A survey of second homes: their number, character, owners and use

Second home ownership is increasing in importance in this country as underlying motivating forces are coupled to expanding opportunities for ownership, principally in ters of the availability of time, money and suitable property (Chapter 1). The study of this phenomenon is hampered by problems of definition and by difficulties of gathering information (Chapter 2), although much work has been undertaken abroad, particularly in France, Scandinavia and North America (Chapter 3.i). In Britain, knowledge is relatively limited in scope and is fragmentary in coverage (Chapter 3.ii), and the writer’s investigation into second homes in Weardale was made as a contribution from a region not previously studied but one where second homes have spread rapidly in recent years (Chapter 3.iii). Second homes in general are characterised by a wide variety of type (Chapter 4.1), and are often purchased or rented through private, rather than through commercial, channels (Chapter 4.ii). Their popularity may tend to increase property prices (Chapter 4.iii), while the common use of much old property often necessitates its extensive improvement and renovation (Chapter 4.iv). The owners of second homes are correspondingly diverse, although they tend to be above average in income and in education (Chapter 5.i). Their average use of the second home varies considerably as does the range of their activities while at the second home (Chapter 5.11), but less diversity is discernible In the location of the first home which is often within two hours driving time of the second home (Chapter 5.111).Increasing numbers of second homes in Britain cause effects at both national and local levels. Nationally, these involve the use of resources that could possibly be used for other purposes while, locally, there are complex economic, social and environmental implications which are, however, little understood at present (Chapter 6). As growth continues, controls seem to be necessary so that the Impact of second home construction on the landscape is minimised, and so that social and economic effects In second home localities are more beneficial than detrimental for the local Inhabitants (Chapter 7)

Gender differences in conceptual understanding of Newtonian mechanics: a UK cross-institution comparison

We present results of a combined study from three UK universities where we investigate the existence and persistence of a performance gender gap in conceptual understanding of Newtonian mechanics. Using the Force Concept Inventory, we find that students at all three universities exhibit a statistically significant gender gap, with males outperforming females. This gap is narrowed but not eliminated after instruction, using a variety of instructional approaches. Furthermore, we find that before instruction the quartile with the lowest performance on the diagnostic instrument comprises a disproportionately high fraction (~50%) of the total female cohort. The majority of these students remain in the lowest-performing quartile post-instruction. Analysis of responses to individual items shows that male students outperform female students on practically all items on the instrument. Comparing the performance of the same group of students on end-of-course examinations, we find no statistically significant gender gaps.Comment: 17 page

Space-time segmentation method for study of the vertical structure and evolution of solar supergranulation from data provided by local helioseismology

Solar supergranulation remains a mystery in spite of decades of intensive studies. Most of the papers about supergranulation deal with its surface properties. Local helioseismology provides an opportunity to look below the surface and see the vertical structure of this convective structure. We present a concept of a (3+1)-D segmentation algorithm capable of recognising individual supergranules in a sequence of helioseismic 3-D flow maps. As an example, we applied this method to the state-of-the-art data and derived descriptive statistical properties of segmented supergranules -- typical size of 20--30 Mm, characteristic lifetime of 18.7 hours, and estimated depth of 15--20 Mm. We present preliminary results obtained on the topic of the three-dimensional structure and evolution of supergranulation. The method has a great potential in analysing the better data expected from the helioseismic inversions, which are being developed.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted in New Astronom

Mixed method, two level, individually randomised controlled trial of a trauma informed intervention, Trauma Recovery Model Relationship Building Together, versus business as usual for adolescents and young adults served by Bridgend Youth Services: EVALUATION PROTOCOL

Mixed method, two level, individually randomised controlledtrial of a trauma informed intervention, Trauma RecoveryModel Relationship Building Together, versus business asusual for adolescents and young adults served by BridgendYouth Services

Mixed method, two level, individually randomised controlled trial of a trauma informed intervention, Trauma Recovery Model Relationship Building Together, versus business as usual for adolescents and young adults served by Bridgend Youth Services: EVALUATION PROTOCOL

Mixed method, two level, individually randomised controlledtrial of a trauma informed intervention, Trauma RecoveryModel Relationship Building Together, versus business asusual for adolescents and young adults served by BridgendYouth Services

Discrete and continuous time simulations of spatial ecological processes predict different final population sizes and interspecific competition outcomes

Cellular automata (CAs) are commonly used to simulate spatial processes in ecology. Although appropriate for modelling events that occur at discrete time points, they are also routinely used to model biological processes that take place continuously. We report on a study comparing predictions of discrete time CA models to those of their continuous time counterpart. Specifically, we investigate how the decision to model time discretely or continuously affects predictions regarding long-run population sizes, the probability of extinction and interspecific competition. We show effects on predicted ecological outcomes, finding quantitative differences in all cases and in the case of interspecific competition, additional qualitative differences in predictions regarding species dominance. Our findings demonstrate that qualitative conclusions drawn from spatial simulations can be critically dependent on the decision to model time discretely or continuously. Contrary to our expectations, simulating in continuous time did not incur a heavy computational penalty. We also raise ecological questions on the relative benefits of reproductive strategies that take place in discrete and continuous time

Comparison of ankle and subtalar joint complex range of motion during barefoot walking and walking in Masai Barefoot Technology sandals

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT, Switzerland) produce footwear which they claim simulate walking barefoot on soft undulating ground. This paper reports an investigation into the effect of MBT sandals on the motion of the ankle and subtalar joint complex during walking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Range of motion data was collected in the sagittal, frontal and transverse plane from the ankle and subtalar joint complex from 32 asymptomatic subjects using the CODA MPX30 motion analysis system during both barefoot walking and walking in the MBT sandal. Shod and un-shod data were compared using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A significantly greater range of motion in the frontal and sagittal planes was recorded when walking in the MBT sandal (p = 0.031, and p = 0.015 respectively). In the transverse plane, no significant difference was found (p = 0.470).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>MBT sandals increase the range of motion of the ankle and subtalar joint complex in the frontal and sagittal planes. MBT footwear could therefore have a role to play in the management of musculoskeletal disorders where an increase in frontal and sagittal plane range of motion is desirable.</p