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Keywords: qualitative studies x
Open Section Clinical Medicine and Allied Health (1)
Children and Families (1)
Breaking New Ground: Qualitative CDM
Irwin Epstein
in Clinical Data-Mining: Integrating Practice and Research
This chapter discusses two qualitative CDM doctoral dissertations as well as a single qualitative CDM study initiated by a practitioner. It considers the unique methodological requirements and ... More
This chapter discusses two qualitative CDM doctoral dissertations as well as a single qualitative CDM study initiated by a practitioner. It considers the unique methodological requirements and potential contributions of qualitative CDM. However, the point is made that both qualitative and quantitative CDM doctoral dissertations as well as practitioner-initiated studies require rigor and adherence to scientific principles.Less
This chapter discusses two qualitative CDM doctoral dissertations as well as a single qualitative CDM study initiated by a practitioner. It considers the unique methodological requirements and potential contributions of qualitative CDM. However, the point is made that both qualitative and quantitative CDM doctoral dissertations as well as practitioner-initiated studies require rigor and adherence to scientific principles.
Keywords: clinical data-mining, CDM doctoral dissertations, data collection, qualitative CDM study
Searching and Screening Qualitative Studies
Michael Saini and Aron Shlonsky
in Systematic Synthesis of Qualitative Research
The current terrain of qualitative research is marked by a lack of consensus among its scholars on the value of literature reviews, the best manner in which to conduct and include other literature, ... More
The current terrain of qualitative research is marked by a lack of consensus among its scholars on the value of literature reviews, the best manner in which to conduct and include other literature, and the amount of weight to be given to prior literature within the qualitative inquiry process. Given this lack of consensus about the utility of literature reviews, it is not surprising that there are divergent views on ways to search the literature and what to include when conducting systematic syntheses. Although there has been progress in developing methods to include qualitative research within evidence-based practice and systematic reviews, information retrieval for qualitative studies remains one of the least developed areas in systematic review methods.Less
Michael SainiAron Shlonsky
The current terrain of qualitative research is marked by a lack of consensus among its scholars on the value of literature reviews, the best manner in which to conduct and include other literature, and the amount of weight to be given to prior literature within the qualitative inquiry process. Given this lack of consensus about the utility of literature reviews, it is not surprising that there are divergent views on ways to search the literature and what to include when conducting systematic syntheses. Although there has been progress in developing methods to include qualitative research within evidence-based practice and systematic reviews, information retrieval for qualitative studies remains one of the least developed areas in systematic review methods.
Keywords: literature reviews, information retrieval, systematic reviews, qualitative studies, qualitative synthesis
Appraising the Evidence
James C. Raines
in Evidence-Based Practice in School Mental Health
Social Work, Children and Families, Research and Evaluation
There are five types of studies that result from the five types of questions introduced in Chapter 3. First, effectiveness studies cover both prevention and intervention questions. They include both ... More
There are five types of studies that result from the five types of questions introduced in Chapter 3. First, effectiveness studies cover both prevention and intervention questions. They include both secondary and primary research. The process of systematic reviews is reviewed and potential problems are identified. The two types of primary research that meet the definition of scientifically based research — randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiment designs — are explained. Both are appraised using three broad criteria: relevance, strength, and consistency. Secondly, assessment studies involve measurement of a problem. There are ten basic questions to employ in appraising these studies. Third, cohort studies examine risk questions. There are six essential questions used to evaluate these. Fourth, quantitative and qualitative surveys result from description questions. Finally, the chapter describes how to choose the best intervention to employ with one's clients, using a combination of factors.Less
There are five types of studies that result from the five types of questions introduced in Chapter 3. First, effectiveness studies cover both prevention and intervention questions. They include both secondary and primary research. The process of systematic reviews is reviewed and potential problems are identified. The two types of primary research that meet the definition of scientifically based research — randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiment designs — are explained. Both are appraised using three broad criteria: relevance, strength, and consistency. Secondly, assessment studies involve measurement of a problem. There are ten basic questions to employ in appraising these studies. Third, cohort studies examine risk questions. There are six essential questions used to evaluate these. Fourth, quantitative and qualitative surveys result from description questions. Finally, the chapter describes how to choose the best intervention to employ with one's clients, using a combination of factors.
Keywords: cohort studies, consistency, data dredging, effectiveness studies, instrument studies, internal validity, qualitative studies, quantitative surveys, relevance, strength
The research programme in a nutshell
in Local Policies and the European Social Fund: Employment Policies Across Europe
In chapter 4, the particular epistemological aspects of the study's research programme as well as its actual methodological approach and the database are outlined. As sketched out in chapter 3, the ... More
In chapter 4, the particular epistemological aspects of the study's research programme as well as its actual methodological approach and the database are outlined. As sketched out in chapter 3, the study adopts a conditional perspective towards the local context as a crucial factor in shaping local responses to the ESF. For analysing the role of contextual conditions, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is used in the study, and its main features are described in chapter 4. Furthermore, the chapter provides insights into the research design, data gathering and data processing.Less
In chapter 4, the particular epistemological aspects of the study's research programme as well as its actual methodological approach and the database are outlined. As sketched out in chapter 3, the study adopts a conditional perspective towards the local context as a crucial factor in shaping local responses to the ESF. For analysing the role of contextual conditions, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is used in the study, and its main features are described in chapter 4. Furthermore, the chapter provides insights into the research design, data gathering and data processing.
Keywords: Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Contextual conditions, Research design, Qualitative case studies
Analyzing and Writing a Report on Qualitative Diary Research
Lauri L. Hyers
in Diary Methods: Understanding Qualitative Research
This chapter discusses how to analyze and write up a qualitative diary research report. In qualitative diary studies, the summative narrative developed by the researcher is as integral to the report ... More
This chapter discusses how to analyze and write up a qualitative diary research report. In qualitative diary studies, the summative narrative developed by the researcher is as integral to the report as is the more elaborated narrative provided by each diarist. Distilling individual diaries into a cohesive and concise report and many other challenges face researchers writing reports using complex diary data. After considering some of the practical aspects of writing up diary research studies, such as targeting and tailoring reports to non-academic, applied, or scholarly outlets, the majority of the chapter will turn to analyzing and coding of diary data and report-writing specifically for scholarly outlets. Data analysis and report writing are treated together because these are typically concurrent tasks in qualitative research studies.Less
This chapter discusses how to analyze and write up a qualitative diary research report. In qualitative diary studies, the summative narrative developed by the researcher is as integral to the report as is the more elaborated narrative provided by each diarist. Distilling individual diaries into a cohesive and concise report and many other challenges face researchers writing reports using complex diary data. After considering some of the practical aspects of writing up diary research studies, such as targeting and tailoring reports to non-academic, applied, or scholarly outlets, the majority of the chapter will turn to analyzing and coding of diary data and report-writing specifically for scholarly outlets. Data analysis and report writing are treated together because these are typically concurrent tasks in qualitative research studies.
Keywords: Analyzing a qualitative diary study, report writing in archival and solicited qualitative diary studies, writing for applied and scholarly audiences, Making a Qualitative Research Report Fit a Positivistic Scientific Framework, outlining a qualitative diary report, analyzing and coding diary data, diary data and coding strategies
Researching migration: a Qualitative Panel Study and workplace studies
Torben Krings, Elaine Moriarty, James Wickham, Alicja Bobek, and Justyna Salamońska
in New mobilities in Europe: Polish migration to Ireland post-2004
Political Science, European Union
This chapter outlines the research methodology of the study. It argues that a Qualitative Panel Study represents an innovative methodological tool to study the worklife pathways of migrants in a ... More
This chapter outlines the research methodology of the study. It argues that a Qualitative Panel Study represents an innovative methodological tool to study the worklife pathways of migrants in a dynamic manner. As migrants are increasingly mobile not only across countries but also within national labour markets, a repeat interview methodology enables researchers to trace the careers of migrants across organisational and national boundaries. The chapter further outlines the rationale for also interviewing employers and recruitment agencies as part of the study of migration and work. To contextualise the choices of both sides of the employment relationship in the broader socio-economic context, the research has been complemented with stakeholder interviews and an analysis of labour market data.Less
Torben KringsElaine MoriartyJames WickhamAlicja BobekJustyna Salamońska
This chapter outlines the research methodology of the study. It argues that a Qualitative Panel Study represents an innovative methodological tool to study the worklife pathways of migrants in a dynamic manner. As migrants are increasingly mobile not only across countries but also within national labour markets, a repeat interview methodology enables researchers to trace the careers of migrants across organisational and national boundaries. The chapter further outlines the rationale for also interviewing employers and recruitment agencies as part of the study of migration and work. To contextualise the choices of both sides of the employment relationship in the broader socio-economic context, the research has been complemented with stakeholder interviews and an analysis of labour market data.
Keywords: employers, migrants, Qualitative Panel Study, repeat interviews, worklife pathways
Qualitative longitudinal research: researching fatherhood and fathers' experiences
in Fathers, Families and Relationships: Researching everyday lives
This chapter focuses on a qualitative longitudinal (QL) research project, Transition to Fatherhood, and later episodes of fathering and fatherhood experiences. It begins by exploring the research ... More
This chapter focuses on a qualitative longitudinal (QL) research project, Transition to Fatherhood, and later episodes of fathering and fatherhood experiences. It begins by exploring the research design of this study and considers the inherent gendered and other assumptions made in it, which mirrors an earlier research project on Transition to Motherhood. Following an examination of some of the methodological issues that arose during this qualitative longitudinal study, the chapter turns to reflect on the important question of what adding time into a qualitative study can do. It considers what happens when narratives collected in later interviews are incorporated into earlier analysis and findings as lives and fatherhood experiences change, as well as the benefits of researching individuals over time.Less
This chapter focuses on a qualitative longitudinal (QL) research project, Transition to Fatherhood, and later episodes of fathering and fatherhood experiences. It begins by exploring the research design of this study and considers the inherent gendered and other assumptions made in it, which mirrors an earlier research project on Transition to Motherhood. Following an examination of some of the methodological issues that arose during this qualitative longitudinal study, the chapter turns to reflect on the important question of what adding time into a qualitative study can do. It considers what happens when narratives collected in later interviews are incorporated into earlier analysis and findings as lives and fatherhood experiences change, as well as the benefits of researching individuals over time.
Keywords: Transition to Fatherhood, fathering, qualitative longitudinal study, research design, gendered assumptions, Transtion to Motherhood, earlier analysis, interviews
New mobilities in Europe: Polish migration to Ireland post-2004
Torben Krings, Elaine Moriarty, and James Wickham
This book examines Polish migration to Ireland in the context of 'new mobilities in Europe'. It includes detailed accounts of the working lives of a group of mainly skilled Polish migrants in Dublin. ... More
This book examines Polish migration to Ireland in the context of 'new mobilities in Europe'. It includes detailed accounts of the working lives of a group of mainly skilled Polish migrants in Dublin. They were interviewed at regular intervals as part of a Qualitative Panel Study. Through this novel methodology, their careers and aspirations were traced as Ireland moved from 'boom to bust'. What the research documents is a new experience of mobility which, it is suggested, is indicative of a broader trend in Europe. As 'free movers', Polish migrants were more mobile across countries and within national labour markets. Ireland's 'goldrush' labour market created a seemingly endless demand for new labour. To understand how Irish firms utilized the new migrant workforce, the book also draws on interviews with employers. It thus locates the actions of both sides of the employment relationship in the particular socio-economic context in Ireland post-2004.Less
