The Energy Problem: Choices for an Uncertain Future

Analyzes discussions from National Issues Forums to assess how the public defines the energy problem, what it sees as the causes and solutions, where confusion and tensions over the energy problem lie, and why there is no consensus on how to resolve it

Rapid Instructional Design: Increasing Educator Capacity for Developing E-learning Solutions

Dr Iain Doherty and I spoke for approximately 20 minutes on rapid instructional design as a process for allowing educators to quickly and easily author elearning episodes to enhance their teaching. We made particular mention of the need for quality control and evaluation of the learning designs in the rapid instructional design process. We took questions for five minutes. We were asked about how we would evaluate the impact of the learning designs and discussion lead to the conclusion that there is a need to show benefit at the level of student learning. We were also asked about how we would ensure the quality of the designs. We suggested that we would work with the educators to help them with their designs. This led to further discussion about whether quality control would necessarily slow down the rapid instructional design process. Finally, one attendee let us know that she was about to start a PhD looking at Faculty development. We met with the attendee after our session and agreed to provide previous research along with our session paper.Our paper presents the initial plan and theoretical groundwork for the rapid development of elearning solutions using Web 2.0 applications and services. The development of this model has been a collaborative venture and we outline the particular challenges at each institution that have led us to work together to develop this solution. We show how the developed model will enable each institution to meet both their particular elearning challenges and their shared elearning challenges. Through mapping the three-stage rapid development model to ten strategies for achieving rapid instructional design results we clearly demonstrate the potential of our model for achieving the desired results. We conclude by outlining some of the anticipated challenges of implementing a rapid authoring and deployment model for elearning

Design of a Learner-Directed E-Learning Model

How can one create online educational material that support and motivate students in guiding their own learning and make meaningful instructional decisions? One of the main focuses on designing e-learning is about creating an environment where learners can actively assume control and take responsibility for their own learning with little or no guidance from the tutors. This research aims to discover a new way to design learning that would cater to individual choices and preferences. The idea goes beyond learner-centred design; it is about learner control and direction. As an option, learners should be able to choose to be in the driver’s seat, to direct their own learning journey. As a starting point, this research explores the use of two educational theories - Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) theory as the underpinning instructional design for a Learner-Directed Model to support students’ online learning in both domain knowledge and meta knowledge in the subject of computer programming. One unit material from an online Introduction to Java Programming course has been redesigned based on the proposed Learner-Directed Model for the experimental design study. The study involved a total of 35 participants divided randomly into one Experimental Group and one Control Group. They were assigned to either a Learner-Directed Model (Experimental Group) or a linear model (Control Group). Pre/post tests, survey, follow-up interview as well as log file analysis were instruments used for assessing students’ domain knowledge, meta knowledge and their attitudes for their overall learning experience. Learning experience is further broken down into perceived ease of use and user satisfaction; system usability; learner experience; and perceived controllability. The results of the study have revealed that there is statistically significant difference between the survey results for the Experimental Group and the Control Group. The Experimental Group reported a higher level of overall learning experience and better attitudes in general. However, there was no statistically significant difference existing between the two groups on the domain and meta level knowledge improvement. Based on these results, I have proposed further research directions and put forward a number of recommendations and suggestions on learner-directed e-learning design

The Message As A Seed: Predicting The Diffusion Of Anti-Smoking Arguments From Message Construal

