bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3. Duty of care: further issues
Authors: Brennan Carol
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses areas in which the existence of a duty of care is problematic, particularly raising policy reasons for not imposing negligence liability in certain situations. Duty of care is often absent in the case of omissions, that is, when damage resulted from the defendant’s lack of action, rather than directly from a positive act. When the defendant is a public body, concern about operational discretion and financial implications may make it undesirable to impose a duty of care. There is a focus on negligence claims against the police. Duties to the unborn child are included.
7. Causation in fact
Authors: Brennan Carol
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses the law on causation in fact. This is a matter of historical fact and can be addressed initially by the ‘but-for’ test. However, the but-for test is inadequate to establish causation in a number of different situations: unknown causes, cumulative causes, and consecutive causes and those in which the test produces an illogical or unjust outcome. It is an area in which recent policy-driven decisions have revived the approach of ‘material increase in risk’, as in the asbestos case of Fairchild v Glenhaven. Allocation of liability has been addressed in the Compensation Act 2006, s 3.
8. Causation: intervening acts and remoteness
Authors: Brennan Carol
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses the law on intervening acts and remoteness. There are a range of situations in which the defendant’s act can be a cause of the claimant’s loss because it satisfies the ‘but-for’ test. However, this is followed by one or more events which contribute to the eventual damage in such a way that the chain of causation can be broken. This is sometimes referred to as an intervening act (or novus actus interveniens), and such acts can be divided into three categories: actions by the claimant himself, actions by a third party, and natural events. Remoteness is a simpler way of describing what is also known as causation in law, and is concerned with the extent of a defendant’s duty. The key case is The Wagon Mound No 1 where the test of reasonable foreseeability of damage was adopted.
9. Employers’ liability and vicarious liability
Authors: Brennan Carol
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses both common law and statute on employers’ liability and vicarious liability. Employers’ liability is concerned with the employer’s personal, non-delegable duty in respect of the physical and psychological safety of his employees. This was established in Wilsons and Clyde Coal v English (1938) and is reinforced by the statutory requirement that employers have compulsory insurance. Vicarious liability involves the employer being liable to a third party for the tort of his employee. This must occur in the course of employment, a concept which was redefined in Lister v Hesley Hall (2002). The employment relationship has been re-examined in the light of institutional child abuse cases.
11. Intentional torts
Authors: Brennan Carol
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses both common law and statute in relation to the torts of trespass to the person: battery, assault, and false imprisonment. These torts have three common characteristics: they are the result of intentional actions, take the form of direct harm, and are actionable per se, that is, without proof of damage. An additional intentional tort is derived from Wilkinson v Downton (1897), the wilful infliction of physical harm upon the claimant by indirect means. This category of intentional harm is also augmented by the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Defences to the intentional torts are also discussed.
13. Occupiers’ liability
Authors: Brennan Carol
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses the law on occupiers’ liability, a form of negligence liability which was governed previously by the common law and now by statute law. The key statutes are the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 which governs duty to lawful visitors and the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984, regarding non-visitors, or trespassers. In determining to whom the duty is owed, it is necessary to identify the status of the entrant onto land. To determine who owes the duty as occupier, the main criterion is control of the land. Exclusion of liability and defences are included.
Business Law Concentrate
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. Business Law Concentrate considers all the essential issues relating to business law in the English legal system, including EU law and the potential implications of Brexit. The first half of the book looks at contracts in terms of mistake, misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, contractual terms, consumer protection, and remedies for breach. The next few chapters examine employment and focus on issues including wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, redundancy, equal pay claims, and anti-discrimination. The last part considers company law, intellectual property law, and changes to data protection. This updated edition includes important cases in contract law and torts law, employment law, and intellectual property law, including cases from the Supreme Court, The Court of Justice of the European Union, and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Recent legislation and its effects in these jurisdictions of law are also covered in detail.
4. Contract III: contractual terms and statutory protection
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses contractual terms and statutory protection. Parties to a contract may express terms and/or terms may be implied. The sources and effects of implied terms are essential to the rights of the parties and obligations imposed on them. Terms can be implied through the courts, through customs, and from statute. Terms are identified as conditions, warranties, or innominate and this distinction is relevant when identifying remedies for breach. Statutes regulate the rights and obligations applicable to consumers and traders. These include the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, and the substantial changes in contracts between consumers and traders introduced through the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
