"Reasonable adjustments" in relation to disability and social justice for children and young people in an inter-professional context

Under the wider policy framework as framed primarily (amongst other documents and acts) by the Every Child Matters agenda (DFES, 2004), the Removing Barriers to Achievement (2004) document, the Disability and Discrimination Act (DFES, 2005), Aiming High for disabled Children (2007) and the Lamb Enquiry (2009) that lead to further publications on parental confidence and involvement, the reasonable adjustments duty has become even more prominent for schools and settings in England. The reasonable adjustments duty has become statutory since 2007 and plethora of supportive material has been available to support settings on the implementation of what could be seen as a far more social orientated model of disability. This poster will communicate the findings of a qualitative, small-scale project under the umbrella of ICCIP (Institute for Child Centred Interprofessional Practice, Kingston University) that investigates those processes in action by exploring discourses and practices relating to ‘reasonable adjustments’ as used and understood by different stakeholders, front line workers (teachers, TAs), multi-agency service providers, school management teams, parents and the children themselves -for whom the adjustments have taken place. Shared values, beliefs and preparedness for inclusion verse exclusion will be explored through the above stakeholders’ voices. Method The study is in line with a qualitative interpretative research paradigm and aims a) to identify issues that will frame the research agenda, b) to explore in-depth the experiences of different stakeholders of reasonable adjustments in an inter-professional context, c) to gain a better understanding of the personal/social outcomes of these adjustments through the voice of the child. In the context of this project three primary school children from one-form entry inner-city primary school in London were selected. Each of the selected children has been part of the school’s inclusion register for an identified additional educational need or disability and their inclusion has required some kind of reasonable adjustment. One important aspect of the methodology of this project is the focus on service-user involvement and participation. Not only is one of the researchers also a service-user, but participants are invited to influence the direction of research in this and future projects, in line with the many advantages of this process outlined in the recent INVOLVE report (2009). Expected Outcomes The voices and experiences of stakeholders will inform a discussion about the need perhaps for a response along the lines of a ‘social pedagogy’ found in large parts of Western Europe and Scandinavia were education would be something much more than schools. It is based on a fundamentally holistic concept of children and adults in which the teachers concentrate on teaching but not in isolation (Whitney, 2007). Following this project, there is also scope for creating a network of stakeholders from different settings/boroughs on issues of inter-professional practice to promote positive and innovative examples of successful reasonable adjustments and their sustainability within a social model of disability. Possibilities for parent participation and possible parent forums will be explored, in line with recent government guidelines (Davies, 2010)

