Flammability behaviour of wood and a review of the methods for its reduction

Wood is one of the most sustainable, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally benign materials. Not only is wood often an integral part of structures, it is also the main source of furnishings found in homes, schools, and offices around the world. The often inevitable hazards of fire make wood a very desirable material for further investigation. As well as ignition resistance and a low heat release rate, timber products have long been required to resist burn-through and maintain structural integrity whilst continuing to provide protection when exposed to fire or heat. Various industry standard tests are thus required to ensure adequate protection from fire is provided. When heated, wood undergoes thermal degradation and combustion to produce gases, vapours, tars and char. In order to understand and alter the fire behaviour of wood, it is necessary to know in as much detail as possible about its processes of decomposition. Various thermal analysis and flammability assessment techniques are utilised for this purpose, including thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimetry and the single burning item test. The results of such tests are often highly dependent on various parameters including changes to the gas composition, temperature, heating rate, and sample shape size. Potential approaches for fire retarding timber are reviewed, identifying two main approaches: char formation and isolating layers. Other potential approaches are recognised, including the use of inorganic minerals, such as sericrite, and metal foils in combination with intumescent products. Formulations containing silicon, nitrogen and phosphorus have been reported, and efforts to retain silicon in the wood have been successful using micro-layers of silicon dioxide. Nano-scale fire retardants, such as nanocomposite coatings, are considered to provide a new generation of fire retardants, and may have potential for wood. Expandable graphite is identified for use in polymers and has potential for wood provided coating applications are preferred

Conceptualising and measuring social camouflaging in autism

Camouflaging has been proposed as a behaviour used by autistic individuals, particularly females, to minimise the appearance of autistic characteristics during social interactions. However, little is known about how autistic individuals camouflage and there are few validated measures of camouflaging. There is inconsistent evidence as to whether females camouflage more than males. This thesis addressed these issues by developing a conceptual model of camouflaging, developing and validating a self-report measure of camouflaging, and examining preliminary gender differences in camouflaging. // Six studies using qualitative and quantitative methods were undertaken. Study 1 used meta-analysis and systematic review to conclude that associated characteristics of autism may be expressed in unique ways in autistic females, forming a female autism phenotype. // Autistic adults’ reported experiences of camouflaging were used to develop a conceptual model of camouflaging, from which future hypotheses can be derived (Study 2). In Study 3, a self-report measure of camouflaging behaviours (the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire; CAT-Q) was developed from autistic adults’ reported camouflaging strategies, and was validated in a large online sample of autistic and non-autistic males and females. Gender differences in adults’ camouflaging were examined in Study 4. // Studies 5 and 6 further investigated the validity of the CAT-Q, in an adolescent sample. The CAT-Q was found to predict camouflaging success (Study 5), and some potential cognitive mechanisms underlying camouflaging were identified (Study 6). These studies also included preliminary investigations of gender differences in camouflaging success and its underlying mechanisms. // In summary, camouflaging involves compensation for and masking of autistic behaviours, and fitting in with others. A valid self-report measure of camouflaging has been developed, and has demonstrated greater camouflaging in autistic females than males. This suggests camouflaging may form part of the female autism phenotype, with differential impacts for diagnosis and outcomes for males and females

