Theorising disability: a practical and representative ontology of learning disability

This article contributes to the ongoing development of the theorisation of learning disability, focusing on the value of the ontological turn. We argue that while social theory has influenced understandings of disability within academia, particularly within disability studies, it has had a limited impact on the discursive and practical use of the term ‘learning disability’. How ‘learning disability’ is constructed is of direct consequence to the lives of people with learning disabilities. Owing to this, we present a practical and representative ontology of learning disability in order to progress the ontological turn into everyday understandings of disability. To do this, disability theory is discussed, critically appraised and progressed. We then outline how this new theorisation could be re-contextualised within policy, with a view to further re-contextualisation into practice and the everyday. It is hoped that this article will spark discussion regarding how the ontological turn can be used for change

Fabrication and characterization of smart fabric using energy storage fibres

Fibre supercapacitors were designed and manufactured using a dip-coating method. Their electrochemical properties were characterized using a VersaSTAT 3 workstation. Chinese ink with a fine dispersion of carbon and binder was coated as the electrode material. The specific capacitance per unit length of a copper fibre supercapacitor with the length of 41 cm reached 34.5 mF/cm. When this fibre supercapacitor was bent on rods with a diameter of 10.5 cm, the specific capacitance per length was 93% of the original value (without bending). It showed that these fibre supercapacitors have good flexibility and energy storage capacity. Furthermore, the fibre supercapacitor in the fabric showed the same capacitance before and after weaving.The European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreement no. [281063]

Appendix 5.

Report examines the effect of phosphate rock on the pH level of water

Improving the inclusivity and credibility of visual research: interpretive engagement as a route to including the voices of people with learning disabilities in analysis

Visual methods are often used in social science because of the potential for inclusivity and accessibility. In disability studies in particular, inclusive research is widely viewed as best practice and visual methods are often considered more accessible than traditional research methods. However, visual methods can encounter challenges at the stage of analysis: it is at this stage that either rigour or inclusivity are most likely to be compromised. This paper focuses on the use of interpretive engagement to overcome such challenges in the analysis of photovoice findings. Drawing on experience of using this method of analysis with 16 people with learning disabilities in the England, we first briefly outline some of the tensions that can emerge when attempting to improve inclusion in research, before going on to describe the analytic process used as way of addressing some of these tensions. The inclusiveness of interpretive engagement contributed to the rigour and meaningfulness of the findings by revealing layers of meaning which gave access to a multi-dimensional understanding of the phenomenon in question

Harmonisation of biobanking standards in endometrial cancer research

Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer and its incidence is predicted to escalate by 50–100% in 2025 with a parallel increase in associated mortality. Variations in the collection, processing and storage of biospecimens can affect the generalisability of the scientific data. We aimed to harmonise the collection of biospecimens, clinical data relevant to endometrial cancer and to develop standard operative procedures for the collection, processing and storage of endometrial cancer biospecimens. Methods: We designed research tools, which were evaluated and revised through three consensus rounds – to obtain local/regional, national and European consensus. Modified final tools were disseminated to a panel (n=40) representing all stakeholders in endometrial cancer research for consensus generation. Results: The final consensus demonstrated unanimous agreement with the minimal surgical and patient data collection tools. A high level of agreement was also observed for the other remaining standard tools. Conclusions: We here present the final versions of the tools, which are freely available and easily accessible to all endometrial cancer researchers. We believe that these tools will facilitate rapid progress in endometrial cancer research, both in future collaborations and in large-scale multicentre studies

Tailings surface cover development through integration of reactive phosphate and organic matter

In 1993, two 0.5 ha experimental plots were set up on inactive uranium tailings in Elliot Lake and on fresh pyrrhotite tailings at Copper Cliff, Ontari o. Phosphate rock and horse manure were mixed into the tailings surfaces by a roto-tiller. Field plots were investigated using electromagnetic resistivity measurements 39 months (Copper C liff) and 45 months (Elliot Lake) after set up. Resistivity measurements on the pyrrhotite tailings when modeled showed distinct differences between treatment plots, with phosphate treatments having the highest resistivity. At the same time, treatment plots were sampled both within and below the amended tailings surface stratum. The samples were stored for 5.5 years (Copper C liff) and 6.5 years (Elliot Lake), respectively, at room temperature in the dark. Slurries (1:5 w:v) to assess the chemistry, simulating pore water in the tailings layer were made. The supernatant was monitored for 22 months by periodically measuring pH, redox potential, electrical conductivity, and acidity . At the end of the monitoring period, the elemental composition of the supernatant was determined by ICP. Principal component analyses (PCA) were applied to parameters that were measured in the simulated pore water. With the PCA performed on the water quality data, differences in treatment conditions were determined within the uranium tailings and the base metal tailings plots. It was possible to discriminate between treatment conditions in term s of pore water characteristics in the uranium and the base metal pore water. The PCA indicated that the pyrrhotite tailings treatment with high horse manure and high phosphate generated distinct water quality conditions, but only in the amended surface layer at a depth of 7.5 cm. High horse manure and high phosphate improved the pore water quality in both tailings types