5. Contract IV: discharge of contract and remedies for breach
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on contract law. It discusses the discharge of contracts and the remedies for breach of contract where one of the parties has failed in their contractual obligations. Contracts can be discharged through performance, agreement, frustration, or breach. In the event of frustration, the parties can establish their own remedies or they can rely on the provisions developed through the Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943. Remedies have been established through the common law and equity. Damages are the primary remedy in most cases, but equitable remedies include specific performance, injunctions, and rectification.
8. Employment II: termination—wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, and redundancy
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter reviews the law on the termination of the employment contract. Employees have a statutory right not to be unfairly dismissed and the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 1996 identifies the criteria to be satisfied in order for the employee to gain protection. The common law protects against wrongful dismissal and provides tests and guidance for situations involving a breach of an employment contract. The chapter also considers redundancy situations. As this is governed by statute, it is necessary to appreciate the obligations imposed on the employer to adopt fair procedures.
10. Company law II: directors, finance, and capital
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the law governing company directors and shareholders. The common law duties on directors have been codified and expanded through the Companies Act (CA) 2006. Directors are responsible to the company itself, not to individual shareholders. Minority protection (of shareholders) is provided through the CA 2006 to restrict directors’ acts that may unfairly disadvantage them. Public companies must have a company secretary and they must satisfy statutory requirements in relation to their qualifications. Shareholders have no automatic right of management in the company although, through attendance and the rights to vote at shareholder meetings, they may have influence over the business conducted.
1. Introduction to contracts of sale of goods
Authors: Baskind Eric
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter provides a general introduction to sale of goods law in the UK. It explains the sale of goods contract, why there is a different framework for these types of contract under English law, and the specific legislation for contracts of sale of goods and other relevant transactions. The chapter considers the statutory definitions for contract, property, and goods, and discusses the distinction between sales and agreements to sell, between specific goods and unascertained goods, and between existing goods and future goods. The chapter introduces and provides an analysis of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which subsequent chapters then build upon. Finally, it examines contracts other than of sale of goods.
5. Exclusion and limitation clauses
Authors: Baskind Eric
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter, which focuses on clauses designed to exclude or limit a party’s liability, first considers exclusion or limitation clauses in the UK under common law rules, the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. It explains the distinction between an exclusion clause and a limitation clause before discussing the two main methods of controlling exclusion clauses adopted by the courts. The chapter examines the exclusion or restriction of the statutory implied terms under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Supply of Goods (Implied Terms) Act 1973, and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. Finally, it considers the rules introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 in relation to consumer transactions.
7. Transfer of ownership by a non-owner
Authors: Baskind Eric
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter, which focuses on the situation where a seller is able to transfer ownership of certain goods to a third party despite having no right to the goods, first explains the so-called nemo dat rule, which protects the true owner of the goods and the innocent purchaser gets no title whatever. It then considers several statutory exceptions to the nemo dat rule that protect the innocent purchaser. The chapter also examines how estoppel is applied, sale by a mercantile agent, void and voidable contracts, sale by a seller in possession after sale, sale by a buyer in possession after sale, sale of a vehicle acquired on hire purchase, the (now repealed) sale in market overt, and special powers of sale.
8. Delivery, acceptance, and payment
Authors: Baskind Eric
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on the duty of the seller to deliver the goods, and the duty of the buyer to accept them and to pay the price. It first explains the meanings of delivery, acceptance, and payment as well as the provision in the Sale of Goods Act 1979 in respect of these matters, and then considers the distinction between consumer and business buyers and cases where the wrong quantity of goods has been delivered. The chapter also discusses delivery by instalments, delivery to a carrier, and the right of the buyer not to return rejected goods.
10. Remedies of the buyer
Authors: Baskind Eric
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter examines the various remedies that are available to a buyer under a contract of sale of goods, where the seller is in breach of the sales contract. It considers the regime of remedies introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and discusses a range of remedies such as rejecting the goods, suing for non-delivery or late delivery of the goods, suing for damages following the seller’s breach of warranty, requiring the seller to repair or replace the goods, claiming from the seller a reduction in the price, or rescinding the contract. The chapter then explains the difference between breach of condition of the contract and breach of warranty.
Evidence Concentrate
Authors: Spencer Maureen , Spencer John
Published: September 2019

