Time-gated transillumination of biological tissues and tissuelike phantoms

The applicability and limits of time-resolved transillumination to determine the internal details of biological tissues are investigated by phantom experiments. By means of line scans across a sharp edge, the spatial resolution (Ax) and its dependence on the time-gate width (At) can be determined. Additionally, measurements of completely absorbing bead pairs embedded in a turbid medium demonstrate the physical resolution in a more realistic case. The benefit of time resolution is especially high for a turbid medium with a comparatively small reduced scattering coefficient of approximately pL,' = 0.12 mm-1. Investigations with partially absorbing beads and filled plastic tubes demonstrate the high sensitivity of time-resolving techniques with respect to spatial variations in scattering or absorption coefficients that are due to the embedded disturber. In particular, it is shown that time gating is sensitive to variations in scattering coefficients. Key words: Time-resolved transillumination, turbid media, light scattering, streak camera

Speckle interferometry using a hardwired autocorrelator

Imperial Users onl

Exploring Young Carers’ Experiences of Education

Background The term young carer is relatively new but a focus on young carers in policy and legislation within the United Kingdom has highlighted the need to identify and work with young carers. Though definitions of the term ‘young carer’ and the exact number of young carers across the country vary considerably by study, there is beginning to be an increase in young carer research. The current research sought to find out about the educational experiences of school age young carers, an area which has little information which focuses specifically on the United Kingdom and its education system. Methods Four participants were part of the current research, all of whom met the set criteria that they needed to be a young carer of school age. Two of the participants attended primary schools, with the other two attending secondary schools. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with each participant online. Findings were explored through the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings Three superordinate themes were identified from the analysis: protective factors, adversity and the impact of caring and, lastly support through education. Conclusions All of the young carers spoke positively about school and they could identify what support they thought would help them the most in school as a young carer. The findings are discussed in relation to previous young carer research and psychological theories which underpin the current research. There are suggestions for future practice and implications for the work of Educational Psychologists, particularly in relation to the work Educational Psychologists carry out in conjunction with young carers, schools and families

American Opinions of GM Food: Awareness, Knowledge, and Implications for Education

Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Comparability of Dietary Measures Among NSW Children and Adolescents.

The measurement of lifestyle behaviours among child and adolescent populations is challenging. Over the past two decades, there have been at least six population-based surveys that have measured lifestyle and anthropometric factors among 13 population-based samples of children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW). While these surveys have used different instruments and modes of administration, all have to some extent collected data on the same types of indicators (or variables) for assessing dietary intake and food related behaviours. This report collates estimates of the different dietary indicators used in population-based surveys conducted with young people in NSW between 1995 and 2010, and compares these estimates according to age group, survey methods, the different population survey questions, by age group and respondent (child versus parent). The results provide valuable information to guide the interpretation of population dietary surveillance data, and future decisions around population nutrition monitoring, in NSW

Comparability of Dietary Measures Among NSW Children and Adolescents

The measurement of lifestyle behaviours among child and adolescent populations is challenging. Existing population based surveys of lifestyle and anthropometric variables have used different instruments and modes of administration, however all have to some extent collected data on the same types of variables for assessing dietary intake and food related behaviours. The purpose of this report was to collate estimates of dietary indicators for young people across different population-based surveys conducted in NSW between 1995 and 2010, and compare estimates according to age group, survey methods, the different population survey questions, by age group and respondent (child versus parent). The results of this report provide valuable information to guide the interpretation of population dietary surveillance data, and future decisions around population nutrition monitoring in NSW

Exploring the feasibility of wavelength modulated near-infrared spectroscopy

Significance: The application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine the concentrations of tissue chromophores has typically relied on three alternative technological approaches: continuous-wave, frequency-domain, and time-domain. It is often the case that uncertain and variable coupling of light into and out of the skin surface renders absolute measurements unreliable, and NIRS methods are mostly used to measure changes of chromophore concentrations and of physiological parameters such as blood volume and oxygenation. Aim: The aim has been to investigate whether an approach based on a wavelength-modulated source may enable measurements to be acquired, which are independent of surface coupling and may facilitate derivation of absolute values of tissue parameters. Approach: An analysis is performed using the modified Beer–Lambert law. Results: It is shown that the relative modulation in detected intensity resulting from a wavelength-modulated source could be used to estimate absolute concentrations of chromophores if unknown surface coupling losses and geometrical factors are insensitive to small changes in wavelength. Conclusions: Wavelength modulated NIRS could be an effective tool for quantitative in vivo analysis of tissues, although it may be technically challenging

The Avoidance of Burnout Among Open Bible Pastors: Creating Healthy and Vibrant Leaders in Ministry

Pastors in the Open Bible Churches denomination struggle with spiritual health, even as they lead local congregations. The perils of vocational ministry can often contribute to emotional fatigue, disillusionment, and exhaustion, commonly referred to as “burnout.” Pastors serve sacrificially in their churches, giving all that they have for the lives of the others. However, the life many pastors live actually negatively impacts themselves as well as others around them, thus negating the purpose for which they strive. This Doctor of Ministry project sought to discover how ministers can remain spiritually healthy while actively leading the local church. Much of the problem stems from an identity crisis. Many pastors lack the certainty of their identity because they have inadvertently remained self-deceived. Lacking self-awareness is a dangerous and systemic problem among people in general, but Open Bible pastors specifically. Jesus said that He came to give life, and give it abundantly (John 10:10). Since Jesus indicated that abundant life is possible for individuals, pastors too have hope that they can experience a vibrant, fruitful life in the ministry, yet many never actually experience this. Open Bible’s heritage plays a central role both positively and negatively in how pastors experience the abundant life. Key features, such as the power of the Spirit and a reliance on prayer, are healthy and necessary for pastors to live abundantly. A foundation is in place. The next steps for healthy pastors involve the awareness of the problem and then development of a plan of action that implements practices often foreign to the Open Bible perspective, but are still Christian in nature. This author’s hope is that this work encourages pastors that they are not alone in their journey of pastoral leadership, as well as reminds pastors of key pillars that can sustain them throughout their ministry

On Aims and Objectives in Creative Education

This paper was originally the basis of a discussion among lecturers in Colleges of Education who face particular problems in their work. Many of the problems raised in terms of objectives and the curriculum are however common at many varied levels of teaching. The special problem in Colleges of Education Iies in the dual nature of the work, that is, in continuing the student's own education and at the same time initiating and developing his professional training. It may be this difficulty that has led to confusion and often lack of clarity on the question of aims and objectives. Colleges of Education have not been alone in their confusion over aims and objectives! It was easier when a teacher was able to affirm that children were taught Art (drawing) in order to develop co-ordination between hand and eye. This was thought to develop skill and precision which would be useful in later life. There was no evidence that it did so and indeed no evidence that it did not. Again there has never been any evidence that Art as taught in schools has helped children in later life to enjoy their leisure which was (and often is) another reason given for engaging in the activity. 'Art' has of course now become a title which subsumes a variety of crafts as they used to be understood