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“He knows he is safe; you are the safety net”. Key adult intervention with children with attachment difficulties: The TAs perspective.
Full text linkChildren and young adults who are ‘looked after' can present teachers and teaching assistants with a variety of day to day classroom challenges and a range of complex behaviours due to adverse childhood environments. This group of vulnerable young people have very complex social and emotional behaviours that require a considered approach of support and interventions. The types of interventions deployed in schools, however, may depend on staff knowledge, staff self confidence, and interpersonal skills to support the child’s learning and complex behaviours. An example of an intervention is the Key Adult intervention programme (Bomber, 2007, p.57), which is purported to develop staff knowledge and self confidence when working with Looked After Children. Training in Key Adult intervention occurred at a special school, which had a high percentage of Looked After Children, situated in an East Midlands town. The purpose of the study was firstly to support the children through in-depth knowledge development for supporting staff, and secondly to investigate staff confidence and understanding of the needs of Looked After Children. In addition, supporting factors of the Key Adult intervention and a discovery of any barriers to its implementation were sought. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from participating staff using questionnaires and focused conversations. Qualitative data were analysed using Cresswells six-step process. Findings suggest the Key Adult intervention is an effective means to support staff confidence and understanding, and also offer support for Looked After Children. Recommendations for future practice include increased training and support for Teaching Assistants, teachers and the school community as a whole. In addition, targeted professional and emotional support for the Teaching Assistants deployed, and increased communication between Senior Leaders and Teaching Assistants is crucial. The current research, therefore, adds to existing literature by providing an evaluation of the Key Adult intervention within a special school setting with evidence gathered from Teaching assistan
Between Innovative and Habitual Behavior. Evidence from a Study on Sustainability in Greece, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom
Full text linkIn this article, we explore individuals' pro-environmental innovative behavior (PEIB) as one of the conditions for developing more sustainable cities. We assume that energy-efficient sustainable cities are those where people behave sustainably. Hence, studying the conditions of human behavior is essential for understanding the transformation of cities. We focused on individual antecedents of pro-environmental innovative behavior with a survey conducted in five European countries and a sample of 2502 participants. Descriptive and correlation statistical analyses confirm a moderate relationship between environmental awareness and environmental action. Based on this rudimentary analysis, we suggest further research on city energy transformation, including multiple aspects of individual behavior
Simultaneous FDM 4D Printing and Magnetizing of Iron-Filled Polylactic Acid Polymers
Full text link4D printing magnetic structures with excellent strength activated with a low level of magnetic field are always desired but challenging. This work studies the influence of simultaneous magnetization on the magnetomechanical performance of 4D-printed active polymers. The main aim is to magnetise magnetic iron polylactic acid (PLA) material during 4D printing via fused deposition modelling (FDM) process. During the printing process, the magnetization of samples is performed in various magnetic field states. Specimens are printed in three states with two magnets around the printing area, magnets under the printing area, and without magnets, at three angles of 0, 45, and 90◦ to the applied magnetic field. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), mechanical tests, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are used to investigate the effects of the applied magnetic field on the magnetization with different printing conditions, mechanical properties of different printing angles, and the microstructure of printed samples. Results show that printed samples on the edge of the magnet are saturated in a higher specific magnetization compared to the printed samples with magnets around and without a magnetic field. The specific magnetization in the magnetic field in the direction of the sample deposition increases by 63.46% by applying a magnetic field. The strength increases 21.4% when a magnetic field is present, and the sample is printed at 0◦ angle along the tension direction. The printed sample has better mechanical properties when two magnets are used around the printing region rather than one under it, which is independent of the impact of the printing angle. Finally, the optimal printing mode for obtaining the appropriate magnetic and mechanical characteristics is 4D printing with magnets under the printing bed at 0◦ angle along the tension direction