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. Evidence Concentrate is supported by extensive online resources to take your learning further. It has been written by experts and covers all the key topics so you can approach your exams with confidence. The clear, succinct coverage enables you to quickly grasp the fundamental principles of this area of law and helps you to succeed in exams. This guide has been rigorously reviewed and is endorsed by students and lecturers for level of coverage, accuracy, and exam advice. It is clear, concise, and easy to use, helping you get the most out of your revision. After an introduction, the book covers principles and key concepts; burden of proof; confessions and the defendant’s silence; improperly obtained evidence, other than confessions; character evidence; hearsay evidence; competence and compellability, special measures; identification evidence and questioning at trial; opinion evidence; public interest immunity; and privilege. New to this, the sixth edition, is an increased coverage of identification.
1. Introduction, principles, and key concepts
Authors: Spencer Maureen , Spencer John
Published: September 2019

This chapter introduces the principles and key concepts underlying the law of evidence, with an emphasis on criminal evidence. It reviews Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), now part of English law as a result of the Human Rights Act 1998. It concludes by highlighting the importance of analysis of the relevance of the facts in a trial.
3. Confessions and the defendant’s silence
Authors: Spencer Maureen , Spencer John
Published: September 2019

This chapter focuses on confessions and on the defendant’s pre-trial silence. It explains how a defendant may be convicted on the evidence of a confession alone. It analyses the definition of a confession as specified in section 82(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), and how a confession proffered by the prosecution or by a co-defendant may be excluded by rule under PACE. The chapter also considers the preservation of the common law discretion to exclude confession evidence as well as the procedure for police interrogation of suspects under PACE. It concludes with an examination of how the jury at trial may draw an inference of guilt under sections 34, 36, and 37 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
6. Hearsay evidence
Authors: Spencer Maureen , Spencer John
Published: September 2019

This chapter, which focuses on hearsay evidence and its relationship to confessions, first considers the rule against hearsay and its application to out-of-court statements of witnesses in civil and criminal cases. It then looks at statements, both oral and written, and gestures, as well as the admissibility of hearsay in criminal proceedings under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and, in outline, in civil proceedings under the Civil Evidence Act 1995. The chapter also explains the legal distinction between first-hand (what X told Y) and multiple hearsay (what X told Y who told Z), and concludes by discussing the landmark decisions under Article 6(3)(d) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
7. Competence and compellability. Special Measures
Authors: Spencer Maureen , Spencer John
Published: September 2019

This chapter focuses on the competence and compellability of witnesses in criminal and, in outline, in civil trials. It explains the main criminal law exceptions in relation to competence and universal compellability. It gives details on the complex and controversial position under section 80 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The chapter outlines the Special Measures Directions (SMD) available under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 for vulnerable non-defendant witnesses in criminal trials and the more limited measures for vulnerable defendants. It concludes with an outline of the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Act 2008.
4. Moral rights
Authors: Press Tim
Published: September 2019

There are two different types of rights labelled as ‘moral rights’ in the CDPA: rights for authors referred to as the rights of paternity and integrity; and other rights of all individuals: the right not to be falsely attributed as author of a work; and a right of privacy in privately commissioned photographs and films. These protect non-commercial aspects of the relationship between authors and their works. Thus, they cannot be assigned, and may be enforced even after the author has assigned or licensed their economic rights, and even against the owner or licensee. The rights last as long as copyright does and pass to the author’s beneficiaries on death. Different countries have implemented the Berne rights in different ways. Authors’ moral rights were introduced in 1988 to implement the Berne Convention; the UK does not protect them as fully as other countries, particularly civil law countries.
7. Patents
Authors: Press Tim
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses patents, which are granted for new and inventive technological developments but not for developments in the creative or non-technological arts. Areas on the borderline between technical and other forms of creativity are the subject of difficulty and controversy. Patents last for 20 years from application, but may be revoked at any time on the grounds that the invention does not meet the requirements for patentability. Manufacturing or dealing in products, or carrying out processes, as described in the patent’s claims, infringes the patent. Unlike copyright, where both economic and individual rights are important, the main reasons for the grant of patents are economic, to encourage technological development. Patents are considered essential to many industries such as the pharmaceutical industry, where there is also a strong public interest in the development and accessibility of technology. The law must strike a balance between the public and private interests.
2. Sources of international law
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Papastavridis Efthymios
Published: September 2019

