An Investigation of Gelotophobia in Individuals with a Diagnosis of High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Samson et al. (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 41:475-483, 2011) conducted the first empirical investigation examining the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia) and its prevalence in individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (hfASD). The present research examined gelotophobia in relation to social functioning, perceived social support, life satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with hfASD, including past experiences of bullying and the presence of comorbid psychopathology.

Is the Current BST ePortfolio fulfilling its Role in the Training of Clinical Medicine SHOs?

While the objective recording of clinical competencies in an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) has become a key aspect of basic specialist training (BST), it continues to divide opinion. We surveyed medical trainees and their supervisors in the Dublin region examining their views of the ePortfolio and workplace-based assessments (WPBAs). Responses were received from 27 of 149 (18.

Ergonomics in Northern Ireland: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and implementation in industry and the public services.

In spite of the palpable benefits to organizations of applying the principles of ergonomics, it appears that a majority of employers, whether through ignorance or neglect, fail to do so (Simpson 1990). The present study sought to assess the impact of ergonomics on a broad cross-section of organizations in Northern Ireland from three perspectives: (1) knowledge and awareness of ergonomics; (2) attitudes towards ergonomics; and (3) the extent to which the principles of ergonomics were put into practice in the work-place. In all, 700 organizations were surveyed, representing manufacturing, service, and public sectors and ranging in size from 10 to more than 1000 employees.