Evaluating the impact of the rural dimension of specialism

Commissioned by the Specialist Schools and Academies TrustThe rural dimension is intended to offer the opportunity to schools to enhance and extend the curriculum. Its focus is the understanding of environmental issues and the countryside, and it is seen as relevant to all schools, including those in urban areas. The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) wishes to evaluate the extent to which the rural dimension is effective in raising standards. The aim of this study, commissioned by the SSAT, was to ascertain the extent to which the work schools undertake as part of their rural dimension has a demonstrable impact on achievement and attainment - in particular concerning: 1) attainment (pupil performance and school standards); 2) behaviour and attendance (on the part of pupils); 3) engagement (pupil interest and motivation, and raising aspirations among pupils and their families). The approach taken in the study is chiefly an interpretative and illuminative one with the aim of throwing light on how the rural dimension acts as an influence within the school context. Rather than looking for linear cause-and-effect, methodologically it was seen as more helpful to view organisations as complex processes of continual interaction in which any one initiative is the catalyst to multiple interpretations and reactions which generate further initiatives. Qualitative data are particularly helpful in throwing light on these processes. An exploratory case study approach was used, generating both qualitative and quantitative data in order to reflect the complexity of practice and experience in the rural dimension. Six case study schools were selected from rural dimension schools which expressed a wish to participate in the study. Criteria were used to maximise the variation in the sample used, although those with relatively large farms are over-represented. Each of the six case study schools was visited by one or more of the research team. Visits involved interviews, observation and perusal and collection of documentary data (including schools’ websites). This report also includes a selective literature review, highlighting some of the issues concerning research into specialisms and the value of education for sustainable development

Novel azoheteroaryl photoswitches and their applications

Photoswitchable compounds have diverse applications, from photopharmacology to optical data storage. Azobenzenes are one of the most commonly used photoswitches, with a wealth of research focused on improving the photoconversion achieved upon irradiation and increasing the thermal stability of the Z-isomer. This work reports the development, study, and applications of the understudied azoheteroaryl photoswitches. A new class of azoheteroarenes, the arylazopyrazoles, have been developed. These photochromic compounds undergo very slow Z-E thermal isomerisation compared to the azobenzenes and achieve good to quantitative photoswitching between the two isomers. The conformation of the Z-isomers of these azoheteroarenes, and hence their spectral properties, can be tuned by altering the substitution pattern on the heteroaryl ring. Building on the initial work reported, a wider range of arylazoheteroarenes have also been studied, in order to fully investigate their properties and identify factors that control their thermal isomerisation rates. The azoheteroaryl photoswitches have been employed in two applications. The first, is the development of photoswitchable histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors for use in photopharmacology, using either arylazopyrazoles or azobenzenes. Assays were carried out on human HDACs and bacterial homologues; sub-micromolar IC50 values were obtained for the bacterial HDACs and up to a 9-fold difference in activity between E- and Z-isomers was observed. Several tethered photoswitchable HDAC inhibitors were also developed – such compounds have potential use in industrial applications. The inhibitor-enzyme conjugates had reduced enzyme activity relative to the unbound enzyme, however no difference in activity was seen between the E- and Z-isomers. The second application was the development of an azobisimidazole photoswitchable base. This compound exhibited a difference in basicity between the E- and Z-isomers of 1.3 pKa units. The difference in basicity is due to the additional proton stabilisation in the protonated Z isomer, which is facilitated by the basic imidazole nitrogens, and can be used to reversibly control solution pH.Open Acces

Supporting active database learning and training through interactive multimedia

The learning objectives of a database course include aspects from conceptual and theoretical knowledge to practical development and implementation skills. We present an interactive educational multimedia system based on the virtual apprenticeship model for the knowledge- and skills-oriented Web-based education of database course students. Combining knowledge learning and skills training in an integrated environment is a central aspect of our system. We show that tool-mediated independent learning and training in an authentic setting is an alternative to traditional classroom-based approaches

Constraint models for multiple interference in the channel assignment problem

For the channel assignment problem, the adequacy of binary channel separation constraints based on the single interferer assumption and/or a constant re-use distance has been questioned by several authors. The single interferer assumption is convenient for channel assignment purposes as it leads to a generalised graph-colouring model which is simple to formulate and very popular. However, it is desirable to approximate the operational criteria more closely than a single interferer assumption model allows, by modelling the effects of multiple simultaneous interferers. This thesis addresses the problem of modelling multiple interferers in channel assignment using constraints, with a view to finding an efficient and convenient approach which offers resilience against multiple interference whilst minimising additional spectral requirements. Motivated by a discussion of the literature concerning single and multiple interference, the thesis analyses the coverage failure as progressively higher numbers of multiple simultaneous interferers occur, characterising those interferers which lead to coverage reduction. A hybrid sequential and simulated annealing heuristic is applied which obtains optimised channel assignments for analysis, created under the single interferer assumption, for two-hundred-and-forty problem cases. The library of test cases is created using a purpose-built problem generator which is applied to create problems with differing randomised distributions of transmission sites. The analysis informs the consideration of methods for the reduction/elimination of multiple interferer effects. A multiple interference model based on higher order constraints called co-channel set constraints is assessed. Results concerning the theoretical properties of these constraints, and their satisfaction, are presented. An alternative way forward is then considered, which involves challenging the commonly applied assumption that the multiple interferer assumption implies constraints are necessarily non-binary. New methods are introduced that incorporate multiple interference into the generalised graph-colouring formulation i.e. binary constraints. The methods are tested using the test problem library optimised assignments are made and their resilience against multiple interference and the spectral requirements are used to evaluate the approaches. Evidence is provided that one of the methods provides an improved model for channel assignment with multiple interference and can be recommended for use to provide constraints which perform well under the multiple objectives concerned.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Constraint models for multiple interference in the channel assignment problem