This chapter examines the sources of international law, i.e. the norms of international law that give validity to all the other international legal norms. These are enumerated in Art 38 ICJ Statute. Although quite dated, this Article is still considered as enunciating an authoritative list of the sources of international law. These are treaties; custom; general principles of law recognized by States; judicial decisions; and international theory as subsidiary sources. Particular emphasis is placed on custom, consisting of an objective element, the general practice of States, and a subjective element, the opinio juris, i.e. consisting of a legal conviction. There is no hierarchy between the sources of international law and both treaties and custom may exist alongside each other.
6. Sovereignty and jurisdiction
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Papastavridis Efthymios
Published: September 2019

This chapter briefly looks at the nature of sovereignty and its parameters in international law, but essentially focuses on the function and nature of jurisdiction. It first examines the breadth of the space in which sovereignty is exercised; namely land, sea, and air. Thereafter, it assesses territorial jurisdiction (in both its objective and subjective dimensions) and examines the practice of the four extraterritorial principles of jurisdiction, namely nationality-based, the protective principle, passive personality, and universal jurisdiction. The chapter then considers instances where national courts refuse to exercise their ordinary jurisdiction, namely instances where the accused is covered by the privilege of immunity or because his or her arrest was illegal. Finally, it looks at the US practice of extraterritorial jurisdiction whereby sometimes the sovereignty of other nations has been breached.
8. Law of the sea
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Papastavridis Efthymios
Published: September 2019

The law of the sea governs the relations of States in respect of the uses of the seas. It allocates competences between, on the one hand, coastal States wishing to extend their jurisdictional reach as far as possible and the flag States, on the other, wishing to have the seas open for vessels to navigate and for other uses. The chapter discusses the laws applicable to each maritime zone, namely internal waters, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the Exclusive Economic Zone, the high seas, and the seabed. It also sets out the rules of maritime delimitation between States with opposite or adjacent coastlines.
9. State responsibility
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Papastavridis Efthymios
Published: September 2019

