An analytical approach to modelling epidemics on networks : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

A significant amount of effort has been directed at understanding how the structure of a contact network can impact the spread of an infection through a population. This thesis is focused on obtaining tractable analytic results to aid our understanding of how infections spread through contact networks and to contribute to the existing body of research that is aimed at determining exact epidemic results on finite networks. We use SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) and SIS (Susceptible- Infected-Susceptible) models to investigate the impact network topology has on the spread of an infection through a population. For an SIR model, the probability mass functions of the final epidemic size are derived for eight small networks of different topological structure. Results from the small networks are used to illustrate how it is possible to describe how an infection spreads through a larger network, namely a line of triangles network. The key here is to correctly decompose the larger network into an appropriate assemblage of small networks so that the results are exact. We use Markov Chain theory to derive results for an SIS model on eight small networks such as the expected time to absorption, the expected number of times each individual is infected and the cumulative incidence of the epidemic. An algorithm to derive the transition matrix for any small network structure is presented, from which, in theory, all other results for the SIS model can be obtained using Markov Chain theory. In theory, this algorithm is applicable to networks of any size, however in practice it is too computationally intensive to be practical for larger networks than those presented in this thesis. We give examples for both types of model and illustrate how to parameterise the small networks to investigate the spread of influenza, measles, rabies and chlamydia through a small community or population

Unveiling the Mysteries of Palliative Care

Unveiling the Mysteries of Palliative Car

The role of networked learning in academics’ writing

This article explores academics’ writing practices, focusing on the ways in which they use digital platforms in their processes of collaborative learning. It draws on interview data from a research project that has involved working closely with academics across different disciplines and institutions to explore their writing practices, understanding academic literacies as situated social practices. The article outlines the characteristics of academics’ ongoing professional learning, demonstrating the importance of collaborations on specific projects in generating learning in relation to using digital platforms and for sharing and collaborating on scholarly writing. A very wide range of digital platforms have been identified by these academics, enabling new kinds of collaboration across time and space on writing and research; but challenges around online learning are also identified, particularly the dangers of engaging in learning in public, the pressures of ‘always-on’-ness and the different values systems around publishing in different forums

State Policy Options for Building Assets

State Policy Options for Building Asset

How can the new Act help to better support children & yp who are looked after at home

Stages through Includem Intensive Support: 1. Referral and Assessment 2. Engagement with Young People and their Families 3. Multi-agency working 4. Dealing with Crises 5. Transition

Identifying and Engaging Neuronal Oscillations by Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Pilot Study

Chronic pain is associated with maladaptive reorganization of the central nervous system. Recent studies have suggested that disorganization of large-scale electrical brain activity patterns, such as neuronal network oscillations in the thalamocortical system, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Yet, little is known about whether and how such network pathologies can be targeted with noninvasive brain stimulation as a nonpharmacological treatment option. We hypothesized that alpha oscillations, a prominent thalamocortical activity pattern in the human brain, are impaired in chronic pain and can be modulated with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). We performed a randomized, crossover, double-blind, sham-controlled study in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) to investigate how alpha oscillations relate to pain symptoms for target identification and whether tACS can engage this target and thereby induce pain relief. We used high-density electroencephalography to measure alpha oscillations and found that the oscillation strength in the somatosensory region at baseline before stimulation was negatively correlated with pain symptoms. Stimulation with alpha-tACS compared to sham (placebo) stimulation significantly enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory region. The stimulation-induced increase of alpha oscillations in the somatosensory region was correlated with pain relief. Given these findings of successful target identification and engagement, we propose that modulating alpha oscillations with tACS may represent a target-specific, nonpharmacological treatment approach for CLBP. This trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03243084)

A nation in transition : language policy and its impact on Russian-language education in Ukraine

In its transition from a Soviet republic to an independent nation, Ukraine has struggled to bridge a centuries-old political, cultural, and linguistic divide that in the twentieth century alone has spawned deadly protests, two revolutions, the ousting of a president, the annexation of Crimea by Russia, and an ongoing war in eastern Ukraine. Current political tensions between Russia and Ukraine threaten to split the country in two, so questions of language policy and national unity have taken on even greater urgency since 2014. This dissertation examines the evolution of policy related to Russian-language education in Ukraine at the primary and secondary levels and explores the impact of changes in policy on the teaching of Russian in that country. Based on data collected through interviews with seventeen teachers of Russian in Ukraine, this study presents an ethnographic portrait of Russian-language education after Maidan and answers three broad questions: 1) How have policies related to the role and status of the Russian language in Ukraine evolved since Ukraine became an independent nation, and how has this evolution in language policy affected the teaching of Russian there?; 2) How do geography and political conditions in contemporary Ukraine affect language policy, attitudes toward the Russian language, and the teaching of Russian?; and 3) How has the geopolitical relationship between Ukraine and Russia affected the status of, and attitudes toward, the Russian language and the study of Russian in Ukraine? An analysis of the data leads to several major findings: 1) Modifications to language policy in post-Soviet Ukraine have resulted in sweeping changes in the role of the Russian language within the education system and led to an end to compulsory Russian language studies, a drop in the prestige of the Russian language within the education system, and increasingly negative attitudes toward the study of Russian. 2) Political conditions and the historic cultural and linguist divide between western and eastern Ukraine continue to influence attitudes toward the Russian language in predictable ways. 3) Attitudes toward the Russian language in Ukraine worsened considerably following Euromaidan and Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and negative attitudes persist due to Russia’s ongoing support of the war in Donbas. These findings suggest that language issues in Ukraine will continue to be of critical importance in the years to come and, if left unresolved, may lead to further division and conflict on a national and international scale.Slavic and Eurasian Studie

Looked After at Home, Not Home Alone : Partnership Working

A young person’s journey from their referral to Includem through to their exit, which illustrates how the established partnership between Glasgow Youth Justice, Social Work and Includem operates

The Effect of an Exercise-Based Balance Intervention on Physical and Cognitive Performance for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: Several exercise-based falls prevention interventions produced significant long-term reductions in fall rate, but few demonstrate long-term improvements in falls risk factors. A strong body of evidence supports a protective effect of aerobic or strength-training exercise on cognition. Individuals participating in an exercise-based balance improvement program may also experience this protective effect. This may contribute to the decreased rate of falls reported in the literature. Purpose: To determine if individuals participating in an evidence-based exercise program to reduce falls would demonstrate improvements in both physical and cognitive performance

Physical Therapy Recommendations for Service Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) are of increasing concern in both the military and civilian populations as the potential long-term effects and costs of such injuries are being further recognized. Injuries from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have increased public awareness and concern for TBI. The Proponency Office for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Office of the Surgeon General, US Army tasked a team of physical and occupational therapists to assemble evidence-informed guidelines for assessment and intervention specific to MTBI. Given the paucity of specific guidelines for physical therapy related to MTBI, we focused on literature that dealt with the specific problem area or complaint of the Service member following MTBI. Recommendations, characterized as practice standards or practice options based on strength of evidence, are provided relative to patient/client education, activity intolerance, vestibular dysfunction, high-level balance dysfunction, posttraumatic headache, temporomandibular disorder, attention and dual-task performance deficits, and participation in exercise. While highlighting the need for additional research, this work can be considered a starting point and impetus for the development of evidence-based practice in physical therapy for our deserving Service members