members of the Family Lingulidae.
Particle capture in ciliary filter‐feeding gymnolaemate and phylactolaemate bryozoans – a comparative study
Authors: Riisgård Hans Ulrik , Okamura Beth , Funch Peter
Published: August 2009

Riisgård, H.U., Okamura, B. and Funch, P. 2009. Particle capture in ciliary filter‐feeding gymnolaemate and phylactolaemate bryozoans – a comparative study. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)91: 416–425.

We studied particle capture using video‐microscopy in two gymnolaemates, the marine cheilostomeElectra pilosaand the freshwater ctenostomePaludicella articulata,and three phylactolaemates,Fredericella sultanawith a circular funnel‐shaped lophophore, andCristatella mucedoandLophophus crystallinus, both with a horseshoe‐shaped lophophore. The video‐microscope observations along with studies of lophophore morphology and ultrastructure indicated that phylactolaemate and gymnolaemate bryozoans with a diversity of lophophore shapes rely on the same basic structures and mechanisms for particle capture. Our study also demonstrates that essential features of the particle capture process resemble one another in bryozoans, brachiopods and phoronids.
Ethical issues in Computer‐Assisted Language Learning: Perceptions of teachers and learners
Authors: Wang Shudong , Heffernan Neil
Published: August 2009

Pedagogical theories and the applications of information technology for language learning have been widely researched in various dimensions. However, ethical issues, such as online privacy and security, and learners' personal data disclosure, are not receiving enough research attention. The perceptions and attitudes from those who participate in Computer‐Assisted Language Learning (CALL)—instructors and learners—towards these issues have been particularly neglected. This research investigated the following issues: privacy protection and learners' personal data disclosure, along with teachers' and students' ethics self‐assessments, and their perceptions and ideals of ethical issues in technology‐assisted language learning. The results of two surveys of teacher and learner perspectives on these issues are outlined, along with some possible solutions to these ethical problems for teachers who are teaching languages through CALL.
The Significance of Names
Authors: JESHION ROBIN
Published: August 2009

As a class of terms and mental representations, proper names and mental names possess an important function that outstrips their semantic and psycho‐semantic functions as common, rigid devices of direct reference and singular mental representations of their referents, respectively. They also function as abstract linguistic markers that signal and underscore their referents' individuality. I promote this thesis to explain why we give proper names to certain particulars, but not others; to account for the transfer of singular thought via communication with proper names; and, more generally, to support a cognitivist, not acquaintance or instrumentalist, theory of singular thought.
A Strictly Millian Approach to the Definition of the Proper Name
Authors: COATES RICHARD
Published: August 2009

A strictly Millian approach to proper names is defended, i.e. one in which expressions when used properly (‘onymically’) refer directly, i.e. without the semantic intermediaryship of the words that appear to comprise them. The approach may appear self‐evident for names which appear to have no component parts (in current English) but less so for others. Two modes of reference are distinguished for potentially ambiguous expressions such as The Long Island. A consequence of this distinction is to allow a speculative neurolinguistics of proper (‘onymic’) and semantic (‘non‐onymic’) reference. A further consequence is that translation of onymically referring expressions is impossible (since they have no semantic content), and some apparently self‐evident objections to this view are met by insisting on a distinction between a proper name as a referring expression and its etymology. The nature of the linguistic mechanism(s) by which an expression becomes proper (i.e. loses sense) shows that etymological opacity is a precondition for the survival of words in certain proper names, furnishing evidence for reference without sense. The process of becoming proper amounts to abrogation of sense for the purpose of reference, which is precisely the requirement for a systematic defence of Mill.
FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION AND THE BUSINESS CYCLE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SEVEN FEDERATIONS
Authors: RODDEN JONATHAN , WIBBELS ERIK
Published: August 2009

Although fiscal policies of central governments sometimes provide modest insurance against regional income shocks, this paper shows that procyclical fiscal policy among provincial governments can easily overwhelm these stabilizing effects. We examine the cyclicality of budget items among provincial governments in seven federations, showing that own‐source taxes are generally highly procyclical, and contrary to common wisdom, revenue sharing and discretionary transfers are either acyclical or procyclical. Constituent governments are thus left alone to smooth their own shocks, and we document the extent to which various restraints on borrowing and saving undermine their ability to do so. The resulting procyclicality of provincial fiscal policy is likely to have important implications in a world where demands for countercyclical fiscal policy are increasing but considerable fiscal responsibilities are being devolved to subnational governments.
Evaluation of a Community Facility for People with Learning Disabilities and Behaviour Disorder (Challenging Behaviour)
Authors: Roy Meera , Abdalla Mohamed , Smee Carolyn , Fallon Catherine , Simon Florence , Blincoe Christine , Hayes Alison , Shaw Debbie , Marsh Neal
Published: August 2009