For many years, mass media health campaigns have strived to change population health-related attitudes and intentions. While it is important to assess the direct effects of exposure to health campaign messages on these campaign outcomes, it is equally valuable to examine whether messages can be further propagated into the public communication environment. When people decide to replicate (replication) the core arguments used in campaign messages as they diffuse them to additional campaign targets, this enhances the reach of a campaign. Moreover, when people extend (extension) the core arguments of campaign messages by diffusing arguments in the same category as the campaign theme but those not specifically targeted in campaign messages, this increases the diversity of campaign-relevant communication. This dissertation aimed to examine how exposure to anti-smoking campaign messages influences patterns of replication and extension with four experimental studies. The first two studies examined whether message exposure can lead to replication and extension. Then, guided by construal level theory, the latter two studies examined whether different message characteristics and mindsets can increase or decrease patterns of extension. Study 1 found that exposure to why appeal messages (messages about reasons to quit smoking) and how appeal messages (messages about methods to quit smoking) influenced people to choose arguments that were targeted by the messages they were exposed to, to send to smokers. Study 2 focused on whether exposure to these messages influenced the selection of arguments that were consistent with the appeals (why and how), but were not targeted by the messages participants were exposed to, and found partial support. Study 3 found that exposure to why appeal messages with proximal temporal frames could hinder the selection of non-targeted why arguments. However, no support was found for the hypothesis that inducing different construal mindsets could increase or decrease the selection of non-targeted arguments (Study 4). The studies provided empirical tests of replication and extension—both outcomes that are important for advancing campaign effects. They also delved into the research question of whether certain message characteristics can promote or undermine the pattern of extension. Study results can inform campaign developers about which message strategies could be successful in further propagating campaign-relevant information into the public communication environment

A Critical Period for Functional Motor Recovery After Peripheral Nerve Injury in the Mouse

Repair of peripheral nerve injury often results in poor functional motor recovery. This deficit has previously been attributed to the failure of axons to regenerate into the muscle. However, we have recently reported that following nerve injury in mice, axons have regenerated to the motor end plate in animals with poor recovery. We proposed that following axonal injury, there is a critical period during which the axon must reach the muscle in order to form a functional neuromuscular junction. We have developed a mouse model of prolonged denervation, in which the sciatic nerve is crushed repeatedly every few days, preventing regenerating axons from reaching the muscle. This multiple crush model allows us to vary the period of denervation by modifying the number of crushes. Motor recovery as assessed using the toe-spreading score occurs after 3 or 4 multiple crushes every 7 days (24 or 31 days of denervation) but not after 5 crushes (38 days). Immunostaining for alpha-bungarotoxin and neurofilament confirmed end plate reinnervation. Thus following denervation > 38 days, a motor deficit persists despite end plate reinnervation. Although the mechanism for the deficit requires investigation, these results suggest that functional neuromuscular junction reestablishment more than end plate reinnervation and that there is a time limit for functional synapse reformation

An explanation for the kHz-QPO twin peaks separation in slow and fast rotators

In this Letter we further explore the idea, suggested previously by Klu{\'z}niak and collaborators, that the high frequency QPOs may be explained as a resonant coupling between the neutron star spin and two epicyclic modes of accretion disk oscillations. We confirm result of Lee, Abramowicz and Klu{\'z}niak (\cite{Lee2004}) that the strongest response occurs when the frequency difference of the two modes equals either the spin frequency (for ``slow rotators'') or half of it (for ``fast rotators''). New points discussed in this Letter are: (1) We suggest that the coupling is gravitational, and due to a non-axially symmetric structure of the rotating neutron star. (2) We found that two excited modes may be both connected to vertical oscillations of the disk, and that strong gravity is not needed to excite the modes.Comment: Accepted by A&A Letter

Traversing the Design-Language Divide in the Design and Evaluation of Physical Learning Environments: A Trial of Visual Methods in Focus Groups

When gathering data for the design and evaluation of physical learning environments, there is a significant challenge in traversing, or translating, architect/designer language and stakeholders’ verbal accounts of their expectations, preferences and experiences. In a series of studies used to provide data for both the evaluation of existing spaces and the design of future spaces, the authors utilised three focus group methods that incorporated elements of participatory design and visual play in activities. This paper describes these methods and the efficacy of each method in the context of physical learning environment evaluation and design

Asset rich cash poor in the economic downturn: the financial challenges facing retired older people

