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The Perspectives of Implementation in Migration Policies: An Introduction
Get PDF© Éditions de l’Université de BruxellesWhile most literature and public debate on migration policies focuses on law- and policy-making, this book offers a different point of view, that is, a focus on what happens when the laws and policies are implemented. We start from the understanding that lower levels of bureaucracy – those that are charged with applying the policy on an everyday basis – have specific aims, constraints, organizations, and routines that can significantly influence the outcome of a policy
Joint effect of water and sanitation practices on childhood diarrhoea in sub-Saharan Africa
Get PDFBackground: Diarrhoea remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality of children under five years in Africa. Several studies have shown that inadequate and unsafe water, lack of sanitation, and poor hygiene practices are complex issues for different pathogens and accountable for the occurrence of diarrhoea diseases. We assessed the combined effect of household’s source of drinking water and type of toilet facility and residential wellbeing on the incidence of childhood diarrhoea in 33 Sub-Saharan Africa countries while accounting for relevant compositional and contextual factors. Methods: The 2010–2019 datasets from the Demographic and Health Surveys were drawn for analyses. The outcome variable used in this study was the incidence of childhood diarrhoea. Three negative log-log generalized linear regression models were then sequentially fitted to the data to examine the joint effect of household water and sanitation practices on child diarrhoea. The results were presented using crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Using ArcGIS software, maps were design to unveil the spatial distribution of key variables. Findings: Approximately 16% of the 307,741 mothers interviewed reported an incidence of diarrhoea disease among children under-five years in their households. The results showed that a household depending on an unimproved source of drinking water and with an unimproved type of toilet facility was not significantly associated with childhood diarrhoea. However, those with improved drinking water but an unimproved type of toilet facility had higher odds of reporting childhood diarrhoea (AOR = 1.020, 95% CI = 1.003-1-036) compared to those in households with both improved source of drinking water and type of toilet facility. Across the geographical regions, Eastern (aOR = 1.102, 95% CI = 1.084–1.120) and Central Africa (aOR = 1.102, 95% CI = 1.083–1.121) were more likely to experience child diarrhoea. Conclusion: Water and sanitation practices such as the source of drinking water and toilet facility, and geographic region had significant effects on childhood diarrhoea in sub-Saharan Africax. The findings suggest the need for multi-sectoral actions that recognise the geo-spatial and temporal characteristics identified in the study through regional to national policies. Water and sanitation community-based interventions that seek to improve equitable access to safe water and sanitation in the sub-region should be intensified
The Effect of Carbohydrate Restriction on Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Based Metabolites: CALIBER, a Randomised Parallel Trial
Get PDFLow-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diets can be just as effective as high-carbohydrate, lower-fat (HCLF) diets for improving cardiovascular disease risk markers. Few studies have compared the effects of the UK HCLF dietary guidelines with an LCHF diet on lipids and lipoprotein metabolism using high-throughput NMR spectroscopy. This study aimed to explore the effect of an ad libitum 8-week LCHF diet compared to an HCLF diet on lipids and lipoprotein metabolism and CVD risk factors. For 8 weeks, n = 16 adults were randomly assigned to follow either an LCHF (n = 8, <50 g CHO p/day) or an HCLF diet (n = 8). Fasted blood samples at weeks 0, 4, and 8 were collected and analysed for lipids, lipoprotein subclasses, and energy-related metabolism markers via NMR spectroscopy. The LCHF diet increased (p < 0.05) very small VLDL, IDL, and large HDL cholesterol levels, whereas the HCLF diet increased (p < 0.05) IDL and large LDL cholesterol levels. Following the LCHF diet alone, triglycerides in VLDL and HDL lipoproteins significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, and HDL phospholipids significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Furthermore, the LCHF diet significantly (p < 0.05) increased the large and small HDL particle concentrations compared to the HCLF diet. In conclusion, the LCHF diet may reduce CVD risk factors by reducing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and improving HDL functionality
Don Cupitt: prophet, public intellectual and pioneer Public intellectual
No full textThis article is not available on ChesterRepThe 1984 BBC TV series The Sea of Faith offered Don Cupitt an exceptional degree of public recognition and notoriety. His advancement of a non-realist and social constructivist theology had a strong polarizing effect on his audience, engendering disapproval and approbation in equal measure. Opinion was strongly divided between those who resisted any kind of critical approach to Christian teaching and those who felt liberated by Cupitt’s call for a more modern and questioning theology. Through archives of audience reactions to his broadcasts and writings, this article considers whether Cupitt’s influence through The Sea of Faith and other writing and broadcasting was sufficient to rank him as a ‘public intellectual’. It will argue that the controversy Cupitt attracted and his categorization as ‘atheist priest’ and ‘radical theologian’ may ultimately have limited his efforts to promote broad-based, serious theological debate in Church and society
The Influence of COVID-19 Disease on Pre-Analytical Blood Sample Haemolysis Rates in Three Acute Medical Units: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted delivery of health services. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 disease on pre-analytical blood sample haemolysis by modelling the daily haemolysis rates variations pre and post COVID-19 infections. Ethics approval was obtained prior to study commencing.
