Exploring the role of messenger effects and feedback frames in promoting uptake of energy-efficient technologies

The persuasive potential for varying messenger types and feedback frames to increase pro-environmental choice was explored in a 2 (feedback frame: financial vs. environmental) × 5 (messenger type: neighbour, government, industry, utilities vs. control) factorial design experiment. Using the context of home heating choice, 493 non-student participants were given information on either the financial or environmental benefits of selecting an energy-efficient heat pump versus a standard boiler, as described by one of four messenger types (versus a no-messenger control). Likelihood of selecting the ‘green’ technology was assessed, as well as any carry-over effects on real-life behavioural intentions. Additionally, we assessed the messenger attributes that appeared to be most important in this context, in terms of whether sources that were perceived to be trustworthy, knowledgeable, or a combination of both dimensions, would hold greater sway over preference formation. Overall, no evidence was found for any impact of messenger type on either preference formation or behavioural intentions. However, message content (i.e. how information on the benefits of pro-environmental choice was framed), was found to have substantial impact on behaviour; with the financial versus environmental decision frame being significantly more likely to encourage uptake of the energy-efficient versus standard technology. We suggest that the level of processing required for the kinds of large-scale purchase decisions we consider here may explain the lack of any messenger effect on choice behaviour. Implications for the development of behaviour change interventions designed to promote consideration of energy-efficient technologies in this context are discussed

COACH-PLAYER COMMUNICATIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF TOP-LEVEL COACHING DISCOURSE AT A SHORT-TERM ICE HOCKEY CAMP

  Purpose: This study sought to analyze the instructional discourse of top-level coaches to identify the specific language content of coaching discourse in practice. Methodology: The study analyzed the recorded discourse of four coaches of the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp in Port Alberni, BC, Canada, between 2012 and 2016. Transcriptions of on-ice instructions were analyzed using Provalis QDA Miner v5.0.1 and Provalis WordStat v7.1.6 software to determine word-type and frequency.  Main findings: The processed corpus of 21,376 words produced 1,022 quantifiable words which were classified into one or more of the categories of single-category language (i.e. General (G), General Slang (GSl), Sports Specific (SS), and Sports General (SG)), or the eight additional multi-category sub-categories (i.e. G/GSl, G/SS, G/SG, SS/SG, GSl/SG, G/SS/SG, G/GSl/SG, and GSl/SS/SG).  Analyses revealed that single-category vocabulary (i.e. G, GSl, SS, and SG) made up 75.2% of the categorized language, with SS (4.6%) and SG (11.1%) making up 15.7% of the total. Applications: An understanding of the linguistic framework of instructional language in short-term training camps allows athletes to invest greater focus in their athletic performance in camp.  The results offer athletes contextual reference for preparatory language study and authentic linguistic insight for the counter of potential target language anxiety. Novelty/Originality: Results indicate that top-level coaches relied significantly less on sports-specific word-type to facilitate their instruction and suggest that a general comprehension of English can provide a strong foundation for understanding top-level coaching discourse.  This provides significant insight for athletes harboring concerns for English proficiency and coach-player miscommunication

NONTRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE WOMEN\u27S PERCEPTIONS OF SYNCHRONOUS VIRTUAL ACADEMIC ADVISING

Enrollment trends over the past few years have shown an increase in nontraditional students attending universities and colleges. While enrollment numbers have been on an incline, degree attainment rates have not been for this population. Academic Advising has been shown to improve the success rates of students. In this study researchers looked to see how synchronous virtual advising appointments have been perceived by nontraditional women. Additionally, this study illuminates the specific needs nontraditional women need from their advisors

Exploring the utility of a GIScience approach to modeling invasive species: A case study of Ailanthus altissima

This thesis investigated the potential for integration of remotely sensed and GIS data into an agent-based modeling environment in order to model seed dispersal and subsequent establishment of windborne seeds. In order to explore the applicability of agent-based modeling to predicting seed dispersal, a case study was carried out using the representative example species Ailanthus altissima, an invasive tree found throughout North America\u27s temperate regions. Seed movement was modeled in two stages, primary and secondary dispersal; primary dispersal was calibrated using existing field data, while secondary dispersal was calibrated only qualitatively. Establishment potential was accounted for probabilistically, based on landuse type. Environmental controls on seed movement and establishment were accounted for with several remotely sensed datasets. The general model characteristics and structure are representative of a potential class of predictive models that incorporate raster data and vector-based seed movement. Agent-based modeling provides a link between raster and vector data and processing methods, and is therefore a potential tool for projects involving both raster and vector data types as well as vector processing. Because seed dispersal and establishment modeling benefits from incorporating both of these data types, it was found that the agent-based approach provided an appropriate framework for modeling the phenomenon, while further research is necessary to fully parameterize and field-validate the model

High-density And High-efficiency Soft Switching Modular Bi-directional Dc-dc Converter For Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This dissertation1 presents the design of a high-density and high-efficiency soft-switching bi-directional DC-DC converter for hybrid-electric vehicles. The converter operates in a new bidirectional interleaved variable-frequency quasi-square-wave (QSW) mode, which enables high efficiency, high switching frequency, and high power-density. The converter presented utilizes a new variable frequency interleaving approach which allows for each module to operate in an interleaved position while allowing for tolerance in inductance and snubber capacitor values. The variable frequency interleaved soft-switching operation paired with a high-density nanocrystalline inductor and high-density system structure results in a very high performance converter, well exceeding that of the current technology. The developed converter is intended to achieve three specific performance goals: high conversion efficiency, high power density, and operation with 100 °C coolant. Two markedly different converter prototype designs are presented, one converter using evaporative spray cooling to cool the switching devices, with the second converter using a more traditional coldplate design to cool the switching devices. The 200 kW (25 kW per module) prototype converters exhibited power density greater than 8 kilowatts/liter (kW/L), and peak efficiency over 98%, while operating with 100 °C coolan