Older people are thought to be particularly vulnerable during times of economic downturn. Little is currently understood of the impact of the current economic downturn on the financial circumstances and wellbeing of retired people and the nature of the services and support needed to enable them to cope financially and maintain their wellbeing and quality of life. Retired people are not a homogenous group. Therefore, this study explores the impact of the downturn on a specific group: house owners over the age of 65, not in receipt of means tested state benefits and living on modest incomes. This group may be described as “asset rich cash poor” (ARCPs). It is thought that this group is particularly vulnerable as they are not eligible for state support but are insufficiently well off to be living comfortably. Findings from this research, although focused on retired people with specific circumstances, may have wider relevance in relation to retired people with different financial circumstances. The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of asset rich cash poor older people in the economic downturn, in order to establish: • how they manage their financial circumstances in these times; • the impact of the downturn on their wellbeing and quality of life; and • whether services and support available to this group and other older people could be improved. The study comprised two phases. In phase one, the perspectives of older people were explored by carrying out 28 semi-structured interviews with older people in the asset rich cash poor category, permanently resident in Dorset, some of whom lived in a conurbation and others in rural areas. In phase two, the study explored perspectives of key financial advice/information/service providers through four focus groups comprising: health and social care professionals; financial advisors from the private sector; and professionals from the third (not for profit) sector. 6 ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN The study has shown that the economic downturn is having a marked impact on the financial, social, mental and physical wellbeing of this sample of asset rich cash poor older people in Dorset. For many, the level of income that they had expected when planning for retirement had not come to fruition and they feel poor in relation to their previous lifestyle and retirement expectations. The key findings and policy implications of the study are: Key finding 1: Many ARCP older people particularly women, had done little retirement planning. Many ARCP older people had insufficiently planned for their retirement. In particular some women had relied on their husbands to manage all finances and had not provided for their own pensions. This reflects the findings of earlier studies on the older generation. Policy implications The independent Money Advice Service (formerly the FSA Consumer Financial Education Board) should commit greater financial resource to the awareness raising and skill development of future generations to help people plan more carefully for their retirement. Although the findings of this study show a widespread need among older people for information and advice, resources should be targeted particularly at women, especially those who have had extended periods out of workplace. Private, public and voluntary sector services should respond to this increased investment through developing and testing out models of financial capability training, with an emphasis on financial planning, as well as its mode of delivery. There may be potential in raising awareness of the need for retirement planning and associated training to non-working women through health visiting or child care services. For older people who have planned ahead, pensions and savings have been traditionally seen as a key way to plan responsibly for one’s retirement future. But these are not risk free as has been played out in the recent years of economic downturn, with the associated low interest rates and return on investment. People planning ahead for retirement need to be reminded of the impact of any future recession and the risks of this if it coincides with their planned retirement date. ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN 7 Key finding 2: Older people, in the ARCP category, tended to manage the money they had very carefully, despite the economic downturn, and had an aversion to debt. This finding mirrors the quantitative study of Atkinson et al. (2006) who found older people to be better at managing money than the younger generations. In discussion of the financial pressures placed upon them in term of escalating essential and non-essential expenditure, no interviewees referred to having resorted to unsecured debt. Policy implications Managing money is identified in this study and earlier studies as a strength within older people. Therefore, financial capability training for this age group should focus on the other dimensions of financial capability where older people are less skilled, for example choosing financial products and staying informed. Older people should be considered an asset in society and their strong skills in managing money should be utilised. Those organisations wishing to develop and deliver financial capability curricula for younger people could consider intergenerational programmes in which older people participate as guest speakers, sharing their experiences in managing money with younger generations. These educators could be encouraged to work together with the Money Advice Service and the Department of Health and financial advice and information providers to bring various age groups together. Key finding 3: The combination of reduced income from investments, increases in pensions which do not keep pace with inflation, combined with increases in costs for essential and non-essential expenditure, is having an impact on social, physical and mental wellbeing and is causing noticeable life style changes. The effects of the economic downturn on ARCP older people’s wellbeing was highlighted by both older people themselves and service providers. In both phases of the research, reference is made to feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, depression and concern. 8 ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN Policy implications Reduced wellbeing during the economic downturn in this age group is likely to put an increased demand on health and social care services. Policy makers in the Department of Health have a vested interest therefore in developing strategies to counter this negative impact. One recommendation to enhance social wellbeing is that the Money Advice Service, the Department of Health and local councils fund national and local initiatives to further support and develop social clubs or other groups for older people, with an emphasis on financial planning and management. This would help sustain wellbeing and provide a network of peers with whom older people might exchange financial experiences and information. Third and private sector organisations such as care homes and age related charities are well-placed to contribute to the development of these programmes. Key finding 4: The economic downturn is impacting on older people indirectly though cuts to public and third sector services. The economic downturn has been associated with cuts in funding to many services previously relied on by older people for their physical, social