Density distribution of particles upon jamming after an avalanche in a 2D silo

We present a complete analysis of the density distribution of particles in a two dimensional silo after discharge. Simulations through a pseudo-dynamic algorithm are performed for filling and subsequent discharge of a plane silo. Particles are monosized hard disks deposited in the container and subjected to a tapping process for compaction. Then, a hole of a given size is open at the bottom of the silo and the discharge is triggered. After a clogging at the opening is produced, and equilibrium is restored, the final distribution of the remaining particles at the silo is analyzed by dividing the space into cells with different geometrical arrangements to visualize the way in which the density depression near the opening is propagated throughout the system. The different behavior as a function of the compaction degree is discussed.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figure

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in the Central Region of the Seyfert 2 Galaxy NGC1808

We present mid infrared (MIR) spectra of the Seyfert 2 (Sy 2) galaxy NGC 1808, obtained with the Gemini's Thermal-Region Camera Spectrograph (T-ReCS) at a spatial resolution of 26 pc. The high spatial resolution allowed us to detect bright polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions at 8.6micron and 11.3micron in the galaxy centre (26 pc) up to a radius of 70 pc from the nucleus. The spectra also present [Ne ii]12.8micron ionic lines, and H2 S(2)12.27micron molecular gas line. We found that the PAHs profiles are similar to Peeters's A class, with the line peak shifted towards the blue. The differences in the PAH line profiles also suggests that the molecules in the region located 26 pc NE of the nucleus are more in the neutral than in the ionised state, while at 26 pc SW of the nucleus, the molecules are mainly in ionised state. After removal of the underlying galaxy contribution, the nuclear spectrum can be represented by a Nenkova's clumpy torus model, indicating that the nucleus of NGC 1808 hosts a dusty toroidal structure with an angular cloud distribution of sigma = 70degree, observer's view angle i = 90degree, and an outer radius of R0 = 0.55 pc. The derived column density along the line of sight is NH = 1.5 x 10^24 cm-2, which is sufficient to block the hard radiation from the active nucleus, and would explain the presence of PAH molecules near to the NGC 1808's active nucleus.Comment: Accepted by MNRAS 2012 December

Newly arrived migrant and refugee children in the British educational system

In 2009, Action for Social Integration was commissioned by London Councils to implement a four-year programme to improve the educational attainment for African and Caribbean children and young people in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. Within this programme, the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) at Middlesex University has carried out a small-scale research project aimed at producing a guide for BME and migrant parents of children attending UK schools. The guide provides information to better understand the UK educational system, highlighting what may be different from those of other countries in the world and discussing issues such as language support and parents’ involvement. In order to identify the knowledge gaps and the main issues to include in the guide, the research team conducted a series of interviews, as well as an analysis and mapping of existing demographic data. The research findings presented in this report contribute to a better understanding of the key challenges and opportunities facing BME parents and their children in London schools

Forgotten Irish

The research was commissioned by the Ireland Fund of Great Britain to inform its Forgotten Irish Campaign and decisions about where to deploy funds most effectively. It aimed to identify groups of Irish people who have experienced problems settling in Britain but who, for personal or economic reasons, are reluctant or unable to return to Ireland. They may be isolated and lack support in Britain, especially as they get older, but have little contact with family in Ireland. It is this group which has become the focus of the Forgotten Irish Campaign. The research used a range of evidence – from national statistics, local research reports and key informant interviews – to identify particular groups who suffer disadvantage and specific issues which disproportionately affect the Irish population. Some of these groups – such as single elderly men – are well known to organisations working with the Irish community. The research provides further evidence of the inter-related problems which they face. The research also uncovered evidence of other problems which particularly affect the Irish population in Britain and of groups within the Irish community who face specific difficulties but whose needs are not widely acknowledged either by mainstream service providers or by Irish services

High Spatial Resolution of the Mid-Infrared Emission of Compton-Thick Seyfert 2 Galaxy Mrk3

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectra observed with Gemini/Michelle were used to study the nuclear region of the Compton-thick Seyfert 2 (Sy 2) galaxy Mrk 3 at a spatial resolution of $\sim$200 pc. No polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emission bands were detected in the N-band spectrum of Mrk 3. However, intense [Ar III] 8.99 $\mu$m, [S IV] 10.5 $\mu$m and [Ne II] 12.8 $\mu$m ionic emission-lines, as well as silicate absorption feature at 9.7$\mu$m have been found in the nuclear extraction ($\sim$200 pc). We also present subarcsecond-resolution Michelle N-band image of Mrk 3 which resolves its circumnuclear region. This diffuse MIR emission shows up as a wings towards East-West direction closely aligned with the S-shaped of the Narrow Line Region (NLR) observed at optical [O III]$\lambda$5007\AA image with Hubble/FOC. The nuclear continuum spectrum can be well represented by a theoretical torus spectral energy distribution (SED), suggesting that the nucleus of Mrk 3 may host a dusty toroidal structure predicted by the unified model of active galactic nucleus (AGN). In addition, the hydrogen column density (N$_H\,=\,4.8^{+3.3}_{-3.1}\times\,10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$) estimated with a torus model for Mrk 3 is consistent with the value derived from X-ray spectroscopy. The torus model geometry of Mrk 3 is similar to that of NGC 3281, both Compton-thick galaxies, confirmed through fitting the 9.7$\mu$m silicate band profile. This results might provide further evidence that the silicate-rich dust can be associated with the AGN torus and may also be responsible for the absorption observed at X-ray wavelengths in those galaxies.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

Polish pupils in London schools: opportunities and challenges.

The study, Polish Pupils in London Schools: opportunities and challenges, highlighted how Polish children share many challenges faced by other new arrivals but also bring specific issues related to the migration strategies of their parents. The nature of their migration also means that Polish children often have little preparation for English education and this can mean that their transition into British schools may be difficult and they may need considerable support over an extended period. Many interviews with both teachers and parents reinforced the stereotype of Polish children as clever, hard working and diligent. The research suggests that this image simplifies a far more complex reality and not all Polish pupils were able to achieve as highly as the parents expected. A particularly striking finding was the mismatch in expectation between parents and teachers, especially about the information provided about the children's progress. Parents were often uncertain about how the British system worked and this caused confusion and some anxiety. Our findings identified examples of good practice but also concerns about lack of information and resources. They also highlighted the need for better parental engagement and information and training opportunities for teacher