Lessons on visual feedback from the eViz Project: The evidence for using thermal images as a visual intervention

Feedback in energy demand reduction: Examining evidence and exploring opportunitie

A preliminary investigation of the potential for thermographic images to influence householders' understanding of home energy consumption

This paper explores the potential connections between the thermographic (infrared) imaging of domestic properties and the impact (on energy conservation behaviours) of showing householders infrared images of their homes. Infrared (IR) images, or thermographic imaging, as it has become known has been applied to the investigation of heat losses and other building related phenomena such as moisture penetration of roofs and failures in damp-proofing systems for a number of years. Recently it has been used by a wide range of public and private bodies to demonstrate the heat of a home in a visible format. This suggests a connection between the householder viewing an IR image and engaging in energy conservation behaviour, such as installing insulation. It is hypothesised that information presented in a manner which attracts the attention of the intended audience, being vivid, specific and personal, is more likely to achieve behaviour change (Stern, 1992). In this paper the evidence of the thermal characteristic of the dwelling (as shown within the thermographic image) will be compared with the householder’s reasoning process as prompted by viewing the images. The possible increase in energy saving behaviours and changes in related attitudes leading from this intervention will be investigated. Questions concerning the links between the householder’s reactions to the images and the possibility that this may facilitate a reduction in energy consumption will be discussed

That's it we're having more insulation: Will householders change behaviours and attitudes after being shown an infrared image of their homes leaking heat?

This longitudinal study explored the impact of showing householders infrared images (of their homes leaking heat) on energy consumption and attitudes

Heavy Craft Work in the Middle School

While the coming of the middle school clearly presents teachers with a wide range of opportunities for exciting new work the problems involved in the new enterprise are equally clear. Secondary teachers ask themselves to what extent their approach and subject matter will be applicable to younger children; their· junior colleagues, teachers of general subjects in the main, consider what increased degree of specialization will be required of them. In no subject are the opportunities and problems more apparent than in craft. A speaKer at the Exeter conference reported in Middle Schools - Themes in Education no. 14 (p 15) was enthusiastic about craft opportunities. 'The middle school provides two tremendous advantages. One, boys and girls could have equal opportunity in these schools and secondly a child can start specialised craft work before the age of eleven.' The section on craft in this publication is helpful, but useful references in this area are not abundant. In Towards the Middle School, DES Education Pamphlet no. 57, good examples are given of planning for heavy craft work. The Middle School - a Symposium comprises eight articles which first appeared in The Teacher and which embody a lot of good sense. Two very good articles on the subject of this paper appeared in the TES of 24 July 1970. There is a need for a lot more discussion, however, on what wood and metal work can be done with the middle school age group, what place it should have in the timetable and who should teach it

Predicting Relaxation in Strained Epitaxial Layers

Strained epitaxial semiconductor layers, much thicker than the critical thickness, have been used as strain-relief buffer layers for many years. The most successful structure developed so far dates back to the 1960\u27s, and consists of a very thick ( ~30 μm) layer in which the misfit is gradually and continuously increased. These structures relax completely and have a sufficiently low threading dislocation density to allow a device structure to be grown on top. This process requires a very high growth rate to produce the buffer layer in a reasonable time, which is only provided by hydride vapourphase epitaxy. Recently, there has been interest in developing thinner structures using both graded and constant composition buffer layers, which, if successful, would resolve this problem. Here, we consider the mechanisms of strain relaxation, paying special attention to the changes in threading dislocation density and surface roughness that occur during misfit relief. An extensive series of experiments shows that the relaxation of constant composition layers, although not following current theoretical models, does appear to follow a simple empirical law. This result suggests an approach which can be used to predict the state of strain in any epitaxial structure, allowing more efficient strain-relief buffer layers to be designed

The perceived barriers to the inclusion of rainwater harvesting systems by UK house building companies

This work investigates the barriers that exist to deter the implementation of rainwater harvesting into new UK housing. A postal questionnaire was sent to a selection of large, medium and small house-builders distributed across the UK. Questions were asked concerning potential barriers to the inclusion of rainwater harvesting in homes separated into five sections; (1) institutional and regulatory gaps, (2) economic and financial constraints, (3) absence of incentives, (4) lack of information and technical knowledge, and (5) house-builder attitudes. The study concludes that although the knowledge of rainwater systems has increased these barriers are deterring house-builders from installing rainwater harvesting systems in new homes. It is further acknowledged that the implementation of rainwater harvesting will continue to be limited whilst these barriers remain and unless resolved, rainwater harvesting's potential to reduce the consumption of potable water in houses will continue to be limited

Consumer participation in drug treatment: a systematic review

© 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: It is unclear how consumer participation (CP) can be optimised to transform drug and alcohol treatment services and improve health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a systematic review examining the types and benefits of activities, and the factors that facilitate CP in drug treatment services. Design/methodology/approach: A structured search of four databases was undertaken to identify peer reviewed primary research literature in English. Screened articles were appraised. A content analysis was applied to examine the types and outcomes of CP and the associated factors affecting the process. In total, 16 articles were included for review. Findings: A range of CP activities were identified, and benefits included increased consumer satisfaction, and improved health service delivery. Factors that facilitated the process of CP included positive attitudes of both consumers and providers and employment of people with a lived experience of drug use. However, the lack of consumer and organisational capacity, negative attitudes of providers and power imbalances between consumers and providers constrained CP efforts. Practical implications: To maximise the benefits of CP in drug and alcohol treatment services, negative attitudes about CP and power dynamics between consumers and health providers need to be addressed. This can be achieved by the strategic use of strengths-based interventions and consumer led education to enhance social capital. Originality/value: This is the first known review to examine the benefits and facilitators of CP in drug treatment services

Longitudinal Analysis of Antibody Responses to Trachoma Antigens Before and After Mass Drug Administration.

Blinding trachoma, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination by 2020. A major component of the elimination strategy is mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin. Currently, program decisions are made based on clinical signs of ocular infection, but we have been investigating the use of antibody responses for post-MDA surveillance. In a previous study, IgG responses were detected in children lacking clinical evidence of trachoma, suggesting that IgG responses represented historical infection. To explore the utility of serology for program evaluation, we compared IgG and IgA responses to trachoma antigens and examined changes in IgG and IgA post-drug treatment. Dried blood spots and ocular swabs were collected with parental consent from 264 1-6 year olds in a single village of Kongwa District, central Tanzania. Each child also received an ocular exam for detection of clinical signs of trachoma. MDA was given, and six months later an additional blood spot was taken from these same children. Ocular swabs were analyzed for C. trachomatis DNA and antibody responses for IgA and total IgG were measured in dried bloods spots. Baseline antibody responses showed an increase in antibody levels with age. By age 6, the percentage positive for IgG (96.0%) was much higher than for IgA (74.2%). Antibody responses to trachoma antigens declined significantly six months after drug treatment for most age groups. The percentage decrease in IgA response was much greater than for IgG. However, no instances of seroreversion were observed. Data presented here suggest that focusing on concordant antibody responses in children will provide the best serological surveillance strategy for evaluation of trachoma control programs