New mobilities in Europe : Polish migration to Ireland post-2004
Torben KringsElaine MoriartyJames Wickham
This book examines Polish migration to Ireland in the context of 'new mobilities in Europe'. It includes detailed accounts of the working lives of a group of mainly skilled Polish migrants in Dublin. They were interviewed at regular intervals as part of a Qualitative Panel Study. Through this novel methodology, their careers and aspirations were traced as Ireland moved from 'boom to bust'. What the research documents is a new experience of mobility which, it is suggested, is indicative of a broader trend in Europe. As 'free movers', Polish migrants were more mobile across countries and within national labour markets. Ireland's 'goldrush' labour market created a seemingly endless demand for new labour. To understand how Irish firms utilized the new migrant workforce, the book also draws on interviews with employers. It thus locates the actions of both sides of the employment relationship in the particular socio-economic context in Ireland post-2004.
Keywords: careers, Europe, Polish migration, Ireland, mobilities, Qualitative Panel Study
Brenda D. Phillips
in Qualitative Disaster Research
This chapter focuses on traditional social science methods for qualitative studies. It begins by discussing commonly used paradigms that organize how researchers approach their work. It then ... More
This chapter focuses on traditional social science methods for qualitative studies. It begins by discussing commonly used paradigms that organize how researchers approach their work. It then discusses ethical concerns both generally and specifically for qualitative disaster research (QDR), and describes sampling techniques and the challenges associated with QDR sampling. The chapter considers four main methods: interviewing (including focus groups), observation, unobtrusive measures, and visual research. Each section includes examples drawn from QDR as well as citations to specific studies that use the methods.Less
This chapter focuses on traditional social science methods for qualitative studies. It begins by discussing commonly used paradigms that organize how researchers approach their work. It then discusses ethical concerns both generally and specifically for qualitative disaster research (QDR), and describes sampling techniques and the challenges associated with QDR sampling. The chapter considers four main methods: interviewing (including focus groups), observation, unobtrusive measures, and visual research. Each section includes examples drawn from QDR as well as citations to specific studies that use the methods.
Keywords: qualitative disaster research, QDR, social science methods, qualitative studies, sampling, ethical concern, interviewing, observation, unobtrusive measures, visual research
Oliver Falck, Christian Gollier, and Ludger Woessmann (eds)
Governments around the world are deeply divided over the proper role of industrial policy, with some politicians arguing for hands-off governance and others supporting government intervention to ... More
Governments around the world are deeply divided over the proper role of industrial policy, with some politicians arguing for hands-off governance and others supporting government intervention to promote "national champions"—firms that receive government support for both political and economic reasons. This book gathers together economists who present the pros and cons of government support for national champions. The contributors test industrial policy for national champions by using the rigor of economic models, offering a quantitative perspective that complements and extends existing qualitative studies, and focus on issues emerging from the European Union's substantial degree of market integration. In this book, many arguments in favor of or against policies promoting national champions are made; in a dynamic context, the book presents chapters that take a dynamic economy view, chapters that examine the political economy of the decision-making process, and chapters that offer "classical" models of market imperfections in static equilibrium. The different models provide a deeper understanding of industrial policy than a single stand-alone model could have done. What becomes clear from these different perspectives is that it is difficult to make a general case in favor of policies promoting national champions on purely economic grounds, and that these policies are best understood in political terms.Less
Governments around the world are deeply divided over the proper role of industrial policy, with some politicians arguing for hands-off governance and others supporting government intervention to promote "national champions"—firms that receive government support for both political and economic reasons. This book gathers together economists who present the pros and cons of government support for national champions. The contributors test industrial policy for national champions by using the rigor of economic models, offering a quantitative perspective that complements and extends existing qualitative studies, and focus on issues emerging from the European Union's substantial degree of market integration. In this book, many arguments in favor of or against policies promoting national champions are made; in a dynamic context, the book presents chapters that take a dynamic economy view, chapters that examine the political economy of the decision-making process, and chapters that offer "classical" models of market imperfections in static equilibrium. The different models provide a deeper understanding of industrial policy than a single stand-alone model could have done. What becomes clear from these different perspectives is that it is difficult to make a general case in favor of policies promoting national champions on purely economic grounds, and that these policies are best understood in political terms.
Keywords: hands-off governance, government intervention, economic models, quantitative perspective, qualitative studies, European Union, market integration, political economy, static equilibrium
Margret Fine-Davis
in Changing Gender Roles and Attitudes to Family Formation in Ireland
This chapter outlines the methodology of the various aspects of the study. It describes the stratified sample employed in the qualitative study of 48 men and women of childbearing age as well as the ... More
This chapter outlines the methodology of the various aspects of the study. It describes the stratified sample employed in the qualitative study of 48 men and women of childbearing age as well as the other methodological aspects of this initial phase in the research. It then discusses the development of the questionnaire, based on the qualitative study, which was piloted on 150 respondents prior to the quantitative study. The main methodological aspects of the quantitative study, carried out on a nationwide representative sample of the 1,404 men and women in the childbearing age group are then outlined. Comparative data are presented which compare key demographic characteristics of the sample with those of the Census. Finally the main areas covered in the questionnaire are detailed.Less
This chapter outlines the methodology of the various aspects of the study. It describes the stratified sample employed in the qualitative study of 48 men and women of childbearing age as well as the other methodological aspects of this initial phase in the research. It then discusses the development of the questionnaire, based on the qualitative study, which was piloted on 150 respondents prior to the quantitative study. The main methodological aspects of the quantitative study, carried out on a nationwide representative sample of the 1,404 men and women in the childbearing age group are then outlined. Comparative data are presented which compare key demographic characteristics of the sample with those of the Census. Finally the main areas covered in the questionnaire are detailed.
Keywords: Methodology, Sampling, Instrument, Qualitative study, Quantitative study
Caring for Older Persons: The Caregivers' Perspective
Thomas Boggatz
in Growing Old in Egypt: The Supply and Demand of Care for Older Persons
The apparent lack of caregivers raises the question of what can be done in order to increase the workforce. An answer can be found by investigating and understanding the perspective of current ... More
The apparent lack of caregivers raises the question of what can be done in order to increase the workforce. An answer can be found by investigating and understanding the perspective of current caregivers. This chapter discusses two recently conducted qualitative studies for such investigations. It turns to the concrete experiences of these caregivers and explores how they respond to the challenge of caring for older persons. At the same time it illuminates the difficulties of recruiting people for this job. The availability of care facilities and caregivers, however, does not allow conclusions about the attitudes of older persons who seek care. To understand the demand, one has to consider the factors that motivate older persons' decisions about receiving different types of care.Less
The apparent lack of caregivers raises the question of what can be done in order to increase the workforce. An answer can be found by investigating and understanding the perspective of current caregivers. This chapter discusses two recently conducted qualitative studies for such investigations. It turns to the concrete experiences of these caregivers and explores how they respond to the challenge of caring for older persons. At the same time it illuminates the difficulties of recruiting people for this job. The availability of care facilities and caregivers, however, does not allow conclusions about the attitudes of older persons who seek care. To understand the demand, one has to consider the factors that motivate older persons' decisions about receiving different types of care.
Keywords: caregivers, workforce, qualitative studies, care facilities, older persons
Empirical Research on Honor Killing
Robert Paul Churchill
in Women in the Crossfire: Understanding and Ending Honor Killing
Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, General
This chapter analyzes relevant quantitative and qualitative research on honor killings. It includes an original empirical study—the Churchill-Holmes study—of 200 incidents from 28 countries and ... More
This chapter analyzes relevant quantitative and qualitative research on honor killings. It includes an original empirical study—the Churchill-Holmes study—of 200 incidents from 28 countries and territories. Following a comparative analysis of major studies displayed in tables and charts, a number of generalizations, or central tendencies, are inferred. Central tendencies are divided into three major categories based on rough estimates of the probability that the characteristics in each category will be found in all or most instances of honor killing. Central tendencies pertain to the frequency of all known aspects of honor killings. This research serves as grounds for the analysis, hypotheses, and tentative conclusions drawn in the remainder of this book.Less
This chapter analyzes relevant quantitative and qualitative research on honor killings. It includes an original empirical study—the Churchill-Holmes study—of 200 incidents from 28 countries and territories. Following a comparative analysis of major studies displayed in tables and charts, a number of generalizations, or central tendencies, are inferred. Central tendencies are divided into three major categories based on rough estimates of the probability that the characteristics in each category will be found in all or most instances of honor killing. Central tendencies pertain to the frequency of all known aspects of honor killings. This research serves as grounds for the analysis, hypotheses, and tentative conclusions drawn in the remainder of this book.
Keywords: central tendencies, Churchill-Holmes study, honor offenses, honor–shame culture, immigrants, marital status, perpetrators, qualitative studies, quantitative studies, victims
Narratives of Positive Aging: Seaside Stories
Amia Lieblich
This book presents a qualitative study that explores the life narratives of elderly men and women who practice what could be considered as "positive aging." They belong to a spontaneous community ... More
This book presents a qualitative study that explores the life narratives of elderly men and women who practice what could be considered as "positive aging." They belong to a spontaneous community that assembles daily, early in the morning, on a beach near Tel-Aviv, Israel. At the seaside, the elders practice various outdoor sports and converse over coffee at the local café. Based on their narratives, procured by individual open-ended interviews and the author's participant observation, the book explores the impact of routine, physical activity and social relationships on successful aging. In addition, an analysis of the tension-minimizing discourse adopted at the café, and the pleasant bubble-like environment it fosters among the community members is presented. Finally, the book debates the adaptive role of narrating one's life story, and its perceived manifestation of wisdom. A combination of complete life stories and extracts of conversations recorded on the beach color every chapter. These texts are complimented and elucidated by a variety of academic claims, theories, and findings concerning narratives and aging. This book, based on an Israeli field study, may be viewed both as a local case study as well as a lesson relevant to aging everywhere.Less
Narratives of Positive Aging : Seaside Stories
This book presents a qualitative study that explores the life narratives of elderly men and women who practice what could be considered as "positive aging." They belong to a spontaneous community that assembles daily, early in the morning, on a beach near Tel-Aviv, Israel. At the seaside, the elders practice various outdoor sports and converse over coffee at the local café. Based on their narratives, procured by individual open-ended interviews and the author's participant observation, the book explores the impact of routine, physical activity and social relationships on successful aging. In addition, an analysis of the tension-minimizing discourse adopted at the café, and the pleasant bubble-like environment it fosters among the community members is presented. Finally, the book debates the adaptive role of narrating one's life story, and its perceived manifestation of wisdom. A combination of complete life stories and extracts of conversations recorded on the beach color every chapter. These texts are complimented and elucidated by a variety of academic claims, theories, and findings concerning narratives and aging. This book, based on an Israeli field study, may be viewed both as a local case study as well as a lesson relevant to aging everywhere.
Keywords: Qualitative study, aging, positive aging, narrative, life story/narrative, routine, physical activity, social relationship, discourse, wisdom
'Our planet reveals its secrets': wildlife documentaries on television
Thomas Austin
in Watching the World
This chapter examines recent commercial and formal developments in the popular and enduring genre of the wildlife documentary on television. It draws on three original qualitative audience studies to ... More
