Scalar and vector correlations in molecular collision dynamics

This thesis concerns the fundamental scalar and vector attributes of molecular collisions. A translationally relaxed sample of fully state-selected and rotationally anisotropic CN(A² ∏,v = 4, jFɛ) was prepared within a thermal bath (~298 K) of partner gas (either Ar, N2, O2 or CO2) by ns-pulsed laser excitation. The collisional evolution of the prepared polarised rotational angular momentum was monitored using highresolution frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS). The total removal and depolarisation of oriented or aligned rotational angular momentum was measured in CN(A² ∏,v = 4, j = 2.5, 3.5, 6.5, 11.5, 13.5, and 18.5, F1e). The state-to-state rotational energy transfer (RET) and orientation transfer from CN(A² ∏,v = 4, j = 6.5 F1e or j = 10.5 F2f) to ∆j ≤ |5| was investigated. The results for the CN(A² ∏,+Ar system generally agree very well with complementary exact quantum scattering (QS) calculations on the best available ab initio potential energy surfaces (PESs). For all systems, a three-level multiple-collision kinetic model satisfactorily reproduces the observed removal of population and polarisation. Elastic depolarisation is found to be a relatively minor pathway relative to population removal and inelastic depolarisation, as confirmed by complete master equation (ME) simulations for CN(A² ∏, v=4, j = 6.5 F1e)+Ar. The total removal efficiencies lie in the order CO2 > N2 > O2 > Ar, loosely correlated with long-range attractive forces. O2 and CO2 exhibit rapid removal channels in addition to RET, likely to be electronic quenching to CN(X2∑+). There are substantial parity-dependent alternations with Dj in state-to-state RET and polarisation transfer, sufficient for a striking change in sign of orientation for specific transitions. This is attributed to the near-homonuclear nature of CN(A² ∏) and consequent even character of the PESs. QS calculations indicate that the dynamics of parity-conserving and changing transitions differ fundamentally. A preference for spinorbit conservation, strongest for Ar, comes from the near-Hund’s case-(a) character of CN(A² ∏) at low-j. Despite the additional dimensions available, the qualitatively similar behaviour of the molecular partners with Ar suggests that these systems have comparable interaction potentials with CN(A² ∏). Therefore, small centrosymmetric molecules, such as N2, O2 and CO2, may approximately be treated as spherical targets. This is supported by recent spherically-averaged CN(A² ∏)-N2 PESs and associated QS calculations from the literature.EPSR

Dissenting from care.data: an analysis of opt-out forms

Background Care.data was a programme of work led by NHS England for the extraction of patient-identifiable and coded information from general practitioner GP records for secondary uses. This study analyses the forms (on the websites of GP practices) which enabled patients to opt out. Methods Theoretical sampling and summative content analysis were used to collect and analyse dissent forms used by patients to opt out from care.data. Domains included basic information about the programme, types of objections and personal details required for identification purposes. Results One hundred opt out forms were analysed. Fifty-four forms mentioned that this programme was run by NHS England. Eighty-one forms provided 2 types of objections to data sharing and 15 provided only one objection. Only 26 forms mentioned that direct care would not be affected and 32 that patients maintain their right to opt back in anytime. All but one of the opt out forms we reviewed requested the name of the person wishing to opt out. Ninety-four required a date of birth and 33 an NHS number. Eighty-two required an address, 42 a telephone number and 7 an email address. Conclusion Numbers of patients (not) opting out should be treated with caution because the variability of information provided and the varied options for dissent may have caused confusion among patients. To ensure that dissent is in accordance with individual preferences and moral values, we recommend that well-designed information material and standardised opt out forms be developed for such data sharing initiatives

Réponse de la direction aux examens externes des programmes de la Politique sociale et économique intitulés Gouvernance, sécurité et justice et Croissance pour tous

Version anglaise disponible dans la Bibliothèque numérique du CRDI: Management response to the external reviews of the Social and Economic Policy programs on Governance, Security and Justice, and Supporting Inclusive Growt

Management response to the external review of the Information and Networks program

French version available in IDRC Digital Library: Réponse de la direction à l’examen externe du programme Information et réseauxManagement is satisfied with the conduct and findings of the external review and the results of the program. Review recommendations were incorporated into the proposed Networked Economies program. Along with the key learnings outlined, three important lessons emerge from the review: the importance of long-term, persistent support for ideas and partners, the engagement and commitment of professional and competent staff, and making periodic, intentional changes in program strategy. Management concurs that openness, rights, and inclusion continue to be relevant themes in the information and networks field. The proposed Networked Economies program will test and adapt promising innovations and strengthen the enabling environment for innovation

Management response to the external reviews of the Social and Economic Policy programs on Governance, Security and Justice, and Supporting Inclusive Growth

French version available in IDRC Digital Library: Réponse de la direction aux examens externes des programmes de la Politique sociale et économique intitulés Gouvernance, sécurité et justice et Croissance pour tousManagement acknowledges the reviewers’ findings that contributions to knowledge from both programs are more evident at the local or regional level, and appreciate that the reviewers articulate the trade-offs between generating knowledge, and policy influence that is locally-grounded but also has global relevance and impact. Management is encouraged that critical masses of findings are emerging on a number of themes, which in turn are generating greater visibility; both reviews address the question of value-for-money, and acknowledge that this presents a significant challenge given the absence of international benchmarks, as well as the varied nature of outcomes sought by the programs

Réponse de la direction aux examens externes des programmes Écosystèmes et santé humaine et Changements climatiques et eau, du domaine Agriculture et environnement

Version anglaise disponible dans la Bibliothèque numérique du CRDI: Management response to the external reviews of the Agriculture and Environment Programs on Ecosystems and Human Health, and Climate Change and Wate

Réponse de la direction à l’examen externe du programme Information et réseaux

Version anglaise disponible dans la Bibliothèque numérique du CRDI: Management response to the external review of the Information and Networks progra

Management response for the external review of two programs : Non Communicable Disease Prevention, and Governance for Equity in Health Systems

Management is satisfied overall with the conduct and findings of the external reviews of both programs and has drawn some lessons from these reviews. Management is encouraged that the reviewers noted the results of the program in building leadership in the health systems field, including a critical mass of health systems researchers and policy analysts in Africa. In regard to findings that attention to gender dimensions of the research was found to be weaker than expected in GEHS programming, gender responsiveness is a priority for the continuing programming in Agriculture and Environment, as well as Inclusive Economies Implementation Plans approved by the Board earlier this year