Optimal foraging theory and economics: a historical note

This study sheds a light on economic roots of optimal foraging/mating theory. Two examples show graphical optimisation models of behavioural ecology that are identical to much older ones of economics. The knowledge transfer has been conscious and explicit in some cases, but also less visible in others. This does no imply plagiarism or misconduct but merely shows how knowledge can diffuse along obscure, sometimes unconscious, routes of non-public and private communication

‘A productive and happy collaboration’: maximising impact through project design

This case study describes a highly collaborative project created to develop an online self-assessment tool that offers students the opportunity to plan their preparedness to enter the work place named the Preparation for Placement Assessment Tool. The aim of the project was to develop an artefact that aidsall students to think about and prepare for placements, and more broadly to be work-ready. It also aims to help disabled students to identify and manage their individual needs. Working in collaboration with students is offered as an effective strategy for improving project outcomes and managing the tensions for academics of balancing research, teaching, learning and scholarly activities.This paper discusses the project background, design and delivery, which includes the engagement of a diverse mix of students, and the practice research methodologies used. Discussion focuses on the project’s impact, particularly on the students involved. Four key factors: student power, methodology, the use of funding and slow burn are identified as significant for success

Guidelines for the management of the foot health problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a chronic systemic disease, commonly affects the feet, impacting negatively on patients' quality of life. Specialist podiatrists have a prime role to play in the assessment and management of foot and ankle problems within this patient group. However, it has been identified that in many areas there is no specialist podiatry service, with many patients being managed by non‐specialist podiatrists. Therefore, the North West Clinical Effectiveness Group for the Foot in Rheumatic Diseases (NWCEG) identified the need to develop ‘practitioner facing’ guidelines for the management of specific foot health problems associated with RA. Methods. Members of a guideline development group from the NWCEG each reviewed the evidence for specific aspects of the assessment and management of foot problems. Where evidence was lacking, ‘expert opinion’ was obtained from the members of the NWCEG and added as a consensus on current and best practice. An iterative approach was employed, with the results being reviewed and revised by all members of the group and external reviewers before the final guideline document was produced. Results. The management of specific foot problems (callus, nail pathology, ulceration) and the use of specific interventions (foot orthoses, footwear, patient education, steroid injection therapy) are detailed and standards in relation to each are provided. A diagrammatic screening pathway is presented, with the aim of guiding nonspecialist podiatrists through the complexity of assessing and managing those patients with problems requiring input from a specialist podiatrist and other members of the rheumatology multidisciplinary team. Conclusion. This pragmatic approach ensured that the guidelines were relevant and applicable to current practice as ‘best practice’, based on the available evidence from the literature and consensus expert opinion. These guidelines provide both specialist and non‐specialist podiatrists with the essential and ‘gold standard’ aspects of managing people with RA‐related foot problems

GESAMTKUNSTWERK: Architecture/Interior Architecture - Elemental Integration as a Pedagogical Foundation for Design Education

The Architecture/ Interior Architecture [ARIA] duel degree program at Auburn University\u27s School of Architecture is a unique design education model that offers a holistic approach to the relationship between interior and exterior space early in the design student\u27s education. This program\u27s mission at a fundamental pedagogical basis incorporates Architecture and Interior Architecture within Auburn\u27s architecture curriculum model, allowing the development of the concept of total design into the design mentality of students. Gesamtkunstwerk, the German word most commonly interpreted in reference to Modem Architecture historical discourse to mean total work of art:\u27 offers inspiration to the ARIA program model via the more subtle implications within the alternative translation of the word, which is total design:\u27 ARiA is aggressively inclusive of other non-architectural methods of cultural production in its content such as the fine arts. literature, philosophy, and cultural criticism. An emphasis on practice ideas in recent history that combine interior design and architecture sensibilities such as in the work of Charles and Ray Eames, of the De Stijl movement, of Eileen Gray and others forms a basis for the study of similarly functioning contemporary design practices like Office dA and Tsao + McKown architects - both fluid at scales of design from the material to the urban form. This paper will analyze the pedagogical framework of the ARIA program model by discussing the essence of the curriculum, material research emphasis, and the use of the case study method in teaching.The core of the presentation further elaborates curricular issues by examining the role of the beginning level Elements of Interior Architecture courses, the two operative paradigms for studios, and ARIA Thesis. Other significant contributors to the program include the role of the ARIA faculty, the development of the ARIA Sustainable Material Laboratory and Library, and the self-publication of work with the ARIA Press. Continued success of the duel degree has required the institution of an admissions process at the second year level due to an overwhelming interest from students. A developed sensitivity to formulating total design has allowed recent graduates of the program to function fluidly in today\u27s current market in architecture professional practice in which architects are increasingly required to design interior spaces and operate material-driven projects

