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Address- versus postcode-based building blocks for the creation of small area statistical geographies : some lessons from the 1911 British Population Census
No full textPostal geography is increasingly used to define spatial units for data collection and statistical reporting in British population censuses. There has been a shift from defining a single set of spatial units for each census to creating areas with greater consistency across censuses using artificial polygons around collections of postcoded addresses. However, the question remains whether creating new zones for the purpose of reporting aggregate statistics can feasibly be carried out by starting from individual addresses rather than postcode units, while at the same time preserving the confidentiality of households and individuals. Although the issues could be approached by using modelled data derived from modern censuses, the approach adopted here has been to use genuine household and individual level data from the 1911 Census for addresses that have been georeferenced in a selection of local authorities. Testing the difference between address- and postcode-based new zones was carried out by aggregating from two sets of Thiessen polygon building blocks, one for individual 1911 census addresses and the other for these addresses grouped within modern unit postcode boundaries. The sets of new zones were assessed by measures of target population attainment, homogeneity and shape compactness and in respect of how they allocated different percentages of the addresses to the same spatial unit. People and households were distributed at lower densities across new zones that occurred in relatively unpopulated areas, although even in more densely inhabited parts of the study areas some people and households were colocated in the same new zones produced from the two starting sets of different Thiessen polygons
DustNet (v1) : skilful neural network predictions of dust aerosols over the Saharan desert
No full textSuspended in the atmosphere are millions of tonnes of mineral dust that interact with weather and climate. Accurate representation of mineral dust in weather models is vital, yet it remains challenging. Large-scale weather models use supercomputers and take hours to complete forecasts. Such computational burdens allow them to include only monthly climatological means of mineral dust as input states, inhibiting their forecasting accuracy. Here, we introduce DustNet, a simple, accurate, and fast forecasting model for predictions 24 h in advance of aerosol optical depth (AOD). DustNet is a custom-built 2D convolutional neural network (CNN) equipped with transposed convolution layers. The model is trained on selected ERA5 meteorology and past MODIS AOD observational data as inputs. Our design of DustNet ensures that the model trains in less than 8 min and creates predictions in 2.1 s on a desktop computer, without the need to utilise any graphics processing units (GPUs). Predictions created by DustNet outperform the state-of-the-art physics-based model at coarse 1°×1° resolution at 95 % of grid locations when compared to ground truth satellite data. The test results show that the daily mean AOD over the entire Saharan desert area is highly correlated with MODIS observational data, with Pearson's r2=0.91. Our results demonstrate DustNet's potential for fast and accurate AOD forecasting, which can easily be utilised by researchers without access to supercomputers or GPUs
The politics of behaviour from a SEND point of view : towards inclusive and compassionate approaches
No full textDr Paty Paliokosta Associate Professor in Inclusive Education at Kingston University, argues against the authoritarian approach of Tom Bennett and others. Instead she proposes more inclusive approaches and hopes Labour will follow suit. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Kingston University
The provision of relationship and sex education programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder– staff perspective
Full text linkRelationship and Sex Education (RSE) has been integrated into the National Curriculum within UK schools for the past two decades. RSE aims to teach about the emotional, social, and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. Such a curriculum tends to be mainstream oriented, taught in large classes, with limited exploration and clarification for those who need it. There is concern that the development of incomplete knowledge and skills places the pupil with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a difficult and potentially vulnerable position. This study was the first of three looking at development of a more appropriate RSE program for pupils with ASD. The study focused upon evaluating the RSE program being utilised at the time (2016) via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with teaching staff. Participants were either senior leadership members or school RSE coordinators and they came from 15 schools providing for pupils with ASD in London, Surrey, and Sussex. The resulting qualitative data were analyzed for common themes. The resulting themes highlighted difficulties in implementing RSE programs with pupils with ASD, lack of resources and support, and being able to develop positive RSE. The results indicate that although those in charge of RSE implementation are committed, they are frequently faced with a range of barriers. The discussion section highlights the importance of this subject and the need to increase understanding in relation to such programs
Cutaneous cryosurgery in dermatology : evolving principles and clinical applications for benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions
Full text linkSkin and subcutaneous diseases represent a significant public health burden, profoundly impacting quality of life, social interactions, mental health, and daily activities–raising concerns worldwide. In modern cryogenics, cryosurgery is among the therapeutic approaches employed by healthcare professionals to address this broad and complex range of diseases. Over the past four decades, cryosurgery has evolved into a valuable treatment option, used alone or as an adjunct therapy, and is adaptable to the needs of various special populations. This approach offers distinct advantages over established treatments due to its safety, efficiency, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, a comprehensive, up-to-date review of cryosurgery’s applications is lacking, which limits research dissemination and recognition among dermatologists. This review aims to provide an overview of cryosurgery principles and its current clinical practice in dermatology, covering a broad range of benign, premalignant, and malignant cutaneous conditions, and highlighting its potential as an essential approach in global healthcare
Towards a sustainable solution : the barriers and enablers in adopting circular economy principles for medicines waste management in UK and Kuwaiti hospitals
No full textThe significance of medicines lies not only in their medicinal value but also in their cost, emphasizing the importance of proper utilisation to reduce waste and optimise resource allocation. The transition to a circular economy, which entails shifting from the current ‘take-use-dispose’ model to a closed-loop system, emerges as a pragmatic approach to curbing waste generation. This study therefore aims to identify the enablers and barriers associated with adopting circular economy practices in the management of medicines waste within hospital pharmacies, examining practices in both the United Kingdom and Kuwait. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research is validated using empirical data gathered through qualitative interviews (Phase one, n = 29) and quantitative questionnaires (Phase two, n = 86). Key themes were identified in the qualitative data and supported by quantitative results, these were: Barriers and Enablers (Cognitive, Structural and Cultural) and CE Practices (Circulation of products and Eliminating waste and pollution). 89% of the total sample confirmed that legislation was a key barrier to CE adoption. Sustainable design of products and packaging was considered a priority by a large proportion of the respondent sample (89%), but technology was seen to be unsupportive in advancing CE agendas (90% confirmation across both samples). The sharing of medication with other hospital pharmacies was deemed a sensible approach with 75% of the Kuwait sample favouring this. Sharing stock within UK NHS Trusts was practiced but not between Trusts. To maximise the use of products in circulation nearly half of UK participants said they repackaged medications to reduce wastage. Embracing circular economy principles in hospitals’ management of medicines waste presents a promising strategy that can not only enhance national eco-friendly supply chain management practices but also mitigate medicines waste, bolster sustainability efforts, and alleviate disposal costs. Frameworks are proposed to overcome barriers to CE and support pharmacy operational activity promoting higher levels of circular practice
