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Guided Pathways is a systemic reform movement focused on increasing community college completion rates and student achievement (Bailey et al., 2015b). Within the California community college (CCC) System, every college is implementing Guided Pathways, and the California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) continues to use this framework to organize and align all initiatives focused on improving equity and student success (California Community College Chancellor's Office [CCCCO, n.d.b). Yet, CCCs continue to face challenges achieving equitable outcomes for all students even while implementing Guided Pathways (CCCCO, 2021). Because Guided Pathways is a relatively new framework, few studies have examined its implementation at California Community Colleges with a specific focus on racial equity from a qualitative perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the implementation of Guided Pathways at two California Community Colleges. This multi-site case study examined how the Educational Master Plan, Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) plan, Scale of Adoption Assessment (SOAA), and Guided Pathways Workplan contributed to local Guided Pathways implementation, including the equity related activities that colleges prioritized to implement and the perceptions of these activities on achieving racially equitable outcomes. In addition, this study sought to identify any challenges to the successful implementation of the Guided Pathways framework to close racial equity gaps. Findings from this study suggest that both cases focused on responding to a call for change, creating Career and Academic Pathways (CAPs) and mapping CAPs while implementing pillar two. Pillar two activities included developing Student Success and Completion Teams and expanding best practices from affinity programs. Participants at both cases expressed diverse perspectives on Guided Pathways and racial equity. Participants made sense of racial equity as a process, outcome and expressed concerns about using racial equity as lip service. Challenges included funding, leadership dynamics, and silos. Findings from this study suggest that to advance racial equity while implementing Guided Pathways, colleges should center racial equity in implementation, adopt an anti-racist framework, and continue to build capacity to work towards racially equitable student outcomes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

Much has been written about Thomas Johnes (1748-1816) and even more about Hafod. However, this account takes a different approach to former studies, the key objective being to identify how his experiences and the influences derived from them during the period 1748 and 1783 impacted on his creation of Hafod and his life there. It is divided in to six parts. The first part provides an outline biography of his life up to 1783 and has the objective of adding to our knowledge of Thomas during these years and especially his time in Scotland, both at University and in the Highlands, and also on the Grand Tour. The final section covers his time back in Herefordshire in the 1770s. The second part offers a review and appraisal of the experiences and influences from this period which are considered important to his behaviour post-1783. It concentrates on his time in Scotland, especially the culture of the Enlightenment and the Highland scenery; the impact of individuals and particularly the Rev. Dr John Drysdale and his close network; and the aspirations of Johnes's own family. The third part describes Johnes's early years at Hafod in terms of the motivation provided by his earlier experiences. Because of the nature of the text each of the first three parts commence with an introduction which aims not only to provide a succinct summary but also to provide signposts to relate the text to later parts and sections. Part four builds on the foregoing to provide an overall summary. Parts five and six are respectively the appendices and the references.

The UK government’s “Review of Post-18 Education and Funding” (Tertiary Review), 2017–2019, should have been highly influential on the shape of the further and higher education sectors in England. But a period of policy inaction and political turmoil arising from Brexit meant that the policy process, when judged against its own ambition, was a damp squib. I focus in this inquiry on the consultation which formed part of the evidence-gathering approach to support the report from Philip Augar’s expert panel. From this I draw conclusions which have value for practitioners, as the outsiders in the policymaking process, to support their future engagement with policy consultation exercises. This critical policy analysis explores the context of the Tertiary Review and deconstructs its texts following David Hyatt’s (2013a) critical higher education policy discourse analysis framework, adapted to suit this inquiry. I also use elements from the work of Mikhail Bakhtin to consider dialogic aspects of policymaking. The application of Bakhtin provides the epistemic foundation for the thesis, meaning-making through dialogic interanimation, to which I return throughout the analysis. I contextualise the review four ways: medium-term socio-political context; epoch; immediate socio-political context; and contemporary socio-political individuals, organisations and structures. These chapters develop understanding of the Tertiary Review’s position within the political, policy and academic discourses. I then deconstruct the review’s official texts, considering in turn the concepts of authority, consultation and influence. I use the contextualisation and deconstruction to draw conclusions which identify what general lessons can be drawn from the specific case, and I articulate the contribution that this thesis makes to the higher education policy and policymaking literature. I propose a dialogic policy consultation framework as a practitioner tool, and I invite the application and testing of the framework in practice as the natural extension of this practice-oriented, but theoretical, work.