The law of international responsibility sets out the legal consequences arising from a breach by a State of its international obligations. It should be distinguished from ‘primary rules’ of international law, which lay down international obligations. International responsibility arises when a certain act or omission is wrongful, i.e. it is attributed to a State and it amounts to a violation of its ‘primary’ obligations. The international responsibility may be excused under certain strict circumstances, like consent or necessity. Otherwise, the responsible State should cease the wrongful conduct and in case of damage, it should provide reparation to the injured State, in the form of restitution, compensation, and satisfaction.
1. Overview
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter provides an overview of the work’s contents. It introduces the basic ideas of company law. A company is an artificial legal person capable of owning property, being a party to contracts, and being a claimant or defendant in legal proceedings. A company is created by registration at Companies House under the Companies Act 2006. A company is both an association of members (shareholders) and a person separate from its members. Members are not liable for the company’s debts. Members are only liable to make an agreed capital contribution in return for their shares. Members appoint directors to manage the company’s business and represent the company. Every company must have articles of association which set out the company’s constitution.
2. Who makes company law and what is it for?
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses the sources and purposes of company law. Legislation is the most important source of company law. There is EU as well as UK legislation, but this is subject to Brexit. Litigation concerning companies has generated a vast quantity of case law. There are other rules such as the UK Corporate Governance Code and there are practitioner texts and academic articles and books in abundance. There is a discussion of the purpose of company law which notes that its most significant purpose must be to facilitate business, but there is argument over whether mandatory rules of company law are the best way to encourage business enterprise. This leads to the discussion of whether companies should only serve the interests of their members (the shareholder-centred view of the company) or whether wider public interests must be considered.
6. Shares
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter considers one way of becoming a shareholder of a company with a share capital: by taking shares from the company in exchange for a contribution of capital. The number and class of shares of the company that the member holds determines the extent of the member’s undertaking to contribute capital, and of entitlement to share in distributions and vote at meetings. Share allotment in exchange for a capital contribution is explained, and the need for public companies to have a minimum contributed capital is emphasised. The chapter also looks at possible remedies available to a person who has been induced to take an allotment of shares by a misrepresentation, including rescission of contract. Finally, it examines ways of altering a company’s share capital.
10. Distributions and maintenance of capital
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter examines the controls imposed on return of a company’s capital to its members, first by considering the common law general principle that return of capital to shareholders is illegal unless permitted by statute. It then discusses the problem of how to distinguish between a legal distribution of profits and an illegal return of capital; transfer of profits to a capital redemption reserve and use of profits to pay up bonus shares; company’s issuance and redemption of redeemable shares or purchase of its own shares; purchased shares as treasury shares; and how a company may reduce its issued share capital by special resolution. The chapter also looks at capitalisations and employees’ share schemes. It includes analysis of three court cases that are particularly significant to distributions and the maintenance of capital.
15. Directors
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter explores the role of directors in corporate governance. Rules on appointment and removal of a company’s directors are considered, followed by public disclosure of the names of directors and their work as a board, their remuneration and their powers of management. The chapter also considers the legal categorisation of directors, whether as fiduciaries, agents or trustees; the relationship between directors and shareholders of public companies; transparency; and general legal principles regarding the board of directors. Relevant legislation such as the Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code, as well as particularly significant court cases, are mentioned.
16. Directors’ duties
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter deals with the seven general duties of directors as spelled out in the Companies Act 2006: duty to act within powers; duty to promote the success of the company; duty to exercise independent judgement; duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence; duty to avoid conflicts of interest; duty not to accept benefits from third parties; and duty to declare interest in proposed transaction or arrangement. After providing a background on the codification of directors’ general duties, the chapter turns to the fiduciary duty of directors, including shadow and de facto directors. It also examines statutory requirements involving property transactions; loans, quasi-loans and credit transactions; associated companies and persons ‘connected’ with a director; equitable remedies for breach of duty; the ways in which directors can be relieved of liability; and secondary liability with regard to property.
17. Company officers, secretary and auditor
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter focuses on company officers (secretaries, auditors and managers), with emphasis on their responsibilities and liabilities under the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006) and the appropriate sanctions for breach of its requirements. It first considers who, in general terms, is an ‘officer’ or ‘manager’ of a company for the purposes of criminal or fiduciary liability. Then it deals with the appointment and qualifications of secretaries and the appointment and reappointment of auditors. There is discussion of auditors’ remuneration, integrity and independence, the required contents of an auditor’s report and an auditor’s investigative powers. There is analysis of an auditor’s liability in contract and tort for negligence in carrying out the audit and negligent misstatement in an auditor’s report. The chapter cites relevant legislation, including CA 2006 and UK Corporate Governance Code, and considers two particularly significant cases: Caparo Industries plc v Dickman [1990] 2 AC 605 and Stone and Rolls Ltd v Moore Stephens [2009] UKHL 39, [2009] AC 1391.
18. Remedies for maladministration
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter considers the remedies available when maladministration occurs, with emphasis on the existence of the company as a separate person. It examines circumstances where a wrong has been done to the company or to individual members, focusing on the proper claimant principle established in Foss v Harbottle (1843) 2 Hare 461, and the possible action that can be taken against company officers who have committed a wrong. It also explains the causes for which a member can file derivative claims; the right of a member to petition the court for relief under the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006), part 30 (ss 994 to 999); members’ petition for winding up; the irregularity principle; and when the Secretary of State can intervene in maladministration cases. The chapter cites relevant legislation (Companies Act 1985, Insolvency Act 1986 and CA 2006) and a number of particularly significant court cases.
20. Company insolvency and liquidation
Authors: French Derek
Published: September 2019

This chapter deals with procedures and legislation governing the insolvency and liquidation of a company and who are qualified as insolvency practitioners. It discusses insolvency procedures such as administration, voluntary arrangement, creditors’ voluntary winding up, winding up by the court and the appointment of a provisional liquidator. It considers the effect of insolvency and liquidation procedures on floating charges, court control of insolvency and liquidation procedures, and liability for fraudulent trading and wrongful trading. The legal principles underlying disqualification orders against a company’s directors, the use of an insolvent company’s name, the order of the application of assets in liquidation and the dissolution of a company are also examined.
‘Getting our voices out there’: acceptability of a mental health participation programme for young people with out of home care experience in Australia
Authors: Rafeld Jessie , Moeller-Saxone Kristen , Cotton Sue , Rice Simon , Monson Katherine , Harvey Carol , Herrman Helen
Published: September 2019

