5,895 research outputs found

    Economic and Social Planning Aims and Methods. ESRI Memorandum Series No. 114 1975

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    The questions which I shall seek to answer here are the following. What is economic planning and is there a need for such planning? What are the essential components of a plan, and what are therefore the major differences in the type of plans that may be proposed? May we learn anything from the practical planning experience of other countries? In answering these questions I propose to split up the discussion on the following lines - In Section II, a planning framework is set out In Section III, the relationship between macro-plans and certain investment projects is considered. Section IV examines the theory of indicative planning and the implementation of such plans in France and Japan. Finally, in Section V we discuss the problem of why some plans are successful, whilst others fail. In the title of this paper one may find the word "social"; I intend to salve my conscience at this stage by saying that I intend to interpret social as referring to the social impact of economic planning, and leave explicit concern of problems of planning for the elderly, the sick and other such service to the last speaker of this course

    Output, Employment and Wages in the Small Open Economy. ESRI Memorandum Series No. 132 1979

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    The high level of employment consistently maintained by most western countries during the 1950s and 1960s lent credence to Keynes's view that the level of effective demand was the main determinant of output, and, therefore, of employment. A reappraisal of this view appeared necessary in the 1970s as governments faced accelerating inflation and unemployment. Alternative schools developed, attempting to discredit the notion that govern­ment-induced variations in aggregate demand could necessarily maintain output, and, thus, employment, at desired levels. The aim of this paper is to consider the short-run interrelations between output, employment and wages, with special reference to the small open economy; and to contrast the policy implications for such an economy with those arising from the traditional "Keynesian" closed economy model

    An XMM-Newton observation of Ton S180: Constraints on the continuum emission in ultrasoft Seyfert galaxies

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    We present an XMM-Newton observation of the bright, narrow-line, ultrasoft Seyfert 1 galaxy Ton S180. The 0.3-10 keV X-ray spectrum is steep and curved, showing a steep slope above 2.5 keV (Gamma ~ 2.3) and a smooth, featureless excess of emission at lower energies. The spectrum can be adequately parameterised using a simple double power-law model. The source is strongly variable over the course of the observation but shows only weak spectral variability, with the fractional variability amplitude remaining approximately constant over more than a decade in energy. The curved continuum shape and weak spectral variability are discussed in terms of various physical models for the soft X-ray excess emission, including reflection off the surface of an ionised accretion disc, inverse-Compton scattering of soft disc photons by thermal electrons, and Comptonisation by electrons with a hybrid thermal/non-thermal distribution. We emphasise the possibility that the strong soft excess may be produced by dissipation of accretion energy in the hot, upper atmosphere of the putative accretion disc.Comment: 9 pages, accepted for publication in MNRA

    XMM-Newton discovery of a sharp spectral feature at ~7 keV in the Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 galaxy 1H 0707-495

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    We report the first detection of a sharp spectral feature in a Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 galaxy. Using XMM-Newton we have observed 1H0707-495 and find a drop in flux by a factor of more than 2 at a rest-frame energy of ~7 keV without any detectable narrow Fe K alpha line emission. The energy of this feature suggests a connection with the neutral iron K photoelectric edge, but the lack of any obvious absorption in the spectrum at lower energies makes the interpretation challenging. We explore two alternative explanations for this unusual spectral feature: (i) partial covering absorption by clouds of neutral material and (ii) ionised disc reflection with lines and edges from different ionisation stages of iron blurred together by relativistic effects. We note that both models require an iron overabundance to explain the depth of the feature. The X-ray light curve shows strong and rapid variability, changing by a factor of four during the observation. The source displays modest spectral variability which is uncorrelated with flux.Comment: 5 pages incl. 6 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

    A survey of trainees’ perspectives on epidural training in the United Kingdom

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    Background: Establishment of epidural analgesia is one of the most difficult technical skills in which to become proficient. We explored the current United Kingdom system of training in epidural insertion amongst trainee members of the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association (OAA). Methods: An electronic questionnaire was sent to 452 OAA trainee members in May 2012. Questions were based upon own personal experience, challenges currently faced and the use of epidural simulation to enhance training. Results: Although the majority felt ready and prepared when initially performing epidurals solo, 66% found the experience very stressful and 25% felt under considerable time pressure. Although senior support was readily available, 36% felt uncertain much of the time and 9% were unsure when to call for help. The European Working Time Directive was felt to have impacted upon training by 54% of respondents. 40% believe that there exists more challenging patients who require more experienced operators. Although 53% had used an epidural simulator previously, 84% would recommend its use for trainees and 49% would support simulator use as a compulsory element of training. Conclusions: In spite of changes to the medical profession, there appears to be a robust system of training for epidural analgesia. However, there still exists the need to reduce the impact of the learning curve upon workplace stress for trainees. Whether this involves increased direct supervision for more than just the bare minimum, structured feedback tools to enhance the supervisor/trainee experience or the use of high-fidelity epidural simulation remains to be seen

