800 research outputs found
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Learning and livelihoods: The experience of the FSIPM project in southern Malawi
Do resource-poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa face severe crop losses from pests and diseases? What are the different ways that rural households earn a living, and who are the poor? How does social organization shape the way that new technology is used and shared? How can we encourage farmers to participate in the design and evaluation of field experiments, yet still obtain results that are statistically valid? How can we create 'learning projects' that can change direction in response to the needs of their clients and what they find on the ground? These were some of the questions that challenged the Farming Systems Integrated Pest Management Project during four years of intensive fieldwork with resource-poor farmers in the Blantyre Shire Highlands, southern Malawi. In searching for answers, the project drew on expertise from pest management, agronomy, economics and anthropology. Learning and Livelihoods: The Experience of the FSIPM Project in Southern Malawi reflects on the project's experience, reviews the major lessons learned, and outlines an agenda for a follow-up project that addresses smallholders' needs for food security, cash income and information about new technology. The book will appeal not only to those interested in Malawi but also to those concerned with the wider issues raised by developing technology with resource poor farmers
Cosmic cookery : making a stereoscopic 3D animated movie.
This paper describes our experience making a short stereoscopic movie visualizing the development of structure in
the universe during the 13.7 billion years from the Big Bang to the present day. Aimed at a general audience for
the Royal Society's 2005 Summer Science Exhibition, the movie illustrates how the latest cosmological theories
based on dark matter and dark energy are capable of producing structures as complex as spiral galaxies and
allows the viewer to directly compare observations from the real universe with theoretical results. 3D is an
inherent feature of the cosmology data sets and stereoscopic visualization provides a natural way to present the
images to the viewer, in addition to allowing researchers to visualize these vast, complex data sets.
The presentation of the movie used passive, linearly polarized projection onto a 2m wide screen but it was
also required to playback on a Sharp RD3D display and in anaglyph projection at venues without dedicated
stereoscopic display equipment. Additionally lenticular prints were made from key images in the movie. We
discuss the following technical challenges during the stereoscopic production process; 1) Controlling the depth
presentation, 2) Editing the stereoscopic sequences, 3) Generating compressed movies in display speci¯c formats.
We conclude that the generation of high quality stereoscopic movie content using desktop tools and equipment
is feasible. This does require careful quality control and manual intervention but we believe these overheads
are worthwhile when presenting inherently 3D data as the result is signi¯cantly increased impact and better
understanding of complex 3D scenes
Inverse Transport Theory of Photoacoustics
We consider the reconstruction of optical parameters in a domain of interest
from photoacoustic data. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) radiates high frequency
electromagnetic waves into the domain and measures acoustic signals emitted by
the resulting thermal expansion. Acoustic signals are then used to construct
the deposited thermal energy map. The latter depends on the constitutive
optical parameters in a nontrivial manner. In this paper, we develop and use an
inverse transport theory with internal measurements to extract information on
the optical coefficients from knowledge of the deposited thermal energy map. We
consider the multi-measurement setting in which many electromagnetic radiation
patterns are used to probe the domain of interest. By developing an expansion
of the measurement operator into singular components, we show that the spatial
variations of the intrinsic attenuation and the scattering coefficients may be
reconstructed. We also reconstruct coefficients describing anisotropic
scattering of photons, such as the anisotropy coefficient in a
Henyey-Greenstein phase function model. Finally, we derive stability estimates
for the reconstructions
Distribution and abundance of fish and crayfish in a Waikato stream in relation to basin area
The aim of this study was to relate the longitudinal distribution of fish and crayfish to increasing basin area and physical site characteristics in the Mangaotama Stream, Waikato region, North Island, New Zealand. Fish and crayfish were captured with two-pass removal electroshocking at 11 sites located in hill-country with pasture, native forest, and mixed land uses within the 21.6 km2 basin. Number of fish species and lineal biomass of fish increased with increasing basin area, but barriers to upstream fish migration also influenced fish distribution; only climbing and non-migratory species were present above a series of small waterfalls. Fish biomass increased in direct proportion to stream width, suggesting that fish used much of the available channel, and stream width was closely related to basin area. Conversely, the abundance of crayfish was related to the amount of edge habitat, and therefore crayfish did not increase in abundance as basin area increased. Densities of all fish species combined ranged from 17 to 459 fish 100 m-2, and biomass ranged from 14 to 206 g m-2. Eels dominated the fish assemblages, comprising 85-100% of the total biomass; longfinned eels the majority of the biomass at most sites. Despite the open access of the lower sites to introduced brown trout, native species dominated all the fish communities sampled