As a part of the resettlement programme, three young men with learning disabilities and behaviour disorder moved to a flat in the community providing one‐to‐one staffing. A fourth man received respite care. A multi‐professional team evaluated various aspects of their care and found that they showed an increase in engaged behaviour, a decrease in disturbed behaviour reflected by increase in MRC‐HBS scores and a decrease in violent incidents. They also needed less psychotropic medication. Following resettlement, their relatives were more satisfied with the care they received and found visiting easier. The young men's quality of life had improved and staff morale was high.
Meeting the Challenge in Clwyd: The Intensive Support Team
Authors: Toogood Sandy , Bell Andrew , Jaques Hilary , Lewis Sian , Sinclair Carolyn , Wright Lorraine
Published: August 2009

The current pattern of services for people with severe or profound learning disabilities is radically different from that of just twenty years ago. For many people, ordinary housing now provides a real alternative to the long stay hospital, attempts to replace day centres with supported employment initiatives are gaining momentum and some progress is being made toward a more integrated system of education. Aided over recent years by funding improvements and policy guidance under the All Wales Strategy (Welsh Office, 1983) Clwyd is one County where considerable headway has been made. The transition, however, has not been easy — change brings its own challenges. One of the major challenges facing service providers in Clwyd has been the provision of good quality community services for people with learning disabilities who display very challenging behaviour.

This paper describes one service initiative which has formed part of Clwyd's overall response to challenging behaviour — the Clwyd Intensive Support Team (IST). In this paper, we explain our working definition of challenging behaviour before going on to describe the development of the Team, how it has operated and what the pattern of referrals has been like over the first three years. In a second paper, we will report on how the Team used its time, maintenance of outcomes to date, consumer satisfaction and what the Team has cost. We will conclude by delineating what we believe to be the essential elements of a specialist challenging‐behaviour peripatetic support team.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision in a Social Education Centre: The Value of a ‘First Step’ Assessment
Authors: Law James , Brown Gwen , Lester Rochelle
Published: August 2009

This paper follows up a group of 84 students in a social education centre (SEC) who had been screened and allocated to groups according to their communication needs. Each student was allocated to one of seven clinical groups as follows: preverbal; low comprehension/low expression; social skills; low comprehension/high expression; intelligibility; unplaced; no involvement. It proved possible to review 74 out of the 84 students. Of these 58 (78.3%) were considered to be correctly placed in the first instance. The communication needs of those felt to be incorrectly placed are discussed and alternative suggestions made. The results indicate that a simple question and answer screening schedule completed by key workers and where appropriate, students, can prove an efficient point of departure when introducing a service to a SEC. Such a clearly defined approach was felt to have positive implications both for the care staff and for the service as a whole.
Client Attitudes Towards Relationships: Changes Following a Sex Education Programme
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Michie Amanda M. , Staines Cathy , Bellshaw Elizabeth , Culross Grace
Published: August 2009

This paper reports some findings from a sex education programme run over the last three years. An experimental group is compared with a control group in terms of acquisition of sexual knowledge and the effectiveness of the service is established in those terms. However, the main bulk of this paper is given over to analysis of changes in attitude in clients following a sex education course. These changes in attitude are illustrated in three areas: naivety towards sexual relationships, attitudes towards heterosexual relationships and attitudes towards homosexual relationships. Attitude change is discussed in terms of the effects that they have on the client's life and their relationships with significant others.
Weight Status of a Group of Adults with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Wood Tina
Published: August 2009

The weight status of a group of 35 adults with learning disabilities was studied. The group with varying degrees of learning disability, all lived in staffed health authority accommodation. Distribution of Body Mass Index (weight for height) was found to be polarised with greater numbers of both obese and underweight people than would be expected in the general British population. Weight status was clearly linked with level of dependency — the most dependent clients being the most underweight.

