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COVID-19 and vision impairment: Constraints negotiation, participation, and well-being during lockdown in the United Kingdom
Get PDFIn response to the Coronavirus disease, the United Kingdom (UK) government introduced lockdown measures requiring people to isolate and adhere to social distancing. This article uses Constraints Negotiation Theory to examine effects of the lockdown on people with vision impairment (PwVI). The research is based on an online survey of 639 PwVI in the UK. The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS. The findings show that the lockdown had a negative effect on the participation and well-being of PwVI. However, they also show that the negative effects could be negotiated by adapting activities. This emphasises the need for a more inclusive response to current or future pandemics that recognises the vulnerabilities of PwVI and helps them to overcome the challenges associated with any measures that are introduced
The Effects of Absorbing Materials on the Homogeneity of Composite Heating by Microwave Radiation
Get PDFWhen cured in a microwave, flat thin composite panels can experience even heat distribution throughout the laminate. However, as load and geometric complexity increase, the electromagnetic field and resulting heat distribution is altered, making it difficult to cure the composite homogeneously. Materials that absorb and/or reflect incident electromagnetic radiation have the potential to influence how the field behaves, and therefore to tailor and improve the uniformity of heat distribution. In this study, an absorber was applied to a composite with non-uniform geometry to increase heating in the location which had previously been the coldest position, transforming it into the hottest. Although this result overshot the desired outcome of temperature uniformity, it shows the potential of absorbing materials to radically change the temperature distribution, demonstrating that with better regulation of the absorbing effect, a uniform temperature distribution is possible even in non-uniform composite geometries
Opportunities and prejudices in synthetic experiments
Get PDFSynthetic experiments, meaning experiments performed using models of reality,
are used in a variety of contexts. In recent years, advances in computing capability have led to
the development of modelling capability that replicates reality to such an extent that in some
circumstances it is difficult to distinguish the model from reality. From a science or engineering
perspective, computational analysis models are used to replicate or predict phenomena such as
fluid flow or stress in a machine component, but the capability has also crossed over into the
arts enabling the computer generated imagery (CGI) used in films, and the augmented reality
(AR) of video games. This paper reviews the application of synthetic experiments to replace
physical experiments and discusses some of the advantages and pitfalls of such an approach in
the context of education. The trend for democratizing analysis is considered, and the dangers
of misinterpreting results are discussed. A discussion of the issue of model over–simplification is
given, and finally the use of synthetic experiments as part of a systematic scientific investigation
is also considered
Assessing the Impact of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol on the Wider Population of Drinkers - Baseline
Get PDFThis report focuses on the assessment of impact on the wider population of drinkers and presents findings from research conducted prior to the implementation of minimum price for alcohol (MPA) in Wales. The findings provide an important baseline that can be used to monitor the impact of MPA on the wider population of drinkers in Wales post-implementation of the legislation
Optimisation and validation of immunohistochemistry protocols for cancer research
Get PDFBackground
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has become a valuable laboratory technique for diagnosing, evaluating metastasis and informing treatment selection in several cancers. Standardization however remains a limiting factor in IHC. The main aim of this research study was to optimise, validate and standardize antibodies and IHC protocols for cancer research.
Methods
Seven monoclonal mouse and rabbit antibodies were optimised using formalin-fixed paraffin
embedded (FFPE) human tissue blocks. 4um sections of FFPE block were stained using the Roche Ventana XT or Ventana ULTRA IHC automated analysers. This study modified manufacturer recommended protocols by using a unique antigen retrieval method, adding an
amplification step, varying primary antibody incubation times, as well as using the Roche Ventana Ultraview detection system.
Results
Optimum antibody localisation was observed in modified IHC protocols in comparison with
manufacturer recommended protocols for anti- CEACAM-1, anti-CD31, anti-COX-2, anti-HER-2/neu, anti-S100P, anti-thrombomodulin and anti-VEGFR-3. Majority of antibodies required more than one modification of the initial protocol. For anti-VEGFR-3 optimum staining was observed following 4 protocol modifications.