and mental wellbeing. Library closures were a cause of concern and a particular worry was the risk of withdrawal of bus passes. Policy implications Private sector service providers will need to fill the gap in services that currently support the health and wellbeing of older people, a gap left by the increased withdrawal of public and third sector services. A reduction of these services in particular will have a strong impact on the social, mental and physical wellbeing of older people. Key finding 5: Older people, in the ARCP category, do not always access enough or appropriate financial information. Many choose to seek financial information from trusted health and social care providers, their family and/or friends rather than from financial professionals. Older people, and professionals that support them, reported that older people are not always accessing the sound financial information which they may need, whether it be on financial products, forward financial planning or how to obtain the benefits they are entitled to. Lack of trust in financial advisors was widespread. Independent financial advisors indicated that older people on lower incomes were using their services less frequently. Some were either self-reliant by researching ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN 9 on the internet or using the media, or tapped into sources of social capital found within their social networks. Policy implications More effort and resource needs to be put in place to address these very serious concerns about access to advice and support by older people. Older people are approaching health professionals for financial advice, despite the fact that these professionals may not be best placed to provide this. Health professionals need to be able to direct these queries to trained financial service providers. Financial services within the private sector should therefore form interagency partnerships with more trusted public and third sector services in order to improve access to the services they provide. There is a very significant concern about lack of trust in advisors and banks. The need to rebuild reputation must be addressed by regulators, the advisors and banks themselves, with an increased emphasis being placed on the value systems of financial services and the role they can play in promoting community and individual wellbeing. The strength of the social networks of older people should also be harnessed, suggesting again that there is potential in targeting or developing social clubs for older people as locations to enhance financial capability. Key finding 6: In order to make ends meet, some older people in the ARCP category may take greater financial risks or be more vulnerable to abuse in an economic downturn. The professionals that support older people expressed concerns that the economic downturn may push older people towards riskier behaviours without them fully understanding the implications of the risks. There is also a risk of older people becoming more vulnerable to financial abuse. Policy implications Policy makers need to ensure that older people are made aware of the risks of financial abuse. As older people are often turning to more trusted health and social care providers for advice on financial matters, health/social care providers as well as financial service providers should both develop means to keep their older clients regularly informed of potential financial risk within the current economic climate. As financial support is not the remit of many of the health care providers and financial services is a regulated activity, it is advisable they form partnerships with the finance sector, in order to better inform their patients/clients of current financial risks or to be able to refer them on to qualified support. Service providers may also 10 ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN offer a helpline in which older people feel safe to disclose, anonymously if need be, any concerns of financial abuse they may be exposed to. Charities already offering these services (e.g. Age UK and Action on Elder Abuse-AEA) should be supported in these endeavours through encouraging partnerships between financial service providers on the one hand and health/social care providers on the other in order that the latter can provide accurate and up to date information on financial risk to its partners. A recent partnership between local financial advisors and the charity Age UK is an excellent example of this (Age UK, 2012). It is also essential that the Money Advice Service raises awareness of this risk. As the provision of financial services is a regulated activity, it is important to ensure that any activities undertaken by health/social care providers are not in breach of financial services regulations. Key finding 7: Older people made no reference to the Money Advice Service or the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as a source of help or advice. At the time of this study none of the interviewees of the focus groups made any reference to the role of the Financial Service Authority (FSA) or the Money Advice Service in providing information or advice about financial matters to older people. Policy implications Although the Money Advice Service is now independent of the FSA, and is endeavoring to target a wider population, it is not clear why our interviewees never referred to it. It may either be due to a lack of awareness of the service, a serious indictment of the outreach of the FSA, or alternatively a lack of IT expertise in older people, demonstrated also by their very limited use of online banking. In either event, older people may be denied access to key forms of help and advice on financial matters. Resources need to be devoted to either increasing IT literacy among older people, or alternatively providing help and support using traditional forms of communication and/or increasing the reach of the Money Advice Service by targeting this age group specifically. In conclusion, therefore, older people in this study reported being affected markedly by the current economic downturn. Members of the financial sector, including accountants, and the Money Advice Service have a responsibility to support older people during this and future downturns. They must reflect on ways in which they might tailor their support towards this group. One way of doing so is by actively seeking collaborative interagency partnerships with third and public sector health and social care professionals to improve their access and understanding of older ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN 11 clients. These more trusted professionals will be able to direct financial enquiries to accountants and financial advisors who older people may otherwise not have had the confidence, knowledge or trust to approach directly. Accountants and other financial services should also be aware of the particular challenges facing asset rich but cash older people and adapt their advice accordingly when dealing with this group. They should reflect in their consultations that many older people are fully capable of managing their money but are in greater need of advice on how to invest their money and plan ahead for their future. They should also think outside of the box in providing support, considering ways, for example, in which the power of existing social networks might be harnessed. 12 ASSET RICH CASH POOR IN THE ECONOMIC DOWNTUR