Factors associated with low weight included assisted feeding, use of soft diets, food regurgitation and immobility. Obesity was linked with drug use — notably anti‐psychotics and sodium valproate.
Cross‐School Reciprocal Peer Tutoring of Mathematics and Makaton with Children with Severe Learning Difficulty
Authors: Shanahan Kay , Topping Keith , Bamford Judy
Published: August 2009

This paper describes a collaborative project designed to promote integration, operated between one class in a special school for children with severe learning difficulties and many children in a mainstream primary school, involving, on both sites, structured cross‐school, cross‐ability reciprocal peer tutoring in Makaton and mathematics. Evaluation in cognitive, social and affective domains was carried out employing naturalistic observation.
Leaving Special Schools
Authors: Ineichen Bernard , Rohde Jenifer
Published: August 2009

The quality of life of teenagers with severe learning disabilities depends a great deal on service help. School‐leaving is a time when crucial decisions have to be taken. Five recent surveys undertaken in different parts of the country show a relatively consistent pattern of satisfaction with educational provision, mixed views about health care, concern about the availability and quality of day care, and little interest in moving into a permanent residential place. Specialist services were praised, but there was little evidence of faith in the quality of future expanded social service provision.
Stress in a Social Services Day Centre
Authors: Gardner Damian , Rose John
Published: August 2009

There has been very little research into work stress experienced by staff working in day care settings. This study describes the steps taken to assess and attempt to reduce stress levels in a day centre for people with learning disabilities. The work was prompted by concern over a high incidence of minor chronic ailments among staff. Assessment was by interview, discussion and questionnaires. High levels of stress were found in staff. The main sources of stress appeared to be ‘work load’ and organisational structure reflecting recent external pressures on the centre. Three one hour long intervention sessions were arranged and plans were made to address the sources of stress. At eight months follow‐up staff were positive about the intervention and specific organisational changes had occurred. Statistically significant changes in stress levels were not found, however. The results and their implications for other day care settings are discussed.
Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Sensory Impairments
Authors: Hatton Chris , Emerson Eric
Published: August 2009

A national survey of local authorities in England and Wales was conducted to examine various aspects of service provision for adults with learning disabilities and additional visual and/or auditory impairments. The 78 responses received suggested that, in general, local authorities: (1) lack a clear definition of this service user group, (2) under‐estimate the numbers of people in this service user group, (3) lack effective information‐gathering systems for gaining reliable prevalence estimates, (4) report few specific policies or designated officers aimed at this client group, (5) report little investment in specialised services, with the voluntary sector providing a significant proportion of the specialised services reported and (6) report a slight move towards greater specialisation in future service provision, with several reporting plans to provide new specialised assessment and residential services. Overall, the results reflect a general lack of clarity within local authorities regarding the most appropriate ways of defining, assessing need and planning, purchasing and providing services for people with learning disabilities and sensory impairments.
Using Microcomputers in Naturalistic Language Intervention: The Trialling of a New Approach
Authors: Bozic Nick
Published: August 2009

To date, microcomputers have tended to be used in traditional or behavioural approaches to language intervention. However, many theorists believe language is most effectively learnt if children are placed in naturalistic social situations where they have real and meaningful reasons to communicate. A way of using microcomputers in this way has been trialled in Birmingham. Simple computer‐based activities were designed with the aim of encouraging the expression of specific semantic relations in children with moderate or severe learning difficulties. Design issues are discussed and presented as guidance for others interested in planning such activities.
‘Thank‐you for Saying “No”…’
Authors: Perry Luke
Published: August 2009

This case study describes an approach to one individual's non‐compliant behaviour, which focuses upon reduction of excessive refusal through change of the caregiver interactional style and acknowledgement of the inherent ‘message value’ of escape and avoidance responses. Positive outcomes include not only increased participation, but also greater personal competence, choice and access to ordinary community facilities, with these gains being maintained at three‐month follow up. Implications of the approach are discussed.
Having a Voice: Involving People with Learning Difficulties in Research
Authors: Minkes John , Townsley Ruth , Weston Clive , Williams Chris , Tyrell Jan
Published: August 2009

