Gas Electron Multipliers for the Antiproton Decelerator

The new beam profile measurement for the Antiproton Decelerator (AD) at CERN is based on a single Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) with a 2D readout structure. This detector is very light (~0.4% X0), and measures horizontal and vertical profiles directly in one plane. This overcomes the problems previously encountered with multi-wire proportional chambers for the same purpose, where beam interactions with the detector severely affect the obtained profiles. A prototype was installed and successfully tested in late 2010, with another five detectors now installed in the ASACUSA and AEGIS beam lines. This paper will provide a detailed description of the detector and discuss the results obtained.Comment: Paper presented at DIPAC 2011, Hambur

A qualitative research study to explore young people's disengagement from learning

"The ‘One Wales’ agreement includes a commitment to establish an “enquiry into disengagement from learning amongst children and young people to look at evidence of what works”. In response, a research project was commissioned to investigate young people’s experience and perspectives on their disengagement from learning. The research fills an evidence gap on personal accounts of disengagement from young people in Wales. As such it therefore represents a useful source of information to support the review of young people who are not in education employment or training (NEET)." - Welsh Assembly Government website

InGaAs spin light emitting diodes measured in the Faraday and oblique Hanle geometries

InGaAs quantum well light emitting diodes (LED) with spin-injecting, epitaxial Fe contacts were fabricated using an in situ wafer transfer process where the semiconductor wafer was transferred under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions to a metals growth chamber to achieve a high quality interface between the two materials. The spin LED devices were measured optically with applied magnetic fields in either the Faraday or the oblique Hanle geometries in two experimental set-ups. Optical polarizations efficiencies of 4.5% in the Faraday geometry and 1.5% in the Hanle geometry are shown to be equivalent. The polarization efficiency of the electroluminescence is seen to decay as the temperature increases although the spin lifetime remains constant due to the influence of the D'yakonov–Perel' spin scattering mechanism in the quantum well.RM would like to acknowledge support from the EPSRC.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from the Institute of Physics via https://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/16/16510

Establishment of a National Homelessness Prevention Programme dataset to enable an anonymised longitudinal dynamic cohort based study

Introduction Welsh Government invests over £120m annually in housing related support to help prevent and tackle homelessness under the ‘Supporting People Programme’. A 2016 data-linkage Feasibility Study indicated health-service utilisation reductions post-intervention, and led to a four year project to create a national, all-Wales dataset to provide robust statistical results. Objectives and Approach Establish data sharing agreements, acquire and import anonymised individual-level data into the SAIL Databank. Create a research ready dataset, designed to permit annual administrative data updates to form dynamic cohort and control groups. Create several control group methods: 1) Internal Programme Data; 2) Matched controls; 3) Healthcare-Utilisation Patterns; 4) External Data Sources. Link to routine health data, obtain and link to other public service data to gain a deeper understanding of the Programme; how it affects use of other public services, and whether it helps people live independently. Complete statistical analysis using a Generalised Linear Mixed Modelling approach. Results Data sharing agreements, data acquisition and standardisation complete for nineteen of twenty-two Unitary Authorities in Wales. Temporal coverage varies by Unitary Authority (2003-2017). 2016 data measures: match rates >85%; 57% female; lead reason for support (top 5) : ‘General’ 20%, ‘Mental Health’ 15%, ‘Older People’ 14%, ‘Domestic Abuse’ 9%, ‘Young People’ 7%. Various control group methods employed: 1) Internal ‘Programme’ Data – no support taken up; 2) Matched controls; 3) Healthcare-Utilisation Patterns – rejected due to sparse outcome data; 4) External Data Sources being further explored. Health data-linkage (emergency admissions, emergency department attendance and primary care events) complete. Ongoing discussions to obtain sample social care, and police call data during 2018. Statistical analysis underway with results planned to be published during the summer of 2018. Conclusion/Implications Despite many challenges, creation of a national linked dataset for people at risk of homelessness is possible with collaborative working between central government, academic and local government bodies. This ‘Administrative Data Research Centre Wales’ project has created a rich research resource enabling statistical analysis to answer research questions around homelessness