This chapter examines recent commercial and formal developments in the popular and enduring genre of the wildlife documentary on television. It draws on three original qualitative audience studies to look at the responses of viewers to a range of wildlife programming, from high budget 'blue-chip' series to hybrids borrowing celebrity presenters and formats from 'reality television' and other popular genres. The range of programming and viewer responses analysed in this chapter suggests that assumptions about the audience embedded in some critiques of constructions of nature do not come close to telling the full story of wildlife documentaries on television and their audiences. The chapter also reveals the expectations and engagements, pleasures or irritations, understandings or confusions, derived by the audience from viewing wildlife documentaries.Less
This chapter examines recent commercial and formal developments in the popular and enduring genre of the wildlife documentary on television. It draws on three original qualitative audience studies to look at the responses of viewers to a range of wildlife programming, from high budget 'blue-chip' series to hybrids borrowing celebrity presenters and formats from 'reality television' and other popular genres. The range of programming and viewer responses analysed in this chapter suggests that assumptions about the audience embedded in some critiques of constructions of nature do not come close to telling the full story of wildlife documentaries on television and their audiences. The chapter also reveals the expectations and engagements, pleasures or irritations, understandings or confusions, derived by the audience from viewing wildlife documentaries.
Keywords: wildlife documentary, commercial developments, formal developments, qualitative audience studies, wildlife programming, reality television
Attitudes toward Care Services in the Home
This chapter presents the results of a qualitative study that investigated the attitudes of older Egyptians toward home care services. When asked about nursing homes, study participants tended to ... More
This chapter presents the results of a qualitative study that investigated the attitudes of older Egyptians toward home care services. When asked about nursing homes, study participants tended to reject this option despite the fact that nursing homes are the most common care facility in Egypt. This raised a question about the attitudes of older persons who live in such places. The comparison of factors related to older persons' care-seeking attitudes revealed two conflicting perspectives: a modernistic value system that appreciates the individual's independence and self-sufficiency, and a traditional value system that adheres strongly to family integrity and filial piety. Care from professionals seems to fit into the modern way of life, whereas care from family members seems to be the acceptable solution in traditional societies.Less
This chapter presents the results of a qualitative study that investigated the attitudes of older Egyptians toward home care services. When asked about nursing homes, study participants tended to reject this option despite the fact that nursing homes are the most common care facility in Egypt. This raised a question about the attitudes of older persons who live in such places. The comparison of factors related to older persons' care-seeking attitudes revealed two conflicting perspectives: a modernistic value system that appreciates the individual's independence and self-sufficiency, and a traditional value system that adheres strongly to family integrity and filial piety. Care from professionals seems to fit into the modern way of life, whereas care from family members seems to be the acceptable solution in traditional societies.
Keywords: qualitative study, older Egyptians, care-seeking attitudes, modernistic value system, traditional value system
Expressed desire for hastened death in seven patients living with advanced cancer: a phenomenologic inquiry
Nessa Coyle and Lois Sculco
in The Patient's Wish to Die: Research, Ethics, and Palliative Care
Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making
Individuals living with advanced cancer sometimes express the desire for a hastened death or for death to come more quickly. The need to have a clear understanding of what such an expression means ... More
Individuals living with advanced cancer sometimes express the desire for a hastened death or for death to come more quickly. The need to have a clear understanding of what such an expression means and what the individual is asking for is present at both an individual and societal level. Numerous studies both quantitative and qualitative have examined the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that influence the desire for hastened death. This chapter reprints an early phenomenological investigation published in 2004 which was one of the first qualitative studies in the setting of an urban cancer centre (in New York City) to explore the meanings and uses of an expressed desire for hastened death in advanced cancer patients. It was concluded that expressing a desire for hastened death has many meanings and uses and is a tool of communication.Less
Expressed desire for hastened death in seven patients living with advanced cancer : a phenomenologic inquiry
Nessa CoyleLois Sculco
Individuals living with advanced cancer sometimes express the desire for a hastened death or for death to come more quickly. The need to have a clear understanding of what such an expression means and what the individual is asking for is present at both an individual and societal level. Numerous studies both quantitative and qualitative have examined the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that influence the desire for hastened death. This chapter reprints an early phenomenological investigation published in 2004 which was one of the first qualitative studies in the setting of an urban cancer centre (in New York City) to explore the meanings and uses of an expressed desire for hastened death in advanced cancer patients. It was concluded that expressing a desire for hastened death has many meanings and uses and is a tool of communication.
Keywords: advanced cancer, desire for hastened death, phenomenological investigation, qualitative studies
in Gameworld Interfaces
Computer Science, Game Studies
This introductory chapter presents the idea of gameworld interfaces and uses two examples to illustrate the variety between gameworld interfaces and the questions that are being asked in the book. ... More
This introductory chapter presents the idea of gameworld interfaces and uses two examples to illustrate the variety between gameworld interfaces and the questions that are being asked in the book. The chapter questions the ideal of transparency and argues that games are self-conscious media where the use of symbols, icons and superimposed information is a convention that supports gameplay rather than a disturbing element that interferes with the sense of involvement in the game. The chapter also presents the main theoretical approaches that form the background for the understanding of gameworld interfaces, and presents the empirical and methodological background for the book. It also presents the content of the remaining chapters of the book.Less
This introductory chapter presents the idea of gameworld interfaces and uses two examples to illustrate the variety between gameworld interfaces and the questions that are being asked in the book. The chapter questions the ideal of transparency and argues that games are self-conscious media where the use of symbols, icons and superimposed information is a convention that supports gameplay rather than a disturbing element that interferes with the sense of involvement in the game. The chapter also presents the main theoretical approaches that form the background for the understanding of gameworld interfaces, and presents the empirical and methodological background for the book. It also presents the content of the remaining chapters of the book.
Keywords: gameworld interface, transparency, self-conscious medium, qualitative studies
Blánaid Daly, Paul Batchelor, Elizabeth Treasure, and Richard Watt
in Essential Dental Public Health
Clinical Medicine and Allied Health, Dentistry
In the last 40 years, the needs of and demands for health care both in the UK and worldwide have increased dramatically. These increases are related to the ... More
In the last 40 years, the needs of and demands for health care both in the UK and worldwide have increased dramatically. These increases are related to the population ageing, the development of new technologies and knowledge, rising patient expectations, and associated increases in professional expectations about the possibilities and potential of health care (Muir Gray 1997 ). In this period, the key policy concerns of the international health care community have been about containing costs and enabling equitable access to high quality health care, while also ensuring greater accountability, patient satisfaction, and improved public health (Lohr et al. 1998). Health care resources are finite and must be shared equitably on the basis of need, capacity to benefit, and effectiveness. The use of high quality research evidence and guidelines to inform individual patient care and population health care have become central to this process. In the mid-1970s, various writers began to question the effectiveness of medicine and the increasingly wider influence exerted by the medical profession on society. For example, McKeown (1976) mapped mortality rates for the main killer airborne diseases (tuberculosis, whooping cough, scarlet fever, diptheria, and smallpox) against contemporary advances in medicine from the mid-19th century to the early 1970s. He found that the declines in the incidence and prevalence of communicable diseases had occurred before their microbial cause had been identified and before an effective clinical intervention had been developed. McKeown concluded that the declines in mortality rates were not attributable to immunization and therapy and suggested the declines could more reasonably be attributed to better nutrition and improved housing conditions which had occurred over the period. Allied to McKeown's historical analysis was the work of Archie Cochrane who evaluated contemporary clinical practice in the 1970s. In his seminal work Effectiveness and Efficiency , Cochrane (1972) showed that many medical treatments provided in the NHS were ineffective, inefficient, and founded on medical opinion rather than on a rigorous assessment of efficacy and effectiveness. Box 7.1 defines the terms efficacy, effective, and efficiency. Less
Blánaid DalyPaul BatchelorElizabeth TreasureRichard Watt
In the last 40 years, the needs of and demands for health care both in the UK and worldwide have increased dramatically. These increases are related to the population ageing, the development of new technologies and knowledge, rising patient expectations, and associated increases in professional expectations about the possibilities and potential of health care (Muir Gray 1997 ). In this period, the key policy concerns of the international health care community have been about containing costs and enabling equitable access to high quality health care, while also ensuring greater accountability, patient satisfaction, and improved public health (Lohr et al. 1998). Health care resources are finite and must be shared equitably on the basis of need, capacity to benefit, and effectiveness. The use of high quality research evidence and guidelines to inform individual patient care and population health care have become central to this process. In the mid-1970s, various writers began to question the effectiveness of medicine and the increasingly wider influence exerted by the medical profession on society. For example, McKeown (1976) mapped mortality rates for the main killer airborne diseases (tuberculosis, whooping cough, scarlet fever, diptheria, and smallpox) against contemporary advances in medicine from the mid-19th century to the early 1970s. He found that the declines in the incidence and prevalence of communicable diseases had occurred before their microbial cause had been identified and before an effective clinical intervention had been developed. McKeown concluded that the declines in mortality rates were not attributable to immunization and therapy and suggested the declines could more reasonably be attributed to better nutrition and improved housing conditions which had occurred over the period. Allied to McKeown's historical analysis was the work of Archie Cochrane who evaluated contemporary clinical practice in the 1970s. In his seminal work Effectiveness and Efficiency , Cochrane (1972) showed that many medical treatments provided in the NHS were ineffective, inefficient, and founded on medical opinion rather than on a rigorous assessment of efficacy and effectiveness. Box 7.1 defines the terms efficacy, effective, and efficiency.
Keywords: attrition bias, case reports, database searches, experimental studies, meta-analysis, observational studies, performance bias, qualitative research/studies, selection bias
Homemaking Practices of Provision and Maintenance: Implications for Environmental Action
Cecily J. Maller
in The Greening of Everyday Life: Challenging Practices, Imagining Possibilities
Practices such as buying a home and carrying out renovations, as well as practices that comprise daily routines, affect land use, layout, and the environmental impact of postindustrial cities. Using ... More
Practices such as buying a home and carrying out renovations, as well as practices that comprise daily routines, affect land use, layout, and the environmental impact of postindustrial cities. Using theories of social practice, this chapter sheds light on the apparent ambivalence toward environmental action perceived in the majority of households. Drawing on two qualitative studies with Australian households who are buying or renovating their home, the chapter is positioned around household practices of homemaking. These include practices of: provision (buying and/or furnishing homes) and maintenance (repairing and renovating homes). It argues that, as the relationship between practices of homemaking and the materiality of houses is tightly coupled and productive, it presents a considerable challenge for those seeking to intervene in and divert trajectories of consumption. Until this relationship is better understood, and potentially loosened or decoupled, widespread environmental action by households will not be achieved.Less
Homemaking Practices of Provision and Maintenance : Implications for Environmental Action
Practices such as buying a home and carrying out renovations, as well as practices that comprise daily routines, affect land use, layout, and the environmental impact of postindustrial cities. Using theories of social practice, this chapter sheds light on the apparent ambivalence toward environmental action perceived in the majority of households. Drawing on two qualitative studies with Australian households who are buying or renovating their home, the chapter is positioned around household practices of homemaking. These include practices of: provision (buying and/or furnishing homes) and maintenance (repairing and renovating homes). It argues that, as the relationship between practices of homemaking and the materiality of houses is tightly coupled and productive, it presents a considerable challenge for those seeking to intervene in and divert trajectories of consumption. Until this relationship is better understood, and potentially loosened or decoupled, widespread environmental action by households will not be achieved.
Keywords: Australia, environmental action, houses, qualitative studies, renovations, theories of social practice