Spectrally tunable magnetic nanoparticles designed for distribution/recollection applications
The comprehensive goal of this research is the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials that are spectrally tunable in terms of their electromagnetic signal, are robust, magnetic (allowing their piloted movement), and have the potential to be functionalized for the detection of CBRNE threats. Various chemical methods were utilized for synthesis of magnetic (iron) and luminescent rare earth (RE) components, and their mixtures. Effects of integrating an iron core into RE luminescent lattices (excited by UV, emit in the VIS) were investigated. The determination of the optimum balances between magnetic and luminescent components such that the magnetism was maximized while maintaining acceptable fluorescence integrity will be discussed. The emphasis of this work is focused on developing a distributed sensor suitable for use in the terrestrial environment. The robust properties of using a RE luminescent shell would allow the particles to be resistant to photobleaching. Additionally the chemical stability of the RE shell would allow operation in a variety of pH conditions. The magnetic core will ultimately allow the distributed particles to be recollected
Physical workplace adjustments to support neurodivergent workers: a systematic review
Derived from the concept of neurodiversity,
neurodivergence is an umbrella term for various conditions
such as Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD),
Dyslexia, or Dyspraxia, which affect approximately 22%
of the population. Sensory difficulties and overload are
a common symptom. The provision of physical workplace
adjustments for neurodivergent workers, such as
workplace design solutions, has become popular in
practice, yet their utility remains unsubstantiated. This
review evaluates the evidence for physical workplace
adjustments and their link to occupational longevity,
performance and health/well-being in neurodivergent
workers. A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) of
studies published in English between 2000 and 2021
focused on these inclusion criteria: adult office workers
clinically considered neurodiverse, their families, colleagues,
employers, experts and vocational programme
staff; at least one physical workplace adjustment; and
all types of empirical study designs. The theoretical
framing was based on the ecological model of person–
environment fit supplemented by the International
Classification of Functioning, (ICF) disability and
health and environmental stress theory. Quality assessment and data synthesis were undertaken. Of the
319 studies identified, 20 met the eligibility criteria; the
majority addressed ASD. Most studies described a combination
of adjustments to address different environmental
stimuli. The most frequent adjustments
addressed sound distractions (e.g. single-person offices)
and light sensitivity (e.g. light control), which were
related to occupational longevity, performance and
health/well-being. A range of other adjustments
addressed aspects such as environmental control,
crowding or decompression rooms. There is insufficient
evidence to fully evaluate the usefulness of adjustments,
partially due to methodological shortcomings.
Despite the variety of challenges with the sensory physical
environment acknowledged in the literature for
neurodivergent conditions, there is a paucity of evidence.
Given the potential of physical adjustments to
improve work and health outcomes, we highlight the
necessity for more theoretically driven and methodologically
sound research
Physical workplace adjustments to support neurodivergent workers: a systematic review
Derived from the concept of neurodiversity,
neurodivergence is an umbrella term for various conditions
such as Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD),
Dyslexia, or Dyspraxia, which affect approximately 22%
of the population. Sensory difficulties and overload are
a common symptom. The provision of physical workplace
adjustments for neurodivergent workers, such as
workplace design solutions, has become popular in
practice, yet their utility remains unsubstantiated. This
review evaluates the evidence for physical workplace
adjustments and their link to occupational longevity,
performance and health/well-being in neurodivergent
workers. A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) of
studies published in English between 2000 and 2021
focused on these inclusion criteria: adult office workers
clinically considered neurodiverse, their families, colleagues,
employers, experts and vocational programme
staff; at least one physical workplace adjustment; and
all types of empirical study designs. The theoretical
framing was based on the ecological model of person–
environment fit supplemented by the International
Classification of Functioning, (ICF) disability and
health and environmental stress theory. Quality assessment and data synthesis were undertaken. Of the
319 studies identified, 20 met the eligibility criteria; the
majority addressed ASD. Most studies described a combination
of adjustments to address different environmental
stimuli. The most frequent adjustments
addressed sound distractions (e.g. single-person offices)
and light sensitivity (e.g. light control), which were
related to occupational longevity, performance and
health/well-being. A range of other adjustments
addressed aspects such as environmental control,
crowding or decompression rooms. There is insufficient
evidence to fully evaluate the usefulness of adjustments,
partially due to methodological shortcomings.
