Correlations of Almost Primes

We prove that analogues of the Hardy-Littlewood generalised twin prime conjecture for almost primes hold on average. Our main theorem establishes an asymptotic formula for the number of integers $n=p_1p_2 \leq X$ such that $n+h$ is a product of exactly two primes which holds for almost all $|h|\leq H$ with $\log^{19+\varepsilon}X\leq H\leq X^{1-\varepsilon}$, under a restriction on the size of one of the prime factors of $n$ and $n+h$. Additionally, we consider correlations $n,n+h$ where $n$ is a prime and $n+h$ has exactly two prime factors, establishing an asymptotic formula which holds for almost all $|h| \leq H$ with $X^{1/6+\varepsilon}\leq H\leq X^{1-\varepsilon}$.Comment: 35 pages. Incorporates referee's comments. To appear in Math. Proc. Camb. Phil. So

Data-Driven Collective Impact: Driving Social Change as a Community

The last decade (or more) has experienced a transformation of data to an action-oriented asset that can draw insights necessary to describe, detect, predict, and evaluate factors to help our communities and the individuals in them to thrive. We’ve also witnessed threats to these opportunities in the forms of breaches, misinformation, and other erosions of trust that make access to and use of data much more complicated. As a community, it is imperative to take an interdisciplinary approach to data use grounded in public-private collaboration and focused on building trust with the communities we seek to serve

Technology for Civic Data Integration

Efforts to collect, manage, transform, and integrate data across administrative systems into actionable knowledge to inform better policy decisions are becoming more common. However, the technical processes, procedures, and infrastructure they employ vary substantially. Variety in approaching data infrastructure, transfer, linking, and security is expected in this emerging field, but both established and developing efforts would benefit from cohesive guidance regarding the technical considerations of data integration, with focus on presenting a range of options that can be weighted based on context specific restrictions (e.g. cost, staffing, or existing infrastructure). Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP), MetroLab Network, and the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, are convening a working group to shape and develop guidance on information architecture and technical approaches for data integration efforts such as those in the AISP and NNIP networks and the AISP Learning Community. This guidance will help newly emerging efforts as well as established ones looking to update their current approach. It will also inform policymakers and researchers who need a primer to better understand the technical components and considerations at play for data sharing and integration. This presentation will present findings, best practices and recommendations from this brief that will be released in Fall 2018

Agency and Autonomy: A New Direction for Animal Ethics

The main problem addressed in animal ethics is on what grounds and to what extent we owe animals moral consideration. I argue that many animals deserve direct moral consideration in virtue of their agency, selfhood and autonomy. I start by providing an account of agency and selfhood that admits of degrees, from minimal to complex, among animal species that is supported by current research on consciousness and the mental capacities of animals. I posit that agency and selfhood are morally valuable as they allow for subjective mental experiences that matter to conscious individuals. I then develop a view of autonomy that corresponds to my view of agency and selfhood, whereby the degree to which an individual is self-aware indicates the degree to which that being is autonomous. I argue that autonomy not only consists in the rational and reflective capacities of humans, but also at a more minimal level where autonomy is simply the ability to make choices. I support this view of autonomy as choice with an account of ‘naturalized autonomy’ and explain some of the implications of this view for animals. After considering the views of Peter Singer, Tom Regan and Bernard Rollin on animal ethics, I analyze the flaws in their reasoning and argue that my own view provides a stronger account for the direct moral consideration of animals. This is due to my inclusion of agency, selfhood and autonomy, which these philosophers mainly neglect. I review some current reinterpretations of Kant’s moral arguments that claim animals ought to be considered ends-in-themselves. I present reasons why the inclusion of selfhood would strengthen this claim and further develop my argument for respecting the autonomy of animals. I conclude that a theory of animal ethics based on agency, selfhood and autonomy provides the strongest account for the direct moral consideration of animals, as it is empirically informed and provides a moral middle path between animal welfare and animal rights

Exploring the School Bus as an Environment for Bullying: A Phenomenological Study

This qualitative research examined the school bus as an opportune environment for bullying behaviors. School bus drivers have the responsibility to transport students safely to and from school; however, when students use the school bus for bullying activities, the task of driving becomes a challenge to the school bus drivers. The study investigated the experiences from school bus drivers\u27 stories of bullying behaviors on the school bus. A qualitative approach was used with a phenomenological design to obtain data for this research study. Seven school bus drivers from a metropolitan school system in southeastern United States participated in the study. The data collection consisted of individual semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire to obtain the school bus drivers\u27 experiences, and school documents of student violations on the school bus. Data were analyzed by horizonalization (Moustakas, 1994). Five themes were identified: (a) bullying behaviors, (b) supervision challenges, (c) distractions and safety, (d) total support, and (e) essential training

Effects of Low-Level Additions of Salt on Decomposition Rates and Plant Sodium Concentrations in a Southeastern, US Riparian System

Connor Gruntz is an undergraduate student in the School of Biological Sciences at Louisiana Tech University. Sally Entrekin is a faculty member in the Biology Department at the University of Central Arkansas. Michelle Evans-White is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Natalie Clay is an Assistant Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Louisiana Tech Universit

Raising awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome amongst coaches and athletes: the power of virtual support networks

The Virtual Alliance for sport technology (V.A.S.T) is an online tool utilised by a community of experts and practitioners to facilitate the generation and sharing of knowledge in order to promote inclusion in sport. The principal aim of the present study was to utilise this platform to create and evaluate an online teaching resource to provide support for coaches working with athletes with Asperger’s Syndrome. At present little information is provided by National governing bodies about Asperger’s, and as a consequence many athletes can be marginalised in sports provision. A methods-driven evaluative framework was adopted in order to assess the impact of the web-tool. Gantt timelines and a programme theory were produced prior to the project, and programme processes were evaluated throughout. Website impact was assessed via triangulation of statistical analysis regarding website usage with interviews conducted with network users. Results were interpreted using a figurational framework to investigate how information about the web-tool was disseminated and transformed through virtual networks of interdependencies which linked participants diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, their coaches and the online community. Results gained from this project are expected to highlight how web-based platforms have the capability to bring together otherwise marginalised groups with virtual networks of sports experts, athletes and practitioners. The implications of these results will increase awareness of participants with Asperger’s syndrome within sport and provide coaches, athletes and policy makers with information that will enable them to effectively teach and support sports participants with Asperger’s syndrome in an athlete-centric manner

MacMillan Get Active, Feel Good Physical activity programme: interim report

This evaluation report examined data regarding the implementation, impact and receipt of the two year Lincolnshire Sport and MacMillan Get Active, Feel Good programme after 12 months. The analysis was based upon the programme theory generated at the start of the programme. The Get Active, Feel Good programme aims to engage individuals who currently live with a diagnosis of cancer and to provide them with support in undertaking more physical activity. The programme is based on a 1:1 behaviour change model which is facilitated by two MacMillan physical activity practitioners who are working across Lincolnshire over a 12-month period of ongoing support. At the 12 month point the headline findings are: 112 participants had accessed the service during the first 6 months compared to the original target set (720 participants over 2years) There was an uneven geographical spread of successful referrals across the county with a concentration within the following areas LN2 (15%), PE21 (13%) and NG34 (11%). This was supported by interview data from the stakeholders. Participants reported that the programme had positively impacted on their well-being, increased their motivation, facilitated their social interaction and positivity. There was a significant increase in the total minutes participants spent active when comparing data from 0 to 6 months. Levels of fatigue were significantly reduced in participants within the first three months of the programme. Stakeholders reported that the participant-led approach to the programme gave participants ownership and control which is perceived as being valuable to those diagnosed with cancer. Stakeholders felt that additional information about the programme needs to be provided to other health care professionals, in order to increase referrals

MacMillan Get Active, Feel Good Physical activity programme: final evaluation report