Five essential oils that help get rid of your child's sinusitis. Simply put a tiny amount of this mix on one fingertip and smooth it over the forehead and nose, being careful to avoid the eye area. Then with a tissue, gently dab off any excess oil which has not soaked into the skin. Rids sinuses of inflammation and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, headache, sore and swollen eyes, pain around the cheek bones and forehead, fatigue and nasal discharge.
German Chamomile, Organic Ravensara, Niaouli, Eucalyptus radiata, and Roman Chamomile diluted in Sweet Almond Oil; blended ready to apply. Comes in a 10 ml bottle (approx. 200 drops of oil).


text:
Waterbeach
11 things you need to know about Amey's plans for a energy from waste facility in Waterbeach
We sat down with the company to discuss its proposals to deal with Cambridgeshire's rubbish over the coming decades
Matthew DevonportCommercial Editor
The capacity of the Waterbeach EfW facility is between 230,000 and 250,000 tonnes
Proposals for an energy from waste facility at the Waterbeach Waste Management Park are currently being examined by a Government planning inspector.
This is after waste company Amey appealed against Cambridgeshire County Council's refusal to grant permission for its plans in September last year.
Despite council officers supporting Amey's proposals for the facility on the allocated site, councillors rejected the plans on two points - impact on the nearby Denny Abbey and the visual impact of the chimney stack.
Amey believes the benefits of the facility outweigh the impact on the landscape. The Secretary of State is expected to make a decision early next year.
Earlier this month Cambridgeshire Live sat down with Paco Hevia, Amey's Managing Director for Waste Treatment, to discuss the company's proposals. Here he answers 11 questions about the planned facility.
Almost all of Cambridgeshire's waste is already delivered to the Waterbeach Waste Management Park for recycling, treatment and landfill
1: Why do you want to build an energy from waste (EfW) facility?
"Landfill is a finite resource. It will be over at some point in the future.
"An energy from waste facility will allow us to move away from that. To replace fossil fuels, to replace landfill. To generate heat and energy as well as treating waste.
"We should not be reliant on landfill as a solution for residual waste.
"Other countries have been able to completely ban the use of landfill, for example Germany and Denmark. Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands are reliant on energy from waste solutions as an alternative to landfill, and many towns and cities use the heat in district heating schemes.
"EfW is the prevalent solution as councils in the UK move away from landfill. There are more than 40 EFW plants operating in the UK.
"Cambridgeshire is one of the last councils that are still relying on landfill as a solution for their residual waste – the rubbish that is left over after recycling."
Inside Amey Waterbeach Waste Management Park: We found out what really happens to your recycling
2: How does the proposed plant compare in size to other facilities?
"The facility is sized for the current and future needs of Cambridgeshire. At the moment we are landfilling 200,000 tonnes of waste every year.
"The capacity of the facility is between 230,000 and 250,000 tonnes. The life of this facility is 20-25 years. 75,000 new homes are planned for the county.
"There are much larger facilities. There is one being proposed in Bedfordshire that is more than double the size of the facility which we are proposing. What we are proposing is the right size for the county of Cambridgeshire.
"We have proposed a number of initiatives to reduce the visual impact the facility will have. We do acknowledge that there is a visual impact from this facility on an area which is very flat. There is nothing blocking the view on the Fens.
"We need to consider the benefits of the facility - the jobs, the investment, the energy, the carbon savings. Those benefits significantly outweigh the visual impact of the facility."
The planned life of the EfW facility is 25 years
3: Are you proposing an incinerator or an energy from waste facility?
"It is a plant that transforms waste into energy - electricity and potentially heat. A label simplifies too much.
"What's important is what the facility does, what the facility is and the benefits that it is bringing to the local community and to Cambridgeshire.
"The process which releases the energy is an incineration process. I have no problem with calling it that.
"However if you choose to label this facility just as an incinerator you are ignoring all of the benefits that come with that process.
"This is an energy-from-waste facility as that is what it does.
"All waste facilities including energy from waste facilities are heavily regulated and closely monitored to ensure compliance with stringent EU regulations and UK laws. Strict limits are in place which are designed to protect human health and the environment."
Inside the new Cambridgeshire retirement community development with its own roof terrace, café and hair salon
4: Could the lifespan of the facility be extended beyond 20-25 years?
"The planned life of the facility is 25 years. The analysis down the line will be to consider whether the need continues to be there, whether Cambridgeshire continues to need that infrastructure to be operated, then decisions will be made."
5: How will the facility affect the county's carbon footprint?
"Our mission as a company is to create better places for people to live. Using landfill has a negative impact on the carbon footprint of the council.
"Landfill really no longer has a place in the situation of a climate emergency which we have at the minute.
"This is the right solution. The energy from waste facility would reduce carbon emissions compared to landfill.
"We will be saving over 35,000 tonnes of carbon every year, even more if a local heat network is delivered, compared to the impact of landfill. This is equivalent to approaching 9,000 cars not being used on an annual basis.
"Almost all of Cambridgeshire's waste is already delivered to the Waterbeach Waste Management Park for recycling, treatment and landfill. The EfW will ensure the maximum value can be extract from society's waste, and significantly reduce the amount that is landfilled.
"We are hoping a facility like this will inspire people to take action in reducing their own carbon footprint too."
The EfW facility will probably be able to serve the needs of all of the development at the Waterbeach Barracks
6: What impact would the facility have on air quality?
"Emissions and air quality were not reasons for refusal of the planning application. However, we do acknowledge public concerns about air quality.
"As already stated, all waste treatment facilities are heavily regulated. They must comply with strict emission limits which are designed to protect human health and the environment, regulated by the Government's Environment Agency.
"The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee during the planning application process for all waste treatment facilities. They raised no objection to the proposed EfW.
"Public Health England was also a statutory consultee during the planning process. They had no significant concerns regarding risk to the health of the local population from potential emissions associated with the proposals - providing the operator takes all appropriate measures to prevent or control pollution, in accordance with relevant technical guidance or industry best practice.
"The impact of the plant on air quality is negligible."
7: How will heat be used from the facility?
"We think we will probably be able to serve the needs of all of the development at the Waterbeach Barracks. There is a real opportunity to use all of the residual heat from the facility which would mean we would have maximum efficiency.
"If we can connect heat to the development in Waterbeach Barracks that would render this one of the most efficient energy from waste facilities in the UK.
"There are only a few examples of facilities successful using heat in the UK. Success is what I would expect from a county like Cambridgeshire which has been at the helm of driving and adopting technology.
"The fact that it is a landfill economy does not seem to make sense today. We should have this sort of infrastructure and this sort of connectivity as well with the community around it."
8: What other benefits could there be for the surrounding area?
"In addition to supporting the local economy and the jobs – we employ 150 people at the site - we already provide support via the Amey Community Fund, with grants generated from landfill tax. We will also create a fund on the back of the operation of the energy from waste facility. We'll distribute a portion of our income to the local community.
"People will be able to apply for the same sorts of projects they have been applying for in the past - refurbishments of parks, churches, halls and that sort of thing – from the existing fund. The new fund will focus on energy efficiency improvements."
Amey has proposed a number of initiatives to reduce the visual impact the facility will have
9: Do you understand residents' concerns?
"We can understand the concern. We have consulted. We have provided forums for dialogue. We operate a Community Liaison Group and have worked closely with the group during the planning process.
"Our responsibility at the end of the day is to be transparent and to provide information and explain it clearly.
"Concerns expressed are not dissimilar to what we have seen in other places. The more people understand the facility the more people will understand what it is doing for them.
"I'm sympathetic to those concerns that people may have. But I would say that it is a modern facility. It is a facility which is completely controlled which will help to eliminate some of the nuisance that landfill brings."
Paco Hevia, Amey's Managing Director for Waste Treatment
10: Are you hopeful that your appeal will be successful?
"Yes. We accept whatever decision is taken at the end of the day by the Secretary of State."
11: How can residents find out more?
To find out more about Amey's energy-from-waste proposals visit their website here.
Special FeaturesShare the Love with someone special and they will appear in the Cambridge News, Valentine's Day keepsake.Celebrate Valentine's Day with those you love. Upload a photo today to appear in our Photo Special Supplement!
The 7 ways this Cambridge gym can get you fit in the new year - from fitness classes to climbing walls
CambridgeKelsey Kerridge has a range of membership options as well as a pay-as-you-go
FREE Slimming World recipe magazines inside your paper on Monday and Tuesday
Special FeaturesSay hello to a new you for 2022!
Get the glow you want this new year! Clinical dermatology and aesthetics centre opens new branch in Cambridge
Special FeaturesWe're taking a look inside London Dermatology Centre's new clinic and the treatments on offer
A new year, a new start, a new way of living at Mill View in Hauxton
Special FeaturesMill View is a collection of luxury two-bedroom independent living apartments - head down to the viewing day on January 22