Despite the variety of challenges with the sensory physical
environment acknowledged in the literature for
neurodivergent conditions, there is a paucity of evidence.
Given the potential of physical adjustments to
improve work and health outcomes, we highlight the
necessity for more theoretically driven and methodologically
sound research
Physical workplace adjustments to support neurodivergent workers: a systematic review
Derived from the concept of neurodiversity,
neurodivergence is an umbrella term for various conditions
such as Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD),
Dyslexia, or Dyspraxia, which affect approximately 22%
of the population. Sensory difficulties and overload are
a common symptom. The provision of physical workplace
adjustments for neurodivergent workers, such as
workplace design solutions, has become popular in
practice, yet their utility remains unsubstantiated. This
review evaluates the evidence for physical workplace
adjustments and their link to occupational longevity,
performance and health/well-being in neurodivergent
workers. A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) of
studies published in English between 2000 and 2021
focused on these inclusion criteria: adult office workers
clinically considered neurodiverse, their families, colleagues,
employers, experts and vocational programme
staff; at least one physical workplace adjustment; and
all types of empirical study designs. The theoretical
framing was based on the ecological model of person–
environment fit supplemented by the International
Classification of Functioning, (ICF) disability and
health and environmental stress theory. Quality assessment and data synthesis were undertaken. Of the
319 studies identified, 20 met the eligibility criteria; the
majority addressed ASD. Most studies described a combination
of adjustments to address different environmental
stimuli. The most frequent adjustments
addressed sound distractions (e.g. single-person offices)
and light sensitivity (e.g. light control), which were
related to occupational longevity, performance and
health/well-being. A range of other adjustments
addressed aspects such as environmental control,
crowding or decompression rooms. There is insufficient
evidence to fully evaluate the usefulness of adjustments,
partially due to methodological shortcomings.
Despite the variety of challenges with the sensory physical
environment acknowledged in the literature for
neurodivergent conditions, there is a paucity of evidence.
Given the potential of physical adjustments to
improve work and health outcomes, we highlight the
necessity for more theoretically driven and methodologically
sound research
Physical workplace adjustments to support neurodivergent workers: a systematic review
Derived from the concept of neurodiversity,
neurodivergence is an umbrella term for various conditions
such as Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD),
Dyslexia, or Dyspraxia, which affect approximately 22%
of the population. Sensory difficulties and overload are
a common symptom. The provision of physical workplace
adjustments for neurodivergent workers, such as
workplace design solutions, has become popular in
practice, yet their utility remains unsubstantiated. This
review evaluates the evidence for physical workplace
adjustments and their link to occupational longevity,
performance and health/well-being in neurodivergent
workers. A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) of
studies published in English between 2000 and 2021
focused on these inclusion criteria: adult office workers
clinically considered neurodiverse, their families, colleagues,
employers, experts and vocational programme
staff; at least one physical workplace adjustment; and
all types of empirical study designs. The theoretical
framing was based on the ecological model of person–
environment fit supplemented by the International
Classification of Functioning, (ICF) disability and
health and environmental stress theory. Quality assessment and data synthesis were undertaken. Of the
319 studies identified, 20 met the eligibility criteria; the
majority addressed ASD. Most studies described a combination
of adjustments to address different environmental
stimuli. The most frequent adjustments
addressed sound distractions (e.g. single-person offices)
and light sensitivity (e.g. light control), which were
related to occupational longevity, performance and
health/well-being. A range of other adjustments
addressed aspects such as environmental control,
crowding or decompression rooms. There is insufficient
evidence to fully evaluate the usefulness of adjustments,
partially due to methodological shortcomings.
Despite the variety of challenges with the sensory physical
environment acknowledged in the literature for
neurodivergent conditions, there is a paucity of evidence.
Given the potential of physical adjustments to
improve work and health outcomes, we highlight the
necessity for more theoretically driven and methodologically
sound research
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