Investigation to identify paint coatings resistive to microorganism growth

All selected coatings contain nutrients that support microbial growth and survival. Incorporation of microbiocidal agents into coatings more susceptible to attack is recommended for improved inhibition of microorganism growth and for increased protection against deterioration of coatings by microorganisms

Investigation of Spacecraft Materials that Support Microorganism Growth

Microorganism growth supporting or biocidal properties of spacecraft paint coating

Investigation of spacecraft materials that support microorganism growth Summary report, 1 Sep. 1968 - 30 Jun. 1970

Investigating spacecraft coatings for resistance to growth of microorganism

Understanding the therapeutic benefits of engagement with the natural environment within the Dandelion Time approach: a review of literature

There is a large and growing body of literature relating to the benefits of engagement with, or connection to, the natural environment. However, an initial scoping review found that the majority of this literature is focused on adults rather than children and on generalised health and well-being benefits rather than on specifically therapeutic perspectives. No studies were found that matched exactly to the work of Dandelion Time (DT). In order to maximise the relevance of this review to Dandelion Time, the research team drew upon the principles of ecoliteracy (Capra, 1994) to conceptualise The Dandelion Time approach. This ‘language of nature’ uses the ecosystem organizational patterns of networks, feedback, self-regulation and self-organization, and can offer a model for successful human systems

Beyond recurrent costs: an institutional analysis of the unsustainability of donor-supported reforms in agricultural extension

International donors have spent billions of dollars over the past four decades in developing and/or reforming the agricultural extension service delivery arrangements in developing countries. However, many of these reforms, supported through short-term projects, became unsustainable once aid funding had ceased. The unavailability of recurrent funding has predominantly been highlighted in the literature as the key reason for this undesirable outcome, while little has been written about institutional factors. The purpose of this article is to examine the usefulness of taking an institutional perspective in explaining the unsustainability of donor-supported extension reforms and derive lessons for improvement. Using a framework drawn from the school of institutionalism in a Bangladeshi case study, we have found that a reform becomes unsustainable because of poor demands for extension information and advice; missing, weak, incongruent, and perverse institutional frameworks governing the exchange of extension goods (services); and a lack of institutional learning and change during the reform process. Accordingly, we have argued that strategies for sustainable extension reforms should move beyond financial considerations and include such measures as making extension goods (services) more tangible and monetary in nature, commissioning in-depth studies to learn about local institutions, crafting new institutions and/or reforming the weak and perverse institutions prevailing in developing countries. We emphasize the need to address three categories of institutions – regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive – and call for an alignment among them. We further argue that, in order to be sustainable, a reform should take a systemic approach in institutional capacity building and, for this to be possible, adopt a long-term program approach, as opposed to a short-term project approach

Collaboration vs. Individualism: What Is Better for the Rising Academic?

In academia, scholarship and research productivity is the lifeblood of success. The question is, “What is the best way to be productive and more forward in an academic career — collaboration or individualism?” Obviously, the final choice is personal. However, for the purpose of this paper, the two sides will be discussed regarding the strengths and weaknesses of each avenue. Recommendations regarding the viability of collaboration and competition will be discussed in relation to personal attributes, career goals, and rank. In addition, a new methodology, tentatively called Layered Narrative, will be piloted with this projec

Determinants of Growth of Start-ups in the Netherlands

The dynamics and growth of firms are considered to be important for enhancing economic growth. Organizations can benefit from growth in many ways, including greater efficiency through economies of scale, increased power, the ability to withstand environmental change, increased profit and increased prestige for organizational members.It is important to obtain a better grip on the growth development of start-ups. The aim of this study is to map the development of start-ups in terms of employment growth and, in addition, to understand: what are the determinants of growth of start-ups?

Developing an ECEC response to the global environmental crisis The potential of the Froebelian-inspired ‘NENE Pedagogy’

This scoping project set out to explore the potential of the concept of ‘Nature Engaging and Nature Enhancing’(NENE) pedagogy as a research and practice focus for the Froebel Trust from 2022. The concept derives from the Froebel Trust funded project ‘A life in and with nature in the period of earliest childhood: understanding provision for 0-2s in English babyrooms.’ This research revealed that whilst the pedagogic potential of the outdoors for babies and toddlers appears to be generally recognised, there is little emphasis on supporting them to engage with the natural characteristics of the outdoor environment. A further concern relates to the way that the outdoor environment is primarily positioned as a resource that supports human (child) development with its potential in terms of biodiversity unacknowledged.NENE pedagogy is a response to these concerns and offersa way of thinking about ECEC that emphasizes practicesthat support both human and planetary health (Josephidou and Kemp, 2022)