Obstacles and Distortions : A Speculative Approach to Ideology
Full text linkBuilding on Hegel’s speculative philosophy, this paper seeks to critically engage with Ernesto Laclau’s highly influential theory of ideology. Three central points of contention are developed. First, while Laclau’s view of the ideological distortion as a distortion of a lack is well taken the paper affirms that in order to sustain itself this distortion becomes a paradoxical two, or in Hegelian terms an oppositional unity. In other words, the distortive illusion of fullness (the concealment of basic lack) only becomes operational via a reciprocal supplementary distortive illusion of an external obstacle to that fullness – the illusion of fullness is thus sustained by its opposite. Second, in contrast to Laclau’s view of the extra-discursive as a distant imaginary it is argued that the existing capitalist power structure functions effectively as its own extra-discursive in a far more immediate and direct sense in the organization of reality. Third, the real problem of ideology is not simply that (extra-discursive) closure is absent and has to be imposed but rather that the very proximity of closure generates unbearable tensions and antagonisms that need to be externalized and re-staged in more manageable ways. Drawing on a range of examples, the paper aims to synthesize an alternative speculative approach to ideology
Delapré Walk Project: Are signposted walking routes an effective intervention to increase engagement in urban parks? –Natural experimental study
Full text linkSpatial education interventions in the built environment may increase engagement with urban greenspace. This research was a natural experimental study with mixed-method evaluation and repeated cross-sectional design. Twenty-four directional wayfinding signs were installed within an urban park to create a 3 km signposted walking route through the park's amenities in a clockwise direction. Manual counts on one path and bi-directional automated active infrared counts on six paths along the intervention route were conducted at baseline and 12-month follow-up. A QR code accessed intercept survey was open throughout the follow-up phase to capture user experiences, views, and attitudes toward the intervention. There was no consistent difference in manual counts at baseline or 12-month follow-up between intervention and control parks. Automated counts showed no consistent significant change in clockwise footfall between baseline (median automated count range across six counters: 10–130 clockwise counts per day) and follow-up (Autumn to Winter follow-up median automated count range across six counters: 13–103 clockwise counts per day; Spring to Summer follow-up median automated count range across six counters: 13–124 clockwise counts per day). However, 23% (11 out of 48 people) of clockwise travelling route users reported they were following the signs at 12-month follow-up. Intercept survey respondents (n = 27) appeared to be infrequent park users (number of respondents for ‘my first visit’: 7, and ‘one to two times per month: 9), with the new signs making them feel less anxious about exploring unfamiliar areas, while motivating them to walk further than originally planned and helping them to ‘take notice’ of the landscape. Directional wayfinding for recreational walking appears to help infrequent users engage with urban greenspace
Virtual mobility to enhance intercultural competencies for a more sustainable future
Full text linkThe UN locates education at the heart of the process to achieve a more sustainable future and deliver the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) by 2030. Within this context, this paper outlines the experience of designing and delivering an international virtual mobility workshop which brought together university students from the UK and Ghana. It offers a critical evaluation of the extent to which the workshop’s objectives were achieved, through comparison of pre- and post-workshop survey results, with a particular emphasis on changing levels of understanding of the UN-SDGs and the development of key intercultural competencies. The discussion highlights positive trajectories of change in student learning, and the challenges of delivering workshops of this nature. It is concluded that such challenges can be embraced as learning opportunities and that the associated discomfort and uncertainty is important to facilitate impactful learning experiences
AMA: An Ageing Task Migration Aware for High Performance Computing
Full text linkThe Dark-Silicon challenge poses a design problem for future many-core systems. As a result of this, several techniques have been introduced to improve the number of processing elements that can be powered on. One of the techniques employed by many is Task Migration. In this paper, An Ageing Task Migration Aware for High-Performance Computing (AMA) is proposed to improve the lifetime of nodes. The proposed method determines which clusters applications are mapped to and, migrates high-demand tasks amongst nodes to improve the lifetime at every epoch. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art techniques by more than 10%