A Study of Metal Free Supercapacitors Using 3D Printing

© The Author(s) 2018. Metal-free supercapacitors were designed and fabricated using a 3D printing process. An attempt was made to use carbon conductive paint to create both current collector and electrode. Two 3D printing techniques were combined and used to manufacture the electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs). The electrode material made from carbon conductive paint and distilled water showed a good electrical performance. The manufacturing process for the EDLCs has been explained in detail and the process showed a good reproducibility. Different thicknesses of electrode were tested and characterized. The results showed that both the mass of the electrode material and the capacitance of the supercapacitor increased as the thickness of the active layer increased. The thickness of the electrode increased 4 times from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, the mass of the electrode material increased nearly 3 times from 0.514 g to 1.498 g, which resulted in the increase of capacitance from 0.133 F to 0.295 F

My Marriage My Choice. Summary of Findings

The My Marriage My Choice project (a two-year study funded by the National Institute for Health Research, School for Social Care Research) has been conducted with a view to exploring forced marriage of adults with learning disabilities1 from a safeguarding perspective. Its aim was to develop knowledge, policy and practice to support professionals in their work of safeguarding vulnerable children and adults. Forced marriage is defined as a marriage without the consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor (UK Government Forced Marriage Unit). In a forced marriage one or both spouses do not consent, or due to lacking capacity, cannot consent to the marriage. The research project has also been conducted to raise awareness of forced marriage in order that all of those who are involved in the education, care and support of individuals who cannot effectively consent to any such undertaking, might be empowered to recognise forced marriage as such and respond appropriately

My Marriage My Choice. Case Study Collection: Learning from case studies of forced marriage of people with learning disabilities

This document tells the stories of people with learning disabilities who have been forced to marry, to raise the profile of a little understood issue and contribute to a shift in thinking that will improve safeguarding policy and practice. Forced marriage of people with learning disabilities is different to forced marriage of people without learning disability. As such, it is often not recognised as forced by families, faith leaders or professionals. Some professionals see it as a ‘cultural issue’ and fear being seen as racist or culturally insensitive. This all impacts upon safeguarding policy and practice

Uncompensated claims to fair emission space risk putting Paris Agreement goals out of reach

Addressing questions of equitable contributions to emission reductions is important to facilitate ambitious global action on climate change within the ambit of the Paris Agreement. Several large developing regions with low historical contributions to global warming have a strong moral claim to a large proportion of the remaining carbon budget (RCB). However, this claim needs to be assessed in a context where the RCB consistent with the long-term temperature goal (LTTG) of the Paris Agreement is rapidly diminishing. Here we assess the potential tension between the moral claim to the remaining carbon space by large developing regions with low per capita emissions, and the collective obligation to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Based on scenarios underlying the IPCC's 6th Assessment Report, we construct a suite of scenarios that combine the following elements: (a) two quantifications of a moral claim to the remaining carbon space by South Asia, and Africa, (b) a 'highest possible emission reduction' effort by developed regions (DRs), and (c) a corresponding range for other developing regions (ODR). We find that even the best effort by DRs cannot compensate for a unilateral claim to the remaining carbon space by South Asia and Africa. This would put the LTTG firmly out of reach unless ODRs cede their moral claim to emissions space and, like DRs, pursue highest possible emission reductions, which would also constitute an inequitable outcome. Furthermore, regions such as Latin America would need to provide large-scale negative emissions with potential risks and negative side effects. Our findings raise important questions of perspectives on equity in the context of the Paris Agreement including on the critical importance of climate finance. A failure to provide adequate levels of financial support to compensate large developing regions to emit less than their moral claim will put the Paris Agreement at risk