This thesis describes the author’s contributions to a new stereochemical processing module constructed for the ARChem retrosynthesis program. The purpose of the module is to add the ability to perform enantioselective and diastereoselective retrosynthetic disconnections and generate appropriate precursor molecules. The module uses evidence based rules generated from a large database of literature reactions. Chapter 1 provides an introduction and critical review of the published body of work for computer aided synthesis design. The role of computer perception of key structural features (rings, functions groups etc.) and the construction and use of reaction transforms for generating precursors is discussed. Emphasis is also given to the application of strategies in retrosynthetic analysis. The availability of large reaction databases has enabled a new generation of retrosynthesis design programs to be developed that use automatically generated transforms assembled from published reactions. A brief description of the transform generation method employed by ARChem is given. Chapter 2 describes the algorithms devised by the author for handling the computer recognition and representation of the stereochemical features found in molecule and reaction scheme diagrams. The approach is generalised and uses flexible recognition patterns to transform information found in chemical diagrams into concise stereo descriptors for computer processing. An algorithm for efficiently comparing and classifying pairs of stereo descriptors is described. This algorithm is central for solving the stereochemical constraints in a variety of substructure matching problems addressed in chapter 3. The concise representation of reactions and transform rules as hyperstructure graphs is described. Chapter 3 is concerned with the efficient and reliable detection of stereochemical symmetry in both molecules, reactions and rules. A novel symmetry perception algorithm, based on a constraints satisfaction problem (CSP) solver, is described. The use of a CSP solver to implement an isomorph‐free matching algorithm for stereochemical substructure matching is detailed. The prime function of this algorithm is to seek out unique retron locations in target molecules and then to generate precursor molecules without duplications due to symmetry. Novel algorithms for classifying asymmetric, pseudo‐asymmetric and symmetric stereocentres; meso, centro, and C2 symmetric molecules; and the stereotopicity of trigonal (sp2) centres are described. Chapter 4 introduces and formalises the annotated structural language used to create both retrosynthetic rules and the patterns used for functional group recognition. A novel functional group recognition package is described along with its use to detect important electronic features such as electron‐withdrawing or donating groups and leaving groups. The functional groups and electronic features are used as constraints in retron rules to improve transform relevance. Chapter 5 details the approach taken to design detailed stereoselective and substrate controlled transforms from organised hierarchies of rules. The rules employ a rich set of constraints annotations that concisely describe the keying retrons. The application of the transforms for collating evidence based scoring parameters from published reaction examples is described. A survey of available reaction databases and the techniques for mining stereoselective reactions is demonstrated. A data mining tool was developed for finding the best reputable stereoselective reaction types for coding as transforms. For various reasons it was not possible during the research period to fully integrate this work with the ARChem program. Instead, Chapter 6 introduces a novel one‐step retrosynthesis module to test the developed transforms. The retrosynthesis algorithms use the organisation of the transform rule hierarchy to efficiently locate the best retron matches using all applicable stereoselective transforms. This module was tested using a small set of selected target molecules and the generated routes were ranked using a series of measured parameters including: stereocentre clearance and bond cleavage; example reputation; estimated stereoselectivity with reliability; and evidence of tolerated functional groups. In addition a method for detecting regioselectivity issues is presented. This work presents a number of algorithms using common set and graph theory operations and notations. Appendix A lists the set theory symbols and meanings. Appendix B summarises and defines the common graph theory terminology used throughout this thesis.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the experience and sense making oftherapists working with clients who present with a PTSD diagnosis. The study engaged with therapists experience and understanding of predisposing factors to PTSD and how they incorporate this understanding into the therapy process. Further to this the experience of the therapists understanding of the influence of predisposing factors on the expression of PTSD was explored. Literature Review: A literature review is presented identifying core research relating to PTSD, predisposing factors to the development of PTSD and the treatments used when working with PTSD as a presenting issue. Methodology: To address the aims of the study 9 therapist participants were interviewed. Semi-structured, one to one, in-depth interviews were utilised to elicit participant’s experience of the issues outlined within the aims. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to identify re-current themes across the interviews and analyse the data, which emerged. Findings: The main findings present thirteen sub-ordinate themes that reflect the essence of the participant’s experience of the phenomenon under investigation. These were based around eight Super-ordinate (master) themes of Previous history, Therapy relationship, Psychoeducation and Normalisation, Identity, Culture, Attachment, Presenting Therapy Themes, and Support Systems. Discussion and Conclusion: The study identified the participant’s experience of predisposing factors on the expression of PTSD. There was consensus from the participant’s in relation to the significant impact of client’s previous life experience on their expression of PTSD. The participants further identified that the client’s previous life experience influenced their formulation and treatment of PTSD. Significant issues that were described by all of the participants regardless of their theoretical or therapeutic perspective were (1) the central importance of the therapeutic relationship, (without a strong, trusting and safe relationship the participants would not engage the therapy work), (2) the importance of in-depth history taking (identification of previous life experience and its impact on the current response to the trauma), (3) the impact of previous trauma(s), and (4) the impact of support systems, environment and identity. These issues are discussed alongside the existing literature around this topic. Additionally, suggestions for future directions of research and recommendations for practice are presented.