Camouflaging in an everyday social context:An interpersonal recall study

Camouflaging is a social phenomenon operating within everyday social interactions of autistic and non-autistic people. The current study explored autistic adults’ camouflaging in an everyday social context via interpersonal process recall methodology (Kegan, 1969). A total of 17 autistic adults (8 females, 6 males and 3 agender/gender-neutral individuals) participated in a 10-min controlled social task designed to replicate a common day-to-day social situation. Participants then watched a video of their interaction with a researcher, actively identifying instances of camouflaging and discussing their experiences of camouflaging. Using thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) a strong desire for, yet uncertainty in, securing social acceptance and connection; (2) camouflaging, developed over time, as a means to achieve social acceptance and connection; (3) experiencing intrapersonal and interpersonal camouflaging consequences during social interactions; and (4) authentic socialising as an alternative to camouflaging. These findings are discussed with reference to the existing literature on stigma management outside the field of autism. LAY ABSTRACT: Many autistic people report that, despite personal costs, they use strategies to hide their autistic characteristics or appear non-autistic at work, school or university, when speaking with health professionals, or while socialising with certain friends and family members. These strategies are often referred to as camouflaging. This study explores camouflaging during everyday social interactions. A total of 17 autistic adults were filmed taking part in a common everyday social situation – a conversation with a stranger. They then watched the video of this conversation with a researcher and answered questions about camouflaging. These autistic people told us that they (1) had a strong desire to socialise with and be valued by other people but, because of negative past experiences, they often felt unsure about their ability to do so; (2) used camouflaging to help them to socialise and be valued by others; (3) experienced negative consequences when camouflaging (e.g. fatigue, anxiety and difficulties in friendships); and (4) sometimes socialised in more autistic ways instead of camouflaging. This study shows us how autistic people often change their behaviour because of the way they are treated by nonautistic people and that autistic people may benefit from programmes that help them to socialise in more authentically autistic ways, but only if their autistic social behaviour is met with understanding and acceptance from non-autistic people

Exploring the impact of innovation in promoting sustainable tourism development: The role of key stakeholders on the top of the south aquaculture and seafood trail in Nelson/Marlborough, New Zealand

Contemporary tourism planning recognises that an integrated and sustainable development approach includes the participation of local communities and residents. Community level innovation and leadership is also important in creating and implementing new ideas as part of the development process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stakeholder perspectives regarding community capacity to link tourism and aquaculture opportunities in the Nelson/Marlborough Region on the South Island of New Zealand. In 2005 the Marine Farming Association developed and published the “Top of the South Aquaculture and Seafood Trail” as a brochure for tourists to promote a positive image of aquaculture in the region. The Trail integrates local tourism providers, restaurants, accommodations, seafood retail, as well as harvesting and processing businesses (mussel farms) as part of a themed driving route. There is a strong economic dependence on aquaculture and tourism in the region with both industries generating a combined $402 million annually in the Nelson Region alone. In conducting the research, 22 local stakeholders were interviewed regarding their perceptions about strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities associated with the Trail as part of a mixed method, case study approach. The results demonstrated that tourism in the region was well developed, that there were weaknesses in networking and collaboration, that there were gaps between perceptions of the aquaculture and tourism industries and that the role of the university has been important in building community capacity for research and strategic planning linked to the trail

A comparison of methods for measuring camouflaging in autism

Interest in social camouflaging has led to a multiplicity of measurement methods of uncertain validity. This two-part investigation first used a systematic review ("Study 1") to identify and appraise methods used to quantify camouflaging of autistic traits, using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments checklist. A total of 16 distinct measurement tools were identified; all are in the preliminary phases of psychometric evaluation. The systematic review highlighted: (1) the need for parent-report tools which specifically measure camouflaging; and (2) a lack of studies looking at associations between different methods of camouflaging, which limits understanding of their validity. "Study 2" aimed to begin to address these gaps in knowledge. We created a parent-report version of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) and evaluated its concurrent validity in autistic young people by examining associations with the self-report CAT-Q and a discrepancy measure. Discriminant validity was investigated by comparing all three methods of measuring camouflaging to a measure of social skills, to test whether they assess a construct distinct from social ability. The self- and parent-report CAT-Q were significantly related (r = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24-0.65), and were related weakly (r = 0.20, 95% CI = -0.06 to 0.43) and strongly (r = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.23-0.64), respectively, to the discrepancy approach. No measure was associated with social skills. Improving the psychometric properties of these methods, and introducing a novel parent-report measure, may help selection of appropriate methods in future research and integration into clinical practice