Effects of eccentric resistance training on lower-limb passive joint range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Full text linkSubstantial increases in joint range of motion (ROM) have been reported following eccentric resistance training, however between-study variability and sample size issues complicate the interpretation of the magnitude of effect. PubMed, Medline and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for studies examining the effects of eccentric training on lower-limb passive joint ROM in healthy human participants. Meta-analysis used an inverse-variance random-effects model to calculate the pooled standardised difference (Hedge's g) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-analysis of 22 ROM outcomes (17 studies; 376 participants) revealed a large increase in lower-limb passive joint ROM (g = 0.86 [CI = 0.65, 1.08]). Subgroup analyses revealed a moderate increase after 4-5 weeks (g = 0.63 [0.27, 0.98]), large increase after 6-8 weeks (g = 0.98 [0.73,1.24]), and moderate increase after 9-14 weeks (g = 0.75 [0.03, 1.46]) of training. Large increases were found in dorsiflexion (g = 1.12 [0.78, 1.47]) and knee extension (g = 0.82 [0.48, 1.17]), but a small increase in knee flexion was observed (g = 0.41 [0.05, 0.77]). A large increase was found after isokinetic (g = 1.07 [0.59, 1.54]) and moderate increase after isotonic (g = 0.77 [0.56, 0.99] training. These findings demonstrate the potential of eccentric training as an effective flexibility training intervention and provide evidence for 'best practice' guidelines. The larger effect after isokinetic training despit
Overview of Surface Modification Strategies for Improving the Properties of Metastable Austenitic Stainless Steels
Full text linkMetastable austenitic stainless steels (MASS) are widely used in various industrial applications due to their exceptional compromise between mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, the mechanical properties of these materials can be further enhanced by surface treatments. This paper reviews various surface treatment methodologies used to improve the mechanical properties of MASS, with particular attention to laser treatments. The effects of these surface treatments on the microstructure and chemical composition in the thermal affected zone of the MASS are discussed, and their impact on the material’s mechanical properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, and fatigue life, are investigated in detail. Additionally, the paper highlights the limitations of these surface treatments and points out some areas where further research is needed. The findings presented can be used to guide the selection of appropriate surface treatment techniques for specific applications, ultimately improving the performance and lifespan of MASS in various industrial settings
Exploring the relationship of static and dynamic balance with muscle mechanical properties of the lower limbs in healthy young adults
Full text linkThere is emerging evidence that mechanical properties of in vivo muscle tissues are associated with postural sway during quiet standing. However, it is unknown if the observed relationship between mechanical properties with static balance parameters generalise to dynamic balance. Thus, we determined the relationship between static and dynamic balance parameters with muscle mechanical properties of the ankle plantar flexors [lateral gastrocnemius (GL)] and knee extensors [vastus lateralis (VL)] in vivo. Twenty-six participants (men = 16, women = 10; age = 23.3 ± 4.4 years) were assessed for static balance [centre of pressure (COP) movements during quiet standing], dynamic balance (reach distances for the Y-balance test) and mechanical properties (stiffness and tone) of the GL and VL measured in the standing and lying position. Significant (p < .05) small to moderate inverse correlations were observed between the mean COP velocity during quiet standing with stiffness (r = −.40 to −.58, p = .002 to .042) and tone (r = −0.42 to −0.56, p = 0.003 to 0.036) of the GL and VL (lying and standing). Tone and stiffness explained 16%–33% of the variance in the mean COP velocity. Stiffness and tone of the VL measured in the lying (supine) condition were also inversely significantly correlated with Y balance test performance (r = −0.39 to −0.46, p = 0.018 to 0.049). These findings highlight that individuals with low muscle stiffness and tone exhibit faster COP movements during quiet standing, indicative of reduced postural control but also reveal that low VL stiffness and tone are associated with greater reach distances in a lower extremity reaching task, indicative of greater neuromuscular performance
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