This thesis shows that patristic interpretation of the Transfiguration had a sensitivity to visionary and ecstatic motifs within the synoptic Transfiguration narratives, and particularly Luke’s, which prompted a rich breadth of hermeneutic interaction with our texts. I offer the evidence of my survey of the reception history of the Transfiguration in the first 900 years of Christian history as a way of filling a number of gaps in knowledge in modern biblical scholarship concerning the Transfiguration narratives. This thesis begins, in Chapters 1, 2, and 3, with an appraisal of interpretation offered by modern biblical scholars, patrologists, and art historians. Critical comment often overlooks a series of ambiguities in the narratives, particularly the distinct characteristics of Luke’s version. These include the question of whether the disciples enter the overshadowing cloud, the presence of priestly or cultic imagery, visionary motifs frequently found in apocalyptic texts, such as the disciples’ drowsiness, and Peter’s confusion at not knowing what he said. Chapters 4-7 examine the earliest reception in 2 Peter, the Apocalypse of Peter, and the Acts of Peter, explore at some length Origen’s and Tertullian’s interpretation, and also look at Latin and Greek comment after Origen. I show many ancient writers to understand the disciples as experiencing ecstatic vision. Some also use cultic language appertaining to the Jerusalem Temple in their exegesis of the Transfiguration. They also employ the narrative to interpret other prophetic or visionary texts. Many of these distinguishing features of interpretation frequently stem from their attentiveness to the Lucan narrative. Chapter 8 examines the earliest artistic depictions of the Transfiguration from the sixth century onwards. This chapter indicates that many of the visionary and cultic themes we have outlined in previous chapters are frequently overlooked by art historians, and also that Luke’s narrative exercised a greater influence on representation of the Transfiguration than many people have imagined. This thesis concludes with a reconsideration of the visionary character of the Transfiguration narratives. Many of the ambiguities, overlooked details, and distinctive traits we pointed to in our opening chapters will be seen to have had much greater significance through many centuries of early hermeneutic tradition and artistic depiction than is the case in modern historical critical scholarship.