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Nicolai Vorobjov
Professor, Department of Computer Science
EmailN.N.Vorobjov@bath.ac.uk
1 WEST 3.62
Held research and teaching positions at St Petersburg State University, Mathematical Steklov Institute (Russia), Cornell University and Pennsylvania State University (USA). Research interests are in Computer Algebra (in particular, in computational algebraic geometry) and other areas of Theoretical Computer Science.
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics where Nicolai Vorobjov is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Pfaffian Mathematics
Semi-algebraic Sets Mathematics
Betti numbers Mathematics
Monotone Mathematics
Upper bound Mathematics
Monotone Map Mathematics
Polynomial Mathematics
O-minimal Mathematics
Collaborative Research with Prof B Shapiro
Vorobjov, N.
Complexity of deciding whether a tropical linear prevariety is a tropical variety.
Grigoriev, D. & Vorobjov, N., 29 Nov 2019, In : Applicable Algebra in Engineering Communication and Computing. p. 1-18 18 p.
Orthogonal tropical linear prevarieties
Vorobjov, N. & Grigoriev, D., 2018, Computer Algebra in Scientific Computing - 20th International Workshop, CASC 2018, Proceedings. Koepf, W., Seiler, W. M., Gerdt, V. P. & Vorozhtsov, E. V. (eds.). Springer, Vol. 11077. p. 187-196 10 p. (Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics); vol. 11077 LNCS).
Upper bounds on Betti numbers of tropical prevarieties
Grigoriev, D. & Vorobjov, N., 1 Apr 2018, In : Arnold Mathematical Journal. 4, 1, p. 127-136 10 p.
Betti numbers
Upper bound
Minkowski Sum
Polytopes
On irreducible components of real exponential hypersurfaces
Vorobjov, N. & Riener, C., 10 Sep 2017, In : Arnold Mathematical Journal. 3, 3, p. 423-443 20 p.
On topological lower bounds for algebraic computation trees
Gabrielov, A. & Vorobjov, N., 1 Feb 2017, In : Foundations of Computational Mathematics. 17, 1, p. 61-72 12 p.
Bounding Betti Numbers of Sets Definable in O-Minimal Structures Over the Reals
Author: Clutha, M., 1 Jan 2011
Supervisor: Vorobjov, N. (Supervisor) & McCusker, G. (Supervisor)
Nash equilibria in games and simplicial complexes
Author: Egan, S., 1 Dec 2008
Supervisor: Vorobjov, N. (Supervisor)
Contact Nicolai Vorobjov


