The use of craniofacial superimposition for disaster victim identification

Skull-to-face comparison is utilised for human identification where there is a suspected identity and the usual methods of identification, such as DNA or dental comparison, are not possible or practical. This research aimed to compare the reliability of manual and computerised craniofacial superimposition techniques and to establish the application of these techniques for disaster victim identification, where there may be a large database of passport-style images, such as the MPUB Interpol database. Twenty skulls (10 females; 10 males) were utilised from the William Bass Skeletal Collection at the University of Tennessee and compared to face pools of 20 face photographs of similar sex, age and ethnic group. A traditional manual photographic method and a new 3D computer-based method were used. The results suggested that profile and three-quarter views of the ante-mortem face were the most valuable for craniofacial superimposition. However, the poor identification rate achieved using images in frontal view suggests that the MPUB Interpol database would not be optimal for disaster victim identification, and passport-style images do not provide enough distinguishing facial detail. This suggests that multiple ante-mortem images with a variety of facial expression should be utilised for identification purposes. There was no significant difference in success between the manual and computer methods

A new model of collaborative action research; theorising from inter-professional practice development

The development of pedagogies to meet the needs of diverse communities can be supported through inter-professional practice development. This article explores one such experience, that of speech and language therapists developing a new video-based coaching approach for teachers and teaching assistants in multi-cultural settings with high numbers of children learning English as an additional language. To support them in developing and trialling the coaching approach, the expertise of a teacher-educator and educational researcher was provided through a university business voucher. It is this working relationship that the article has as its practical focus, as it transformed to one of collaborative action research. The action research is described, providing the context for a discussion of the characteristics of collaborative action research and the proposal of a new model. This model offers a way of conceptualising collaborative action research through time, and of recognising the importance of the partners’ zones of proximal, contributory and collaborative activities in sustaining change and knowledge-creation

Image lag optimisation in a 4T CMOS image sensor for the JANUS camera on ESA's JUICE mission to Jupiter

The CIS115, the imager selected for the JANUS camera on ESA’s JUICE mission to Jupiter, is a Four Transistor (4T) CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) fabricated in a 0.18 µm process. 4T CIS (like the CIS115) transfer photo generated charge collected in the pinned photodiode (PPD) to the sense node (SN) through the Transfer Gate (TG). These regions are held at different potentials and charge is transferred from the potential well under PPD to the potential well under the FD through a voltage pulse applied to the TG. Incomplete transfer of this charge can result in image lag, where signal in previous frames can manifest itself in subsequent frames, often appearing as ghosted images in successive readouts. This can seriously affect image quality in scientific instruments and must be minimised. This is important in the JANUS camera, where image quality is essential to help JUICE meet its scientific objectives. This paper presents two techniques to minimise image lag within the CIS115. An analysis of the optimal voltage for the transfer gate voltage is detailed where optimisation of this TG “ON” voltage has shown to minimise image lag in both an engineering model and gamma and proton irradiated devices. Secondly, a new readout method of the CIS115 is described, where following standard image integration, the PPD is biased to the reset voltage level (VRESET) through the transfer gate to empty charge on the PPD and has shown to reduce image lag in the CIS115

Presenting the SCL model: adding value to business strategy through UCD principles

ThispaperpresentstheSustainableConsumptionLeveraging(SCL)Model anditstoolkit, whichwasdevelopedto helpbusinesses examinetheir potentialfor enablingsustainableconsumptionwhilstidentifyingareasof opportunitytoimprovetheirbusinessmodelandvalueproposition. Thepaperbeginsby establishing the contributionofbusiness towards sustainableconsumptionandsetsoutuser-centreddesign(UCD)principlesas avaluableapproachtoleveragesustainableconsumption.The relationship betweenUCDprinciplesandsustainableconsumptioninabusinesscontext wasstudiedthroughqualitativeresearch.Thefindings ofin-depthinterviews withexperts,afocusgroupandadocumentanalysis ledtotheconstruction ofatheoreticalframework,whichwasusedtodevelop the SCL Modelandits toolkit. Thepaper then evaluatesthepotentialfortheSCLmodelandtoolkitto leveragemoresustainableconsumptionthroughacomparisonmade betweenfourworkshopswithinmultinational companiesintwodifferent contexts:MexicoandtheUK.Thepaperalsopresentsadiscussionofsome implications ofapplyingtheSCLModel,aswellassomecorporateculture implications.Thepaperconcludes bydrawingouttheopportunities representedby integratingUCDprinciplesasanenablerforsustainable consumption

Enabling sustainable consumption through user-centred design: an approach

It is recognized that an increased level of consumption in industrialized countries is one of the main factors contributing to continual environmental degradation and does not contribute to our overall wellbeing (Seyfang, 2009; Green and Vergragt, 2002; Tukker et al., 2006). Mont and Plepys (2008) argue that the rising levels of consumption are a result of a growing population and increasing affluence. As such, the paper first addresses the importance of sustainable consumption and defines the focus of research. Then it talks about the influence of business on consumers and refers to the need for an in-depth focus on consumers as they account for a large proportion of environmental and social impacts (Defra, 2008; Sto et al., 2006). The paper also identifies user-centred design (UCD) as an approach that can support sustainable consumption as it is used to gain in-depth knowledge of the consumer and their context (Haines et al., 2010; Fulton, 2004). The paper describes the initial findings of research, which aims to create a framework to help ‘business to consumer’ i.e. fast consumer goods, electronic consumer goods, e-commerce and services, to understand how UCD can be part of their strategy to enable sustainable consumption. The paper presents the initial framework, which is built on findings from the literature review; semi-structured interviews with experts related to UCD, design, sustainability, and business consultants; a workshop with UCD experts, and a business case analysis (Unilever Sustainable Living Plan launch event)

EVALUATION OF THE METACOGNITION IN SERVICE SCHOOLS SSIF INITIATIVE: An end of project report for the Swaledale Teaching Alliance

This report presents the findings of an independent evaluation carried out for the Swaledale Teaching Alliance into their DfE Strategic School Improvement Fund (SSIF) grant to introduce metacognition into mathematics. The evaluation was conducted by CollectivED, a research and practice Centre in the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University (LBU)

Utilising a consumer-focused approach to influence sustainable consumption

Changing consumer demands, forthcoming legislation and an increase in pressure from stakeholders has encouraged companies to integrate sustainability principles into their business and marketing strategies (Sarkis, Gonzalez-Torre & Adenso-Diaz 2010). As a result, many improvements have been achieved with respect to sustainable consumption and production. However, there still remains the need to address the social and environmental impacts associated with the purchasing, use and end of life of products and services (Mont, Bleischwitz 2007). This paper presents preliminary findings from doctoral research aiming to build a model supported by user-centred design (UCD) that can guide companies to influence sustainable consumption (SC). The paper will first describe the role of industry in influencing SC and argue that to motivate consumers to purchase, use and dispose of products more sustainably; decisions must be made at a strategic level so that actions towards SC are incorporated throughout the business, not just within product design and marketing. The authors will explain how the research drew on the principles of user-centred design (UCD), but developed a more holistic perspective to create a self-assessment and implementation model that can increase opportunities for companies to leverage SC at a strategic level. The findings of empirical research, which formed the framework theory and led to the development of the BCDS model, will be discussed. Then the BCDS model and accompanying Sustainable Consumption Index (SCI), which measures the levels of SC that a company can achieve through selecting and implementing different consumer-focused strategies devised from this doctoral research, will be introduced. Finally, the paper will conclude with an outline of future work to be conducted