4101 research outputs found
Sort by
Hybrid AHP and TOPSIS methods based cell selection (HATCS) scheme for Mobile WiMAX
No full textHybrid AHP and TOPSIS Methods Based Cell Selection (HATCS) Scheme for Mobile WiMA
Wellbeing, compassion fatigue and burnout in APs.
No full textIt is important that the mental wellbeing of the healthcare workforce is attended to by managers. While many research workers have looked at issues of occupational stress and burnout, fewer have considered the mental wellbeing of staff. In this paper, we report on the findings from a larger survey of mental wellbeing, compassion fatigue and burnout in health and social care professionals.Here we focus on the findings for assistant practitioners (APs). Some 45 APs took part in our questionnaire survey. They were all completing their foundation degree at the University of Bolton. The group were all quite experienced and most worked full-time. The average score on the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale for our group was 22.96, which is significantly below the average for the general population in the North West of England of 27.70. Only 3 out of 45 APs had ‘high wellbeing’, while 7 out of 45 had ‘low wellbeing’. Scores for trust were also quite low. Burnout was more of a problem than compassion fatigue for this group of practitioners, with the highest score on the item: ‘I have frequently felt weak, tired or rundown as a result of my work.’ While this was only a small study, and as such needs to be treated with some caution, it does reinforce the need to think about the wellbeing of the workforce and the necessity for managers to provide support for APs in their roles
An investigation of approaches to the teaching and learning of English as a second language in early years settings.
No full textThe numbers of children in primary education (UK) who have English as a second or additional language is increasing, to the point that in some areas English speaking pupils are in the minority (Guardian 2013). How such children are being taught English language skills became the impetus for the research.The focus of the study is on examining, the effectiveness of differing approaches to the teaching of English as a second language, the role of second language learner support, and the strategies used to communicate effectively with parents. This is a longitudinal study conducted over a three year period, as it follows a cohort of children from reception to year 2. In participation were 5 primary schools, 15 members of staff, around 150 children and 100 parents. The methodology involved the observation of children, and staff; interviews with staff; focus groups with parents; an analysis of national policy and literacy initiatives.The findings revealed that across different schools the common feature was for the class teacher to take overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of strategies for teaching English. The role of support staff varied depending on the cultural make-up of the school. One significant difference was the extent to which creativity was employed in teaching; this was one factor that appeared to have the greatest impact on successful outcomes. The role of adult learner support was inconsistent, as was the opportunity for children to engage in peer tutoring with those who spoke English as their first language. All settings set out to establish strong links with parents, and acted in response to local needs.The major implications of the study are on the need to address issues of cultural awareness, and specific second language teaching as part of both initial and in service training for teachers; the training of bi-lingual support workers needs to be more rigorous. One very clear aspect emerging from the study is the difference between schools and, therefore the educational experiences of children
Transparent Surface Acoustic Wave Devices on ZnO/Glass Using Al-Doped ZnO as the Electrode
No full textThis letter reports the design of transparent surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators using aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) as the transparent electrode on ZnO/glass substrates. SAW devices with a resonant frequency up to 204.4 MHz and signal amplitude up to 25 dB were obtained with transparency above 80%. An AZO layer of more than 250 nm is needed to minimize the series resistance of the electrode to achieve reasonable performance. Temperature sensing showed that they have a temperature coefficient of frequency of similar to 50 ppm/K. This demonstrates the great potential of transparent SAW devices for widespread applications, as such devices are one the of building blocks of electronics, sensors, and microsystems
A single FBAR-based temperature and pressure sensors
No full textA novel temperature and pressure sensor based on a single film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) is designed. This FBAR support two resonant modes, which response opposite to the change of temperature. By sealed the back cavity of a back-trench membrane type FBAR with silicon wafer, an on-chip single FBAR sensor suitable for measuring temperature and pressure simultaneously is proposed. For unsealed device, the experimental results show that the first resonant mode has a temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of 69.5ppm/K, and the TCF of the second mode is -8.1ppm/K. After sealed the back trench, it can be used as a pressure sensor, the pressure coefficient of frequency (PCF) for the two resonant mode is -17.4ppm/kPa and -6.1 ppm/kPa respectively, both of them being more sensitive than other existing pressure sensors
ePDP: How we have learned to acknowledge that students are the shapers of their own reflective practice
No full textThe culture of ePDP has changed, and we, at the University of Bolton have seen it evolving rapidly in the past 4 years. As lecturers, we have evolved from PDP mentors to ePDP observers, as students have taken over the way they present their reflections to the world. And as digital media doesn't stop advancing, student don't stop exploring new media that best supports their subject area and might potentially boost their employability opportunities.This webinar will present our journey in searching for the 'best approach' to support learners in their PDP path, examples of multiple digital portfolio uses and lessons learned (including Dos and Don'ts!)
Remarkable lives: Stuart Baker-Brown in conversation with Jerome Carson
No full textPurpose - This paper aims to offer a profile of Stuart Baker-Brown.
Design/methodology/approach - Stuart provides a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include his trek to Everest Base Camp, involvement with the Time to Change anti-stigma campaign and his work on the Recovery Archive.
Findings - Stuart stresses the importance of giving hope to people with mental health problems. Individuals also need to believe that they can recover. He feels that the new Recovery Archive will help provide a more encouraging alternative perspective on living a life beyond the effects of mental illness.
Originality/value - Stuart is one of comparatively few people trying to present psychosis in a more positive perspective. He has made a significant contribution to helping change public perceptions towards mental illness through his media work
The effect of graphene presence in flame retarded epoxy resin matrix on the mechanical and flammability properties of glass fiber-reinforced composites
No full textThe effect of adding graphene in epoxy containing either an additive (MP) or reactive-type (DOPO) flame retardant on the thermal, mechanical and flammability properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites was investigated using thermal analysis; flexural, impact, tensile tests; cone calorimetry and UL-94 techniques. The addition of MP or DOPO to epoxy had a thermal destabilization effect below 400°C, but led to higher char yield at higher temperatures. The inclusion of 10wt% flame retardants slightly decreased the mechanical behavior, which was attributed to the poor interfacial interactions in case of MP or the decreased cross-linking density in case of DOPO flame retarded resin. The additional graphene presence increased flexural and impact properties, but slightly decreased tensile performance. Adding graphene further decreased the PHRR, THR and burning rate due to its good barrier effect. The improved fire retardancy was mainly attributed to the reduced release of the combustible gas products
From the Games Industry: Ten Lessons for Game-Based Learning
No full textThis paper draws on lessons learned from the development process of the entertainment games industry and discusses how they can be applied to the field of game-based learning. This paper examines policy makers and those wishing to commission or develop games for learning and highlights potential opportunities as well as pitfalls. The paper focuses on ten key points in which the authors feel from experience in both commercial game development and education that parallels are drawn between the entertainment and educational games development processes