Candida albicans SUR7 contributes to secretion, biofilm formation, and macrophage killing

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Candida albicans SUR7 </it>has been shown to be required for plasma membrane organization and cell wall synthesis, but its role in virulence is not known. Using a bioinformatics strategy, we previously identified several novel putative secretion pathway proteins potentially involved in virulence, including the <it>C. albicans </it>homolog of the <it>Saccharomyces cerevisiae </it>endocytosis-related protein Sur7p. We therefore generated a <it>C. albicans sur7</it>Δ null mutant and examined its contribution to key virulence attributes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Structurally, the <it>C. albicans sur7</it>Δ mutant was impaired in response to filamentation-inducing conditions, and formed aberrant hyphae with extensive accumulation of plasma membrane-derived structures within the cell. Absence of <it>SUR7 </it>resulted in a temperature-sensitive growth defect at high temperatures (42°C), which was partially rescued by addition of NaCl. We next examined the role of the <it>SUR7 </it>paralog <it>C. albicans FMP45 </it>in this temperature-sensitive phenotype. Analysis of <it>C. albicans </it>Fmp45p-GFP demonstrated co-localization of Fmp45p with Sur7p and increased fluorescence in the plasma membrane in the presence of high salt. We next focused on key virulence-related phenotypes. The <it>C. albicans sur7</it>Δ null mutant exhibited secretory defects: reduced lipase secretion, and increased levels of secreted Sap2p. The null mutant was hyper-susceptible to sub-inhibitory concentrations of caspofungin, but not amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine. Functionally, the <it>sur7</it>Δ mutant demonstrated increased adhesion to polystyrene and of note, was markedly defective in biofilm formation. In an <it>in vitro </it>macrophage model of virulence, the <it>sur7</it>Δ mutant was impaired in macrophage killing.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Plasma membrane and cell wall organization are important for cell morphology, and alterations of these structures contributed to impairment of several key virulence-associated phenotypes in the <it>C. albicans sur7</it>Δ mutant.</p