Social Work and Europe (British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Practical Social Work)

This book presents information and ideas about the role and organisation of social workers in selected EC countries particularly, but not exclusively, France and Germany. Comparisons are made of national policies and practice in relation to specific client groups; and new concerns requiring common responses are identified. This discussion is put in the context of an emerging social agenda of the European Community. The authors argue that EC social policies in relation to citizenship, participation and marginalisation are consistent with the aims and concerns of social workers, and relevant to its future development at national and European level. The third generation of solar cells includes those based on semiconductor quantum dots. This sophisticated technology applies nanotechnology and quantum mechanics theory to enhance the performance of ordinary solar cells. Although a practical application of quantum dot solar cells has yet to be achieved, a large number of theoretical calculations and experimental studies have confirmed the potential for meeting the requirement for ultra-high conversion efficiency. In this book, high-profile scientists have contributed tutorial chapters that outline the methods used in and the results of various quantum dot solar cell designs, including quantum dot intermediate band solar cells, hot electron quantum dot solar cells, quantum-dot sensitized solar cells, colloidal quantum dot solar cells, hybrid polymer-quantum dot solar cells, and MEG quantum dot solar cells. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are described. Quantum Dot Solar Cells helps to connect the fundamental laws of physics and the chemistry of materials with advances in device design and performance. The book can be recommended for a broad audience of chemists, electrical engineers, and materials scientists, and is suitable for use in courses on materials and device design for advanced and future optoelectronics. Features comprehensive coverage of novel technologies for quantum dot solar cells Written by leading experts in the corresponding research areas Supplies the keys to understanding the latest technologies for third-generation solar cells Provides a foundation for future research in materials and optoelectronics for energy applications The European community has gradually taken on a more human face, but although its leaders promote a vision of a social community with improved standards for all it is clear that some people will be excluded or marginalized. This book takes a timely look at the implications for social work in Europe of rapid changes in the EC social agendas. It is increasingly possible to identify common themes and concerns within European countries, such as child protection, the number of people in residential care, and youth unemployment. New issues are also emerging: greater mobility across national boundaries and the need for increased contact and agreed social work responses between European welfare agencies. The book examines the concepts of citizenship, participation and marginalization, at EC and national levels, and discusses their relevance to social work policy and practice. It blends description and explanation with analysis, and clarifies terminology commonly used in European social work but less familiar to a British readership. At a time of change in British social work, and in a climate of increased emphasis on consumer rights, the book examines the different conceptions of social work, particularly in France and Germany, and revives notions of the relevance of prevention and social action. Finally, the authors suggest that the political and social changes in Europe provide a positive opportunity for British social workers to re-examine their aims and methods, and to contribute to shaping a new European social work. Front Matter....Pages i-xii Social Europe: The Vision....Pages 1-24 Contexts of Social Work: Social Policies and Social Trends in Contemporary Europe....Pages 25-46 Social Workers, Organisations and the State....Pages 47-70 Branches and Themes of Social Work....Pages 71-94 A People’s Europe? French Social Workers and Les Exclus....Pages 95-115 Participation: A European Ideal and a Social Work Activity....Pages 116-140 Social Europe, Social Action and Social Work....Pages 141-164 Back Matter....Pages 165-183