    MRI based patient-specific computer models of vertebrae, ligament and soft tissue with various density for epidural needle insertion simulation

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    Epidural simulations previously used layers of synthetic silicate materials to represent tissues. Graphical modelling has enabled visual representation of vertebrae and tissues. The accuracy with which previous simulators modelled the physical properties of tissue layer deformation, density distributions and reaction force during needle insertion has been lacking. Anatomical models are generally static, not considering individual differences between patients especially in obese. Our developed epidural simulator aimed to solve these issues. MRI scans of patients were taken after receiving epidural. The MRI and pressure measurement data was used to reconstruct a density model of the tissues, ligament and vertebrae taking into account the internal structure revealed by MRI intensities. Models were generated from MRI matching individual patients with tissue density varying throughout layers, matching the in vivo tissue. When patient MRI is not available a neural network is alternatively used to estimate the patient's ligament thicknesses with over 92% accuracy. A haptic device is incorporated with the graphics tissue model allowing anaesthetists to practice inserting a needle into the simulated epidural space. Changes in pressure, force and resistance to insertion can be felt as the needle pierces each layer of fat and ligament. The main problem with learning to perform epidural is the inability to see the needle location beneath the skin. MRI reveals the internal tissue structure so that anaesthetists can practice insertions on patient-specific models, visualising epidural space distance and needle obstructions. The developed simulator provides a realistic platform to practice and reduces risks of problems during in-vivo procedures

    Haptic feedback from human tissues of various stiffness and homogeneity

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    This work presents methods for haptic modelling of soft and hard tissue with varying stiffness. The model provides visualization of deformation and calculates force feedback during simulated epidural needle insertion. A spring-mass-damper (SMD) network is configured from magnetic resonance image (MRI) slices of patient’s lumbar region to represent varying stiffness throughout tissue structure. Reaction force is calculated from the SMD network and a haptic device is configured to produce a needle insertion simulation. The user can feel the changing forces as the needle is inserted through tissue layers and ligaments. Methods for calculating the force feedback at various depths of needle insertion are presented. Voxelization is used to fill ligament surface meshes with spring mass damper assemblies for simulated needle insertion into soft and hard tissues. Modelled vertebrae cannot be pierced by the needle. Graphs were produced during simulated needle insertions to compare the applied force to haptic reaction force. Preliminary saline pressure measurements during Tuohy epidural needle insertion are also used as a basis for forces generated in the simulation

    Devices for accurate placement of epidural Tuohy needle for Anaesthesia administration

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    The aim of this project is to design two sterile devices for epidural needle insertion which can measure in real time (i) the depth of needle tip during insertion and (ii) interspinous pressure changes through a pressure measurement device as the epidural needle is advanced through the tissue layers. The length measurement device uses a small wireless camera with video processing computer algorithms which can detect and measure the moving needle. The pressure measurement device uses entirely sterile components including a pressure transducer to accurately measure syringe saline in mmHg. The data from these two devices accurately describe a needle insertion allowing comparison or review of insertions. The data was then cross-referenced to pre-measured data from MRI or ultrasound scan to identify how ligament thickness correlates to our measured depth and pressure data. The developed devices have been tested on a porcine specimen during insertions performed by experienced anaesthetists. We have obtained epidural pressures for each ligament and demonstrated functionality of our devices to measure pressure and depth of epidural needle during insertion. This has not previously been possible to monitor in real-time. The benefits of these devices are (i) to provide an alternative method to identify correct needle placement during the procedure on real patients. (ii) The data describing the speed, depth and pressure during insertion can be used to configure an epidural simulator, simulating the needle insertion procedure. (iii) Our pressure and depth data can be compared to pre-measured MRI and ultrasound to identify previously unknown links between epidural pressure and depth with BMI, obesity and body shapes
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