The Uncertainty of the eGFR

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a parameter derived from the serum creatinine, patient age and gender and is used to ascertain renal function. It is subject to variation because of the analytical error of the creatinine measurement and biological variation. The widespread use of the eGFR to classify renal disease has led to the identification of more patients with marginal chronic kidney disease but because of the uncertainty of the eGFR it has also led to over-diagnosis of some kidney disease. There is a well described age relation with eGFR.The uncertainty of the eGFR at the critical decision level of 60 mL/min/1.73 m² is calculated to be 11. Caution needs to be exercised when interpreting an eGFR between 49 and 71 mL/min/1.73 m².     

HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS WHO DROP OUT FROM BRITISH UNIVERSITIES

During the last thirty years the annual dropout rate from universities in Britain has been fairly constant at around 14 percent In 1990 the financial cost of this carnage was estimated at £ 60,000,000. This study was concerned with 204 highly able students — as measured by school examination successes – who dropped out of universities by the end of the first year of study. Very few did so because the work was too difficult. Despite 45 percent saying they had left “because University did not suit them,” starting again in a new university was a common feature. The students were very unaware of the stress factors associated with leaving home to start life in a new community, and usually did not seem to have counselling support to overcome this early hurdle. Evidence from other studies suggests that the nonresponders were probably less successful in mending their lives than the responders.     

Assessment of Competence in Radiography Education

An action research project concerning the development of clinical assessment procedures in radiography education investigated the views of university‐based clinical lecturers and hospital radiographers concerning the existing assessment framework. Based on the outcomes of this initial review a revised summative assessment tool was developed, including assessment of professional conduct as well as technical competence. Evaluative comment from radiographers and students on the trialling of the tool was positive, and would seem to indicate a sound basis for further development.     

An overview of Prolog debugging tools

In this paper we present an overview of the advances in debugging standard Prolog programs. The analysis offered is in terms of a classification of tools that provide different degrees of activity in the debugging process. Other possible dimensions of analysis are also outlined.     

Individual action planning: a case of self‐surveillance?

The authors explore the Foucauldian concept of self‐surveillance in the context of the use of Individual Action Planning (IAP) as a central process of a 1‐year teacher training course. Drawing on work that examined whether IAP was experienced by student‐teachers as empowerment or control, the article postulates that Action Planning can be seen as a central technique of a system of self‐surveillance. The effect of IAPs in creating self‐surveillance is investigated empirically, utilizing an original and non‐Foucaldian pre–post questionnaire technique, in order to attract the widest possible audience to the idea of self‐surveillance as a key process of governance in advanced liberal societies. The findings support the idea that self‐surveillance is one of the outcomes of the IAP process, but also finds Foucauldian ‘resistances’ among the cohort investigated.     

Challenges in planning transition to adulthood for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities: professional and managerial perspectives

This study reviewed perceived changes to planning and management of transitions to adulthood for young people with special educational needs and disabilities in three local authorities in England, following implementation of the Children and Families Act (2014). Wenger's ‘community of practice’ theoretical framework was used to examine how groups of professionals and managers working in education, health and social care in three areas, set about implementing selected radical changes required by the legislation. Telephone interviews with sixteen participants were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Themes identified related to professional activity, planning and organisation, implications for young people and families and outcomes. There were indications of shifts in professional conceptualisations and reported practices as a result of the Act. Participants described enhanced cross‐service communication and co‐ordinated working practices, achieved though service restructuring, co‐location and changed lines of accountability. An increased emphasis on long‐term planning and involving young people in planning and decision‐making was evident with regard to defining outcomes, and living and working as an adult. The results are considered in relation to the extent that mandated change can influence attitudes and cultures within communities of practice, contributing to the contemporary theoretical debate to incorporate issues relating to power.