Accounting is "language of business" or measurement and processing of financial information about economic entities. accounting has many part like financial accounting, management accounting, external auditing, tax accounting, cost accounting and many more. bookkeeping is also a part of accounting is defined as the recording of financial transactions. Transactions include purchases, sales, receipts, and payments by an individual person or an organization. bookkeeping is formally handled by bookkeeper. A bookkeeper is a person who records the day to day financial transactions of a business. They usually responsible for writing the daybooks, which contain records of purchases, sales, receipts and payments.
Tax is one of the main problems which any business can face. It can be an area where, if not attended properly, can cause you financial headache. Bookkeepers take the right measures to ensure that your tax is handled professionally which can really save you money down the line.
Bookkeeping plays a crucial role in decision-making and future planning. Having a good financial grip on your business can help you to accurately plan for the future. It can ensure that you have a good financial basis through which to plan your business development. This situation gives you control over what's happening in your company. At the same time, it allows you to make forecasts and prepare for the future.
Rather than having paperwork flying around the office and losing bills that need to be paid, you will have one person who will be responsible for looking after your financial matters. it helps you evaluate the health of your business. This person will ensure that bills are paid on time, that your company continues to make a profit, and that any cash flow gaps are plugged in a quick and efficient manner. So do not underestimate the value of tracking daily transactions.
Recording and number crunching must be done diligently in order to save time and avoid stressful scenarios with, say, your accountant. For their sake and yours, send them an organised set of books to work with. You might end up paying less in taxes and receiving a thorough report sooner than later.
Indeed, you cannot afford to be bad at bookkeeping. You will end up losing more. Besides, doing it properly minimizes the risk of getting outsmarted. Finally, your books should reflect timeliness and accuracy, which are important characteristics of any business. This is true for your start-up company. So, record and crunch those numbers well – and build a strong foundation for your business growth.
In general, a bookkeeper will have a good financial background and understanding. Their insights can often be invaluable if you are looking for that little bit extra financial advice, or you are unsure about one of the financial elements of your business.
There might be an area in your business where you are currently losing money. But either through time restraints or a simple lack of understanding, you may not be able to easily identify this. If you find yourself in this position, then you could benefit from a bookkeeper who may be able to easily identify the problem areas of your business.
Proper bookkeeping paves the way for you to produce well-organised financial reports. These reports will in turn play critical roles when you decide to take out a loan. Banks require these documents in order for them to assess your standing. Messy books signify an erratic system, and this could hurt your chances of obtaining a larger line of credit. On the other hand, ironing out your system and organizing your books could help you score better terms with banks.