This thesis deals with infinite energy solutions of the Navier-Stokes and Boussi-nesq equations in a strip. Here, the properly chosen Uniformly local Sobolev Spaces of functions are used as the phase spaces for the problem considered. The global well-posedness and dissipativity of the Navier-Stokes equations was first established in a paper by Zelik [37] on Spatially Nondecaying Solutions of the 2D Navier-Stokes equations in a strip. However, the proof given there contains error which emmanated from wrong estimation of the solutions of the auxiliary non-autonomous linear Stokes problem with non-homogeneous divergence. In this thesis, we correct the aforementioned error and show that the main results of [37], i. e the well-posedness of the Navier-Stokes problem in uniformly local spaces, remains true. Albeit, only a weaker version of the postulated results in [37] was amenable; therefore, we reworked most part of the non-linear theory as well as to show that they are sufficient for the well-posedness of the non-linear system. We also extended these results to the thermal convection problem in a strip and associated Boussinesq equations. We considered the temperature equation and proved, using maximum principle, the well-posedness of the full Boussinesq system in a Strip.

Over the last two decades high quality leadership has increasingly been seen as a key characteristic of an effective school and a necessary factor for successful school improvement. Similarly, the potential for leadership to be distributed across educational organisations is being recognised and promoted by organisations such as the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services. However, there is little consensus within the education community as to the meaning of the term. Furthermore, there have been few empirical studies of distributed leadership in action. Those studies that have been conducted, have resulted in generally positive findings. Issues arising from these considerations are problematised. The study seeks to answer the question: what role does a headteacher play in creating the cultural conditions for distributed leadership? A realist stance is adopted towards the study. Layder's adaptive theory is used to analyse the research data. A series of prior theories concerning distributed leadership are formulated as an explanatory framework. Inductive analysis of the research data is then used to identify emergent theories, which challenge, modify and extend the explanatory framework. Data collection is through twenty semi-structured interviews, eight significant event interviews, a questionnaire and analysis of relevant school documentation. Ethical issues are discussed. The perceptions of twenty members of staff from four primary schools towards the nature of distributed leadership in their schools are examined. It is suggested that various forms of distributed leadership, alongside the more hierarchical leadership of the headteacher, were seen to exist contemporaneously in each school. Distributed leadership is thus deemed polymorphic. The critical role played by the headteachers of the schools in creating the cultural conditions for distributed leadership to emerge is highlighted. It is also suggested that a prospective school culture is the most conducive for the effective distribution of leadership practice. The dissemination of the research findings, possibilities for future research and the implications for the development of local authority practice are discussed.

Single particle mass spectrometry techniques were applied to the analysis of aerosol particles originating from inhaler devices, used to deliver pharmaceuticals for the treatment of lung disease such as asthma. The inhalation products studied were Seretide® for which the formulated drug product is composed of a blend of fluticasone propionate (FP) which is a corticosteroid and salmeterol xinofoate (SX) which is a long acting f3- agonist. It has been suggested previously that the formation of particles that are composed of both FP and SX by co- association can give improved efficacy: however in the past it has been difficult to analyze this type of co- associated particle. Hence, the purpose of the work described in this thesis was to develop single particle mass spectrometry methods that could assess the degree of co- association between FP and SX in fine aerosolized particles emitted from the inhaler devices. Two types of inhaler device were investigated and these were pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). The formulated product for pMDIs was a blend of FP and SX held in a suspension of propellant in a pressurized canister. The formulated product for the DPIs is comprised of a blend of FP and SX and an excipient lactose. Two commercial single particle mass spectrometers were used in this work; an Aerosol Time -of- Flight Mass Spectrometer (TSI, Shoreview, MN, USA) and an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Aerodyne, Billerica, MA, USA). Although the general layout of these instruments was similar in that they are both comprised of an inlet, a particle sizing region and a mass spectrometer, there were some differences in their design. For example, the ionization source of the Aerosol Time -of- Flight Mass Spectrometer used a single step process involving laser ablation and ionization while the Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer used a two step process involving thermal desorption from a hot plate followed by electron ionization. These instruments were compared and evaluated in terms of their design and the characteristics of the data acquired on aerosols of pharmaceutical materials. Data analysis methods for single particle mass spectrometry were developed based on the mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns indicative of either pure or co- associated particles. Data analysis was performed by either using representative ions from the mass spectrum taken from each particle or by using multivariate statistical analysis as a pattern recognition tool applied to the complete mass spectrum for each particle. High levels (above 50 %) of co- association were found in the emitted doses from both pMDI and DPI products. Although the design of each instrument was different, reasonable agreement in the levels of co- association was found as long as the size of particle that was analyzed by the mass spectrometer in each case was taken into account. Finally a comparison of the applicability of each of the commercial single particle mass spectrometers to the analysis of materials taken from pharmaceutical aerosols was made. Recommendations for future work on instrument development and further applications for inhalation products are given.