1.0 Executive Summary The purpose of this report was to examine data collected by Lincolnshire Sport and the University of Lincoln in relation to the implementation, impact and receipt of the Lincolnshire GAFG programme. The primary findings are summarised below. In relation to the reach and efficiency of the programme (including uptake, adherence and attrition) it was evident that during the first 24 months of the GAFG programme: 193 individuals had attended the initial screening and 53 had reached 12months on the programme. Participants had an average age of 63.5 (+15.9) and were predominantly female (54% female, 46% male). Whilst the sample was incomplete, 34% of participants who accessed the service considered their cancer to be stable. Patterns of referral had remained relatively consistent from 12 to 24months of the programme with the majority of referrals coming from LN2 and PE21. New referrals were noted from the following geographical areas; PE32, PE24 and PE6. More males than females dropped out of the programme, this was most pronounced between 9- 12months. Those who dropped out of the programme were from the most deprived areas. For the impact of the programme it was evident from the quantitative data that significant findings were: Participants reported their mobility and ability to walk had improved up to 9months of the programme. The number of participants who reported no issues regarding self-care increased up to 9months of the programme. Participants reported that they had no problems performing usual activities increased up to 9months of the programme. Mobility, self-care and ability to perform usual activities all declined between 9-12months. Participant’s perception of pain decreased over the 12month programme. The number of participants who reported feelings of anxiety and depression decreased over 12 months. Participant’s perception of health improved over the 12months, from 56% at baseline to 83% at 12months. In relation to the perceptions of the programme and the guidance received it was found that both participants and stakeholders: Recognised and valued the client-centred approach adopted as the GAFG model. It was felt that this approach was most appropriate to those who had experienced cancer or were recovering from cancer. In particular the following themes emerged from the data as a being valued and unique elements of the programme: o Practitioners truly knowing the participant as an individual, through investing time in face to face appointments o Offering a different kind of support that is highly relevant to those with cancer or recovering from cancer o Practitioners knowing when to guide, motivate or give space o Use of technology including: tablets for Macmillan Physical Activity Practitioner (MPAP) meetings, email and text support. o Providing the programme at the participants home Felt that the time of access or referral was key to the individual. Reported that the programme filled a void in current cancer support and physical activity provision. The GAFG programme design and approach enabled participants to reflect upon the changes they wished to make to their lives through engagement in motivational interviews and participant led discussions. 3 The approaches used within the GAFG programme allows the MPAPs to respond to the individual’s cancer journey and changing narrative. The stakeholders interviewed acknowledged the following potential barrier to the programme’s expansion: The continued viability of a time intensive, client-centred approach should the programme increase the number of referrals or expand its geographical reach. In relation to the impact of the programme, including how the GAFG programme influenced how participant’s perceived and managed their cancer, the following was reported: The majority of participants demonstrated restitution narratives and were able to utilise the programme in order to rebuild themselves and regain the pre-cancer identity. Some participants articulated quest narratives and utilised the programme to improve or begin to transform themselves and their identity. For both sets of narratives, the aspect of identity participants sought to regain varied from individual to individual but included: o The physical self: strength, mobility or body image (including regaining and losing weight) o The psychological self: confidence, motivation and mental strength o The social self: the desire and ability to socialise A small number of participants articulated chaos narratives and at that moment in time, felt a degree of lost hope in relation to their cancer. Whilst participating in physical activity was perhaps overwhelming for these individuals, the GAFG programme was still seen as a future resource from which they could (at a later point in time) utilise to begin to rebuild themselves. Participants and stakeholders reported that the GAFG programme enabled them to regain control by offering an experiences (i.e. physical activity) which is the opposite of cancer and cancer treatment. The control gained through the GAFG programme transferred into other aspects of the participants lives, for example work, family, social life and thus impacted on their independence. 4 Participants and stakeholders reported that the GAFG had allowed them to regain the confidence they had lost through cancer

Effects of Low-Level Salt Additions on Plant Growth and Implications for Riparian Detrital Processing

The abstract for this presentation can be downloaded by clicking on the blue download button