The Effect of Anterior Tooth Position on Trumpet Performance Quality

poster abstractObjective: Music teachers contend that the arrangement of anterior teeth affects trumpet performance by influencing the embouchure. Since there is little quantitative data to support this claim, the purpose of this study was to determine whether trumpet performance skills are associated with the malalignment of anterior teeth. Methods: Following IRB approval, 70 trumpet students (55M:15F; aged 20-38.9 yrs.) from 11 universities were consented to complete a survey concerning dental history and trumpet playing habits. The students were asked to play a scripted performance skill test (flexibility, range, endurance, and articulation exercises) on their instrument in a soundproof music practice room while being audio and video recorded. A threedimensional (3D) cone beam computerized tomograph (CBCT) was taken of each student the same day as the skill test. Following reliability studies, overjet, overbite, and degree of anterior tooth irregularity (Little’s Index) were measured on the 3D CBCT. Nonparametric correlations, accepting p0.8). Significant (p<0.05), but weak (r<0.30) associations were found only between Little’s Index of the mandibular anterior dentition and the performance skills: flexibility (exercises a, c and avg) and articulation (double tongue). No other associations were significant. Conclusions: University trumpet students with mandibular anterior teeth that are smoothly aligned have significantly better performance skills than those with misaligned mandibular anterior teeth; however, the association is weak

The association of malocclusion and trumpet performance

Objective:  To determine whether trumpet performance skills are associated with malocclusion. Materials and Methods:  Following institutional review board approval, 70 university trumpet students (54 male, 16 female; aged 20–38.9 years) were consented. After completing a survey, the students were evaluated while playing a scripted performance skills test (flexibility, articulation, range, and endurance exercises) on their instrument in a soundproof music practice room. One investigator (trumpet teacher) used a computerized metronome and a decibel meter during evaluation. A three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computerized tomography scan (CBCT) was taken of each student the same day as the skills test. Following reliability studies, multiple dental parameters were measured on the 3D CBCT. Nonparametric correlations (Spearman), accepting P < .05 as significant, were used to determine if there were significant associations between dental parameters and the performance skills. Results:  Intrarater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlations; all r values > .94). Although associations were weak to moderate, significant negative associations (r ≤ −.32) were found between Little's irregularity index, interincisal inclination, maxillary central incisor rotation, and various flexibility and articulation performance skills, whereas significant positive associations (r ≤ .49) were found between arch widths and various skills. Conclusions:  Specific malocclusions are associated with trumpet performance of experienced young musicians

Heritage Awareness in County Wicklow.

This research project investigated the community’s current level of heritage awareness in County Wicklow. The study was initiated by Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council in response to objective 1, action 1.2 of the County Wicklow heritage plan 2004-2008, which pointed to the need to undertake a study to determine public attitudes towards heritage and to gauge the current level of awareness about heritage in the county. The findings of this research are being used on an ongoing basis by the Wicklow County Council and the Wicklow Heritage Forum to inform the decision making process concerning the direction and priorities of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan. This research has also directly influenced the bi-annual Wicklow Heritage Newsletter initiatives that provide heritage training for members of the public and the promotion of best practice in the provision and development of walking trails. The Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council and the support of the Heritage Council commissioned Technological University Dublin to do this research. The study was carried out by Anne Dagg from Technological University Dublin working alone under the direction of Dr. Pat Dargan. This is the first such study carried out at county level and is being used as a model by other local authorities. A scientifically based mix of qualitative and quantitative data collected by postal survey and face to face interview is used in the compiling of the study. The parameters of the study are modelled on the 1995 National Awareness Survey carried out by Lansdowne Market Research for the Heritage Council. The study shows that Wicklow people consider the protection of heritage as very important and equate the protection Wicklow’s heritage with “protecting our identity”. Although they are most aware of built heritage, they are primarily interested in visiting heritage within Wicklow than in other areas of Ireland. They have a strong sense of awareness of old architectural features as heritage while recognising that modern structures have the potential to become heritage in the future. Residents see Wicklow County Council, the Department of the Environment and the Office of Public Works as the organisations that have the greatest positive effect in heritage in the country. Residents believe that property developers and the Department of Agriculture are the agents with the greatest negative effect. There is a low level of knowledge of the laws protecting heritage and there is also a lack of awareness of the County Councils heritage role and initiatives. In contrast there is a strong sense of government participation in heritage and approval of incentives by the government to encourage heritage preservation. Overall the most intentionally experienced form of heritage was buildings. The most frequently visited heritage was Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Wicklow Gaol and Baltinglass Abbey. The natural heritage of greatest interest was coastal walking routes, Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough. Also there is a strong sense of utilising the natural environment for leisure activities such as walking. Visiting heritage sites is seen as the main source of information on heritage while the majority of people feel they need more information and are interested in improving their knowledge. The main motivational factor for visiting heritage was physical beauty of the areas visited followed by the need for relaxation and a “day out”. Factors cited as inhibiting people from visiting heritage were the lack of information and cost while for the 15-24 age group the main reason was a lack of transport. People are deterred from visiting heritage by poorly maintained walking routes, car park charges and entry fees. They are also concerned about the problem of litter