Solvable Lie Algebras in Type IIA, Type IIB and M Theories

We study some applications of solvable Lie algebras in type IIA, type IIB and M theories. RR and NS generators find a natural geometric interpretation in this framework. Special emphasis is given to the counting of the abelian nilpotent ideals (translational symmetries of the scalar manifolds) in arbitrary D dimensions. These are seen to be related, using Dynkin diagram techniques, to one-form counting in D+1 dimensions. A recipy for gauging isometries in this framework is also presented. In particular, we list the gauge groups both for compact and translational isometries. The former agree with some results already existing in gauged supergravity. The latter should be possibly related to the study of partial supersymmetry breaking, as suggested by a similar role played by solvable Lie algebras in N=2 gauged supergravity.Comment: 31 pages, 1 Tex, 4 eps-figure

“I want to fit in… but I don’t want to change myself fundamentally”:A qualitative exploration of the relationship between masking and mental health for autistic teenagers

Background: Previous research has identified an association between masking and mental health for autistic people. However, the direction of causality and mechanisms involved in this relationship are not well understood. This qualitative study aimed to investigate autistic teenagers’ experiences of masking, mental health and how the two develop and interact. / Methods: Twenty autistic teenagers took part in a semi-structured interview. The interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. / Results: From the analysis, one theme was identified to conceptualise masking as described by participants. Five more inter-related themes were identified, each involved both in the relationship between masking and mental health and conversely in the relationship between authenticity and mental health. Participants described how masking and mental health both influence each other, and both are influenced by social and environmental factors. / Conclusions: The findings are consistent with previous research indicating that masking is associated with mental health difficulties. Our analysis presents a broader conceptualisation of masking than previously defined in the literature, placing social oppression of autistic people at the heart of the relationship between masking and mental health. The findings have implications for diagnostic services, post-diagnostic support and therapeutic interventions, highlighting the need to challenge deficit-based narratives of autism

“Just ask what support we need”:Autistic adults’ feedback on social skills training

Background:Social skills training (SST) is an intervention intended to support the development of social communication and interaction for autistic people, often through role-play, modeling, peer mediation, or group activities. While often targeted at autistic children, adults may also be offered SST following diagnosis. Evaluations of SST generally focus on social and behavioral outcomes, with little consideration for participants' experience of the intervention. This study was the first to seek the perspectives of autistic adults regarding their previous experiences of SST in childhood or adulthood.Methods:We interviewed a total of 11 autistic adults (5 male, 5 female, and 1 agender) from the United Kingdom online. Interviews were semi-structured and focused on participants' previous experiences of SST and how they felt it could be improved. We analyzed data using reflexive thematic analysis.Results:Autistic adults wanted support around social communication and life skills, which they felt was not always provided through SST. Participants suggested that SST should be personalized and accessible as and when needed. Support through autistic peers and trained neurotypicals was particularly valued. Some emphasized the need for non-autistic people to receive training on how to socialize with autistic people. Some participants also reported negative experiences of SST or felt that it was not necessary.Conclusions:Current SST provision in the United Kingdom does not always meet the needs of autistic adults. Services providing SST should consider personalizing their support options and ensure that autistic adults are involved in the design and delivery of SST. Some autistic people may not want or need SST, and it should be integrated to a broader range of support options

Trait emotional intelligence profiles of professionals in Kuwait

Trait emotional intelligence concerns people’s perceptions of their emotional world. Our aims for this study are to examine (a) the trait emotional intelligence (EI) profiles across different professions in Kuwait; (b) the incremental validity of trait EI in predicting job performance; and (c) the relationship between trait EI, job attitudes, and job performance. The sample comprised 314 professionals in Kuwait in seven different professions: Bankers, Engineers, Healthcare providers, Lawyers, Military, Policemen, and Teachers. Firstly, the results showed that the Military scored the lowest global trait emotional intelligence and three of four factors. Secondly, the results showed that global trait EI incrementally predicted job performance over job attitudes in Policemen and Engineers but not in other professions. Lastly, the results showed that job attitudes partially mediated the relationship between trait EI and job performance. These findings call for the importance of trait emotional intelligence trainings for professionals in Kuwait as it affects important job-related variables. The limitations of this study and the directions for future studies have been discussed