25 research outputs found

    Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

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    On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

    Social quality and the social harmony campaign in Hong Kong

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    This paper is a response to the increasing internationalization of the concept of social quality. It is intended to examine whether research projects on social quality reduce or increase the ethnocentric bias in the study of social welfare. To fulfill this objective, it carries out two analytical tasks. The first is to discuss the views of Walker and Wong (2004) on the ethnocentric bias in the study of social welfare. Walker and Wong (2004) argue that overemphasizing the differences between how social welfare is organized and assessed in Western countries and that in non-Western countries causes the bias of excluding the latter in comparative analyses. Hence to deal with this bias, it is necessary to pay attention to the similarities between the social welfare development in western countries and that in nonwestern countries. Secondly, to provide evidence to Walker and Wong’s argument, this paper discusses the relevancy of the social harmony campaign in Hong Kong to research projects on social quality.link_to_OA_fulltex

    The sensitivity of United Kingdom health-care services to the diverse needs of Chinese-origin older people

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    This paper is a contribution to the debate on how to make health-care services in the United Kingdom more responsive to the needs of older people who are members of recent immigrant groups. The focus is on the Chinese-origin elders, and the objective is to demonstrate their diverse migrant histories, cultural backgrounds and attitudes to both traditional and Western health-care practices. The underlying argument is that if National Health Service staff had a better understanding of the diversity of Chinese older people, this would make an important contribution to making the service more sensitive to their needs. To develop this argument, this paper carries out three main analytical tasks. The first is to discuss the range of strategies adopted by Chinese people in general and Chinese older people in particular to improve their health. The second is to study Chinese people's heritage of exploring different methods to organise health in response to foreign culture. The third considers the ways in which the sensitivity of British health-care services to the needs of ethnic-minority groups can be improved, with a focus on the culturagram instrument and procedure. Three contrasting examples are presented. © 2009 Cambridge University Press.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

    Flexibilisation of the labour market and youth unemployment in Hong Kong

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    Abstract no. 2EM0035The 2010 Joint World Conference on Social Work and Social Development, Hong Kong, 10-14 June 2010

    Engaging the less heard in research: working with Chinese older people in the UK

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    Workshop 2.9 – Users Participation & Self-help Movement: 1: 3UP004

    The diversity based approach to culturally sensitive practices

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    This paper discusses the main ideas of the Diversity Based approach to culturally sensitive practices in health and social care services.This approach is important in emphasizing the fluid nature of culture, the diversity in cultural groups and the impact of inegalitarian and racist power relations on their life. Chinese people in the UK are used as an example to demonstrate how exploration of the diversity of ethnic minority groups could strengthen cultural sensitivity. Some methods for the realization of the Diversity Based approach, such as the culturagram and user involvement, have also been highlighted. © The Author(s) 2011.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

    Adult worker model typologies : examining work–family policies in fifteen European countries

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    202307 bckwVersion of RecordSelf-fundedPublishe

    Rethinking the residual policy response : lessons from Hong Kong older women’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

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    202307 bckwAccepted ManuscriptSelf-fundedPublishe
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