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Outsourcing trouble:A home international comparison of alternative provision across the UK
Get PDFThis paper explores the complex landscape of alternative provision across the UK and its implications for school exclusion. Drawing on interviews with over 400 professionals, parents, and pupils in ten selected local authorities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, we find marked differences in the scale and nature of provision. These differences reflect the UK’s diverging political economies of education. England’s provision reflects its preference for quasi-market mechanisms. Scotland’s reflects a commitment to inclusive education. Wales supports public provision but bears the legacy of historic control by England, while Northern Ireland’s landscape is almost entirely publicly provided. The data suggest that the scale and diversity of alternative provision does not reduce school exclusions. England has the highest rates of exclusion and the greater number and diversity of providers. Scotland has lower rates of exclusions and fewer providers. It may even be that the availability of alternative provision creates its own demand. However, the relationship between exclusion rates and alternative provision is not straightforward, nor are its implications for educational parity. The paper concludes by arguing there is a pressing need for research on the opportunity costs of alternative provision for young people and the public sector
Hacia un análisis del lenguaje inclusivo desde una perspectiva glotopolítica
No full textLa lengua española parece encontrarse ante un proceso de evolución relacionado con un interés por potenciar una comunicación más inclusiva e igualitaria. Este parte de una serie de propuestas que empezaron cuestionando el uso del masculino genérico como género gramatical no marcado y desde las que se ha desafiado la norma a través de distintas estrategias lingüísticas que conviven en la lengua oral y en la escrita, y cuyo éxito y efectos aún se desconocen. Debido el impacto que tiene este fenómeno en la sociedad, que busca dar visibilidad a distintos tipos de personas y colectivos de forma más igualitaria, resulta de interés documentarlo y explorarlo desde distintos ángulos y enfoques. Para ello, tras presentar la situación actual del debate en torno al lenguaje inclusivo en español, argumentamos que puede resultar de interés adoptar una perspectiva glotopolítica como punto de partida para comprender con profundidad el origen y los fenómenos lingüísticos utilizados en la actualidad para la representación del género en español, ya que la glotopolítica facilita el examen de fenómenos en cuya configuración confluyen lengua y política. Desde este enfoque, es posible evaluar de manera crítica e interdisciplinar los aspectos lingüísticos, ideológicos y pedagógicos que intervienen en las propuestas existentes sobre el lenguaje inclusivo. Exploramos asimismo la alineación de esta perspectiva con los objetivos de descolonización y las agendas de inclusión, diversidad y equidad que en la actualidad se están promoviendo desde distintas instituciones y presentamos algunas propuestas recientes en el ámbito de la educación lingüística
Climate-driven shifts in Southern Ocean primary producers and biogeochemistry in CMIP6 models
No full textAs a net source of nutrients fuelling global primary production, changes in Southern Ocean productivity are expected to influence biological carbon storage across the global ocean. Following a high-emission, low-mitigation pathway (SSP5-8.5), we show that primary productivity in the Antarctic zone of the Southern Ocean is predicted to increase by up to 30 % over the 21st century. The ecophysiological response of marine phytoplankton experiencing climate change will be a key determinant in understanding the impact of Southern Ocean productivity shifts on the carbon cycle. Yet, phytoplankton ecophysiology is poorly represented in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) climate models, leading to substantial uncertainty in the representation of its role in carbon sequestration. Here we synthesise the existing spatial and temporal projections of Southern Ocean productivity from CMIP6 models, separated by phytoplankton functional type, and identify key processes where greater observational data coverage can help to improve future model performance. We find substantial variability between models in projections of light concentration (>15 000 (µE m−2 s−1)2) across much of the iron- and light-limited Antarctic zone. Projections of iron and light limitation of phytoplankton vary by up to 10 % across latitudinal zones, while the greatest increases in productivity occurs close to the coast. Temperature, pH and nutrients are less spatially variable – projections for 2090–2100 under SSP5-8.5 show zonally averaged changes of +1.6 °C and −0.45 pH units and Si* ([Si(OH)4]–[NO]) decreases by 8.5 µmol L−1. Diatoms and picophytoplankton and/or miscellaneous phytoplankton are equally responsible for driving productivity increases across the subantarctic and transitional zones, but picophytoplankton and miscellaneous phytoplankton increase at a greater rate than diatoms in the Antarctic zone. Despite the variability in productivity with different phytoplankton types, we show that the most complex models disagree on the ecological mechanisms behind these productivity changes. We propose that a sampling approach targeting the regions with the greatest rates of climate-driven change in ocean biogeochemistry and community assemblages would help to resolve the empirical principles underlying the phytoplankton community structure in the Southern Ocean
Progress on thermal storage technologies with high heat density in renewables and low carbon applications: Latent and thermochemical energy storage
No full textAs the global energy system shifts to renewable energy, high-density energy storage methods are crucial for stable output and efficiency, but several challenges remain. This article presents research progress and comprehensively summarizes high density heat storage methods from the perspectives of material preparation, packaging container, molecular simulation, system design, device structure,and applications encompassing areas like the conservation of energy in building environments, renewable energy, and carbon emission reduction. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive focus on latent heat and thermochemical energy storage tech nologies, particularly in the context of renewable energy and low-carbon applications. While similar review papers exist, this work uniquely integrates recent advancements in material fabrication, system design, and molecular simulation, offering a more holistic perspective on this field. Technological requirements and development routes for high density heat storage methods are discussed respectively. The potential application to renewable energy and carbon reduction is illustrated by examples. Finally, conclusions are drawn on many as pects, and recommendations including material property, system construction and high-performance research are provided. The review may serve as a trustworthy reference for the development of excellent performance materials, efficient system construction, large-scale application, and energy strategy innovation in the field of energy storage
Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 as a therapeutic target in neurological disease
