The development of open/distance learning in Finland and the UK: A Comparative case study

This article is concerned with the provision of open and distance learning by the higher education sectors in two countries, the UK and Finland. The central contention is that more strategic thought must be given to this issue if the potential benefits of such learning are to be maximized. The article considers in detail institutional practice in one UK university and compares it to practice in a Finnish institution to ascertain whether procedures and practices adopted in Finland might inform policies in UK universities. By way of conclusion, it is suggested that higher education institutions in both countries need to explore the importance of improved networking, develop better quality-assurance procedures and introduce changes in pedagogic practice

Determination of azimuth angle, incidence angle, and contact-potential difference for low-energy electron-diffraction fine-structure measurements

Low-energy electron-diffraction fine-structure data can often have relatively large inconsistencies associated with the electron-beam incidence conditions. This is in part due to the difficulties associated with working with electrons in the range 0–40 eV and in part due to the crystal being oriented azimuthally before being put in the vacuum system. The angle of incidence is often measured optically, but the optical and electron paths need not coincide if residual magnetic fields are present. We describe a technique for determining the angles of incidence and azimuth from the data themselves. This relies upon two factors: the ability to vary the azimuth angle continuously and the ability to see two sets of fine-structure features on one I-V scan. This technique is applied to fine-structure data obtained from clean Cu(001) and O/Cu(001) surfaces. We hope that the technique described will help give confidence to those collecting such data that these angles can be uniquely determined and that the data can be usefully analyzed. The uncertainty of not having a technique for this purpose has prevented groups from publishing such data in the past

Effects of local reinforcement on nozzles in dished ends

The results of a parametric design study, to determine the optimum diameter of reinforcing pad for nozzles in the knuckle region of an ellipsoidal pressure vessel head are presented herein. The study utilised a linear elastic finite element model, created using ANSYS finite element analysis software. Nozzle parameters of diameter, offset, and wall thickness were varied to ensure the results obtained were achieved through a thorough analysis. Optimum pad sizes were obtained for thrust, in plane moment and out-of-plane moment nozzle loads. Design curves were produced, allowing maximum permitted applied stress, to be calculated for any nozzle size subject to one of the three loading conditions. Recommendations for allowable offset and treatment of loading combinations are also presented

Measuring intrinsic value – how to stop worrying and love economics

This paper seeks to transcend entrenched misunderstandings between economists and arts policymakers, leaders and funders. These misunderstandings, which have long dogged discussion on arts funding in the UK, are most evident in the long-running debate about ‘instrumental’ and ‘intrinsic’ approaches to public expenditure on culture and the arts. As a general theory of public choice, economics provides tools for measuring the intrinsic as well as instrumental value of art in a way that is commensurable with other calls on the public purse. The reluctance to use rigorous economic methods has hindered rather than helped the case for the arts. This paper offers a provocative reconsideration of the outdated and poorly-informed prejudices which lie behind this reluctance. This is a prepublication draft. A version has been published electronically by Mission Models Money and can be accessed at http://www.missionmodelsmoney.org.uk/page.php?id=34cultural economics; creative industries; innovation; internet

Design of a Finger Lime Loading System

Automation for post harvest processing of finger limes is required to meet demand for the new citrus fruit being introduced to United States of America food and agriculture market. As labor wages rise, and demand climbs for finger lime product a creative solution is needed to eliminate human labor and reduce the manual input needed to process finger limes. Building on an already successful processing tool, a semi-­automated loading system was designed and implemented to overcome the problem

A study to assess the validity and reliability of a measure of self-esteem, stigma and aspirations/expectations for people with learning disabilities

The area of self-esteem in people with learning disabilities has been largely neglected, and previous researchers have employed a variety of approaches. It is important to further our understanding in the context of providing appropriate clinical interventions and in monitoring the effect of social policy developments on the individuals at the receiving end of service provision.The study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a set of measures devised specifically for use with learning disabled people, by Szivos-Bach (1993).The measures assess social comparisons, perception of stigma and aspirations and expectations. The study was carried out with 30 adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities between the ages of 18 and 65.The results provide initial support for the social comparisons test as ameasure of self-esteem. Less evidence was found for the stigma questionnaire andthe aspirations-expectations test. The results are discussed in the light of comparable research into self-esteem measures with non-learning disabled populations. Further research is required, and the most profitable way forward seems to be development of multi-dimensional measures of self-esteem

Learning journalistic opinion genres using CLIL methodology

The Faculty of Business and Communication recently started an internationalization process that, in two year’s time, will allow all undergraduate students (studying Journalism, Audiovisual Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, Business and Marketing) to take 25% of their subjects in English using CLIL methodology. Currently, Journalism is the degree course with the greatest percentage of CLIL subjects, for example Current Affairs Workshop, a subject dedicated to analyzing current news using opinion genres. Moreover, because of the lack of other subjects offered in English, ERASMUS students have to take some journalism subjects in order to complete their international passport, and one of the classes they choose is the Current Affairs Workshop. The aim of this paper is to explore how CLIL methodology can be useful for learning journalistic opinion genres (chat-shows, discussions and debates) in a subject where Catalan Communication students –with different levels of English- share their knowledge with European students of other social disciplines. Students work in multidisciplinary groups in which they develop real radio and TV programs, adopting all the roles (moderator, technician, producer and participants), analyzing daily newspapers and other sources to create content, based on current affairs. This paper is based on the participant observation of the lecturers of the subject, who have designed different activities related to journalistic genres, where students can develop their skills according to the role they play in every assignment. Examples of successful lessons will be given, in addition to the results of the course: both positive and negative. Although the objective of the course is to examine professional routines related to opinion genres, and students are not directly graded on their level of English, the Catalan students come to appreciate how they finally overcome their fear of working in a foreign language. This is a basic result of their experience