This article summarises a symposium presented at the 1993 BILD conference by researchers based at the Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol. The linking theme of the several contributions to the symposium was the need to involve people with learning difficulties in research. The article argues that a traditional model of research, in which detached observers set the agenda and present the results to their funders and academic colleagues, should not be seen as the only acceptable approach to research. This article advocates involving people with learning difficulties at every stage of the research process. The article then describes several pieces of work, carried out by or with the support of staff at Norah Fry, which illustrate the Centre's attempts to put this principle into practice. It is argued that the end result is better research, which is of more direct benefit to people with learning difficulties.
An Evaluation of Joint Training for Staff and Clients in Shared Action Planning in Solihull
Authors: Dagnan Dave , Look Roger , Trower Peter , Dennis Shirley
Published: August 2009

In this paper we describe an approach to training in Shared Action Planning that involves both plan coordinators and people with learning disabilities as equal participants. The training consists of five workshops which introduce Shared Action Planning and give staff and clients an opportunity to discuss preferences in home life, leisure and day activity or work. We present an evaluation of the training approach which indicates that it is well received by both staff and clients.
Respite Services (Short‐term Breaks) for Adult Citizens with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Hayes Lesley , Cotterill Lesley , Sloper Patricia , Flynn Margaret
Published: August 2009

Respite which has traditionally been perceived as a service for carers is increasingly being seen as one which also benefits service users. To gauge the extent to which this shift might be occurring, the definition of respite as applied by Social Services departments is explored. Despite a range of options across authorities, and an informal desire to shift the nature of provision, choice continues to be limited largely to residential provision.
Problems with the Savant Syndrome: A Brief Case Study
Authors: Barnes Richard C. , Earnshaw Stephen M.
Published: August 2009

The paper highlights problems which exist with the definition and the management of clients exhibiting savant syndrome; with reference to a specific case. It argues that there is no consensus on definition, and that unless caution is observed, the presence of savant skills may be a disadvantage to the client.
Measure for Measure: How do Measures of Quality of Life Compare?
Authors: Perry Jonathan , Felce David
Published: August 2009

This paper is intended to provide some guidance to people wishing to monitor quality in small scale community residential settings. It describes the results of a study in which 14 objective quality of life indicators were conducted in a sample of 14 community‐based staffed houses in order to assess the degree of overlap between measures within each of six quality of life domains: activity, autonomy and choice, housing quality, personal development, social and community integration, and social interactions. Overall, there was fairly high overlap within domains. Reasons for the lack of overlap which was sometimes found are discussed.
Interviewing People with a Learning Disability About Their Residential Service
Authors: McVilly Keith R.
Published: August 2009

Thirty‐six people with a moderate to severe learning disability were interviewed concerning their accommodation service. The interview consisted of 49 items, grouped in five categories: material, physical, developmental, social and emotional well‐being. Three question techniques were used: open questions, closed questions and requests for opinions, augmented by line drawings depicting facial expressions (happy, sad, etc). The findings demonstrate that consumers can make an important contribution to the review of services they receive, but that the interview process is by no means easy. Implications for involving service users in the development of individual plans (IPs) are discussed. Based on the respondents' comments, suggestions are made for the development of accommodation services. It is concluded that the design of effective service planning and evaluation strategies, is dependent upon the refinement of augmentative communication technologies and consumer education.
Successful Treatment of Severe Self Injury Incorporating the Use of DRO, a Snoezelen Room and Orientation Cues
Authors: Withers Paul S. , Ensum Ian
Published: August 2009

Strong experimental evidence exists for the use of differential reinforcement procedures in ameliorating SIB in people with learning disabilities. However, recently some researchers have pointed out the inadequacy of single element treatment approaches in dealing with all cases of SIB and have stressed the need for services to develop multi‐modal, integrative intervention programmes based on non‐aversive approaches. This case report describes a treatment package for severe self‐injurious behaviour containing elements of DRO, use of a Snoezelen Room, orientation cues and staff support. Results showed the treatment programme to have been highly successful, with a marked reduction in the subject's SIB, along with a general increase in positive behaviours. A six‐month follow‐up study demonstrated that this improvement had been maintained. Thus, it was concluded that this study offers support for the concept of a multi‐faceted treatment package and rather more tentatively for the use of a Snoezelen Room as a component of such a package for some individuals.
Experiences of an Integration Link Scheme: The Perspectives of Pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties and their Mainstream Peers
Authors: Beveridge Sally
Published: August 2009

