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The multilingual university: language ideology, hidden policies and language practices in Malawian universities
Get PDFGlobalisation is increasingly affecting universities worldwide. In African contexts, language policies exhibit an inheritance situation in which countries continue to implement policies which favour colonial languages in education. This paper investigates the Malawian higher education context and the ways in which staff engage with multilingualism. It examines the implementation of language policies by staff in their classrooms and explores the attitudes of staff members towards the current monolingual language policy and practices in higher education in the country. The paper draws on a 4-month ethnography carried out in eight Malawian universities. Findings indicate that the language ‘rules’ imposed by staff are highly variable and that diverse language ‘policies’ are implemented and enforced by staff, some of whom operate strictly monolingual approaches while others adopt multilingual approaches. Staff display a range of attitudes towards multilingualism, influenced by competing pressures of ensuring students comprehend the subject matter while also seeking to improve their English skills against the broader backdrop of language practices and expectations in the country
Facilitators and Barriers to Vaccination Uptake in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Get PDFIntroduction Vaccination during pregnancy protects both the mother and the foetus from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, uptake of the recommended vaccines (influenza, pertussis, COVID-19) by pregnant women remains low in Europe and the USA. Understanding the reasons for this is crucial to inform strategies to increase vaccination rates in pregnant women. This qualitative systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to vaccination against influenza, pertussis/whooping cough and COVID-19 during pregnancy and identify possible strategies to increase vaccination rates. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, WHO database, Embase and grey literature to identify qualitative studies that explored barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake among pregnant women (PROSPERO CRD42023399488). The search was limited to studies published between 2012 and 2022 conducted in high-income countries with established vaccination programmes during pregnancy. Studies were thematically analysed and underwent quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute validated critical appraisal tool for qualitative research. Results Out of 2681 articles screened, 28 studies (n = 1573 participants) were eligible for inclusion. Five overarching themes emerged relating to personal, provider and systemic factors. Barriers to vaccine uptake included concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, lack of knowledge about vaccines’ benefits and necessity, fear of adverse effects on the foetus or mother and low perception of disease severity. Facilitators included recommendations from trusted healthcare providers, easy access to vaccination, clear communication on the benefits and safety of vaccination, and positive social influences from family and friends. Strategies for increasing vaccination uptake included strong and proactive vaccine recommendations by trusted healthcare professionals, provision of vaccines during routine antenatal care, and clear and consistent communication about vaccines addressing pregnant women’s concerns. Conclusion This review highlights the need for interventions that address the identified barriers to vaccine uptake among pregnant women. Recommendation from a healthcare provider can play a significant role in promoting vaccine uptake, as can clear risk/benefit communication and convenient access to vaccination. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety and providing accurate information about vaccines is also important
Staff information and training needs for offering support to mid-life and older women who are experiencing homelessness and problem substance use: a survey.
Get PDFIntroduction: Current research in the UK has yet to investigate the health care needs and treatment preferences of mid-life and older women (aged 40+) who are experiencing homelessness as well as challenges related to substance use (drugs and alcohol). This briefing paper reports on an online survey undertaken with staff working with women using homelessness services. The survey's aim was to help inform third sector organisations of the views and knowledge of staff working with women experiencing homelessness in terms of healthcare provision, as well as the training needs they require when supporting these women
BabyBathe study protocol: A randomised controlled feasibility trial to change baby bathing practice during the first months of life
Get PDFFirst paragraph: Eczema carries the highest global burden of all skin diseases and produces substantial disease-related morbidity worldwide and affects up to 15% of infants and 6% of older children. Eczema prevalence and time trends vary considerably between countries, but overall eczema appears to be increasing globally by an absolute rate of around 1% per decade in children and adolescents. Eczema is not a new disease, but the significant variation in eczema prevalence and time trends between and within populations suggests that the condition may be partly preventable
Devolution, local growth and public service reform: What now and where next?
Get PDFThis paper advocates for a deepening of the English Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) model as a mechanism for achieving better economic and social policy outcomes. It argues for greater alignment of financial resources with long-term goals, fostering co-creation and upholding democratic accountability. It explores the origins of the MCA model set within the context of wider UK devolution and successive waves of English government reform, identifies some key benefits of the MCA model such as scale, democratic legitimacy and potential for collaboration, before proposing some key areas for further development. The paper recommends a strategic focus on evolving the relationship between the MCA and public service reform, particularly in health, education and employment support. The story of North East devolution is presented as an important case study that provides lessons for the future trajectory of English devolution as a whole, while highlighting the necessity of continuous adaptation to achieve sustainable regional development.Output Status: Forthcomin
Objectionable Commemorations: Ethical and Political Issues
Get PDFThe term, "objectionable commemorations”, refers to a broad category of public artefacts – such as, and especially, memorials, monuments and statues – that are regarded as morally problematic in virtue of what or whom they honour. In this regard, they are a special class of public artefacts that are subject to public contestation. In this paper, we survey the general ethical and political issues on this topic. First, we categorise the arguments on offer in the literature, concerning the objectionable nature of such commemorations. Second, we review common political responses to objectionable commemorations. Finally, we identify fruitful areas for further philosophical inquiry on this topic
Nurturing a New Industry Rooted in Geoscience: Stakeholder Insights on Minewater Thermal in Scotland