Within this thesis is an investigation and appraisal of alternative automotive fuels, internal combustion engine technology and emission reduction techniques. A review of the developments in engine technology, with specific focus on improvements in engine efficiency and emission reductions was undertaken. Tighter emission legislation imposed after the Kyoto agreement has resulted in technological advances in the field of internal combustion engines improving the economy of modern motor vehicles while reducing their emissions of C02 and particulate matter. As part of an EU funded project entitled "Magnetic Movement Valve for Miller Cycle operation of engines", the application of a novel secondary valve apparatus to an internal combustion engine was investigated through the use of computer modelling. It was shown that the secondary valve concept is capable of controlling the output of an internal combustion engine, while increasing the operating efficiency and reducing the emission of NOx through the use of Miller cycle operation and throttle free load control. A development programme of the engine and the secondary valve apparatus, carried out in conjunction with EU project partners, resulted in a marketable engine incorporating the new technology which is now in production within Europe and the Far East. An engine test-bed facility was commissioned to investigate the emissions and performance of a diesel engine fuelled by a variety of biodiesel / diesel fuel blends. It was found that incremental addition of biodiesel to a low sulphur diesel fuel resulted in a decrease in engine power and an increase in fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions. The particulates levels of pure biodiesel emissions were found to be much lower (by mass and number concentration) than that of the low sulphur diesel fuel. From analysis of the exhaust gases it was found that the average size of the particulates is larger for biodiesel fuel than for the low sulphur diesel fuel.

The layer 4 neurones of the mammalian primary sensory neocortex comprise diverse functional components for the first stage of cortical sensory processing. Dual intracellular recordings of synaptically connected pairs of neurones with biocytin-filling were used to study intra-laminar layer 4 connections in adult cat and rat slices. Interestingly, all excitatory cells involved in intralaminar layer 4 connections were regular spiking despite burst firing cells comprising 37% of the population recorded. Neuronal morphology and synaptic properties were similar in both species, as were the probabilities of finding connections; 1 in 43 for pyramid to pyramid, 1 in 21 for pyramid to interneurone and 1 in 12 for interneurone to pyramid (cat and rat data combined). Pyramid to pyramid connections generated EPSPs 1.33 0.9mV in amplitude (mean SD), with rise times of 1.71 0.83ms and half width 14.67 7.1ms. All EPSPs recorded in excitatory cells and in parvalbumin immuno-positive interneurones exhibited depression, the second and subsequent EPSPs in trains being smaller in amplitude than the first. Fluctuation analysis indicated that this depression was presynaptically mediated. The interneuronal EPSPs recorded in this study, were briefer (rise times 0.63 0.26ms and half width 5.25 2.85ms) than those recorded in pyramidal cells. Two interneurones that were immuno-negative for parvalbumin received EPSPs that were facilitating, second and subsequent EPSPs in trains being significantly larger than the first. Again, fluctuation analysis indicated that this facilitation was presynaptically mediated. Possible branch point failure of axonal conduction, feed-forward inhibition and post-tetanic potentiation were observed at some excitatory connections in layer 4. In addition, novel evidence for electrical gap junctions between adult pyramidal cells was obtained in one dual recording in which current injections into an impaled layer 3 pyramidal cell elicited full action potentials and 'spikelets', both of which elicited EPSPs in a layer 5 pyramidal cell.

