The archipelago of intervention: governing the awkward citizen

This doctoral thesis examines the changing ways in which the neoliberal state looks to engage with populations of marginalised, excluded and ‘awkward citizens’. Whilst some have argued that the neoliberal state has abandoned and/or adopted a punitive and revanchist stance towards ‘awkward citizens’, this thesis demonstrates that an ‘archipelago of intervention’ has developed which is dirigiste in nature and represents a manifold of assistive and regressive techniques of government. Targeting individuals defined as ‘problematic’ (those with ‘chaotic lifestyles’: substance misuse issues, offending behaviour, vulnerably housed males) the archipelago of intervention represents a spatially expansive, ideationally disparate and operationally intense project of marginal social welfare. In order to more closely analyse these evolving practices of intervention, three case studies are examined through the lens of Foucauldian governmentality: one-to-one case working aimed at those with chaotic lifestyles; two ‘Supported Accommodation’ projects for vulnerably housed males; and the ‘Unpaid Work’/Community Payback order delivered by the Probation Service. Using interviews with service users, staff and managers combined with ethnographies undertaken in Supported Accommodation projects and Visible Unpaid Work sites, the thesis demonstrates how these interventions share a commitment to working with individuals through consent rather than coercion. Located at the cutting edge of ‘roll out’ neoliberal social policy, the thesis shows how these techniques of government operate to reform the subjectivities of their target population through the application of ‘psy’ techniques, contractual governance, embodied discipline and re-worked ideas about the rehabilitation of offenders. Drawing on Lefebvre, space and time emerge as central problematics in attempts to govern awkward citizens. Each case study intervention is shown to carve out re-worked spatio-temporalities which are held to be generative of behavioural and attitudinal reform. Thus, the thesis makes an important contribution to debates on the unfolding neoliberalisation of the state and social policy by pointing to the complex assemblages of power and multiple practices through which the state governs problematic populations. Moreover, the PhD also contributes to theoretical debates around the idea of ‘governmentality’ by arguing for a geographically sensitive and materially open approach to systems of governance

Analysis and Geometric Optimization of Single Electron Transistors for Read-Out in Solid-State Quantum Computing

The single electron transistor (SET) offers unparalled opportunities as a nano-scale electrometer, capable of measuring sub-electron charge variations. SETs have been proposed for read-out schema in solid-state quantum computing where quantum information processing outcomes depend on the location of a single electron on nearby quantum dots. In this paper we investigate various geometries of a SET in order to maximize the device's sensitivity to charge transfer between quantum dots. Through the use of finite element modeling we model the materials and geometries of an Al/Al2O3 SET measuring the state of quantum dots in the Si substrate beneath. The investigation is motivated by the quest to build a scalable quantum computer, though the methodology used is primarily that of circuit theory. As such we provide useful techniques for any electronic device operating at the classical/quantum interface.Comment: 13 pages, 17 figure

What is the appropriate use of sunscreen for infants and children?

The risk and benefits of sunscreen use for children under the age of 6 months are unknown. To avoid sunburn, infants should be kept out of direct sunlight and be covered with protective clothing (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, expert opinion). For children aged >6 months, a liberal amount of water-resistant, child-safe, broadspectrum sunscreen (protecting from both UVA and UVB), with SPF [equal to or greater than] 15 should be rubbed well into all exposed skin before going outside (SOR: B, case-control and extrapolation of studies). Effectiveness may be increased if sunscreen is applied 30 minutes before exposure and reapplied every 2 hours, particularly if swimming (SOR: C, expert opinion). Tightly woven protective clothing, a wide-brimmed cap, and eye protection should also be used whenever possible

Which Lipoprotein Measurements Are Clinically Useful?

Emerging lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease include lipoprotein remnants, lipoprotein (a), small LDL particles, HDL subspecies, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, and oxidized LDL. Measurement of these levels should not be used for routine cardiovascular risk screening. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C, based on expert opinion and lack of clinical outcomes trials

What is the interval for monitoring warfarin therapy once therapeutic levels are achieved?

The international normalized ratio (INR) should be measured monthly once therapeutic levels are achieved and are stable for at least 8 weeks, although treatment should be individualized and an increased frequency may be required by some patients (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, consensus statements). For highly compliant patients with stable levels and a clear understanding of factors that influence anticoagulation (changes in health, diet, medications), routine monitoring may be extended to 6 weeks (SOR: B, single randomized controlled trial [RCT]) or longer (SOR: C, case series). Patient-managed warfarin therapy, using biweekly self-measurements, results in more time in therapeutic range than routine physicianmanaged care (SOR: A, RCTs)

Scale – Time – Complexity: engaging, entangling, and communicating ecology

This project proposes a forum for discussion that questions how we engage with our ecology. The panel will be framed within an acknowledgment of scale, time, and complexity as an entry point into a conversation about our local ecology and the universe beyond. The panellists’ aim to initiate a dialogue by situating the discussion around their own art and design research practices. These practices have emerged from local investigations into ecological issues that evolved into two overlapping research clusters, Art and Ecology, and Design and Innovation for Sustainability, at AUT University, in Auckland New Zealand. In our first collaborative project we explore how we might connect with and communicate ‘ecology’, in methods and practice that recognizes and embraces scale, time and complexity as a tactic into the subject, rather than as a barrier to engagement and the development of potential solutions

Hepatic Arterioportal Fistula: A Curable Cause of Portal Hypertension in Infancy

Hepatic arterioportal fistulae are a rare cause of portal hypertension. The case is reported of a twoyear old girl with a congenital arterioportal fistula, who presented with splenomegaly and ascites. Colour doppler ultrasound showed a large shunt between the left hepatic artery and a branch of the left portal vein, producing a reversal of flow in the main portal vein. She was treated by a formal left hemihepatectomy, which has been successful in eliminating the fistula and its consequent portal hypertension in the long term. The literature regarding arterioportal fistulae and their treatment is reviewed