Get PDFHeat decarbonisation is crucial for climate action and the transition to a sustainable society. Abandoned, flooded mines can be used to provide low-carbon heating and cooling for buildings or as thermal energy storage for district heating networks (“minewater thermal resources”). Due to the capital-intensive nature of the infrastructure required for minewater thermal, its use should be considered early in project development. Developers therefore need to be aware of the full range of low-carbon heating solutions to implement the most sustainable solutions. Through interviews with twelve key stakeholders in Scotland, this study aims to determine the level of awareness of this technology among stakeholders who require heat for their developments, and stakeholders who would be involved in the development or construction of such schemes. Our findings have implications for how the geoscience community could aid the development of a minewater thermal industry. Stakeholders perceived a range of advantages of minewater, including use as thermal storage and the co-location of minewater resources with heat demand. Perceived disadvantages included the high capital cost and pre-construction risks associated with determining the feasibility minewater resources. Building trust and confidence in minewater thermal technology was identified as a key factor for success. Issues relevant for low-carbon heat in general were also raised including, high retail cost of electricity, skills gaps and labour shortages. Geoscientists can identify prospective minewater resources and assess the risks associated with exploration, development and operation of that resource, contributing to building confidence and reducing up-front capital costs. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the heat decarbonisation challenge, geoscientists must be able to communicate clearly and transparently about the science underpinning resource estimates and risk mitigation measures. For minewater thermal projects to succeed, geoscientists must be equipped with skills, knowledge and understanding to embrace these wider roles in nurturing this nascent industry
An aquaculture risk model to understand the causes and consequences of Atlantic Salmon mass mortality events: A review
Get PDFMass mortality events (MMEs) are defined as the death of large numbers of fish over a short period of time. These events can result in catastrophic losses to the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry and the local economy. However, they are challenging to understand because of their relative infrequency and the high number of potential factors involved. As a result, the causes and consequences of MMEs in Atlantic salmon aquaculture are not well understood. In this study, we developed a structural network of causal risk factors for MMEs for aquaculture and the communities that depend on Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique, we analysed the causes of Atlantic salmon mass mortalities due to environmental (abiotic), biological (biotic) and nutritional risk factors. The consequences of MMEs were also assessed for the occupational health and safety of aquaculture workers and their implications for the livelihoods of local communities. This structural network deepens our understanding of MMEs and points to management actions and interventions that can help mitigate mass mortalities. MMEs are typically not the result of a single risk factor but are caused by the systematic interaction of risk factors related to the environment, fish diseases, feeding/nutrition and cage-site management. Results also indicate that considerations of health and safety risk, through pre- and post-event risk assessments, may help to minimize workplace injuries and eliminate potential risks of human fatalities. Company and government-assisted socio-economic measures could help mitigate post-mass mortality impacts. Appropriate and timely management actions may help reduce MMEs at Atlantic salmon cage sites and minimize the physical and social vulnerabilities of workers and local communities.Additional authors: Cory Ochs, Sarah Lehnert, Cyr Couturier, Christine Knott, João F. Romero, Allan Cembella, Harry M. Murray, Ian A. Fleming, Joel Finnis, Mark D. Fast, Mark Wells, Gerald G. Sing
The colours of the ocean using multispectral satellite imagery to estimate sea surface temperature and salinity in global coastal areas, the gulf of Mexico and the UK
Get PDFUnderstanding and monitoring sea surface salinity (SSS) and temperature (SST) is vital for assessing ocean health. Interconnections among the ocean, atmosphere, seabed, and land create a complex environment with diverse spatial and temporal scales. Climate change exacerbates marine heatwaves, eutrophication, and acidification, impacting biodiversity and coastal communities. Satellite-derived ocean colour data provides enhanced spatial coverage and resolution compared to traditional methods, enabling the estimation of SST and SSS. This study presents a methodology for extracting SST and SSS using machine learning algorithms trained with in-situ and multispectral satellite data. A global neural network model was developed, leveraging spectral bands and metadata to predict these parameters. The model incorporated Shapley values to evaluate feature importance, offering insight into the contributions of specific bands and environmental factors. The global model achieved an R2 of 0.83 for temperature and 0.65 for salinity. In the Gulf of Mexico case study, the model demonstrated a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.83°C for test cases and 1.69°C for validation cases for SST, outperforming traditional methods in dynamic coastal environments. Feature importance analysis identified the critical roles of infrared bands in SST prediction and blue/green colour bands in SSS estimation. This approach addresses the “black box” nature of machine learning models by providing insights into the relative importance of spectral bands and metadata. Key factors such as solar azimuth angle and specific spectral bands were highlighted, demonstrating the potential of machine learning to enhance ocean property estimation, particularly in complex coastal regions
Reachability analysis of FMI models using data-driven dynamic sensitivity
Get PDFDigital twin is a technology that facilitates a real-time coupling of a cyber–physical system and its virtual representation. The technology is applicable to a variety of domains and facilitates more intelligent and dependable system design and operation, but it relies heavily on the existence of digital models that can be depended upon. In realistic systems, there is no single monolithic digital model of the system. Instead, the system is broken into subsystems, with models exported from different tools corresponding to each subsystem. In this paper, we focus on techniques that can be used for a black-box model, such as the ones implementing the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard, formal analysis, and verification. We propose two techniques for simulation-based reachability analysis of models. The first one is based on system dynamics, while the second one utilizes dynamic sensitivity analysis to improve the quality of the results. Our techniques employ simulations to obtain the model’s sensitivity with respect to the initial state (or model’s Lipschitz constant) which is then used to compute reachable states of the system. The approaches also provide probabilistic guarantees on the accuracy of the computed reachable sets that are based on simulations. Each technique requires different levels of information about the black-box system, allowing the readers to select the best technique according to the capabilities of the models. The validation experiments have demonstrated that our proposed algorithms compute accurate reachable sets of stable and unstable linear systems. The approach based on dynamic sensitivity provides an accurate and, with respect to system dimensions, more scalable approach, while the sampling-based method allows a flexible trade-off between accuracy and runtime cost. The validation results also show that our approaches are promising even when applied to nonlinear systems, especially, when applied to larger and more complex systems. The reproducibility package with code and data can be found at https://github.com/twright/FMI-Reachability-Reproducibility
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