Trade unions and work-life balance: changing times in France and the UK?

The mixed empirical findings to date have indicated that some, but not all, unions in industrialized countries are actively involved in campaigning and bargaining around work–life balance (WLB) issues, as part of a modernization agenda linked to feminization and to ‘positive flexibility’. This article seeks to identify factors that might encourage or inhibit trade unions from involvement in WLB issues, within a cross-national comparative perspective focusing on two countries (France and the UK) that have contrasting working time regimes and approaches to WLB. It draws on original research carried out in two sectors — insurance and social work — in these two countries. The article links the emergence of union WLB programmes and bargaining agendas to genderequality concerns within the union and to the gender composition of the sector, as well as to the working time regime, including the mode of action, partnership being a significant corollary of WLB campaigning in the UK. We find support for the modernization thesis in the UK, particularly in the public sector, but within severe constraints defined by employer initiative

What is the potential for context aware communication aids?

Use of voice output communication aids (VOCAs) can be a very effective strategy to assist people with speech impairments in communicating. Despite this, people who use communication aids often express frustration with VOCAs—desiring devices that are simpler, quicker and more effective to use. Whilst it is not possible to resolve all these issues with technology, it is argued that significant progress can be made. The use of contextual information is one development that could improve the simplicity and effectiveness of communication aid design. Improving the effectiveness of communication aids, including through the use of context support, is a goal of the NIHR Devices for Dignity Assistive Technology Theme. This discussion paper examines the potential for creating ‘context aware’ communication aids. Three projects in which the authors have been involved are described to illustrate different approaches to the use of contextual information

SkelGen : a general tool for structure-based de novo ligand design

The recent lapse in productivity in the pharmaceutical industry has facilitated the emergence of experimental and in silico structure-based design methodologies, based on identification of biologically active low molecular weight fragments that can be exploited to produce potential drug candidates with diverse chemistries. SkelGen, an in silico example of this methodology, is reviewed. The ability of this algorithm to identify chemically diverse low molecular weight fragments that would potentially bind to DNA gyrase is recounted, as is the first purely de novo structure-based design of five compounds that show at least micromolar activity against the estrogen receptor. The ability of the algorithm to incorporate partial protein flexibility during its design of compounds to the estrogen receptor is discussed, and an opinion as to the near and long-term futures for de novo design algorithms is expressed.Peer reviewe

Understanding the role of union learning representatives in developing distinctive approaches to union learning

Original article can be found at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t716100715~db=all Copyright Informa / Taylor and Francis GroupThis article aims to provide a broad understanding of the role of ULRs and the contribution of union education and learning initiatives. It examines the scope for union learning to be distinctive and sustainable and it does this by summarising and building upon an holistic review of research of ULR activity across the range of work and unions in the UK. It finds that there are opportunities arising from union learning, particularly for individuals to access learning opportunities for the first time, enabling economic and social well-being; and the potential to develop critical awareness, reflection and action, with an emphasis on learning through social participation. It also stresses the need for caution in assessing achievement to date, with research suggesting a narrow focus of union learning, on increasing supply of qualifications rather than raising skill demand, and on low-level qualifications with little added value. It concludes that ULRs can play a central role in strengthening the contributions of learning initiatives through the union movement.Peer reviewe