A qualitative evaluation of the Western Cheshire Community Weight Management Programme - Step by Step Healthy Weight and Lifestyle Programme - Interim Report

This report is an interim report for the evaluation of a community weight management programme, Step by Step. Western Cheshire PCT commissioned the University of Chester to evaluate the programme. The overall aim of the evaluation was to reveal the elements of the service that are most likely to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme.Western Cheshire PC

"Nothing changes in the Kalahari" : Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park Agreement and the effects of difference, discourse and the past

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-94).Khomani San with access to 26,000 hectares of land in the national park for "symbolic and cultural uses", and is entitled a "Heritage Park". National parks have, in recent years, been required by legislation, popular opinion, and SANP policies to change how they interact with local communities. However, both staff in Kgalagadi and local residents consistently reiterate that "nothing changes in the Kalahari", and this is a dominant discourse in the Park. Experience of living in the region (including the National Park) has demonstrated to residents that little does change in their material social reality. Based on the experience of nine months in the Park as a volunteer with South African National Parks, complemented by a month of fieldwork, this study gauges the interpretation of a "Heritage Park" and co-management by the authority implementing the Agreement. Through interview and survey data this study argues that the power of discursive modes of communication and their control of knowledge and differing uses of and interpretations of the past limit the conceptualization of possible change. The emphasis placed by residents on racial difference restricts possible subject- positions and therefore, the possibility of multiple types of relations beyond apartheid-era categorization. While experience within the place creates its own set of limitations on social life. The Kalahari, I argue, is internalized by its residents and stifles a sense of possibility through a particular sense of the passage of time, the past, and different conceptions of its effect on the present. These factors combine as restrictions on any meaningful social change for the residents of Kgalagadi. I argue that it is the social dynamics within the Park that curb the success of the Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park Agreement. The social world inside Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can by extension, be seen as a microcosm of the larger South African picture; a nation scored by differences of race, access to information and meaning in knowledge, and influential but ambiguous discourses

Engineering and characterisation of quantum non-Gaussian states

This thesis presents an investigation into the generation and characterisation of non-Gaussian states in continuous variable quantum optics. Beginning by placing the study of continuous variables within the context of quantum information processing more generally, we then motivate the need for non-Gaussianity within quantum computing protocols. The focus then narrows to the consideration of two particular sets of non-Gaussian states: orthogonal superposition states and the cubic resource state. The superposition of two orthogonal states has been shown to enhance certain continuous variable quantum information processing protocols that rely on entanglement, and within this section two distinct methods for generating such states are considered. While one of these methods provides a specific example, the other introduces a general orthogonaliser that relies solely on knowledge of the expectation value for the chosen orthogonalising operator in order to produce the superposition. The second case for non-Gaussian state generation employs current results demonstrating the production of a weak approximation of the cubic resource state in order to illustrate the use of such single-mode states to generate multimode states with similar features. These states are implemented as ancillas for a deterministic non-Gaussian gate operation on a system of choice. We show that generating multimode states through this distribution scheme allows an enhancement of the output state to better approximate the nonlinear features. Finally, we consider methods of characterising non-Gaussian states. In particular, we introduce a witness for pure states existing outside of the Gaussian convex hull. Such states exclude Gaussian pure states as well as non-Gaussian states generated from mixtures of squeezed and coherent states, and therefore consist of non-Gaussian states generated from non-Gaussian operations. We present a detection-independent bound for such states based on the generalised quasiprobability distribution.Open Acces

Seeing Colors: The Impact of Color Priming on Brand Perception

Previous research has examined the role that color plays in various contexts. This research has primarily examined three aspects of color: hue (the primary reflected wavelength or the color itself), saturation (the dominance of hue in a color or the pureness of a color), and value (the brightness of the color). The current study seeks to apply the concept of priming to the study of the effects of color. Priming is defined as the psychological technique in which one stimulus influences a person’s response to a subsequent stimulus. In this study, priming is utilized in the form of varying color saturation levels to alter attitudes, purchase intentions, and value perceptions of several brands. An experimental method was designed to test the difference between pretest and posttest responses from participants regarding their attitudes, purchase intentions, and value perceptions of these brands. This method involved a manipulation of color saturation to ascertain the role that priming plays in magnifying or reducing color effects. Ultimately, the results indicated partial support for the study’s three hypotheses, demonstrating to a degree that increased saturation levels can influence brand attitude measures, likelihood to purchase measures, and perceived value measures