The paper explores the perspectives of pupils involved in an integration link. Data from the mainstream pupils demonstrate a generally positive acceptance of the scheme, and in some cases the development of friendly relationships with the special school pupils. A significant number would wish to see more functional integration in lessons. The special school group also show positive feelings about their involvement. Profiles of individual pupils, however, reveal significant variations in the ways they respond to the opportunity for interaction with their mainstream peers. If integration schemes are to promote successful interactive experiences for all the pupils involved, then aspects of individual diversity need to be taken into account. Specifically, variation in motivation for interaction and in the perception of shared interests and experiences warrant consideration. In order to respond to such diversity, the planning of integration schemes should be informed by the views of the pupils themselves.
Collaboration Between Teachers and Speech and Language Therapists Working with Children with Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD): Implications for Professional Development
Authors: Kersner Myra , Wright Jannet A.
Published: August 2009

A questionnaire was sent to teachers and speech and language therapists who work together with children who have communication problems and severe learning disabilities. In the study the effect of the exchange of information on the collaborative working practices of these professionals and the subsequent implications for professional development is considered. This study was set up to examine whether this exchange was affected if the teachers and speech and language therapists were perceived as being ‘specialists’ in the field of SLD. The research addresses the issues of the knowledge and skills gained, the type of information exchanged and the ways in which this may affect the nature of the collaborative process.
Assessing and Meeting Needs in HIV and Learning Disability
Authors: Cambridge Paul
Published: August 2009

The aim of this paper is to identify progress and explore issues in relation to HIV prevention and safer sex education for people with learning disabilities. A number of practical, conceptual and political questions surface in relation to assessing and meeting needs in HIV and learning disability. These raise dilemmas for those involved in commissioning services, developing safer sex educational resources or providing safer sex education. The imperative in HIV prevention is to target messages on people who are most at risk of HIV infection, namely men who have sex with men. This paper argues that effective HIV prevention must be relevant to people's lives and behaviours; it has to involve empowerment and therefore sexual and service politics. As a consequence lessons from safer sex and sexual health work by gay men could be used to inform HIV prevention work in learning disability. The paper identifies and outlines these areas and the range of services and interventions available for taking work forward. The ideas and arguments presented have been developed from needs assessment work, reviewing educational resources in staff training and work developing a sex education and staff training resource on HIV and learning disability.
Tourette's Syndrome and Challenging Behaviour: A Case Study
Authors: Finlay W. Mick L. , Bernal S. Jane
Published: August 2009

Tourette's syndrome, although often undiagnosed, is one of the remediable causes of challenging behaviour in people with learning disabilities. The social consequences for the sufferer when the disorder is unrecognised can include rejection, blame and isolation. This paper describes the diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome in a man with learning disabilities, and the effectiveness of medical and social interventions.
A Summer School for Learning Disabled Children: Description and Evaluation
Authors: McFadyen Anne , Hughes Margaret
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the setting up and evaluation of a summer school for 12 children with learning disability and challenging behaviour. The children either maintained their level of functioning or made developmental progress, and behaviour difficulties were reduced in most cases. Parents reported benefits in their own emotional health, while volunteers felt that they had had a valuable experience. The project is an example of a user‐led, multi‐agency way of working.
Sex Education Workshops for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Blakey Virginia , Frankland Jane , Dix Deryl , Farrell Michael
Published: August 2009

This paper presents an evaluation of the experience of parents of children with learning disabilities who took part in workshops focusing on the sex education needs of parents. Parents' concerns prior to the workshops related particularly to dealing with menstruation and masturbation, and to protecting their children from sexual abuse. The workshop experience gave parents greater awareness of their children's sexual needs and feelings, as well as new and relevant information. A major benefit of attendance at the workshops was the support which parents gained from each other. Issues which need to be addressed to maximise the impact of such workshops include increasing the numbers of parents who attend; ensuring that emotive and painful topics are sensitively facilitated; and the production of suitable sex education resources for parents to use with young people with learning disabilities.
Setting up a Toy and Specialist Equipment Library
Authors: Reed Julie , Gray Gemma , Boyes Claire
Published: August 2009

This article describes the setting up of a toy and specialist equipment library for children and adults with severe and profound learning disabilities. It discusses the assessment of need for a toy and specialist equipment library, the setting up of an advisory group to steer the library's development, fund‐raising initiatives, and plans for the library's continued growth over the next few years.
At What Cost? Using Cost Information for Purchasing and Providing Community Care for People with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Cambridge Paul , Knapp Martin
Published: August 2009