Interrupted Time Series data analysis was conducted on UK National Health Service Acute Admissions Unit 25-month (1 February 2019 to 28 February 2021) biochemistry (total and haemolysed) blood sample dataset. Interruption was set on 23 March 2021, the start of the first UK lockdown. Daily haemolysis rate (% samples haemolysed) data were fitted with a spline curve to determine influence of haemolysis rates on short or medium-term temporal trends.
Linear regression was performed so as to determine long-term temporal trends pre- and post-intervention.
There were 32,316 biochemistry blood sample results: 19,058 pre and 13,258 (342 days) from the post-intervention period. Overall median daily haemolysis rate was 7.3% (range: 0-30.6%), 7.7% pre-intervention versus 6.5% post-intervention (p<0.0001). The proportion of haemolysis cases negatively correlated with the number of samples processed (rho=0.09; p=0.01). The pre-intervention slope was -1.70 %.y-1, y intercept 9.04%; post-intervention slope was -1.88%.y-1, y intercept was 10.2%; with no difference in either the slope (p=0.87) or intercept (p=0.16).
There was no association between short-term variation in haemolysis rates with changes in practice due to COVID-19 disease and the disease itself. The negative correlation between haemolysis rate and the number of samples processed highlights the importance of continued venepuncture practice to facilitate haemolysis rate reduction
Dual-modality UDV-PIV system for measurement of solid-liquid flow in sewage facilities
Get PDFPopulation growth and global industrialization cause a dramatic increase in the amount of sewage sludge produced annually worldwide from Municipal and Industrial Wastewater treatment. The efficient measurement of sewage, which is a typical solid-liquid two-phase flow, has become an important issue that requires to be urgently addressed. In this study, an improved Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV) is proposed to optimize the probe design and hardware design, which reduces the influence of working frequency and echo reverberation on accuracy and improves the stability of the system. A Doppler peak extraction and superposition method is also put forward to correct the offset of Doppler peak frequency. In this paper, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used to calibrate the UDV system to modify the measurement model of ultrasonic Doppler liquid-solid two-phase flow, and dynamic experiments are carried out in a vertical steel pipe with inner diameter of 50 mm at different flow conditions. The results show that the accuracy and stability of UDV measurement system are greatly improved, with a maximum relative error of 1.49%
Exploring self-harm risk vulnerabilities in autism using the ‘thinking patterns profiling model’
Get PDF© The Author(s) 2023.The version of record of this article, first published in [Discover Psychology], is available online at Publisher’s website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s44202-023-00069-3Autism has been linked to higher rates of self-harm. Research is yet to establish the reason for the association between autism and self-harm as a distress response. Methods: Using the ‘thinking patterns profiling model’, this study explored characteristics associated with self-harm risk in 100 autistic young people. Secondary analysis of routinely collected clinical data was conducted using odds ratios and t-tests. Results: We found the prevalence of reported self-harm risk was 48%. Young people with reported self-harm risks had significantly lower regulation skills (p ≤ 0.01) and lower social flexibility skills (p ≤ 0.01) compared to those without reported self-harm risk. For those described as impulsive, mean scores on the following skills were significantly lower: perspective-taking skills (p ≤ 0.01), flexible thinking for creative problem-solving (p ≤ 0.05) and sensory tolerating (p ≤ 0.05). There was no relationship between reported self-harm risk and adverse childhood experiences. Conclusions: These findings suggest that profiling tools such as ‘Thinking Patterns Profiling Model’ can be used to explore unique patterns of vulnerability and resilience related to self-harm risk in autism. The findings suggest that autistic thinking patterns might interplay with other factors (e.g. impulsivity). Patterns are based on each person’s profile across four core skill-sets: regulation, flexible thinking, sensory coherence, and social perspective-taking. These findings motivate a person-centred and profile-informed approach to planning support and adjustments. Further studies are needed to confirm the ways in which mechanisms typically involved in self-harm risk, may interact with core cognitive and affective differences found in autism.Acknowledgements: This project was conducted through the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT), a global partnership led by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases at the World Health Organization. The training is based on a course developed jointly by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and Medécins sans Frontières. This specific SORT IT program was run by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) NHS Foundation Trust as part of routine work. Mentorship and the coordination/facilitation of these SORT IT workshops were provided through the CWP NHS Foundation Trust; The Centre for Operational Research, The Union, Paris, France; The Institute of Medicine, University of Chester, UK; and College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter. The authors would like to acknowledge the families who attended the autism diagnostic assessment profiling service, and to thank the experts by experience who shared their insight, contributed to interpretation of the study findings, and reviewed final versions of the manuscript. Experts by experience included Josef de la Moitie and Kevin Carrell who were happy to be named. The authors would also like to thank Professor Taj Nathan (Director of Research and Effectiveness), Dr Fiona Pender (Strategic Director), Anne Casey (Head of Clinical Services), Dr Ian Davidson (Consultant Psychiatrist and Royal College of Psychiatrists Autism Champion), and Heather Pearce (Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist) all at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Finally, thank you to David Tollerfield for permission to use the ‘Thinking Patterns Profiling Model’ digital innovations as part of the diagnostic assessment profiling service