Growth in Kinder"Garden" - The Integration of Outdoor Education into the Ontario Kindergarten Program

This academic article examines the integration of outdoor education, specifically the incorporation of school gardens, into the Ontario kindergarten program with the aim of promoting the comprehensive development of young learners. The author, a dedicated kindergarten teacher with a passion for outdoor activities, shares insights gained from a year-long practice of taking students outside daily, fostering a profound connection with nature. The article explores the positive effects of an outdoor learning environment on various aspects, including social-emotional development, sensory play, and academic engagement.The author underscores the transformative influence of school gardens, recounting the process of establishing nine gardens that not only contributed to academic advancement but also instilled principles of eco-responsibility and sustainable stewardship. The article provides a detailed account of the outdoor learning environment's characteristics, encompassing natural colors, diverse seating options, as well as the presence and relationships with non-human entities.Moreover, the article addresses the contemporary shift in kindergarten education, highlighting the departure from exploration and play toward a more academically focused paradigm. It advocates for a return to the foundational concept of kindergarten as a children's garden, as conceptualized by Friedrich Froebel, presenting evidence of how outdoor education can harmoniously align with academic as well as age appropriate developmental objectives.Practical initiatives, such as composting projects and tree planting, are expounded upon as examples of how kindergarteners can actively participate in eco-friendly practices within the school community. The article accentuates the underestimated capabilities of young children, citing instances of successful school-wide initiatives led by kindergarteners, culminating in the attainment of the platinum eco-school certification. The significance lies in the transformative influence of school gardens, fostering not only academic advancement but also principles of eco-responsibility and sustainable stewardship.The author shares personal insights derived from the gardening journey, spanning from horticultural knowledge and problem-solving skills to intergenerational relationships and community engagement. The article concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of the school gardens, asserting that the roots and shoots cultivated in this outdoor environment have provided invaluable learning experiences for both the students and the community. Keywords: Eco-responsiveness, Holistic development, Kindergarten, Outdoor education, Place-based education, School gardens. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-35-04 Publication date: December 31st 2023

Antigen-presenting cells and antigen presentation in tertiary lymphoid organs

Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) form in territorialized niches of peripheral tissues characterized by the presence of antigens; however, little is known about mechanism(s) of antigen handling by ectopic lymphoid structures. In this mini review, we will discuss the role of antigen-presenting cells and mechanisms of antigen presentation in TLOs, summarizing what is currently known about this facet of the formation and function of these tissues as well as identifying questions yet to be addressed

Messages from the Oracle: Assessing the Impact of Major In-Town Shopping Centres

Planning policy aimed at preserving the viability of UK town centres halted the wave of out-of-town shopping centres – Schiller’s “third wave” of decentralisation. In consequence,  a number of major in-town shopping malls were developed in the UK. The first of these was the Oracle Centre in Reading. This paper examines the impact of the Oracle on retail activity in the town centre using land use data and the results of a retailer survey. The Oracle acted as a catalyst for change, accelerating trends already observed in the centre, shifting the prime pitch, weakening peripheral areas and increasing turnover rates. The added attraction of the town centre offset many of the trade diversion impacts. However, some adverse effects may have been masked by strong consumer spending and a vibrant local economy.In-town Shopping, Out-of-town Shopping, Retail, Shopping Malls, Retail Activity