For the channel assignment problem, the adequacy of binary channel separation constraints based on the single interferer assumption and/or a constant re-use distance has been questioned by several authors. The single interferer assumption is convenient for channel assignment purposes as it leads to a generalised graph-colouring model which is simple to formulate and very popular. However, it is desirable to approximate the operational criteria more closely than a single interferer assumption model allows, by modelling the effects of multiple simultaneous interferers. This thesis addresses the problem of modelling multiple interferers in channel assignment using constraints, with a view to finding an efficient and convenient approach which offers resilience against multiple interference whilst minimising additional spectral requirements. Motivated by a discussion of the literature concerning single and multiple interference, the thesis analyses the coverage failure as progressively higher numbers of multiple simultaneous interferers occur, characterising those interferers which lead to coverage reduction. A hybrid sequential and simulated annealing heuristic is applied which obtains optimised channel assignments for analysis, created under the single interferer assumption, for two-hundred-and-forty problem cases. The library of test cases is created using a purpose-built problem generator which is applied to create problems with differing randomised distributions of transmission sites. The analysis informs the consideration of methods for the reduction/elimination of multiple interferer effects. A multiple interference model based on higher order constraints called co-channel set constraints is assessed. Results concerning the theoretical properties of these constraints, and their satisfaction, are presented. An alternative way forward is then considered, which involves challenging the commonly applied assumption that the multiple interferer assumption implies constraints are necessarily non-binary. New methods are introduced that incorporate multiple interference into the generalised graph-colouring formulation i.e. binary constraints. The methods are tested using the test problem library optimised assignments are made and their resilience against multiple interference and the spectral requirements are used to evaluate the approaches. Evidence is provided that one of the methods provides an improved model for channel assignment with multiple interference and can be recommended for use to provide constraints which perform well under the multiple objectives concerned.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Constraint models for multiple interference in the channel assignment problem

For the channel assignment problem, the adequacy of binary channel separation constraints based on the single interferer assumption and/or a constant re-use distance has been questioned by several authors. The single interferer assumption is convenient for channel assignment purposes as it leads to a generalised graph-colouring model which is simple to formulate and very popular. However, it is desirable to approximate the operational criteria more closely than a single interferer assumption model allows, by modelling the effects of multiple simultaneous interferers. This thesis addresses the problem of modelling multiple interferers in channel assignment using constraints, with a view to finding an efficient and convenient approach which offers resilience against multiple interference whilst minimising additional spectral requirements. Motivated by a discussion of the literature concerning single and multiple interference, the thesis analyses the coverage failure as progressively higher numbers of multiple simultaneous interferers occur, characterising those interferers which lead to coverage reduction. A hybrid sequential and simulated annealing heuristic is applied which obtains optimised channel assignments for analysis, created under the single interferer assumption, for two-hundred-and-forty problem cases. The library of test cases is created using a purpose-built problem generator which is applied to create problems with differing randomised distributions of transmission sites. The analysis informs the consideration of methods for the reduction/elimination of multiple interferer effects. A multiple interference model based on higher order constraints called co-channel set constraints is assessed. Results concerning the theoretical properties of these constraints, and their satisfaction, are presented. An alternative way forward is then considered, which involves challenging the commonly applied assumption that the multiple interferer assumption implies constraints are necessarily non-binary. New methods are introduced that incorporate multiple interference into the generalised graph-colouring formulation i.e. binary constraints. The methods are tested using the test problem library optimised assignments are made and their resilience against multiple interference and the spectral requirements are used to evaluate the approaches. Evidence is provided that one of the methods provides an improved model for channel assignment with multiple interference and can be recommended for use to provide constraints which perform well under the multiple objectives concerned

Can raising awareness about the psychological causes of obesity reduce obesity stigma?