MHC class I molecules are heterotrimeric complexes of a polymorphic MHC class I heavy chain, beta-2 microglobulin (β2 M) and a short peptide. These complexes present self and foreign peptides to host effector cells. This allows for monitoring of the internal milieu of cells through representation of the protein breakdown products (peptides) within MHC class I complexes at the cell surface. This thesis examines the role of the endoplasmic reticulum resident MHC class I chaperone tapasin in this process. The initial characterisation was undertaken at a genetic level, identifying polymorphic variants of human tapasin. A search for linkage with MHC class I and II genes was carried out, with linkage only identified for the nearest MHC class II loci. The limited genomic variation was further analysed in primate tapasin and 15 amino acid differences from human tapasin were identified. Further work was directed at developing a functional test for the role of tapasin in MHC class I presentation, so that such differences could be analysed. A model system was set up that examined the role of tapasin upon previously identified tapasin dependent and independent alleles (B*4402 and B*2705 respectively). A thermostability assay was developed that assessed the peptide cargo of BM402 and B*2705 within cells that were competent or deficient for tapasin. This work identified that tapasin was important for the optimal assembly of both B*4402 and B*2705. Tapasin was shown to improve both the rate and extent of optimal peptide acquisition. More detailed studies showed that the improvement in the thermostability of such complexes could occur independently of tapasin for B*2705, although to a lesser extent to that seen in the presence of tapasin. B*4402 was unable to load optimal peptides in the absence of tapasin, although it was shown that these B*4402 complexes were unlikely to be peptide empty as their thermostability fell further upon TAP blockade. When the loading of these alleles was assessed in the presence of a soluble tapasin construct that did not abridge the MHC class I complexes to TAP, peptide loading was achieved but the thermostability of such complexes was reduced when compared to full length tapasin. This suggested that the association of nascent MHC class I molecules with the TAP complex is necessary for maximal optimisation of the MHC class I complex peptide cargo. Finally, a single point mutation was identified that permitted tapasin independent loading of B*4402. This single change at position 116 was identical to that seen in the allele B*4405. B*4402 was shown to achieve a greater thermostability than B*4405 in the presence of tapasin. B*4405 was able to load optimal peptides in the absence of tapasin, with a further improvement in the presence of tapasin. Both B*2705 and B*4405 were less thermostable than B*4402 in the presence of tapasin. These experimental observations have led to a reassessment of the multiple functions of tapasin in facilitating peptide loading and a consideration of the molecular mechanisms that may permit such allele specific interactions.

In mathematical analyses of the turbulence phenomenon, averaging the governing equation of fluid flow leads to an impasse at which the number of equations is outweighed by the number of unknowns. This difficulty is often described as the 'closure problem'. A 'closure hypothesis' is an additional ingredient, typically comprising a set of mathematical assumptions based on some physical insights. This is artificially introduced into the problem an extra relation, and hence match the number of equations and unknowns. Many such closure hypotheses have been proposed and range from simple empirical rules to complex mathematical treatments. The 'Local Energy Transfer' (LET) theory [W. D. McComb, M. J. Filipiak and V. Shanmugasundaram, J. Fluid Mech, 245, 279 (1992)] is a closure hypothesis based on renormalized perturbation theory (RPT). This theory has enjoyed much success in predicting the behaviour of freely decaying, isotropic, homogeneous turbulence. LET is the only time-dependent Eulerian RPT closure which is compatible with Kolmogorov's k- 5/3 law. In this research, we begin by reviewing the mathematical background of turbulence theory. We then consider the derivation of LET, surveying the evolution of the theory and its relation with other RPT closure hypotheses. Computer software for numerically solving the LET equations is then developed and tested. This is used to generate quantitative forecasts for the behaviour of freely decaying turbulent flows. To investigate the accuracy of these predictions, comprehensive, detailed, purpose-run comparisons between LET output and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data are performed for the first time. These demonstrate that LET theory can provide reasonably accurate numerical estimates for the time evolution of a range of spectral measures and integral parameters in freely decaying turbulence.