The Involvement of the Forensic Anthropologist in Human Rights Issues

The theme chosen for the 2001 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting, War Crimes and Other Acts Against Humanity, has highlighted the recent involvement of scientists in the investigation of gross human rights violations. Genocide, political murders, and mass killings rage throughout the world: Rwanda, Bosnia, the former Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Kosovo being only the most recent examples. Forensic anthropology is a field that was established to aid in the identification of human remains once visual recognition is lost. Most often this applies to medico-legal investigations of unexplained deaths. Of recent, however, forensic anthropologists have become involved in identifying the remains and documenting evidence of torture of victims of violent political massacres found in mass graves worldwide. Some of their work has resulted in the successful prosecution of those responsible for the killings, but most often it is to provide a sense of closure for the survivors through identification of the dead, as many of the survivors have lived for years without knowing the fate of their loved ones. With the exception of Karen Burns\u27 chapter in Forensic Osteology (see Burns 1998), there has not been a comprehensive record of the involvement of forensic anthropologists in human rights issues. With this research, I hope to survey what publications there are in this area, including information drawn from primary sources\u27 websites, with my own experience working for the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation. This study explores the role of the forensic anthropologist in human rights issues including the pioneers in the field and the organizations with which they are involved. A discussion of the major areas of involvement, such as Argentina, Guatemala, the former Yugoslavia, and Rwanda, is also provided as well as the methods used. Also, interaction with the local community and documentation and collection of evidence is presented drawing from my experience in Guatemala. Lastly, the impact of the exhumation process on relevant regions is mentioned along with the resulting legal trials. The future of this area of involvement is also advanced

Development of primary invasive pneumococcal disease caused by serotype 1 pneumococci is driven by early increased type I interferon response in the lung

The pneumococcus is the world's foremost respiratory pathogen, but the mechanisms allowing this pathogen to proceed from initial asymptomatic colonization to invasive disease are poorly understood. We have examined the early stages of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) by comparing host transcriptional responses to an invasive strain and a noninvasive strain of serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae in the mouse lung. While the two strains were present in equal numbers in the lung 6 h after intranasal challenge, only the invasive strain (strain 1861) had invaded the pleural cavity at that time point; this correlated with subsequent development of bacteremia in mice challenged with strain 1861 but not the noninvasive strain (strain 1). Progression beyond the lung was associated with stronger induction of the type I interferon (IFN-I) response in the lung at 6 h. Suppression of the IFN-I response through administration of neutralizing antibody to IFNAR1 (the receptor for type I interferons) led to significantly reduced invasion of the pleural cavity by strain 1861 at 6 h postchallenge. Our data suggest that strong induction of the IFN-I response is a key factor in early progression of invasive serotype 1 strain 1861 beyond the lung during development of IPD

Bridging Western Theories and Indigenous Perspectives to Implement STEM in Outdoor Early Childhood Educational Settings

During the Covid-19 pandemic, educators were obliged to rethink traditional classroom settings and explore alternative learning environments. Consequently, numerous outdoor education programs and forest schools emerged in North America during that time. These outdoor alternatives were met with great enthusiasm given that these programs offered a unique advantage during the pandemic, as they could easily enforce physical distancing while also providing a natural space with fresh air circulation. Concurrently, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has become a popular focus in 21st-century classrooms. By incorporating STEM subjects into outdoor education programs, children are given the opportunity to develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills in a natural environment. By engaging in STEM activities such as building structures, observing and analyzing natural phenomena, and experimenting with technology, children can develop an appreciation and develop a deeper understanding and sense of belonging with the natural world while also gaining important skills for the future. This article emphasizes on how combining outdoor education and STEM subjects can result in a holistic approach to education that addresses the needs of the whole child. Children are not only able to learn about the natural world but also to develop fundamental skills that will help them in their future education and careers. Additionally, outdoor education can provide children with a sense of well-being and connectedness to the natural world, which can have positive effects on their mental and physical health. Keywords:STEM learning, Indigenous, Outdoor Learning, Forest School, Land-Based Learning, Western Theories, Early Childhood Education. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-9-01 Publication date:March 31st 202