Gravity Amplitudes from a Gaussian Matrix Model

We reformulate MHV scattering amplitudes in 4D gauge theory and supergravity as correlation functions of bilinear operators in a supersymmetric gaussian matrix model. The model retains the symmetries of an S(4) of radius L and the matrix variables are represented as linear operators acting on a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. Bilinear fields of the model generate a current algebra. In the large N double scaling limit where l_pl ~ L / sqrt(N) is held fixed, there is an emergent flat 4D space-time with a built in short distance cutoff.Comment: v3: 55 pages, 4 figures, clarifications adde

Flexible working and work-life balance: Midwives’ experiences and views

This article presents midwives’ views and experiences of flexible working and work–life balance. Both flexible working and work–life balance are important contemporary agendas within midwifery and can have both positive and negative consequences for midwives. Full-time midwives and those without caring commitments feel disadvantaged by flexible working and work–life balance policies as they have to fit when they work around part-time midwives and are increasingly expected to cover extra work. They feel their work–life balance is marginalized and this is fuelling discontent and resentment among midwives and leading to divisions between full- and part-time staff that reinforce flexibility stigma. Although flexible working and work–life balance are important for recruiting and retaining midwives they are part of the ongoing tensions and challenges for midwives and the midwifery profession

Standards for the preparation of teachers of nursing, midwifery and health visiting

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m00/21220 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The continuing professional development standard Information for registered nurses, midwives and health visitors

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m00/16498 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Midwives rules and code of practice

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:99/30208 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Protecting the public An employer's guide to the UKCC registration confirmation service for nurses, midwives and health visitors

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:f99/2293 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

A higher level of practice Draft descriptor and standard

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:99/20829 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Nursing in secure environments

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:99/37877 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Reflections on a 'virtual' practice development unit: changing practice through identity development

Aims. This paper draws together the personal thoughts and critical reflections of key people involved in the establishment of a ‘virtual’ practice development unit of clinical nurse specialists in the south of England. Background. This practice development unit is ‘virtual’ in that it is not constrained by physical or specialty boundaries. It became the first group of Trust-wide clinical nurse specialists to be accredited in the UK as a practice development unit in 2004. Design and methods. The local university was asked to facilitate the accreditation process via 11 two-hour audio-recorded learning sessions. Critical reflections from practice development unit members, leaders and university staff were written 12 months after successful accreditation, and the framework of their content analysed. Findings and discussion. Practice development was seen as a way for the clinical nurse specialists to realize their potential for improving patient care by transforming care practice in a collaborative, interprofessional and evolutionary manner. The practice development unit provided a means for these nurses to analyse their role and function within the Trust. Roberts’ identity development model for nursing serves as a useful theoretical underpinning for the reflections contained in this paper. Conclusions. These narratives provide another example of nurses making the effort to shape and contribute to patient care through organizational redesign. This group of nurses began to realize that the structure of the practice development unit process provided them with the means to analyse their role and function within the organization and, as they reflected on this structure, their behaviour began to change. Relevance to clinical practice. Evidence from these reflections supports the view that practice development unit participants have secured a positive and professional identity and are, therefore, better able to improve the patient experience