Graphene Integrated Metamaterial Devices for Terahertz Modulation

Terahertz (THz) research has experienced impressive progress in recent decades, with unique applications emerging in fields such as spectroscopy, communications, and imaging, all of which require fast and accurate control of the THz radiation properties. To unlock the full potential of THz radiation, it is essential to develop a catalogue of high speed, electrically controllable modular THz devices, which can be implemented with standardised sources to build versatile THz systems. Due to THz frequencies lying outside of the typical operation range for the mature microwave and photonic technologies, alternative approaches are required to solve the unique engineering problems associated with operating in this frequency regime. This thesis will look to design and develop novel device architectures using metamaterial arrays to strongly couple with THz radiation, whilst implementing electrically tunable graphene to modify the strength and nature of this interaction, leading to active control of the amplitude, phase, polarisation and frequency of THz radiation. Chapter 1 discusses two THz sources: THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and THz quantum cascade lasers (THz-QCLs). A range of THz modulator architectures will then be discussed, focusing on the methods which involve converting passive metamaterial arrays into actively tunable devices, including the implementation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), photoactive semiconductors, and electrostatically tunable graphene. Chapter 2 outlines the basic device design principles for the graphene integrated metamaterial devices shown in this thesis. The steps to build a basic split ring resonator (SRR) and graphene amplitude modulator device are discussed, starting with the design process using finite element electromagnetic simulation, before outlining the fabrication steps required to build the device, and finally performing the experimental procedure to test the device performance in a THz-TDS system. The SRR/graphene device discussed in this chapter demonstrates amplitude modulation depths in the region of 12 %, achieved by electrostatically tuning the graphene conductivity using a voltage range of 30 V. Chapter 3 investigates more sophisticated graphene integrated metamaterial devices which involve lithographically selecting targeted areas of the metamaterial structure to be actively tuned by graphene. More interesting modulation effects, such as resonant frequency tuning, are achieved by integrating a coupled resonator metamaterial array with targeted graphene damping. A continuous tuning of the resonant frequency over a 60 GHz range, and binary tuning of over 200 GHz are achieved. Due to the highly dispersive nature of the coupled resonator array, dramatic phase and group delay modulation effects are also demonstrated. Chapter 4 builds on the work from chapter 3, converting the coupled resonator and graphene devices into polarisation modulators by adding an intrinsic chirality into the metamaterial design. Two different devices are designed and fabricated, both achieving electrical control over the polarisation angle and ellipticity of the transmitted radiation. Polarisation tuning of up to 30 degrees is experimentally confirmed, with linear radiation successfully converted into perfectly circular radiation, achieving an ellipticity tuning range from 0.6 to 1.0. Chapter 5 discusses the implementation of the active devices described in the previous chapters with quantum cascade lasers, for the conversion of a standard THz source into a highly versatile amplitude, polarisation and frequency controllable modular THz system. MHz modulation speeds of QCLs are achieved by directing a QCL output through the polarisation devices, with the polarisation angle actively tuned by up to 9 degrees. Dramatic modulation effects are achieved by externally coupling radiation back into a QCL using the devices as electrically tunable mirrors in an external cavity configuration. 100 % amplitude modulation of the QCL is achieved using this method, and the frequency of THz output is also successfully manipulated, with 20 GHz binary tuning of the laser output achieved. Chapter 6 discusses future methods which could be used to enhance the modulation depths of the devices described in this thesis. A modified reflection modulation scheme is proposed and theoretically described which could greatly enhance the tuning range of the modulators. Preliminary TDS experiments are performed showing near 100 % amplitude modulation depths by employing this modulation scheme. Further to this, a continuous π/2 phase tuning range is achieved, corresponding to a 10 times improvement compared to the standard transmission and reflection modulation schemes. A modified QCL feedback scheme is also described which could utilize this enhanced phase modulation to achieve continuous tuning of the QCL output over 10s of GHz. A similar scheme is simulated to produce greatly enhanced polarization modulation depths with nearly 90 degrees polarization angle tuning, and near linear to perfectly circular polarisation modulation predicted. A potential modular TDS set-up is also proposed which involves implementing the polarisation modulators into the standard set-up, for fast material birefringence characterisation

The significance of efficient murder crime scene processing

This study sought to explore the significance of efficient murder crime scene processing. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with investigators who investigate murder cases in the Nyanga South African Police Service (SAPS) cluster in the Western Cape, to stimulate knowledge of the significance of efficient murder scene processing. A literature study relating to aspects of crime scene management and crime scene processing was conducted. From the results of this research, it appears that participants did realise the significance of efficient murder scene processing. It is, however, apparent that they experienced challenges and shortcomings with regard to efficiently processing murder scenes. Reasons for this are inexperienced investigators, overload of murder scenes to investigate, lack of human resources, and lack of cooperation between investigators and crime scene experts. The study makes recommendations that could assist the Nyanga SAPS cluster in improving the processing of murder scenes.Police PracticeM. Tech. (Forensic Investigation

Agricultural marketing in developing countries: The role of NGOs and CBOs

This publication reviews the experiences of non-governmental and community-based organizations (NGOs and CBOs, respectively) in agricultural marketing initiatives. Many NGOs target the rural poor, whose ability to access remunerative markets is a critical determinant of incomes and well-being. Evidence on NGO or CBO agricultural marketing interventions in sub-Saharan Africa and, to a lesser extent, other developing regions, is reviewed, concentrating principally on access to domestic markets. The authors highlight examples of best practice, explore the policy implications of those intervention strategies, and signal particular dilemmas or areas where further research is needed

A Preliminary Investigation into the Stability of Inorganic Arsenic Species in Laboratory Solutions Simulating Sediment Pore Water