Conclusions
This study has optimised and standardized several tissue-based biomarkers that may be, in the future, used to screen, diagnose and monitor patients with certain cancer, such as bladder cancer. Accurate data on optimised protocols reduce time and resources wasted on experimental protocols, and ultimately help identify biomarkers or biomarker panels, which may be used to select treatment regimens for various cancers
Thermal characterisation of insulating layers in metal core PCB
Get PDFThis paper provides a steady-state thermal characterisation of advanced insulating layers for isotropic electroconductive adhesive based Metal Core Printed Circuit Boards. Thermal measurements were conducted using the Thermal Transient Tester to analyse the properties of layers applied onto two different base materials - aluminium and copper. For each base material, four types of insulating layers were characterised. Size of the specimen plate for both base materials was selected as 100mm x 20mm x 1mm. The isotropic electroconductive adhesive was applied onto insulating layers to ensure electrical connection between seven SMD heat-generating components. These components are mounted in the identical distance to each other. The thermal characterisation of power SMD components and the assembling process based on isotropic electroconductive adhesive were evaluated. Application of advanced insulating layer was analysed to assess the thermal performance of complete MCPCB structure. It has been shown that the lowest thermal resistance of the aluminium based insulating layers is 21.1K/W, whereas the lowest thermal resistance of the copper based insulating layer is 15.5K/W
Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing among people who are alcohol dependent and accessing treatment services: Interim report: Structured interview data
Get PDFThe Scottish Government introduced a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol on 1 May 2018. Retailers in Scotland can no longer sell alcohol to consumers for less than £0.50 per unit (1 unit = 8g ethanol). There is robust modelling and empirical evidence that increasing alcohol prices in general, and minimum pricing policies in particular, lead to reductions in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm at a population level. There is, however, less evidence on how people who are dependent on alcohol respond to such policies. This is important as the complex needs of this population mean they may respond in ways that have negative
consequences for their own health and wellbeing, or for the health and wellbeing of those around them, and wider society. This report describes a study evaluating the
effects of MUP in Scotland among people presenting to alcohol treatment, gastroenterology/liver services, or general practice (GP) with alcohol dependence at
three time points (one prior to implementation and two following implementation), with comparison to England, where MUP was not implemented
Coaching Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Scoping Review
Get PDFAim. To review current evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational therapy coaching interventions for parents of children with sensory integration difficulties, delivered to individuals or groups of parents. Method. A historical scoping review was completed of empirical research records to summarize what is known and how this information can guide future research. The process was guided by PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English language and peer-reviewed empirical studies of parent coaching intervention for children with sensory processing or sensory integration difficulties. Five databases were searched. Papers were critically reviewed using McMaster’s guidelines. Results. Four studies met the search criteria. Three studies took a direct coaching approach with individual parents or families. The fourth study took a mixed educational/coaching approach with groups of parents and teachers. Conclusion. There is some evidence to conclude that occupational therapists can deliver individual parent-focused coaching interventions which impact positively on individual child goals, parental stress, and sense of competence. Group intervention can lead to caregivers’ improved perceived and actual knowledge of sensory integration, as well as a sense of self-efficacy in dealing with sensory-related child behaviors. Current evidence is limited. Suggestions for future research are offered
Stakeholder relationships towards influencing new zero carbon house building in the UK
Get PDFThis paper examines the attitudes of house builders, house buyers and government officials and the perceptions of each group view on the future low or zero-carbon house building. From this analysis, possible hurdles in the forwarding of the development process in this field can be identified and possibly overcome
Educating Informal Educators on Issues of Race and Inequality: Raising Critical Consciousness, Identifying Challenges, and Implementing Change in a Youth and Community Work Programme
Get PDFThe debate regarding institutional racism and White privilege within higher education (HE) remains prevalent, and higher education institutions (HEIs) are not exempt from the racial equality debate. Youth and Community Work is underpinned by anti-oppressive practice, highlighting a need to educate informal educators on the structural underpinnings of Race and inequlaity, so that they can be challenged in practice to bring about social change. For Youth and Community Workers, this is primarily done through informal education and critical pedagogy. The research aimed to unearth race inequality within the Youth and Community Work programme at Wrexham Glyndŵr University (WGU). Critical reflection methodology was used to deconstruct departmental processes of recruitment, learning and assessment, student voice, and support. Research data was analysed using thematic analysis, determining three themes: critical consciousness, challenge, and change. These are discussed within the framework of Critical Race Theory and critical pedagogy. The research concludes that oppression, and therefore inequality, occurs in the Youth and Community Work programme. Further reading of issues reported in HEIs across the United Kingdom shows that more analysis and deconstruction is needed through CRT. Educating informal educators on issues of race and inequality to raise critical consciousness is one way this can be achieved