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Just because we can does not mean we should : responsible and meaningful uses of administrative data in the evaluation of complex interventions in children’s social care
Get PDFAdministrative data are increasingly used in impact evaluations of complex interventions in children’s social care (CSC), offering advantages such as longitudinal, population-level coverage, and reduced burden on families and practitioners. However, administrative data alone are insufficient to support meaningful and responsible evaluation. Drawing on insights from two webinars hosted by the Children’s Social Care Data User Group, which focused on presentations about uses of administrative data for evaluations, we identify three core challenges that administrative data cannot resolve in isolation: understanding the intervention, creating a valid comparison group, and measuring relevant outcomes. We explore how the absence of detailed programme theory, limited information on intervention implementation, and lack of nuanced outcome measures constrain the interpretability of evaluation findings. We highlight the risks of confounding in quasi-experiments when key contextual variables are missing from administrative datasets. While we acknowledge the value of administrative data, we caution against over-reliance on datasets designed for operational rather than evaluative purposes. We offer recommendations for more robust evaluation practice, including commitments to building programme theory, prospective data collection, capturing lived experiences, and transparent reporting of study limitations. These recommendations align with emerging policy frameworks and evaluation strategies but require adequate time, funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration
When less is enough : Streamlining assessment methods for treatment integrity in emotion-focused therapy
Get PDFResearch in psychotherapy often highlights the value of observing and evaluating therapist performance, as differences in treatment delivery can occur, and assessing treatment integrity may provide useful insights. Practical challenges, including time constraints, high costs, and limited resources, can make such evaluation difficult. This study investigated if 10-minute segments could be generalized to whole-session ratings of treatment integrity and whether the results differed according to the observation format (video vs. audio). Twenty-two sessions (66 segments) of emotion-focused therapy (EFT) from 11 cases were coded, including 13 (59.1%) videos and 9 (40.9%) audio recordings. A mixed-design analysis of variance examined differences across three within-session segments and between observation formats (video or audio) and session timings (session 5 or session 10). Overall interrater reliability was good (ICC=.90). Mid-session and late-session segments demonstrated higher shared variance with global ratings than early-session segments. Video segments received significantly higher ratings than audio segments did. These preliminary findings suggest that one or two 10-minute segments may provide a reasonable approximation of whole-session treatment integrity ratings in EFT. Video recordings, which capture both verbal and nonverbal cues, may offer greater value than audio alone, but their use should be weighed against practical considerations
High-fidelity data reduction and feature extraction for real-time robotic ultrasonic geometry estimation in nuclear manufacturing
No full textNuclear manufacturing for SMRs requires right-first-time production to minimize repairs. While real-time ultrasonic sidewall fusion monitoring shows promise, with amplitude signal drop from 60% to 0% indicating proper fusion, robotic inspection introduces measurement challenges. Advanced ultrasonic data acquisition methods improve robustness but generate data volumes incompatible with real-time processing (up to 20 million data points). This Babcock-supported research proposes the combination of automated ultrasonic inspection with machine learning to enable rapid weld geometry estimation. It extracts features from compressed data through a three-stage process: (1) identifying the most predictive hand crafted features, (2) augmenting sparse data using oversampling and gaussian process regression, and (3) creating lightweight models (stacked support vector machine and ridge regression), suitable for real-time deployment. This achieves 90% data reduction, maintaining 1.2 mm compression fidelity and computation time below 200 ms using hybrid CPU-GPU architecture. Validated on production-relevant weld geometries (120 mm narrow gap and 15.8 mm V-groove), the approach characterises robotic positioning uncertainties by propagating positioning through linear regression for ultrasonic measurement and could enable autonomous quality control during welding. With in-process defect detection, this framework represents a step toward closed-loop quality control in nuclear manufacturing and could significantly reduce rework cost in next-generation SMRs
DC grid re-energization analysis during DC fault ride-through of bipolar MTDC systems with energy-based MMC control in grid-following
