Can majority support save an endangered language? A case study of language attitudes in Guernsey

Many studies of minority language revitalisation focus on the attitudes and perceptions of minorities, but not on those of majority group members. This paper discusses the implications of these issues, and presents research into majority andf minority attitudes towards the endangered indigenous vernacular of Guernsey, Channel Islands. The research used a multi-method approach (questionnaire and interview) to obtain attitudinal data from a representative sample of the population that included politicians and civil servants (209 participants). The findings suggested a shift in language ideology away from the post-second world war ‘culture of modernisation’ and monolingual ideal, towards recognition of the value of a bi/trilingual linguistic heritage. Public opinion in Guernsey now seems to support the maintenance of the indigenous language variety, which has led to a degree of official support. The paper then discusses to what extent this ‘attitude shift’ is reflected in linguistic behaviour and in concrete language planning measures

From Streetscapes to Sofas: Representations of Place and Space in Britain’s Benefit Blackspots

Representations of place and space in Factual Welfare Television (FWT) are under-researched, contributing to neglect of spatial stigma in austerity culture. In this paper, we combine agnotology – the study of manufactured ignorance – with visual grammar methods to examine Channel 5’s Britain’s Benefit Blackspots (2017) to address why FWT is spatially significant. We argue that televisual representations of the abject ‘welfare claimant’ in Britain have a spatial dimension, evident in repeated camera shots of derelict, deindustrialised, litter-strewn outside spaces and large sofas, overflowing ashtrays and dusty corners inside homes. We conclude that FWT’s representations serve two functions: firstly, they obscure the spatial inequalities inherent in austerity policies by reducing social problems to constructed social types and their places and ways of living and, secondly, they enable sets of socio-spatial assumptions that become unquestioned ways of reading and understanding disadvantaged and disadvantagised spaces of residence

Nephrotoxicity in survivors of Wilms' tumours in the North of England

One aspect of concern for survivors of Wilms' tumour has been the late outcome in terms of renal function. Previous studies have documented low glomerular filtration rate and high blood pressure in some patients. Furthermore, disorders in tubular function (especially urinary concentration defects) have been suggested but not confirmed in small studies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of subclinical and overt glomerular, proximal and distal renal tubular toxicity in a population based cohort of survivors of Wilms' tumour. Forty patients (24 female) with a median age of 4.3 years (3 months–11.8 years) at diagnosis were studied. Median follow-up was 8.8 (range 0.06–27.5) years. Glomerular filtration rate was measured by 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance, proximal tubular function by electrolyte fractional excretions, urine excretion of low molecular weight proteins (retinol-binding protein) and renal tubular enzymes (alanine aminopeptidase; N-acetylglucosaminidase) and distal tubular function by the osmolality of the first two urines of the day on 3 consecutive days. Renal size (ultrasound) and blood pressure were also measured. Mean (range) glomerular filtration rate was 100 (61–150) ml min−1 1.73 m−2. Nine were below the reference range for healthy individuals with two kidneys. Most serum electrolyte concentrations (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium and phosphate) fell within the normal range for age, as did the fractional excretions. The values that fell outside the normal range were only marginally abnormal. Subclinical measures of tubular toxicity (retinal-binding protein, alanine aminopeptidase, N-acetylglucosaminidase) were abnormal in only four patients. Thirty-seven patients achieved maximal urine osmolalities ⩾800 mOsm kg−1, but three failed to achieve this value even after DDAVP administration. Two patients had evidence of increased urinary albumin excretion. Compensatory renal hypertrophy was seen in all but two patients, but blood pressure was within normal limits in all patients. Current and past treatment for Wilms' tumour does not have any clinically important nephrotoxic effect in the majority of patients. This finding will enable paediatric oncologists to reassure patients and parents that treatment for Wilms' tumour rarely causes long-term renal impairment

Current OHS best practices for the Australian nanotechnology industry: A position paper by the NanoSafe Australia Network

Advancement of the nanotechnology industry in Australia has seen numerous researchers beginning to handle nanomaterials, as well as the establishment of industrial facilities that are producing nanomaterials for incorporation into consumer products. Traditionally, the risk assessment of chemicals relies heavily on their composition, whereas the key determinants in the adverse effects caused by nanomaterials are their physical parameters (such as size, surface area and surface chemistry). The unique properties of nanomaterials (which make them attractive materials for use in various products) may result in distinctive toxicological properties not seen in their bulk states. Workers handling nanomaterials may be exposed to them via inhalation, dermal exposure and ingestion - although workplace levels have not been adequately characterised. At the present time, workplace exposure stand ards are not available, and appropriate methods that accurately characterise nanomaterial exposure have not been established. Due to the poorly characterised toxicity of nanomaterials, measures taken to reduce the exposure of workers should apply the "as low as reasonably practicable" approach through risk management programs that broadly encompass all of the hierarchy of controls used for ultrafine particulates (including appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment