Showing papers by "Edinburgh Napier University published in 2007"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented an overview of the current and projected energy scene and presented the size of respective wind and solar farms that would be required for each of the five countries under discussion to meet their year 2020 energy demands.
Abstract: Energy is inevitable for human life and a secure and accessible supply of energy is crucial for the sustainability of modern societies. Continuation of the use of fossil fuels is set to face multiple challenges: depletion of fossil fuel reserves, global warming and other environmental concerns, geopolitical and military conflicts and of late, continued and significant fuel price rise. These problems indicate an unsustainable situation. Renewable energy is the solution to the growing energy challenges. Renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, biomass, and wave and tidal energy, are abundant, inexhaustible and environmentally friendly. This article provides an overview of the current and projected energy scene. Five countries, that presently have a significant impact on global energy situation, have been studied in this work. These include China, India, Russia, UK and USA. Together the present energy budget of these countries is roughly half that of the globe. Four of the above five countries that are discussed in this work—China, India, UK and USA are all net importers of energy and are heavily dependent on imports of fuel to sustain their energy demands. Their respective local oil reserves will only last 9, 6, 7 and 4 years, respectively. China, the emerging economy in the world, is however making exemplary development in renewable energy—in 2004 renewable energy in China grew by 25% against 7–9% growth in electricity demand. While in the same year, wind energy in China saw a growth of 35%. China is also leading the global solar thermal market as it has already installed solar collectors over 65 million square meters, accounting for more than 40% of the world's total collector area. This article quantifies the period of exhaustion of the current major energy sources, i.e. coal, oil, gas and nuclear fissile material. Projected demand for energy is also presented and a feasibility of switch over to renewable energy is discussed. The article also presents the size of respective wind- and solar farms that would be required for each of the five countries under discussion to meet their year 2020 energy demands. It has been found that to meet 50% of the total energy demands the proposed area for collection of solar and wind energy by means of ultra-large scale farms in fact will occupy a mere fraction of the available land and near-offshore area for the respective countries, e.g. a solar PV electricity farm of 61 km 2 for China represents 0.005% of the Gobi desert. Likewise, the 26 and 36 km 2 PV farm area, respectively, required for India and the US represents 0.01% and 0.014% land area of Rajasthan and Baja deserts. The above areas required for the farms may be further split to form a cluster of smaller energy farms.
1,082 citations
TL;DR: This article aims to cover hazards relevant to humans, provides an introduction to some of the newly emerging literature on fate and behavior of NP in the environment, as well as describing their ecotoxicology in a variety of species.
Abstract: The rapid expansion of nanotechnology promises to have great benefits for society, yet there is increasing concern that human and environmental exposure to engineered nanomaterials may result in si...
906 citations
TL;DR: This paper investigated the relationship between the quantity of narrative risk information in corporate annual reports and ownership, governance, and US listing characteristics, and found that corporate risk reporting is negatively related to share ownership by long-term institutions, and thus the results of this study put forth that this important class of institutional investor has investment preferences for firms with a lower level of risk disclosure.
Abstract: We investigate the relationship between the quantity of narrative risk information in corporate annual reports and ownership, governance, and US listing characteristics. We find that corporate risk reporting is negatively related to share ownership by long-term institutions, and thus the results of this study put forth that this important class of institutional investor has investment preferences for firms with a lower level of risk disclosure. Concerning governance, we find that different types of board director fulfil different functions, with both the number of executive and the number of independent directors positively related to the level of corporate risk reporting, but not the number of dependent non-executive directors. This supports a recent emphasis in the UK on the independent aspects of non-executive directors for good corporate governance. Separate investigation of business, financial, and internal control aspects of risk reporting that correspond to the three classes of risk-reporting guidance in the UK reveals that the pattern of risk information in the annual report may be dependent upon the form that reporting regulation takes.
471 citations
TL;DR: As an in vitro testing alternative to that of in vivo testing, interleukin (IL)-8 production in A549 cells exposed to the panel of various particles clearly demonstrated the ability to also identify a relationship between surface area dose and reactivity.
Abstract: Different particle types cause excessive lung inflammation that is thought to play a role in the various types of pathology they produce. Recently attention has been focused on nanoparticles due to their presence in environmental particulate air pollution, their use and exposure in occupational settings, and their potential use in nanotechnology and novel therapeutics. We have shown previously that the surface area metric drives the overload response. We have instilled a number of low-toxicity dusts of various particle sizes and assessed neutrophil influx into the lung at 18-24 h postinstillation. The extent of inflammation was demonstrated as being a function not of the mass dose instilled but interestingly of the surface area dose instilled. Since low-toxicity nanoparticles present a "special" case of high surface area, they are relatively inflammogenic. We tested whether we could use this approach to model the reactivity of highly toxic dusts. Rats were instilled with either DQ12 quartz or aluminum lactate-treated DQ12 and, as anticipated, the high specific surface toxicity of DQ12 meant that it was much more inflammogenic (63 times more) than the surface area alone would have predicted. By contrast, aluminum lactate-treated DQ12 fell into the line of "low-toxicity" dusts. In addition, as an in vitro testing alternative to that of in vivo testing, interleukin (IL)-8 production in A549 cells exposed to the panel of various particles clearly demonstrated the ability to also identify a relationship between surface area dose and reactivity. These approaches present the possibility of modelling potential toxicity of nanoparticles and nuisance dusts based on the inflammatory response of a given instilled surface area dose.
447 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a 3-bed room semi-detached house in Scotland and found that concrete, timber and ceramic tiles are the three major energy expensive materials involved.
443 citations
TL;DR: Much work is required to identify whether the conclusions made for such materials can be extrapolated to engineered nanoparticles varying not only in size but also, shape, composition, structure, surface area, surface coating, and aggregation state, and it is necessary to reveal if the diversity of NPs available will confer to a varied extent and mechanisms of toxicity.
Abstract: Nanotechnology is involved with the creation and/or manipulation of materials at the nanometer (nm) scale, and has arisen as a consequence of the novel properties that materials exhibit within the "nano" size range. The attraction of producing, and exploiting nanoparticles (NPs; one dimension less than 100 nm) is a consequence of the fact that the properties are often strikingly different from bulk forms composed from the same material. As a consequence, the field of nanotechnology has generated substantial interest resulting in incorporation of NPs into a wide variety of products including electronics, food, clothing, medicines, cosmetics and sporting equipment. While there is general recognition that nanotechnology has the potential to advance science, quality of life and to generate substantial financial gains, a number of reports suggest that potential toxicity should be considered in order to allow the safe and sustainable development of such products. For example, substances which are ordinarily innocuous can elicit toxicity due to the altered chemical and physical properties that become evident within nano dimensions leading to potentially detrimental consequences for the producer, consumer or environment. Research into respirable air pollution particles (PM10) has focused on the role of ultra fine particle (diameter less than 100 nm) in inducing oxidative stress leading to inflammation and resulting in exacerbation of preexisting respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly found a positive correlation between the level of particulate air pollution and increased morbidity and mortality rates in both adults and children. Such studies have also identified a link between respiratory ill health and the number of ambient ultrafine particles. In vivo and in vitro toxicology studies confirm that for low solubility, low toxicity materials such as TiO2, carbon black and polystyrene beads, ultrafine particles are more toxic and inflammogenic than fine particles. In many of these studies the term "ultrafine particle" can be directly exchanged for nanoparticle, as these particles are manufactured industrially. In such studies the NPs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to a greater extent than larger particles leading to increased transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators via intracellular signaling pathways including calcium and oxidative stress. To date, only limited NP compositions and structures have been tested, including materials such as carbon, polystyrene beads and TiO2 as surrogate particles that aimed to represent particulate air pollution. All of these materials are generally low toxicity and low solubility. Much work is required to identify whether the conclusions made for such materials can be extrapolated to engineered nanoparticles varying not only in size but also, shape, composition, structure, surface area, surface coating, and aggregation state. Therefore, it is necessary to reveal if the diversity of NPs available will confer to a varied extent and mechanisms of toxicity.
330 citations
TL;DR: The frustrated phagocytosis suggests that clearance of nanotubes from the lungs by macrophages may be impaired, and there was no evidence of a toxic effect at any of the doses or time points used.
267 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a thorough examination of the goals, nature, and systems of 16 coaches with significant expertise in talent development was carried out across 13 different sports across the UK in order to provide a detailed picture of effective goals and systems within TDEs.
Abstract: Research to effectively inform the design and conduct of talent development environments (TDEs) is sparse, especially relating to the goals and systems involved. Accordingly, this paper provides a detailed picture of effective goals and systems within TDEs in a UK context. A thorough examination of the goals, nature, and systems of 16 coaches with significant expertise in talent development was carried out across 13 different sports. Inductive and deductive analysis revealed support for five main generic characteristics of effective TDEs: 1) Long-term aims and methods; 2) Wide-ranging coherent messages and support; 3) Emphasis on appropriate development, not early success; 4) Individualized and ongoing development; and 5) Integrated, holistic and systematic development. Implications for applied practitioners, policy makers, and researchers are explored.
209 citations
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16 Apr 2007TL;DR: Morey et al. as mentioned in this paper described and illustrated common fungi and actinomycetes in indoor environments and mycological methods for bioaerosol characterization of indoor environments.
Abstract: Microorganisms in air Microorganisms in outdoor air J Mullins and B Flannigan Microorganisms in indoor air B Flannigan Pollen in indoor air T Hugg, E Yli-Panula and A Rantio-Lehtimaki Microorganisms in homes and work environments Microbial growth in indoor environments B Flannigan and JD Miller Bacteria and other bioaerosols in industrial workplaces B Crook, JM Gawn and JRM Swan Remediation and control of microbial growth in problem buildings PR Morey Airborne microorganisms and disease Allergenic microorganisms and hypersensitivity AK Ellis and JH Day Occupational respiratory disease: hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other forms of interstitial lung disease MJ Hodgson and B Flannigan Respiratory tract infections caused by indoor fungi RC Summerbell Microbiological investigation of indoor environments Mycological investigations of indoor environments JD Miller Molecular methods for bioaerosol characterization RC Summerbell, BJ Green, D Corr and JA Scott Isolation and identification of fungi RA Samson and J Houbraken Analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds TJ Ryan Analysis for toxins and inflammatory compounds T Rand and JD Miller Interpreting sampling data in investigations of indoor environments: selected case studies PR Morey Common and important species of Actinobacteria and fungi in indoor environments Common and important species of fungi and actinomycetes in indoor environments RA Samson, J Houbraken, RC Summerbell, B Flannigan and JD Miller Descriptions and illustrations of common fungi and actinomycetes Appendix: Glossary of mycological terms Index
209 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to examine the use of a fluorogenic probe, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH), in a cell-free assay system and to assess the relationship between the results obtained and with the reactive species formation observed in cells.
184 citations
TL;DR: An investigation of blog technology's potential for encouraging interaction between students, and its consequences in terms of peer learning and peer support, on a module of an accredited library and information science (LIS) degree program revealed that blogs offer comparable and additional benefits to other projects designed to encourage reflective engagement with teaching material.
TL;DR: In this article, a case study approach was adopted examining the whole of the global retail fashion supply chain, from typical UK-based retailers through to their main production and logistics suppliers based in two low-cost locations, China and Romania.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the agile supply chain management practices adopted by UK clothing retailers in order to effectively manage the supply of innovative, high-margin, high-fashion content product offerings in a complex global environment.
Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was adopted examining the whole of the global retail fashion supply chain, from typical UK-based retailers through to their main production and logistics suppliers based in two low-cost locations, China and Romania. The cases of the UK retailers were followed by a study tour of China and Romania, where ten cases of fabric and finishing manufacturers, intermediaries and logistic providers were carried out.
Findings – Many aspects of accepted risk management and agile practice, such as market sensitivity, postponement activities and collaborative information-sharing partnerships were apparent in the early product definition and the later product delivery stages of the supply chain. However, the responsibility for supply, including the key aspect of managing the complex supply network, was almost exclusively left to intermediaries located in low-cost countries. These intermediaries in the main could best achieve agile supply from a significantly underutilized low-cost country supply network through a traditional adversarial price and lead time auction sourcing process.
Research limitations/implications – While the cases considered reflected what seemed to be a typical and widely adopted approach to managing such a supply chain, this may not, of course, be the only approach taken by organisations in the clothing industry.
Originality/value – By examining a whole supply chain associated with agile supply in an important sector, the paper identifies the relative importance of some existing practices and brings into sharper focus those most relevant to this type of supply. The paper also identifies key elements of contemporary supply chain management practice, namely the growing use of global supply for innovative products and the essential and valuable role played by intermediaries in such supply chains.
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework for the analysis of settlement and other processes in landfilled waste in relation to coupled hydraulic, biodegradation and mechanical behaviour is presented, which includes an innovative interpretation of the mechanical consequences of decomposition combined with established formulations of load and creep-induced effects to predict settlement under load and over time.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess Porter's contribution to the development of the discipline in the context of the advances that have taken place since the publication of his seminal work Competitive Strategy in 1980.
Abstract: Strategic management is constantly evolving as both an academic discipline and as a reflection of management practice. This article, based on a recent interview with Michael Porter, assesses his contribution to the development of the discipline in the context of the advances that have taken place since the publication of his seminal work Competitive Strategy in 1980. The authors conclude that Porter has made major lasting contributions to strategy, increasing both its academic rigor and its accessibility to managers. The article and interview place Porter's work at the center of the development of strategic management in terms of the provision of practical analytical frameworks, transforming it into a recognized and recognizable field of academic study and management practice. This feat of transformation has not been equaled before or since, so that 25 years after his first seminal contribution, Porter's work continues to provide remarkable insights into the nature of competition and strategy.
TL;DR: This review summarizes the findings of the UK Defra-funded Undesirable Disturbance Study Team, which concluded that 'an undesirable disturbance is a perturbation of a marine ecosystem that appreciably degrades the health or threatens the sustainable human use of that ecosystem'.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the relationship between students' confidence in their generic skills on entry to university, their learning styles and their academic performance in first year and found that students generally entered university feeling very confident that they already possessed good skills, and there was a suggestion of over-confidence in that those who failed the year entered with slightly higher confidence than other students.
Abstract: This study investigates the relationships between students' confidence in their generic skills on entry to university, their learning styles and their academic performance in first year. Research based on a large cohort of Scottish undergraduates found that students generally entered university feeling very confident that they already possessed good skills, and there was a suggestion of over-confidence in that those who failed the year entered with slightly higher confidence than other students. However, those students who withdrew during the year had significantly less confidence. The most significant combination of factors in explaining success in first year were a low score on the activist learning style scale and high initial confidence in the skills of self-reliance, time management and teamwork, together with lower initial confidence in written communication skills. The implications of this research are discussed and some suggestions made for improving educational practice.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors adapted Park's theory of race relations to explain the distinctiveness of generational work groups and the challenges and opportunities that these groups present when interacting in organisations.
Abstract: Purpose – Achieving intergenerational interaction and avoiding conflict is becoming increasingly difficult in a workplace populated by three generations – Baby Boomers, Generation X‐ers and Generation Y‐ers. This paper presents a model and proposes HR solutions towards achieving co‐operative generational interaction.Design/methodology/approach – This paper adapts Park's theory of race relations to explain the distinctiveness of generational work groups and the challenges and opportunities that these groups present when interacting in organisations. Rashford and Coghlan's cycle of organisational change, based on the Kubler‐Ross grief cycle, is then mapped onto Park's race relations cycle in order to link generational interaction to emotional reactions to change over time.Findings – The paper sets out a research agenda for examining how generations interact in the workplace. It acknowledges the limitations of using Park's theory of race relations, in particular the criticisms levelled at assimilationist app...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the extent to which these policies reflect the dominant approaches of "Work First", where programmes focus mainly on compulsory job search and short-term interventions to facilitate a quick return to work, or human capital development (HCD), where programmes tailor services to promote longer-term skills and personal development.
Abstract: This article analyses recent developments in policies to promote the employability of unemployed and economically inactive people in the UK. It discusses the extent to which these policies reflect the dominant approaches of 'Work First', where programmes focus mainly on compulsory job search and short-term interventions to facilitate a quick return to work, or human capital development (HCD), where programmes tailor services to promote longer- term skills and personal development. Specifically, the article reports on case-study research into two recent pilot initiatives: Working Neighbourhoods (which targeted a range of intensive services in neighbourhoods characterised by high levels of inactivity) and Pathways to Work (which combines employability services and cognitive behaviour therapy-type approaches to help clients to manage health problems). While both pilots have retained strong Work First features, they potentially represent a shift towards a more HCD-oriented approach, through the delivery of more holistic 'coping and enabling' services. However, there remain concerns that, as with previous progressive policy initiatives, the positive lessons of these pilots will not be fully mainstreamed. We conclude that, if the UK is to balance Work First compulsion with high-quality services delivering progress in the labour market and HCD, a strengthening of 'coping and enabling' interventions is required, alongside a renewed commitment to training.
TL;DR: This first application of a metaheuristic technique to the very popular and NP-complete puzzle known as ‘sudoku’ is presented and it is seen that this stochastic search-based algorithm is able to complete logic-solvable puzzle-instances that feature daily in many of the UK's national newspapers.
Abstract: In this paper we present, to our knowledge, the first application of a metaheuristic technique to the very popular and NP-complete puzzle known as `sudoku' We see that this stochastic search-based algorithm, which uses simulated annealing, is able to complete logic-solvable puzzle-instances that feature daily in many of the UK's national newspapers We also introduce a new method for producing sudoku problem instances (that are not necessarily logic-solvable) and use this together with the proposed SA algorithm to try and discover for what types of instances this algorithm is best suited Consequently we notice the presence of an `easy-hard-easy' style phase-transition similar to other problems encountered in operational research
01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: A Genetic Algorithm is presented which is capable of evolving 100% functional arithmetic circuits, based on evolving the functionality and connectivity of a rectangular array of logic cells and is modelled on the resources available on the Xilinx 6216 FPGA device.
Abstract: A Genetic Algorithm is presented which is capable of evolving 100% functional arithmetic circuits. Evolved designs are presented for one-bit, two-bit adders with carry, and two and three-bit multipliers and details of the 100% correct evolution of three and four-bit adders. The largest of these circuits are the most complex digital circuits to have been designed by purely evolutionary means. The algorithm is able to re-discover conventionally optimum designs for the one-bit and two-bit adders, but more significantly is able to improve on the conventional designs for the two-bit multiplier. By analysing the history of an evolving design up to complete functionality it is possible to gain insight into evolutionary process. The technique is based on evolving the functionality and connectivity of a rectangular array of logic cells and is modelled on the resources available on the Xilinx 6216 FPGA device. Further work is described about plans to evolve the designs directly onto this device.
TL;DR: A discourse analysis of data reveals some factors (anxiety, age-related issues, being too busy to learn and the need for a purpose for the new tools) that support the work of other researchers, while other themes (issues around alienation, identity and agency) deepen understanding of this domain.
Abstract: We present a qualitative study, undertaken over a period of nine months, of older people facing the challenges of learning to use interactive technology, specifically personal computers (PCs) and the internet. We examine the range of causal explanations (attributions) voiced by the group in accounting for their difficulties with it. A discourse analysis of these data reveals some factors (anxiety, age-related issues, being too busy to learn and the need for a purpose for the new tools) that support the work of other researchers, while other themes (issues around alienation, identity and agency) deepen understanding of this domain. The implications of the results for how we approach understanding the difficulties faced by older people in this context are discussed.
TL;DR: A simple model was developed to predict the magnitude of primary production by phytoplankton in different estuaries from nutrient input and to determine likely trophic status, indicating that estuary with low and moderate light levels are the least likely to show a biological response to nutrient inputs.
TL;DR: In this article, the improved meteorological radiation model, IMRM is more accurate, by up to 70% in some cases, than its predecessor in estimating, global and diffuse horizontal irradiance.
Abstract: All solar energy applications require readily available, site-oriented and long-term solar radiation data. A typical database comprises of global, direct and diffuse solar irradiance, duration of sunshine and complementary data like cloud cover, atmospheric turbidity, humidity, temperature, etc. However, most of these stations do not provide complete if any information on solar data, chiefly due to the capital and maintenance costs that measuring instruments incur. For instance, global radiation is the most frequently measured parameter, its two components, i.e. diffuse and direct irradiance are often not measured.
Improvements have been made to the meteorological radiation model MRM which, had been developed by Muneer et al. as a simple broadband irradiance estimation model based on synoptic information, by incorporating the sunshine information in the model's regressions. The result of the improvement of the model is a considerable reduction in biases and scatter in the comparison between estimated and measured data. The improved meteorological radiation model, IMRM is more accurate, by up to 70% in some cases, than its predecessor in estimating, global and diffuse horizontal irradiance.
When sunshine, atmospheric pressure and temperature are not measured by a nearby station, yet cloud information is recorded, radiation estimation models based on cloud cover, CRM, can be used. Three CRMs have been compared to newly proposed models. It was found that models with locally fitted coefficients gave a more accurate estimation of the solar radiation than CRMs with generalized coefficients. The newly proposed model performed better that the older generation models.
The third section of the article deals with estimation of diffuse radiation and possible improvements in its modeling. In this section, apart from clearness index (kt), influence of the synoptic parameters of sunshine fraction (SF), cloud cover (CC) and air mass (m) on diffuse fraction of global radiation (k) is studied both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is found that, SF shows a strong bearing on the k–kt relationship followed by CC and then m. As a next step, a series of models are developed for k as a polynomial function of kt, SF, CC and m. After an extensive evaluation procedure, a regression model is selected such that the diffuse radiation can be estimated with reasonable accuracy without making the model overtly complex. It was found that among all the models, the composite model involving all parameters provides the most accurate estimation of diffuse radiation. The site-specific models are further investigated for any appreciable correlations between different locations and their possible attributions. It was also found that a single model could more than adequately estimate the diffuse radiation for the locations within a given region. Three optimum models are also recommended for each region, in view of the fact that information on all parameters is not necessarily available for all sites. This study reveals a significant improvement from the conventional k–kt regression models to the presently proposed models, therefore, leading to more accurate estimation of diffuse radiation by approximately 50%.
TL;DR: This specially designed sex education programme did not reduce conceptions or terminations by age 20 compared with conventional provision and the lack of effect was not due to quality of delivery.
Abstract: Objective To assess the impact of a theoretically based sex education programme (SHARE) delivered by teachers compared with conventional education in terms of conceptions and terminations registered by the NHS.
Design Follow-up of cluster randomised trial 4.5 years after intervention. Setting NHS records of women who had attended 25 secondary schools in east Scotland.
Participants 4196 women (99.5% of those eligible).
Intervention SHARE programme (intervention group) v existing sex education (control group).
Main outcome measure NHS recorded conceptions and terminations for the achieved sample linked at age 20.
Results In an “intention to treat” analysis there were no significant differences between the groups in registered conceptions per 1000 pupils (300 SHARE v 274 control; difference 26, 95% confidence interval −33 to 86) and terminations per 1000 pupils (127 v 112; difference 15, −13 to 42) between ages 16 and 20.
Conclusions This specially designed sex education programme did not reduce conceptions or terminations by age 20 compared with conventional provision. The lack of effect was not due to quality of delivery. Enhancing teacher led school sex education beyond conventional provision in eastern Scotland is unlikely to reduce terminations in teenagers.
Trial registration ISRCTN48719575.
TL;DR: T lymphocytes with a senescent phenotype are mobilized and subsequently removed from the bloodstream in response to acute high-intensity exercise, which suggests that T lymphocytes contained within the peripheral lymphoid compartments that are mobilized by exercise are likely to be at a more advanced stage of biological aging and have a reduced capacity for clonal expansion than blood-resident T cells.
Abstract: Clonal expansion of T lymphocytes in response to antigenic stimulation is a fundamental process of adaptive immunity. As a consequence of clonal expansion, some T lymphocytes acquire a senescent ph...
TL;DR: Findings support previous evidence of emotion recognition abilities commensurate with overall developmental level in children with fragile X syndrome, but not Down's syndrome, and suggest syndrome-specific difficulties may be subtle and detectable, at least in smaller-scale studies, only in comparison with TD matches, and not always across syndromes.
Abstract: Background Interpreting emotional expressions is a socio-cognitive skill central to interpersonal interaction. Poor emotion recognition has been reported in autism but is less well understood in other kinds of intellectual disabilities (ID), with procedural differences making comparisons across studies and syndromes difficult. This study aimed to compare directly facial emotion recognition skills in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS), Down's syndrome (DS) and non-specific intellectual disability (NSID), contrasting ability and error profiles with those of typically developing (TD) children of equivalent cognitive and linguistic status.
Methods Sixty children participated in the study: 15 FXS, 15 DS, 15 NSID and 15 TD children. Standardised measures of cognitive, language and socialisation skills were collected for all children, along with measures of performance on two photo-matching tasks: an ‘identity-matching’ task (to control for basic face-processing ability) and an ‘emotion-matching’ task (happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear or disgust).
Results Identity-matching ability did not differ across the four child groups. Only the DS group performed significantly more poorly on the emotion-matching task and only in comparison to the TD group, with fear recognition an area of particular difficulty.
Conclusion Findings support previous evidence of emotion recognition abilities commensurate with overall developmental level in children with FXS or NSID, but not DS. They also suggest, however, that syndrome-specific difficulties may be subtle and detectable, at least in smaller-scale studies, only in comparison with TD matches, and not always across syndromes. Implications for behavioural phenotype theory, educational interventions and future research are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the contribution of the life grid, a visual tool for mapping important life events against the passage of time and prompting wide-ranging discussion, which can help to engage interviewer and interviewee in a process of constructing and reflecting on a concrete life history record.
Abstract: Research into potentially sensitive issues with young people presents numerous methodological and ethical challenges. While recent studies have highlighted the advantages of task-based activities in research with young people, the literature on life history research provides few suggestions as to effective and appropriate research tools for encouraging young people to tell their stories. This article explores the contribution that may be made to such research by the life grid, a visual tool for mapping important life events against the passage of time and prompting wide-ranging discussion. Critical advantages of the life grid in qualitative research include: its visual element, which can help to engage interviewer and interviewee in a process of constructing and reflecting on a concrete life history record; its role in creating a more relaxed research encounter supportive of the respondent’s ‘voice’; and facilitating the discussion of sensitive issues. In addition, the way in which use of the grid anchors...
TL;DR: In this article, the amount and types of beach litter deposition at a selection of beaches in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, was studied between July 2001 and December 2003, with the most common litter type recorded being plastic.
Abstract: Beach litter deposition at a selection of beaches in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, was studied between July 2001 and December 2003. The amount and types of beach litter is relatively consistent among beaches and over time, with an increased abundance of certain litter types at irregular intervals. Plastic is the most common litter type recorded. The amount of litter items per square metre is affected by Local Authority beach cleaning, community beach cleanings, and the presence of sewerage structures and takeaway facilities. Litter from fishing and shipping was relatively low compared with litter from recreation and sewage-related debris. It is likely that climatic conditions and tidal patterns are the greatest influence on the abundance of beach litter. Management actions are required to effect a reduction in beach litter. A combination of education, provision of adequate waste reception facilities, and enforcement of legislation is needed to tackle beach litter.
29 Apr 2007
TL;DR: The research investigates the success of two memory augmentation strategies in increasing memorability of graphical passwords and demonstrates that multiple graphical passwords are substantially more effective than multiple PIN numbers.
Abstract: Users gain access to cash, confidential information and services at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) via an authentication process involving a Personal Identification Number (PIN). These users frequently have many different PINs, and fail to remember them without recourse to insecure behaviours. This is not a failing of users. It is a usability failing in the ATM authentication mechanism. This paper describes research executed to evaluate whether users find multiple graphical passwords more memorable than multiple PINs. The research also investigates the success of two memory augmentation strategies in increasing memorability of graphical passwords. The results demonstrate that multiple graphical passwords are substantially more effective than multiple PIN numbers. Memorability is further improved by the use of mnemonics to aid their recall.This study will be of interest to HCI practitioners and information security researchers exploring approaches to usable security.
TL;DR: In this paper, the current energy consumption for Pakistan is presented and the issue of security of electrical energy supply is discussed and the prospects for a large-scale switch over to renewables are also addressed and the relevant economies and underpinning rationale provided.
Abstract: Fossil fuel reserves are diminishing rapidly across the world, intensifying the stress on existing reserves day-by-day due to increased demand. Not only that, fossil fuels, presently contributing to 80% of world primary energy, are inflicting enormous impacts on environment. Energy sector has a key role in this regard since energy during its production, distribution and consumption is responsible for producing environmentally harmful substances. There is an urgent need for a quicker switch over of energy systems from conventional to renewables that are sustainable and can meet the present and projected world energy demand. Hydrogen, in the capacity of energy vector and storage medium is expected to be the optimum solution for intermittency and storage of energy produced by renewables. Within the context of Pakistan solar and wind power are two of the most promising renewables. In this article, the current energy consumption for Pakistan is presented and the issue of security of electrical energy supply is discussed. Furthermore, the prospects for a large-scale switch over to renewables are also addressed and the relevant economies and underpinning rationale provided. It has been found that solar energy is a much more economical choice for Pakistan as compared to wind energy-respective costs for solar and wind energy are (US cents/kWh) 20 and 77. This is due to the fact barring the four monsoon months, the average wind speed for the remaining 8 months does not cross an economic threshold. On the contrary, it was found that solar energy has a fairly stable and consistent availability.