An appreciation of costs and cost effectiveness has been central to policy initiatives, reports by the Audit Commission and the 1990 community care reforms. This paper argues the case for a more informed use of cost information in services for people with learning disabilities, using examples from research into the costs and outcomes of care in the community. Commissioners and providers of services should address a number of methodological considerations when using cost information to purchase services or review their competitiveness or cost‐effectiveness. Principles for using information are offered, including comprehensiveness, taking account of variations, making comparisons and linking costs with outcomes. The wider implications for commissioners and providers are then discussed in the context of policy issues and management concerns.
Parent and Teacher Ratings of Challenging Behaviour in Young Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Pittendreigh Nicole , Pennell Donna
Published: August 2009

Parent and teacher ratings on the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist were compared to determine its reliability for assessing challenging behaviour in young children with developmental disabilities. Twenty‐four boys and eight girls aged 20 to 72 months (mean age = 51 months) were assessed independently by a parent and teacher using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist. There were no significant differences between parent and teacher ratings on any of the five subscales. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between parent and teacher ratings for each of the five subscales ranged from 0.50 to 0.83 (mean = 0.62). All correlations were significant (p < 0.01). Confirmatory factor analyses generated item loadings consistent with the original factor structure of the ABC and similar component loadings for parents and teachers. These results suggest the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist can provide a reliable assessment of challenging behaviour when used by parents and teachers of young children with developmental disabilities.
Residential Staff: How They View Their Training and Professional Support
Authors: McVilly Keith R.
Published: August 2009

The needs and views of 86 community residential staff, supporting people with a learning disability, were investigated. Questionnaire items were developed from the agency's induction program and NVQs for residential, domiciliary and health care services. They were divided into four categories: direct support skills, background knowledge, values and philosophy of service provision, organisational/operational knowledge. Items were rated along three dimensions: importance, preparation and usefulness. Staff also reported on opportunities for professional development, appraisal processes and support structures, their expected tenure, the operation of the agency and the needs of clients. The findings highlight the priorities that staff attach to various aspects of their training and the degree to which they believe they have been prepared to undertake their work. Suggestions are made for the planning of induction and in‐service training and the development of staff support structures.
Interviewing Clients: A Project to Explore Client Views About a Change in Service Provision
Authors: Smyly S. Rikberg , Elsworth J. D.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes a process of asking clients their views about a change in service provision. The questionnaire development, interview process and feedback includes clients' participation. Following a pilot study, an open‐ended semi‐structured interview format was adopted. A study group (n = 10) and control group (n = 9) were interviewed to find out their views about two day‐centre premises as well as finding out possible differences between the views of those responsible for challenging behaviour and those who were not involved in such incidents. All the clients interviewed were able to respond to some aspect of the questionnaire and, of the responses given, 78% were deemed to be valid according to our criteria. The main findings indicated that people liked the new centre better and that a spacious environment was an important factor for clients. No differences were observed between the two groups. The more exclusive use of qualitative methods, which take into consideration the potential meanings and attitudes underlying responses, help this client group to participate more fully in service evaluation research.
Challenging Behaviour Through Communication
Authors: Thurman Sue
Published: August 2009

Individuals who challenge services are of central concern to providers of care for people with learning disabilities. Speech and language therapists working in this area have been amongst those who recognise that ‘challenging behaviours’ may usefully be considered as a form of communication and that communication should be a central issue in a holistic approach to challenge. This paper describes a multi‐disciplinary and communication‐centred approach to meeting the needs of individuals labelled as challenging and living in ‘Dolby Lodge’, a small residential unit. The elements of this approach are considered and illustrated in relation to one individual and suggestions made as to the role of the speech and language therapist with this population.
Pilot Study on the Development of the Learning Disability Healthcare Resource Groups
Authors: Pendaries Claude
Published: August 2009

This pilot study describes a grouping method leading to the development of prototype learning disabilities Healthcare Resource Groups. Even in a primitive form, they provide a useful degree of predictability of costs and a reasonable degree of clinical homogeneity which, if confirmed by further research, would suggest that HRGs can potentially constitute alternative currencies for the commissioning of learning disability services.