Voice-over allows the user to hear the spoken English instruction on worksheets and interactive games. These carefully articulated instructions are spoken at the speed of conversation, and help young children to develop English speaking and reading skills while they excel in Mathematics.
Through hearing the spoken instructions at conversational speed, children are supported in the process of developing English speaking and reading skills, while excelling in Mathematics. Non-readers and/or students who have English as a second language, will benefit from this feature.
The language of mathematics is given high priority, and great care is taken to introduce new mathematical terms and concepts, and to use a variety of explanations throughout the worksheets. Cartoons are used to reinforce the meaning of important terms and concepts.
Non-readers and students who have English as a second language will gain great benefit from this feature. Similarly, teachers for whom English is a second language can also use Voice-over to practise pronunciation of the significant phrases to be used in a lesson.


text:
AGMP seminar 2022/23
SiEG 2023
Structures in Enumerative Geometry
The University of Sheffield, 23-27 January 2023
Photo by Rob Bates on Unsplash
The conference will focus on current trends in log and derived geometry. It is conceived as an invitation targeted primarily at graduate students and non-specialists in the field.
The meeting will feature in particular three mini-courses, as well as more advanced research talks. We also aim to provide ample opportunity of collaboration and discussion in a workshop-style setting, usually with no more than four hours of talks each day.
The meeting is funded by the Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship grant "Virtual calculus".
Luca Battistella (Frankfurt)
Francesca Carocci (EPFL)
Jeongseok Oh (Imperial College)
Tom Coates (Imperial College)
Alessio Corti (Imperial College)
Dominic Joyce (Oxford)
David Kern (Montpellier)
Navid Nabijou (Queen Mary)
Nicola Pagani (Liverpool)
Renata Picciotto (Angers)
Dhruv Ranganathan (Cambridge)
Richard Thomas (Imperial College)
Michel van Garrel (Birmingham)
The registration for this event has now closed.
Andrea Brini (Sheffield), Paul Johnson (Sheffield), Etienne Mann (Angers), Cristina Manolache (Sheffield).
For any questions, contact Cristina Manolache.


text:
Wests Tigers release Rod Griffin
Wed 8 Feb 2017, 11:50 AM
Wests Tigers have today released Rod Griffin from the remainder of his playing contract with the Club.
Griffin, 30, has been released from the final year of his contract, effective immediately, to take up an opportunity with another Club.
Griffin joined Wests Tigers for the 2016 season and was a part of the Club's Intrust Super Premiership side.
Wests Tigers General Manager Football Kelly Egan wished Griffin well as he continued his playing career at another Club.
"On behalf of everyone at Wests Tigers I would like to wish Rod the best of luck at his new Club," said Egan. "During his time at Wests Tigers Rod has shown time and time again to be committed to the Club, both on and off the field.
"As well as being a part of our Intrust Super Premiership team Rod was always the first player to volunteer to assist with Wests Tigers' community activities which is a testament to his character," he said.
Griffin, who has played 10 Test Matches for Papua New Guinea, joined Wests Tigers from the Ipswich Jets.


Niagara Outdoor has extensive experience in Landscape design, construction and maintenance.
Here are just a few examples of the quality workmanship we put into every project.
Use the links below to request a quote or learn more about our services.
We have used their services for many years, since the company started, for both their lawn cutting as well as hardscapes. They are great! Professional, consistent, approachable, friendly. I highly recommend them.
You and your team did a fantastic job on our landscaping. With your expertise and guidance, the landscaping at our home far exceeded our expectations. Thank you for a job well done!
We'll manage each step of your project, and make your landscape vision a reality.


Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-102. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 292 p.
Contains 14 full-length papers and 40 abstracts of posters that were presented at the 4th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests conference, held in Springfield, MO, May 17-19, 2011. The conference was attended by over 250 people from 65 different organizations and entities, representing 22 states and 1 Canadian province.
Citation: Dey, Daniel C.; Stambaugh, Michael C.; Clark, Stacy L.; Schweitzer, Callie J., eds. 2012. Proceedings of the 4th fire in eastern oak forests conference; 2011 May 17-19; Springfield, MO. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-102. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 292 p.


You get acquainted with your donkey and learn how to put a pack-saddle on correctly. Departure is by late morning. Between groves and pine forests, you will pass Le Cloup, Ladrat, Présenchères... all elegant hamlets. Then, discover the extensive panoramas of the Montagne Limousine from the top of Mont-Larron.
The Maulde languid in a series of steep-sided lakes line your course : you will first pass the Larron lake, then Sainte-Hélène lake when you are near the village of Bujaleuf. Are you tempted to go swimming ? Do not hesitate : a small beach can be the place for a relaxing and refreshing moment.
Go first to the Chalard castle wich overlooks a meander of the Vienne. You now have to penetrate the gorges of this very rugged river as it is close to its source on the Plateau de Millevaches.
The journey continues with the gorges de la Vienne in the background. The railway line from Limoges to Clermont-Ferrand also winds through the valley and you may be lucky to catch sight of the steam train showing around summer visitors in this wild setting... A detour through the Farsac castle will take you to la Closerie, for the next lap.
The Ânes de Vassivière farm and maybe a night at the yurt camp is just at the end of the road.


text:
Q: Setting proxy settings in Windows with Python (using InternetSetOption) I have written a little script that needs to be able to enable and disable proxy settings with Python. Right now I edit the registry to achieve this, but it doesn't seem to work on all versions of windows, so I would much rather use InternetSetOption. Information about the API is really scarce and most of the examples are in C, which I don't know:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/226473
It would probably look somewhat like this (this snippet is actually for refreshing the browser proxy settings):
import ctypes
INTERNET_OPTION_REFRESH = 37
INTERNET_OPTION_SETTINGS_CHANGED = 39

internet_set_option = ctypes.windll.Wininet.InternetSetOptionW
internet_set_option(0, 38, 0, 0)
internet_set_option(0, INTERNET_OPTION_REFRESH, 0, 0)
internet_set_option(0, INTERNET_OPTION_SETTINGS_CHANGED, 0, 0)

A: I actually figured this out myself, through lots of trial and errors. Working example:
from ctypes import *
from ctypes.wintypes import *

LPWSTR = POINTER(WCHAR)
HINTERNET = LPVOID

INTERNET_PER_CONN_PROXY_SERVER = 2
INTERNET_OPTION_REFRESH = 37
INTERNET_OPTION_SETTINGS_CHANGED = 39
INTERNET_OPTION_PER_CONNECTION_OPTION = 75
INTERNET_PER_CONN_PROXY_BYPASS = 3
INTERNET_PER_CONN_FLAGS = 1

class INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION(Structure):
    class Value(Union):
        _fields_ = [
            ('dwValue', DWORD),
            ('pszValue', LPWSTR),
            ('ftValue', FILETIME),
        ]

    _fields_ = [
        ('dwOption', DWORD),
        ('Value', Value),
    ]

class INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION_LIST(Structure):
    _fields_ = [
        ('dwSize', DWORD),
        ('pszConnection', LPWSTR),
        ('dwOptionCount', DWORD),
        ('dwOptionError', DWORD),
        ('pOptions', POINTER(INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION)),
    ]

def set_proxy_settings(ip, port, on=True):
    if on:
        setting = create_unicode_buffer(ip+":"+str(port))
    else:
        setting = None

    InternetSetOption = windll.wininet.InternetSetOptionW
    InternetSetOption.argtypes = [HINTERNET, DWORD, LPVOID, DWORD]
    InternetSetOption.restype  = BOOL

    List = INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION_LIST()
    Option = (INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION * 3)()
    nSize = c_ulong(sizeof(INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION_LIST))

    Option[0].dwOption = INTERNET_PER_CONN_FLAGS
    Option[0].Value.dwValue = (2 if on else 1) # PROXY_TYPE_DIRECT Or
    Option[1].dwOption = INTERNET_PER_CONN_PROXY_SERVER
    Option[1].Value.pszValue = setting
    Option[2].dwOption = INTERNET_PER_CONN_PROXY_BYPASS
    Option[2].Value.pszValue = create_unicode_buffer("localhost;127.*;10.*;172.16.*;172.17.*;172.18.*;172.19.*;172.20.*;172.21.*;172.22.*;172.23.*;172.24.*;172.25.*;172.26.*;172.27.*;172.28.*;172.29.*;172.30.*;172.31.*;172.32.*;192.168.*")

    List.dwSize = sizeof(INTERNET_PER_CONN_OPTION_LIST)
    List.pszConnection = None
    List.dwOptionCount = 3
    List.dwOptionError = 0
    List.pOptions = Option

    InternetSetOption(None, INTERNET_OPTION_PER_CONNECTION_OPTION, byref(List), nSize)
    InternetSetOption(None, INTERNET_OPTION_SETTINGS_CHANGED, None, 0)
    InternetSetOption(None, INTERNET_OPTION_REFRESH, None, 0)

set_proxy_settings("127.0.0.1", 52042)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