Youth with experience of out-of-home-care (OoHC) typically have poorer mental health than their peers in the general population, and lack opportunities to contribute to service planning. Promoting mental health through leadership training may improve young people’s mental health and facilitate system change. The Bounce Project is a pilot youth-leadership mental health training programme co-designed with young people who have experienced OoHC. In this study, we evaluated the Bounce Project from the young people’s perspectives to explore the acceptability, successes and limitations of the training to promote the participant’s mental health and their contribution to system level change. Thirteen young people aged 18–26 years old who had experienced OoHC and participated in the Bounce Project were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analysed. Four major themes were thereby identified: making their mark; opportunities for growth; redefining roles and pitfalls of research participation. Participants valued the opportunity to have their voices heard, participate in research and learn about mental health. Perceived negative aspects included infrequent participation opportunities, interpersonal difficulties and frustration about the limitations of research including pressure to recruit and restrictive deadlines. Participating in the Bounce Project was a mostly positive experience, but young people also encountered barriers to meaningful participation. Youth with lived experience need more avenues to participate in research and leadership, but research programmes require specific designs that take into consideration the needs of participants and create opportunities for effective and meaningful participation.
Staging of Schizophrenia With the Use of PANSS: An International Multi-Center Study
Authors: Fountoulakis Konstantinos N , Dragioti Elena , Theofilidis Antonis T , Wikilund Tobias , Atmatzidis Xenofon , Nimatoudis Ioannis , Thys Erik , Wampers Martien , Hranov Luchezar , Hristova Trayana , Aptalidis Daniil , Milev Roumen , Iftene Felicia , Spaniel Filip , Knytl Pavel , Furstova Petra , From Tiina , Karlsson Henry , Walta Maija , Salokangas Raimo K R , Azorin Jean-Michel , Bouniard Justine , Montant Julie , Juckel Georg , Haussleiter Ida S , Douzenis Athanasios , Michopoulos Ioannis , Ferentinos Panagiotis , Smyrnis Nikolaos , Mantonakis Leonidas , Nemes Zsófia , Gonda Xenia , Vajda Dora , Juhasz Anita , Shrivastava Amresh , Waddington John , Pompili Maurizio , Comparelli Anna , Corigliano Valentina , Rancans Elmars , Navickas Alvydas , Hilbig Jan , Bukelskis Laurynas , Injac Stevovic Lidija , Vodopic Sanja , Esan Oluyomi , Oladele Oluremi , Osunbote Christopher , Rybakowski Janusz Κ , Wojciak Pawel , Domowicz Klaudia , Figueira Maria Luisa , Linhares Ludgero , Crawford Joana , Panfil Anca-Livia , Smirnova Daria , Izmailova Olga , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica , Temmingh Henk , Howells Fleur , Bobes Julio , Garcia-Portilla Maria Paz , García-Alvarez Leticia , Erzin Gamze , Karadağ Hasan , De Sousa Avinash , Bendre Anuja , Hoschl Cyril , Bredicean Cristina , Papava Ion , Vukovic Olivera , Pejuskovic Bojana , Russell Vincent , Athanasiadis Loukas , Konsta Anastasia , Stein Dan , Berk Michael , Dean Olivia , Tandon Rajiv , Kasper Siegfried , De Hert. Marc
Published: September 2019

Introduction

A specific clinically relevant staging model for schizophrenia has not yet been developed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the factor structure of the PANSS and develop such a staging method.

Methods

Twenty-nine centers from 25 countries contributed 2358 patients aged 37.21 ± 11.87 years with schizophrenia. Analysis of covariance, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Discriminant Function Analysis, and inspection of resultant plots were performed.

Results

Exploratory Factor Analysis returned 5 factors explaining 59% of the variance (positive, negative, excitement/hostility, depression/anxiety, and neurocognition). The staging model included 4 main stages with substages that were predominantly characterized by a single domain of symptoms (stage 1: positive; stages 2a and 2b: excitement/hostility; stage 3a and 3b: depression/anxiety; stage 4a and 4b: neurocognition). There were no differences between sexes. The Discriminant Function Analysis developed an algorithm that correctly classified >85% of patients.