Foreword to Edge Words: 20 Stories from the Cheshire Prize for Literature 2006
No full textIntroduction to anthology.N/
A Narrative Enquiry into the Experiences of Women with a Late Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Get PDFAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition with two main subtypes: hyperactivity, which is characterised by impulsivity and restlessness, and inattentiveness, with difficulties focusing and concentrating. Individuals can also have a combination of both. Research into ADHD has traditionally focussed on young males with hyperactive symptoms, and as a result, other groups have been overlooked, such as women. Although the ADHD subtypes are present in females, the symptoms are often misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed for reasons such as the pervasive stereotype that only boys have it or that the symptoms are hidden through socialisation. A lack of diagnosis can lead to various issues for the individual, for example, failing to meet their academic potential, a lack of career success, relationship problems, and drug and alcohol abuse. In addition, this can lead to struggles with depression and anxiety. The impact of undiagnosed ADHD can, therefore, have a significant effect on an individual’s life.
The body of research into women with ADHD is a limited yet growing area. As a result, there has been an increase in public awareness and a surge in women of all ages seeking a diagnosis. Further research is required to advance an understanding of the symptoms and experiences of ADHD in females to increase the likelihood of an early diagnosis and to mitigate associated issues and comorbidities.
This study recruited six women between the ages of 35 and 50 with a late diagnosis of ADHD. The data collection and analysis followed the constructivist paradigm, with a narrative methodology containing a life-story interview and a focused conversation. The participants' narratives of undiagnosed ADHD are restoried in the results section, revealing the unique complexities and multiple truths of the participants' experience. Reflexive commentary is applied to provide insights into the interpretation and positioning within the research, and reflections on the author's experiences of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD are included to add further data.
The discussion provides answers to the research questions by applying philosophical theory to aspects of women's narratives. Bourdieu's Theory of Practice explored difficulties faced in fields such as school and the workplace. In addition, a suggestion that symptoms of ADHD override the habitus, creating problems conforming to the doxa of the field is made. Lacan's Register Theory was used to analyse the moment the women realised that they have ADHD, and for some of the participants, this was a significant event. Finally, Kristeva's concept of abjection was used to explain the participants' reconstruction of their symbolic order by removing the facets of themselves they no longer recognised due to their late diagnosis.
This project adds to the limited body of research on women with ADHD. Each participant’s experience of navigating their life without a reason for their struggles or perceived differences is unique and has not been researched before. The individual accounts and commonalities between them reinforce the importance of an early diagnosis and an increased awareness of ADHD as an underlying cause for other comorbidities and issues
An Exploration of the Perceived Gendered Impact and Implications of Shared Parental Leave on the Career Progression of Solicitors in England and Wales
Get PDFOver 100 years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 lifted the prohibition of women practicing law in England and Wales the number of women practising as solicitors has overtaken men. However, women continue to be underrepresented in the senior positions in the solicitors’ profession. Existing literature has identified that the solicitors’ profession is underpinned by a masculine workplace culture, and that sex, motherhood, and childcare responsibilities present obstacles for women to progress to the senior positions in the solicitors’ profession. In 2015 the UK Government introduced shared parental leave (SPL), a modest reform of childcare leave, enabling working mothers to transfer maternity leave and pay to the father from as early as two weeks after the arrival of a child. SPL is intended to help women to retain and improve their position in the UK labour market by encouraging fathers to share childcare more equally from birth. The object of this research is to examine whether SPL effectively addresses the gendered obstacles related to childcare responsibilities faced by women to career progression in the solicitors’ profession. To achieve this, the research employs a socio-legal methodology with a qualitative empirical approach using a student focus group, a qualitative questionnaire and 24 interviews with participants with experience working at solicitors’ firms based in England and Wales. This research finds that childcare and the perception that women will become mothers with childcare responsibilities is an underlying obstacle to career progression in the solicitors’ profession. This research also finds that shared parental leave is ineffective at challenging the obstacles to career progression because of barriers preventing parents from taking up SPL. Participants recommended changes to SPL and the introduction of additional mechanisms to encourage higher levels of take-up of SPL by parents working in the solicitors’ profession. This research proposes pointers for action by individual law firms, regulatory bodies, and the UK Government to increase the efficacy of SPL at addressing the gendered obstacles related to childcare responsibilities faced by women to career progression in the solicitors’ profession
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