A simple method to preserve arsenic species in simulated pore water was investigated. Synthetic pore water containing high levels of Fe, Mn and S (as sulfide, S2–) were synthesized and spiked with different arsenic species. Arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], dimethylarsinate [(CH3)2AsO2–, DMA], monomethylarsonate [(CH3)AsO3 2–, MMA], monothioarsenate(V) species (AsO3S3–,MTA) and tetrathioarsenate(v) species (AsS43–, TTA) in different combinations were used. Disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) and temperature was used to preserve speciation. Solutions were analyzed at intervals of one day, week, month and 2 months after preparation. Samples were analyzed by HPLC-ICP-MS using an ion exchange column and ammonium carbonate buffer. Samples containing Fe and Mn spiked with As(III), As(V), DMA,MMAshowed adequate species preservation for two months when EDTA was added. The total As in samples containing Fe,Mn and S2– was preserved over 60 days however, speciation was not preserved. Samples spiked with synthesized mono- and tetra-thioarsenate(V) species showed immediate degradation of the mono- and tetra-thioarsenic species into unidentified As-S species. The results show that while EDTA may be adequate to preserve As species containing high Fe and Mn concentrations, the combination of EDTA and temperature was not successful in preserving As speciation in samples containing sulfides.KEYWORDS Arsenic speciation, EDTA, HPLC-ICP-MS, thioarsenic species

Using Technology to Enhance Rural Resilience in Pre-hospital Emergencies

The research presented in this paper is supported by RCUK dot.rural Digital Economy Research Hub, University of Aberdeen [grant number EP/G066051/1].Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Designing emotional support messages tailored to stressors

Acknowledgements This work was funded by the RCUK Digital Economy award to the dot.rural Digital Economy Hub, University of Aberdeen; award reference: EP/G066051/1. The dataset used by this paper can be acquired by emailing the first author. We thank Matt Dennis, Kirsten A. Smith and Michael Gibson for their contributions to the research.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Using NLG to Manage Information in Medical Emergencies

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Evaluation of a protocol to control methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a surgical cardiac intensive care unit.

Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.Introduction. MRSA is a major healthcare problem with particular relevance to morbidity and mortality in ICU (Byers & Decker 2008). Due to the increased infection risks associated with cardiac surgery, MRSA screening and surveillance is widely used as a standard preoperative Investigation In many settings (Teoh, Tsim & Yap, 2008). The results, in conjunction with appropriate hygiene precautions, are used to control and prevent infection with MRSA. Following an outbreak of MRSA in cardiac patients an MRSA protocol (MRSAP) was implemented In the cardiac intensive care unit in this study. Purpose. To evaluate how nurses implement the MRSAP in the surgical cardiac intensive care unit in this study, and to evaluate the change in MRSA infection rates following implementation of the MRSAP. From the results obtained, to identify any areas for improvement in nursing practice with respect to the MRSAP. Methods. Nursing staff knowledge with respect to the MRSAP was assessed using a survey questionnaire. Their compliance with required Infection control practice for control of MRSA was assessed through periods of observation on the unit. Screening compliance and reduction in infection rates were investigated using a retrospective records review. Results. The survey revealed good awareness of the MRSAP (88%, n=23), but knowledge of the detailed content was variable. Most staff were apparently satisfied with the existing standards of infection control in CICU (84.6%, n=22). Observation revealed that, compliance with routine hygiene measures was good (66% correct contacts, n=144) by the standard of other studies, but, given the high risk of postoperative infection for these patients improvements are required. Inadequate data in sampled records prevented meaningful analysis of screening compliance, and hence the systems for handling screening swabs and results need to be reviewed. The change in infection rates between the pre and post MRSAP periods, which incorporated use of infection risk stratification data to demonstrate comparability of the two groups of patients, revealed that despite the high MRSA infection rate in 2005 (1.18%), and subsequent drop post MRSAP (0.35%), the actual number of cases found was too small to test statistically for significant difference. An incidental finding was that female cardiac surgery patients were getting significantly younger (p<0.01). There was a significant decrease in hospital MRSA infection rates for matched periods (p<0.0001 ). Conclusions. Evidence was found to support the efficacy of the MRSAP in the reduction of MRSA infections. Deficits in staff knowledge and infection control practice were identified and feedback has been implemented in order to improve compliance with the MRSAP and maintain the improved infection rates. Further research with respect to implementation of, and compliance with, infection control measures could both improve quality of patient care and decrease the burden of preventable infectious disease such as health care associated infections (HAls) in South Africa

Institutional development and poverty reduction

The persistence of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa cannot be attributed to a single cause; its roots are multiple, complex and inter-related. Institutions, as formal organizations, informal community groups and networks, or the rules and traditions that guide the actions which affect the lives of the poor, are influential, however. They may help preserve the status quo or they may be a powerful force for change – and their role is crucial in the implementation of poverty reduction programmes and policies. The focus of this paper is the development of organizations to enhance their capacity to include the rural poor