The use of Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs) to test six- and seven-yearold children is a contentious feature of the English and Welsh education systems. This study investigated a teacher’s implementation of the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Key Stage 1 reading SATs and involved 57 children. 1 SATs were selected for detailed analysis using criteria which aimed to achieve a balance between the grades awarded, girls and boys, year cohorts, and a different reading book for each child. Data was collected from audiotapes of the SATs, field notes, written records and interviews with the teacher. 15 pupils who took their reading SAT in 1999 were also interviewed. The selected SATs were transcribed and analysed using discourse analysis. The focal question posed by this study was to discover which were the most salient discourses in a teacher’s implementation of the Key Stage 1 reading SATs. The concept of intertextuality was used to examine the relationship between these discourses. Intertextuality was defined as signifying the ways in which discourses are associated in particular contexts and cultures with other discourses (intertexts) through similarities in categorisation, semantics, syntax and genre. The analysis indicated that five main discourses were present throughout the SATs. These were the teacher’s interpretation of the SATs handbook, pedagogical techniques, the pupils’ discourse, the reading book, and background and linguistic knowledge. Other situational, institutional and societal factors were pervasive but these tended to act as covert influences upon the main discourses. The teacher found that some of the instructions in the handbook were confusing and contradictory. Her predominant criterion in awarding grades was the number of errors made by the child when reading a selected passage, although the handbook appeared ambivalent on this point. The children’s enjoyment, enthusiasm and ability to answer questions about the book made little or no difference to the grade they received. It was also found that the pupils’ responses had to meet the teacher’s criteria for being an appropriate intertext in order to avoid being classified as incorrect or irrelevant. Most children appeared to enjoy their reading SAT and, with one possible exception, there was no evidence of any anxiety or reluctance to participate in this formal educational testing procedure.

This thesis is an account of research into various aspects of X-ray detection, with a common thread being the use of synchrotron radiation. An investigation into the so called "X-ray vectorial effect" is described. The aim being to design a detector able to determine the degree of polarisation in astronomical X-ray sources and the angle of the polarisation vector. Two experiments are reported, the first showing marked polarisation sensitivity, but not totally answering doubts. The second experiment demonstrated that the X-ray vectorial effect does not exist and with it the critical importance of accurate calibration of angles of incidence. Monte Carlo modelling of electron transport in photocathodes resulting from X-ray absorption is presented alongside compatible experimental results. An alternative polarimetry technique, also based on utilising the known polarisation sensitivity of photoelectron creation, is then derived and predicted to be competitive with the best current polarimeters and offering greater scope for improvement. A novel efficiency calibration technique for bare Microchannel plates (MCPs) using the Daresbury synchrotron with very low beam current is examined allowing us to conduct photon counting measurements, while utilising the energy tunability of the synchrotron. In quantum efficiency measurements this technique brought out absorption edge fine structure and EXAFS from the constituents of MCP lead glass with the energy resolution required in calibration the MCP spectrometer readout on the AXAF satellite. Complimentary measurements of the quantum efficiency of alkali halide (Csl and KBr) photocathodes are presented over the continuous energy range between 2 and 8 keV and at a range of incidence angles. These alkali halides are generally coated onto the MCP channels to enhance the detector efficiency. Synchrotron radiation was also utilised to examine the radiation damage characteristics of alkali halide photocathodes. Both Csl and KBr are shown to suffer significant degradation of photoelectric efficiency after minutes of irradiation with of order 1010 photons s-1. The way X-ray flux, angle of incidence and energy affect the degree of degradation is investigated. A solid state model of lattice defect production, diffusion and trapping incorporating surface effects and photoelectron emission is described. This first attempt at modelling the physical basis of photoyield degradation is shown to accurately recreate much of the observed behaviour including the shapes of the signal decay curves and recovery out of the synchrotron beam yielding a clear insight into the degradation process and suggesting ways its effects can be reduced.