Discussion

This study elaborates a 5-factor solution and a clinical staging method for patients with schizophrenia. It is the largest study to address these issues among patients who are more likely to remain affiliated with mental health services for prolonged periods of time.
Projection of Costs of Polio Eradication Compared to Permanent Control
Authors: Zimmermann Marita , Hagedorn Brittany , Lyons Hil
Published: September 2019

Despite increased efforts and spending toward polio eradication, it has yet to be eliminated worldwide. We aimed to project economic costs of polio eradication compared to permanent control. We used historical Financial Resource Requirements from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, as well as vaccination and population data from publicly available sources, to project costs for routine immunization, immunization campaigns, surveillance and laboratory resources, technical assistance, social mobilization, treatment, and overhead. We found that cumulative spending for a control strategy would exceed that for an eradication strategy in 2032 (range, 2027–2051). Eradication of polio would likely be cost-saving compared to permanent control.
A maximum likelihood approach to electronic health record phenotyping using positive and unlabeled patients
Authors: Zhang Lingjiao , Ding Xiruo , Ma Yanyuan , Muthu Naveen , Ajmal Imran , Moore Jason H , Herman Daniel S , Chen Jinbo
Published: September 2019

Objective

Phenotyping patients using electronic health record (EHR) data conventionally requires labeled cases and controls. Assigning labels requires manual medical chart review and therefore is labor intensive. For some phenotypes, identifying gold-standard controls is prohibitive. We developed an accurate EHR phenotyping approach that does not require labeled controls.

Materials and Methods

Our framework relies on a random subset of cases, which can be specified using an anchor variable that has excellent positive predictive value and sensitivity independent of predictors. We proposed a maximum likelihood approach that efficiently leverages data from the specified cases and unlabeled patients to develop logistic regression phenotyping models, and compare model performance with existing algorithms.

Results

Our method outperformed the existing algorithms on predictive accuracy in Monte Carlo simulation studies, application to identify hypertension patients with hypokalemia requiring oral supplementation using a simulated anchor, and application to identify primary aldosteronism patients using real-world cases and anchor variables. Our method additionally generated consistent estimates of 2 important parameters, phenotype prevalence and the proportion of true cases that are labeled.

Discussion

Upon identification of an anchor variable that is scalable and transferable to different practices, our approach should facilitate development of scalable, transferable, and practice-specific phenotyping models.

Conclusions

Our proposed approach enables accurate semiautomated EHR phenotyping with minimal manual labeling and therefore should greatly facilitate EHR clinical decision support and research.
Bridging the Process-Pattern Divide to Understand the Origins and Early Stages of Adaptive Radiation: A Review of Approaches With Insights From Studies of Anolis Lizards
Authors: Stroud James T , Losos Jonathan B
Published: September 2019

Understanding the origins and early stages of diversification is one of the most elusive tasks in adaptive radiation research. Classical approaches, which aim to infer past processes from present-day patterns of biological diversity, are fraught with difficulties and assumptions. An alternative approach has been to study young clades of relatively few species, which may represent the putative early stages of adaptive radiation. However, it is difficult to predict whether those groups will ever reach the ecological and morphological disparity observed in the sorts of clades usually referred to as adaptive radiations, thereby making their utility in informing the early stages of such radiations uncertain. Caribbean Anolis lizards are a textbook example of an adaptive radiation; anoles have diversified independently on each of the 4 islands in the Greater Antilles, producing replicated radiations of phenotypically diverse species. However, the underlying processes that drove these radiations occurred 30–65 million years ago and so are unobservable, rendering major questions about how these radiations came to be difficult to tackle. What did the ancestral species of the anole radiation look like? How did new species arise? What processes drove adaptive diversification? Here, we review what we have learned about the cryptic early stages of adaptive radiation from studies of Anolis lizards, and how these studies have attempted to bridge the process-pattern divide of adaptive radiation research. Despite decades of research, however, fundamental questions linking eco-evolutionary processes to macroevolutionary patterns in anoles remain difficult to answer.
Association between Small Dense Low-Density Lipoproteins and High-Density Phospolipid Content in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease with or without Diabetes
Authors: Aoua Hanene , Nkaies Ymène , Ben Khalfallah Ali , Sakly Mohsen , Aouani Ezzedine , Attia Nebil
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the phospholipid profile in total plasma, non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and HDL fractions. We tried to correlate the phospholipid profile to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) size, as reflected by cholesterol content in each LDL subclass.

