Ruling on cohabitation: a critical study of the cohabitation rule in UK social security law

This thesis demonstrates that the cohabitation rule in UK law rests on questionable assumptions about financial support and on an unreliable adjudication procedure. It is out-of-step with private law constructions of the obligations of cohabitants and with modern relationship aspirations. It continues to discriminate against women with children, forcing many of them into financial dependence on a male breadwinner who may or may not be willing or able to provide the financial support they need. It is hoped that the thesis will reignite a debate which seemed to fizzle out in the 1970s, by re-examining the underlying assumptions which support arguments for retaining the rule.The thesis includes an empirical exploration of the contexts in which couples cohabit and sometimes lie about their relationships. This empirical evidence challenges assumptions about cohabitation and its concomitant obligations which underlie arguments used to defend the rule. The insights it generates undermine the basis of cohabitation rule fraud; suggest a different understanding of the value of lone parent status from that favoured by governments and raise serious questions about conflicting and inappropriate constructions of child support obligations.The thesis seeks to investigate three research questions: How can cohabitants' attitudes and behaviour in relation to money, be understood? How should 'cohabitation' be understood? Does the retention of the cohabitation rule in UK social security law have any social costs? Answers to these questions are based on interviews with 20 participants in the UK, who were or had been affected by the cohabitation rule, and 8 participants in Denmark, who were or had been affected by the reelt enlig or really single rule. The small comparative element of the study provides a different lens through which to view the cohabitation rule. The comparison enables me to argue for a different approach to social security for families which respects the rights of individual family members and reflects the value of parenting rather than breadwinner status.The thesis discusses the wider implications of the study for family policy and concludes that there are significant problems with any form of non-contractual regulation of personal obligation

Novel nanocomposite automotive temperature sensing technology

In recent years, automotive emissions legislation has been introduced and is rapidly becoming more stringent. With alternative vehicular propulsion methods far from becoming mainstream reality, leading automotive providers have intensified efforts in the direction of reducing the harmful footprint of their products. This is being accomplished via smaller, more optimally designed internal-combustion engines. A crucial means to that end is exhaust gas temperature monitoring and control. To enable such control, a mass-produced sensor, capable of operating reliably in the harsh automotive combustion environment, comprising a broad spectrum of high temperatures, severe shocks and a chemically aggressive ambient, has been used widely in the past decade, with performance demands growing constantly in line with advances in engine performance. This paper presents a technology overview of the potential of novel nano composite sensor design and manufacture using materials in an innovative way towards industrialising such a sensing solution. The presented sensor design implements the state-of-the-art in thick and thin film technology incorporating nano materials for improved strength, fabrication and performance properties

A web page of curricular resources for the computer literacy class: Grades 7 - 9

This project is a web site dedicated to providing computer literacy resources that assist teachers in designing quality, interesting, and educational curricular units directed toward adolescent learners

A Correlational and Causal Comparative Study of the First-Year Retention of Special Admissions Students

College retention has been widely studied since it is an important indicator of institutional effectiveness; however, though higher education institutions have focused on factors that increase retention and graduation rates, many students who enter college do not persist to graduation. To increase the retention of all students, both regular admissions and special admissions, many institutions have implemented programs, like first-year seminars, to help students successfully academically and socially transition to college, which are important factors in first-year retention. The purpose of this correlational and causal comparative study was to determine the most significant predictor of first-year retention for special admissions students: high school grade point average, college entrance exam scores, or institutional commitment. The study also sought to determine the effectiveness of a first-year seminar on the first-year retention of special admissions students. Using logistic regression testing, the researcher tested the predictive value of the predictor variables to the outcome variable, college retention. The results indicated no statistical significance for high school grade point average, entrance exam scores, or institutional commitment to predict first-year retention. Using a Chi-Square test, the researcher tested for the differences in first-year retention between regular admission and special admission students. The results of this study present many implications for those who seek to increase first-year retention for academically at-risk students. It appears as if Tinto’s (1975) theory of departure was correct in presenting that persistence decisions are individual in nature based on independent student factors

Preventing Incident Delirium in Hospitalized Adults: An Integrative Review

poster abstractIncident delirium is an acute confusion state that occurs during hospitalization, has a rapid onset of disturbed consciousness, and requires immediate intervention. Non-modifiable risk factors for incident delirium include preexisting conditions such as advanced age, serious physiological conditions, polypharmacy, and sensory deficits. Exposure to necessary treatments and interventions during hospitalization are known to precipitate delirium. Evidence has suggested that patients who develop delirium are more likely to experience prolonged hospitalization, cognitive impairment with accelerated decline, increased risk of discharge to destinations other than home, and increased mortality. Treatment after the onset of delirium has been shown to be ineffective. Studies testing non-pharmacological interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing incident delirium. The purpose it to identify non-pharmacological interventions that are effective in preventing incident delirium in hospitalized adults. An integrative review was undertaken of 356 published articles found from the following databases: PubMed, Cinahl, MedLine, PsychInfo, Ovid, and Ebsco. After removing duplicates and records that did not meet inclusion criteria, we reviewed 87 abstracts to screen for inclusion criteria. We included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, research reports, and review papers that tested or discussed non-pharmacological interventions used to prevent incident delirium. We excluded 45 papers based on abstract content and 42 full-text examinations led to 13 additional exclusions. The final sample was comprised of 29 articles. Interventions that are in practice today are mostly based on evidence reported in two studies. These interventions take a multi-component approach that includes sensory aids, reduction of environmental stimuli, reorientation, early mobilization, adequate hydration, and cognitively stimulating activities. Music listening as a single intervention has also shown to be effective in preventing incident delirium. Further evidence is needed to support the use of new and existing non-pharmacological interventions in preventing incident delirium in hospitalized adults

Comics and human rights: an interview with Kelly Sue Deconnick

Maria Werdine Norris is a final year PhD candidate at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research is on the British Counterterrorism strategy and legislation, with a focus on nationalism, security and human rights. You can find her on Twitter as @MariaWNorris Kelly Sue Deconnick is an American writer of comics. She is the author of Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly for Image Comics and Captain Marvel for Marvel. She was nominated for a 2014 Eisner Award for Best Writer for her work on Pretty Deadly