"Greg is immensely talented as an entertainer AND communicator! He is also very proficient as a supervisor. Cooperative and Charming his talent is Endless!
PS-Last I knew the card was still on the ceiling!
Who is the Funbelievable Greg Phillips?
Greg Phillips is the perfect entertainment for your next event. Greg captivates his audiences with amazing magic, hilarious juggling, animatronic puppets, and outrageous comedy. Since 1982, he has performed on National Television; including HBO, Showtime, and the A&E network. He has opened for such stars as Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Henny Youngman, Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Ray Charles, Maynard Ferguson, Tanya Tucker, Jimmy Walker and Gallagher. He has appeared in nearly a dozen countries on two continents.
Greg has traveled extensively competing in local and national Magic Conventions receiving many awards and accolades.
Greg continues to tour internationally, as a successful entertainer, and corporate speaker.
He truly specializes in making your events amazingly successful, entertaining and Funbelievable! Greg tailors his presentations to your guests using fun magic, clean comedy, audience interaction making for a Funbelievable time! Your employees, guests and clients will enjoy the show and remember it for a LONG time because the presentation was created especially for them. All this makes you look like a hero.
Your group will be entertained by a wide range of magic that is backed by a total satisfaction, money-back guarantee. Other magicians & entertainers don't dare offer a guarantee on their services but in over 40 years of performing, not one person has ever asked for their money back from Greg.
One of the important factors in creating a really special event is to make sure that your guests start having fun right away…minutes after they arrive.
You'll be delighted as you hear the gasps of amazement and laughter as your guests are entertained with their own 5 to 7-minute shows which include super fun magic that happens in their hands.
This enchanting, fun, and intimate form of "walk around" entertainment is perfect for cocktail parties or as before dinner entertainment and at wedding receptions. It will leave the lasting impression you desire.
STAND UP & STAGE COMEDY, MAGIC SHOW.
Greg's Funbelievable Programs Are Designed Specifically WIth You in Mind!
1. Comedy – You'll be thrilled as you hear your audiences laugh and see all the smiles during my clean, but very funny programs!
2. Audience Participation – Keeping an audience's attention can be a difficult task. Getting them involved is a sure fire way to ensure success. Greg's rapport with the audience is a joy to watch. Everyone becomes a part! Everyone makes the "magic" happen! All are treated with respect, and have a great time participating in the program.
3. "Funbelievable" Illusions –Greg's programs are filled with amazing illusions, creative object lessons, captivating stories, unique puppets, juggling and and his hilariously unique way of telling stories. It's quality entertainment!
4. Personalized Shows – Every performance is individually tailored for your corporate message, theme, event or organization. I want to help you and the needs of your community. Whatever your need, I will plan a program just for your event! I become your spokesperson!
5. A Clear Concise Presentation Of Your Message or Theme – This is the area most "Performers" fall short. With 40 years of communication experience, Greg specifically designs each program to contain clear presentation of your message. Let Greg assist you in planning your programs, with great results.
Is Greg able to entertain people who don't speak English?
Thankfully, magic is very universally appealing to all walks of life! Although your non-english speaking guests may not totally understand every funny joke Greg makes, they will enjoy his physical comedy and still be thoroughly entertained and amazed by what they see! HOWEVER Greg presents several routines in Spanish when necessary. Greg is also experienced with working with a translator and had developed routines that make the best use of language interpreters.
Yes, typically a 50% initial investment and signed agreement is required to reserve a date. The event is not fully booked with Greg until both of these items have been received.
What do we need to provide on our end?
What is needed varies based on the type of entertainment being provided.
If you go with a strolling/close up magic package, where Greg is merely strolling through your event and entertaining the guests, there are virtually no additional requirements. Everything Greg needs he comes prepared with in his pockets ready to entertain when he arrives at the event.
For the stage show packages, there are some important requirements that are needed in order for a successful performance.
1. If Greg is the only performer with equipment on the stage (besides a podium), then we recommend a stage at least 12′ x 8′ and at least 6 inches off the floor. Depending on how high the stage is, stairs might also be required as there is fun audience participation throughout the performance. In cases where Greg's equipment would be sharing the stage with other performer(s), a larger stage me be necessary or other special considerations.
2. In most cases, Greg will provide his own sound system unless it's a performance that requires air travel. In this case, we'll also need a professional sound system setup and monitored throughout the performance. The best type of mic is a headset mic known as a "country man". It is wireless and hands free. We also need an an input for an iPod for sound effects.
Once again, most of the time Greg provides his own professional sound system. Please keep in mind that you still may have AV needs yourself and still may want to ask your venue to provide a microphone to show a presentation, announce winners, give speeches, etc.
3. In regards to lighting, we have no specific needs but do recommend not having your event too dark because it becomes more difficult for your guests to experience the amazing magic when they are struggling to see what's happening.
We accept checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and most ONLINE payment services. Arrangements should be made in advance for the correct method of payment.
Is Greg able to entertain while people are eating?
Technically yes but we really don't recommend it. By the nature of the entertainment, your guests participate in the magic and are often asked to help out. This is sometimes difficult when people are eating. And also it's hard to "watch closely" when you're enjoying dinner.
Will this embarrass or offend anyone?
We're proud to say that absolutely NO ONE is embarrassed in any way. We've heard many horror stories of how other entertainers have completely offended guests in the audience with off color jokes and remarks. Greg's entertainment is completely G-Rated and never relies on entertaining people by making fun or laughing at people.
What kind of room set up do you need for the stage show?
Typically having the stage setup against a wall having all of your guests seated in front and as close as possible (this helps provide a more intimate feeling). Guests that are seated directly to either side of the stage or behind, have TERRIBLE seats and therefore it's best to avoid that. A space that can comfortably seat all of your guests without having them on the sides or behind the stage is best. Also watch out for those huge annoying beams right in the middle of some rooms. Please take into consideration your guests so they don't get stuck behind one of them and miss out on the fun. See the example room diagram below.
Optionally, you can request "pipe and drape" for the stage which basically serves as the backdrop of the performance and gives it a nice feel.
Greg also has a FUNBELIEVABLY THEMED Backdrop that he travels with that is 8 x 10.
What size audiences can Greg entertain?
Greg's entertainment is best suited for all sized audiences. Greg entertains groups as intimate as 10 people all the way up to 500 guests in a ballroom.
If you have a large group (200 or more), the use of projection screens makes the show even more enjoyable for your guests. Talk to your venue or contact a local audio/video company with questions to further explore that option.
Greg gives you the tools to make your event a success!
Greg shares his Funbelievable knowledge and experience after performing at over 5,000 + events and helps cut the learning curve to planning a successful special event.
how to avoid costly mistakes and learn how to make your boss go WOW!


A delegation of students, many of them members of the Darfur Awareness and Activism Training Club, attended the fourth annual Walk to End Genocide on April 18.
The walk, organized by the Jewish World Watch, was "primarily to bring awareness about the voting [for the president and the National Assembly] this week in Darfur and Sudan […] and how it was rigged," club co-president Jake Gutman '10 said.
Ruben Lopez '10 was one of the students who attended the walk. "A highlight would be the drumming…they got random people to go up and drum to different beats, and ultimately produced quite a nice effect," he said.
The walk raised more than $175,000 to purchase solar power cookers and fund the Sister School Program. Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets came up with the idea of the Sister School Program.
The Sister School Program strives toward providing an education for the Darfur Refugees by connecting American schools with 12 refugee camps in Chad.
Established in 2004, the JWW began as a Jewish response to atrocities committed against other human beings, working to educate synagogues, schools and communities about genocide and other violations of human rights. According to JWW, four hundred thousand citizens have been murdered so far in the genocide.
After hearing about the walk through JWW's Youth Activism Training program, DAATC leaders hung posters around school and made a Facebook group to advertise it. Although most of the Harvard-Westlake participants were members of the club, a few found out about the walk through the posters and the Facebook group.
Before the walk, there were speeches by the heads of anti-genocide groups and refugees who emphasized the urgency of the situation.
The participants followed a three-mile route starting and ending at the Warner Center Park in the San Fernando Valley. There were also displays set up inside a tent, each dedicated to a specific genocide, such as the Holocaust and Darfur.