Methods

We measured small dense LDL-C levels after heparin-magnesium precipitation and measured high-density lipoprotein phospholipid (HDL-P) levels using a colorimetric enzymatic method.

Results

The correlation of the phospholipid profile to small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C) in patients with coronary problems showed a negative association between small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) and HDL-P (r = −0.73; P = .02). Moreover, a strong positive correlation was detected between TG and the ratio HDL-P/HDL-C (r = 0.83; P <.001).

Conclusions

HDL phospholipid has an antiatherogenic effect in coronary artery disease with or without diabetes. Further, large LDL modulation seems to be associated with diabetes rather than coronaropathy.
Koru
Authors: Rogers Holly , Maytan Margaret
Published: September 2019

Chapter 1 introduces Koru mindfulness, the model developed at Duke University’s Counseling and Psychological Services for teaching mindfulness and meditation to university students. The model combines training in mindfulness meditation with training in specific stress-management skills. The model has been designed for and tested on emerging adults and addresses some of the particular needs and interests of this developmental group. The developmental stage of emerging adulthood is defined and described. Mindfulness is defined, and the particular usefulness of mindfulness for emerging adults is explored. The model is briefly introduced, and some of the features of the model are described, such as the use of small groups, a clearly structured format, and mandatory attendance and homework.
More About Emerging Adults and Mindfulness
Authors: Rogers Holly , Maytan Margaret
Published: September 2019

Chapter 2 explores in greater detail the characteristics of the developmental stage of emerging adulthood as well as highlights the usefulness of mindfulness and meditation for this age group. Emerging adulthood is defined by Jeffrey Arnett as a time of identity development in multiple important areas. The developmental stage of emerging adulthood is often expressed differently across racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic classes. Emerging adults are seeking to answer questions about their direction in life and to discern what relationships and careers are best for them. Mindfulness is a useful tool for this quest as it aids emerging adults in identifying their authentic wishes and needs. The mindfulness-based stress-management tools also allow them to tolerate the stress that comes from all the uncertainties and pressures inherent in this time of development.
The Research Behind Our Teaching
Authors: Rogers Holly , Maytan Margaret
Published: September 2019

The number of scientific studies investigating mindfulness has increased exponentially over the past few decades. This chapter examines some of the science and research studies that are relevant to teaching mindfulness to emerging adults. The chapter briefly reviews the physiology of stress and relaxation. Additionally, the data supporting the efficacy of Koru are reviewed, and an overview of other research findings that may be of interest to emerging adults is provided. For example, studies showing the impact of mindfulness on academic performance are discussed, as well as studies looking at how mindfulness can overcome unconscious bias and can prompt compassionate action.
The First Class
Authors: Rogers Holly , Maytan Margaret
Published: September 2019

Chapter 6 provides a detailed description of the first of the four classes that comprise the Koru Basic curriculum developed at Duke University to teach mindfulness and meditation to students. The class starts with a brief opening meditation, and a sample script for this meditation is provided. This is followed by introductions and orientation to the class. In the first class, two stress-management tools are taught: belly breathing and dynamic breathing. Scripts are provided for teaching each of these skills. The class closes with a longer guided meditation, also scripted, that teaches the body-scan technique. The chapter ends with closing comments and frequently asked questions from the first class. The questions and answers address the definition of mindfulness, the breathing skills, specifics about meditation technique, and the attitude of acceptance.
The Fourth Class
Authors: Rogers Holly , Maytan Margaret
Published: September 2019

This chapter describes the fourth and final class. There is a script for the opening meditation, followed by a description of check-in, with common student comments. The meditation skill taught is eating meditation, and a script is given which guides the students through the mindful eating of a grape or raisin. The final meditation, also scripted, gives the students more practice using labels and expands labeling practice to awareness and labeling of feelings. There is emphasis on how important it is for the students to find a direction for further learning and practice. There are frequently asked questions at the end of the chapter, which include the topics of eating meditation, labeling, how to continue the practice when the course is over, and the sharing of positive change brought about by the course.