No full textPhosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) is a highly conserved enzyme that catalyzes the initial ATP-producing step in glycolysis. Improving cellular energy production by increasing PGK1 activity may be beneficial in multiple neurological conditions where cell metabolism is dysregulated, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and motor neuron disease (MND). This review examines recent evidence that suggests increasing PGK1 activity may be beneficial in multiple neurological conditions and discusses the current challenges surrounding the development of PGK1-focused therapies. PGK1 has considerable therapeutic potential, but novel PGK1 activators are needed to maximize the benefit for patients
Guiding principles for subnational investment in the age of Climate Emergency
No full textGovernance lies at the heart of overcoming the Climate Emergency, where political barriers often impede the implementation of technical and administrative solutions. This paper examines subnational investment in the UK as a critical governance challenge, arguing that its competitive and economically driven frameworks exacerbate inequalities between local authorities. Drawing on SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) research and a case study of Aberdeen City Council’s hydrogen transport initiatives, the paper derives guiding principles for transforming subnational investment, advocating for an approach that prioritises collaboration over competition, strives for an equitable distribution of roles and responsibilities, and ultimately empowers local leadership. This reassessment is a critical step forward, acknowledging that business-as-usual governance is failing to accelerate progress towards Net Zero. By rethinking our foundational principles, we open the door to transformative change, ensuring that subnational investment aligns with the strengths of local authorities and the urgency and scale of the challenges we face. This article is published in the thematic collection ‘The critical role of governance for decarbonisation at pace: learning the lessons from SHAPE research’, edited by Sarah Birch, Hilary Graham, Andrew Jordan, Tim O’Riordan, Henry Richards
Clamping parameters in full-scale tidal turbine blade tests: A case study
No full textFull-scale laboratory tests of composite tidal turbine blades follow standards adapted from the testing of much longer wind turbine blades. Due to the much higher density of seawater, when compared to air, the diameter of an equivalent-power marine tidal stream turbine is approximately 4 times less than that of a wind turbine. In this paper, relevant guidelines regarding load introduction points for testing of tidal blades are assessed for the first time, specifically, the dimensions of the exclusion zones surrounding these loading points, that are ordinarily excluded from structural analysis. The dimensions of these zones are determined as a function of the blade chord length at the loading saddle locations, and the relevant standards suggest an exclusion length of up to one chord length at both sides of the load introduction points along the blade length. This study appraises these boundaries via a full-scale composite tidal blade structural test at the FastBlade facility, using a saddle-hydraulic actuator system. Strain measurements and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) are used to quantify the local strain contributions from saddle to blade clamping, during both static and fatigue loading. We propose a reduction of the exclusion zone boundary length from 1 to 0.45 times the chord length, based on the experimental comparison of two clamping methods: a manual torque-wrench method and a hydraulic-pressure method. The saddle material was also assessed by comparing the structural performance of MDF and plywood during these blade tests, with plywood showing better characteristics for high blade design loads. Our analyses could be used to update current standards to better align with the unique characteristics of composite tidal turbine blades, to effectively minimise the number of structural tests required for blade certification.<br/
A multi-criteria evaluation framework for assessing green space interventions through a healthy urban planning approach
No full textThe World Health Organization’s Healthy Cities Initiative (HCI) seeks to integrate health considerations into urban planning to enhance long-term health, well-being, and sustainability. This is accomplished through strategies such as developing and improving green spaces, which are recognized for their health-promoting benefits. Despite the HCI’s strong principles under the Healthy Urban Planning (HUP) approach, adherence and outcomes among cities have been inconsistent. This inconsistency is partly due to the lack of robust theoretical frameworks to guide the monitoring and evaluation of interventions. This paper aims to bridge this gap by introducing the HCI Greenspace Evaluation Framework, a robust and comprehensive tool rooted in HUP principles. This framework, comprising 11 criteria, is designed to systematically monitor and evaluate greenspace interventions within the HCI. It provides structured guidance without imposing rigid evaluation standards, allowing cities to adapt the approach to their specific resources and local priorities. By providing cities with a flexible yet structured approach, the framework serves as a decision-support tool that facilitates targeted greenspace improvements, addressing local health disparities, enhancing environmental quality, and ensuring equitable access to greenspace, ultimately advancing public health and well-being in diverse urban settings.</p
SAFENET-2 – fracture evolution in crystalline rocks (from lab to in situ scale)
No full textThe DECOVALEX Task SAFENET is dedicated to advancing the understanding of fracture nucleation and evolution processes in crystalline rocks, with applications in nuclear waste management and geothermal reservoir engineering. Further improvements to fracture mechanics models are required in two distinct areas. Firstly, there is a need to enhance numerical methods for fracture mechanics under varying thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) conditions. Secondly, there is a requirement to develop applied tools for performance and safety assessment in the context of nuclear waste management, as well as for reservoir optimisation in geothermal applications. Building on the achievements of SAFENET, which concentrated on benchmarking fracture models and experimental laboratory analyses, SAFENET-2 is dedicated to extending and validating models from the laboratory to the field scale.This paper gives a detailed description of the SAFENET-2 experimental programme work plan and modelling exercises. The experiments will be carried out at the rock mechanics laboratories of the University of Edinburgh and Chongqing University. For field data, the STIMTEC experiment at the Reiche Zeche teaching and research mine (Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg) is used. The individual steps of the Task are described in detail in this paper. As a result of SAFENET, the benchmark suite will be made available as interactive exercises via a web portal, thus promoting the concept of open science. The paper is a tool for teams to organise their work efficiently and is also an overview and insight for the community
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