Get PDFDC Fault Ride-Through (FRT) capability is essential to minimise impact of DC faults in hybrid AC/DC power system. It ensures safe operation, and enable a smooth system restoration, which are key factors to enhance the overall system’s resilience and reliability (R&R). In this context, the DC grid re-energization after a DC fault introduces a relevant power disturbance at the converter AC point of connection (PoC). This can affect the converter operation, and consequently, both AC and DC grid performance. These challenges are further exacerbated under weak grid conditions, which can lead to transgression of the operational margins of the system, imposing stricter requirements on coordinated control and protection (C&P) strategies. This paper investigates and compares two control strategies for multi-terminal DC (MTDC) grid re-energization during DC FRT events when facing a weak grid condition. The first strategy, Vdc-droop reactivation, enables the converters in Vdc control mode to share DC voltage restoration after reclosing the DC Circuit Breaker (DCCB). Second, Vdc-master control assigns a single converter to restore DC voltage in a centralised manner. Simulation results demonstrate that the Vdc-master control approach achieves smoother voltage restoration and reduced power disturbances, assuring system recovery and improved post-fault stability compared to the Vdc-droop method when facing a weak grid condition. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of robust FRT and re-energization schemes in future hybrid AC/DC grids
Salt forms of a thioamide : protonation of 1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)thiourea
Get PDFTreating the thioamide 1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)thiourea (C9H12N2S, DMPT) with concentrated aqueous strong acids gave three salt forms with protonation at the thioamide S atom. The structures of 1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)thiouronium chloride, C9H13N2S+·Cl− or [DMPT(H)][Cl], 1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)thiouronium bromide, C9H13N2S+·Br− or [DMPT(H)][Br], and 1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)thiouronium hydrogen sulfate, C9H13N2S+·HSO4− or [DMPT(H)][HSO4], are compared with that of neutral DMPT. Protonation at the S atom results in a systematic lengthening of the C=S bond and a shortening of the C—N bonds, with a larger effect found for the bonds involving the secondary amine rather than the primary amine function. The [DMPT(H)]+ cations are found to adopt one of two possible conformations, with the halide species having secondary N—H syn to S—H, whilst in the hydrogen sulfate structure, this relationship is anti. The change in cation conformation is related to a change in the hydrogen‐bonding motif, but all three salt forms form layered structures with two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded units separated by layers of hydrophobic arene rings. An alternative product type was isolated on adding DMPT to concentrated sulfuric or tetrafluoroboric acid. Structures of the dicarbocationic disulfide species (disulfane‐1,2‐diyl)bis[N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)methanediaminium] bis(tetrafluoroborate), C18H24N4S22+·2BF4− or [Dimer][BF4]2, and (disulfane‐1,2‐diyl)bis[N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)methanediaminium] bis(hydrogen sulfate) monohydrate, C18H24N4S22+·2HSO4−·H2O or [Dimer][HSO4]2·H2O, are also described
Harvesting insights : a comprehensive analysis of agricultural lands using remote sensing
Get PDFClimate change has emerged as a critical global challenge, with far-reaching consequences for our planet's ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies. With the advancement in technology today, decision-makers have begun to move away from costly and traditional monitoring methods to leveraging advanced techniques such as remote sensing for agricultural monitoring. Traditional methods of assessing agricultural lands often involve time-consuming and costly field surveys. However, with recent advancements in remote sensing technology, and with the availability of satellite imagery, it has become possible to utilize remote sensing indices to assess agricultural lands more efficiently and accurately. This study focuses on utilizing Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellite images to provide spatiotemporal insights on a seasonal basis. The primary objective of this study is to assess the agricultural lands in the Northern Governorate of the Kingdom of Bahrain by analysing the potential of remote sensing indices in characterizing and quantifying key agricultural parameters such as vegetation health, water stress, temperature levels and soil conditions. To extract meaningful geospatial insights from satellite imagery, various remote sensing indices have been applied such as the Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), Soil Moisture Index (SMI), Soil Salinity Index (SSI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). The comparative analysis reveals key spatial and temporal dynamics between all indices. Correlation coefficient (r) highlights relationships between NDCI, SMI, and NDMI, showing notable interdependence in agricultural parameters with r values ranging from 0.623 to 0.783 across summer and winter seasons