Obesity stigma largely remains a socially acceptable bias with harmful outcomes for its victims. While many accounts have been put forward to explain the bias, the role of obesity etiology beliefs has received little scrutiny. The research examined the effect that beliefs about the psychological etiology of obesity have on the expression of obesity stigma and the mechanisms underpinning this effect. Participants (N = 463) were asked to evaluate a target person with obesity after reading one of three possible etiologies: psychological, genetic, or behavioral. The presentation of a psychological etiology of obesity elicited less prejudice compared to behavioral causes but greater prejudice compared to genetic causes; observed differences were found to be a function of the agency ascribed to the target’s obesity and empathy expressed for the target. The findings highlight the impact that communicating obesity in terms of psychological causes can have for the expression of obesity stigma

Developing an appreciation of what it means to be a school-based teacher educator

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of an article published by Taylor & Francis in European Journal of Teacher Education on 2 October 2015. The version of record, Elizabeth White, Claire Dickerson and Kathryn Weston, ‘Developing an appreciation of what it means to be a school-based teacher educator’, European Journal of Teacher Education, Vol 38(4): 445-459, first published online on 25 August 2015, is available online via doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2015.1077514The nature of partnership between schools and higher education institutions is changing in many countries, with experienced teachers taking on more responsibility for teacher education whilst remaining in their school as teachers, rather than entering the higher education sector to become teacher educators. This research considers the perspectives of these school-based teacher educators in England, exploring the impact that this role has on them, their student-teachers and their schools. Some benefits and challenges that they face in the dual role of teacher and teacher educator are revealed. The research takes an interpretive perspective, listening to the meanings being constructed by the participants through use of a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and a focus group of student-teachers who learned from these school-based teacher educators. Possible impacts on student-teachers’ learning and implications for the development of high quality teacher education are examined.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Antimicrobial resistance point-of-care testing for gonorrhoea treatment regimens: cost-effectiveness and impact on ceftriaxone use of five hypothetical strategies compared with standard care in England sexual health clinics.

BackgroundWidespread ceftriaxone antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) treatment, with few alternatives available. AMR point-of-care tests (AMR POCT) may enable alternative treatments, including abandoned regimens, sparing ceftriaxone use. We assessed cost-effectiveness of five hypothetical AMR POCT strategies: A-C included a second antibiotic alongside ceftriaxone; and D and E consisted of a single antibiotic alternative, compared with standard care (SC: ceftriaxone and azithromycin).AimAssess costs and effectiveness of AMR POCT strategies that optimise NG treatment and reduce ceftriaxone use.MethodsThe five AMR POCT treatment strategies were compared using a decision tree model simulating 38,870 NG-diagnosed England sexual health clinic (SHC) attendees; A micro-costing approach, representing cost to the SHC (for 2015/16), was employed. Primary outcomes were: total costs; percentage of patients given optimal treatment (regimens curing NG, without AMR); percentage of patients given non-ceftriaxone optimal treatment; cost-effectiveness (cost per optimal treatment gained).ResultsAll strategies cost more than SC. Strategy B (azithromycin and ciprofloxacin (azithromycin preferred); dual therapy) avoided most suboptimal treatments (n = 48) but cost most to implement (GBP 4,093,844 (EUR 5,474,656)). Strategy D (azithromycin AMR POCT; monotherapy) was most cost-effective for both cost per optimal treatments gained (GBP 414.67 (EUR 554.53)) and per ceftriaxone-sparing treatment (GBP 11.29 (EUR 15.09)) but with treatment failures (n = 34) and suboptimal treatments (n = 706).ConclusionsAMR POCT may enable improved antibiotic stewardship, but require net health system investment. A small reduction in test cost would enable monotherapy AMR POCT strategies to be cost-saving

Carbon on the Northwest European Shelf: Contemporary Budget and Future Influences

A carbon budget for the northwest European continental shelf seas (NWES) was synthesized using available estimates for coastal, pelagic and benthic carbon stocks and flows. Key uncertainties were identified and the effect of future impacts on the carbon budget were assessed. The water of the shelf seas contains between 210 and 230 Tmol of carbon and absorbs between 1.3 and 3.3 Tmol from the atmosphere annually. Off-shelf transport and burial in the sediments account for 60–100 and 0–40% of carbon outputs from the NWES, respectively. Both of these fluxes remain poorly constrained by observations and resolving their magnitudes and relative importance is a key research priority. Pelagic and benthic carbon stocks are dominated by inorganic carbon. Shelf sediments contain the largest stock of carbon, with between 520 and 1600 Tmol stored in the top 0.1 m of the sea bed. Coastal habitats such as salt marshes and mud flats contain large amounts of carbon per unit area but their total carbon stocks are small compared to pelagic and benthic stocks due to their smaller spatial extent. The large pelagic stock of carbon will continue to increase due to the rising concentration of atmospheric CO2, with associated pH decrease. Pelagic carbon stocks and flows are also likely to be significantly affected by increasing acidity and temperature, and circulation changes but the net impact is uncertain. Benthic carbon stocks will be affected by increasing temperature and acidity, and decreasing oxygen concentrations, although the net impact of these interrelated changes on carbon stocks is uncertain and a major knowledge gap. The impact of bottom trawling on benthic carbon stocks is unique amongst the impacts we consider in that it is widespread and also directly manageable, although its net effect on the carbon budget is uncertain. Coastal habitats are vulnerable to sea level rise and are strongly impacted by management decisions. Local, national and regional actions have the potential to protect or enhance carbon storage, but ultimately global governance, via controls on emissions, has the greatest potential to influence the long-term fate of carbon stocks in the northwestern European continental shelf