Classifying electrical demand profiles at EV charging hubs : insights from arrival and departure data
Get PDFThe decarbonisation of passenger cars through the adoption of battery electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates a detailed understanding of the temporal electrical demand patterns associated with charging behaviour. Such insights are critical for ensuring the compatibility of electric power distribution networks with current and future EV adoption rates. This study employs data analytics and probabilistic techniques to analyse arrival and departure data at existing EV charging hubs. The paper introduces a framework to evaluate the performance of charging hubs, providing valuable insights into peak demand, user behaviour patterns, and site-specific variations. The results provide several key contributions to the field of energy management and grid optimisation offering practical tools for planning future EV infrastructure
Sagittal misalignment patterns and pathomechanical hypothesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis : a radiographic analysis
Get PDFPurpose: This study aimed to identify sagittal misalignment patterns in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by measuring sagittal segmental slope angles of the lower cervical, upper and lower thoracic, and upper and lower lumbar segments relative to the global horizontal line, as well as sagittal deviations of C4, T7, and L3 from the sagittal central sacral line on lateral radiographs of AIS patients. This study also examined the sagittal pathomechanics of AIS, including compensatory mechanisms underlying these misalignment patterns. Methods: A retrospective radiographic analysis was conducted using standing full-spine lateral radiographs from 100 AIS patients randomly selected from a scoliosis clinic database. Five sagittal segmental radiographic spinal alignment parameters (RSAPs) and three sagittal deviational angles (SDAs) were measured. Radiographs were classified into distinct sagittal misalignment types based on combinations of SDA values and sagittal segmental RSAP measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to confirm the distinctiveness of each type. Results: Seven sagittal misalignment types were identified, ranging from near-normal alignment to patterns involving mixed combinations of of the following features: pronounced posterior tilting of the thoracic spine with excessive posterior decompensation of the superior segments; thoracic hypokyphosis with or without cervical decompensation; vertical straightening of the upper lumbar segments, lower thoracic segments, or both; and lumbar hyperlordosis with pronounced anterior tilt of the lower lumbar segment. These profiles reflect regional responses—anterior displacement or compensatory hyperextension—to increased extension moments. Conclusion: AIS sagittal misalignment is driven by increased extension moments and compensatory hyperextension, with regional responses governed by facet joint orientation. Recognizing these mechanisms supports universal 3D biomechanical principles for orthotic design, enhancing sagittal correction and overall treatment outcomes
Community-Led Total Sanitation implementation in Malawi : process evaluation of a sanitation and hygiene intervention
Get PDFCommunity-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) seeks to eliminate open defecation by empowering households to adopt improved sanitation and hygiene behaviours. While widely integrated into national sanitation strategies of low- and middle-income countries, limited evidence exists on how implementation processes drive behaviour change. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation fidelity, reach, dose, adaptation, and mechanisms of impact of a CLTS intervention in Chiradzulu District, Malawi. We conducted a retrospective mixed methods process evaluation between January 2022 and February 2023, using 1,151 household surveys, 36 in-depth interviews, and 28 focus group discussions with community members and implementers. Outcomes assessed were latrine and handwashing facility (HWF) availability, with logistic regression used to explore associations with intervention exposure. All planned activities were delivered, but fidelity was variable ranging from low fidelity for training delivery to high fidelity for household engagement. Intervention reach was suboptimal, with limited household contact and low recall of hygiene campaigns. Combined exposure to both community and household-based activities significantly increased odds of latrine ownership (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.55–1.72) and HWF presence (OR = 1.39, CI = 1.03–1.86). CLTS programmes should strengthen intervention fidelity, integrate affordable climate resilient facilities, and strengthen household-based engagement to enhance sustainability and impact
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