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Developing University Students’ Assessment Literacy and Autonomy through Coaching and Mentoring
Full text linkThis conceptual paper explores how university students’ assessment literacy and learner autonomy are developed, and the potential role coaching or mentoring can play. Its purpose is to inform and stimulate discussion with and amongst university educators. It argues that assessment literacy and learner autonomy may be mutually supportive, reinforcing constructs that operate synergistically and can be developed through coaching and mentoring within a curriculum that is designed to allow for and incorporate this. A recently developed model of curriculum development, the C-BAss framework, is identified as being a suitable vehicle for introducing coaching and mentoring for assessment literacy and autonomy into higher education academic programs
Molecular mechanisms of environmental adaptation in the Western Canaries Lizard (Gallotia galloti)
Full text linkThis research aims to elucidate evolutionary and plastic molecular processes that allows Gallotia galloti to inhabit a range of environmental conditions. It specifically investigates evolutionary processes in promoter regions of environmentally-adaptive genes, telomere dynamics, and the expression of heat-shock proteins and oxidative stress biomarkers in relation to microclimate. This has broader implications for understanding climate adaptation and ectotherm resilience.By using a dataset spanning a decade and the entire elevational breadth of G. galloti’s distribution, signatures of selection in promoter regions upstream from environmentally-adaptive genes were detected. Outlier single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to elevation-induced climate factors including in aquaporin and Electron Transfer Flavoprotein Subunit Alpha (ETFA) gene promoters demonstrated roles in local climate adaptation. At the temporal scale, some gene promoters (AQP1, MAPKAP1, ODC1) demonstrated balancing selection supporting survival in a range of environments, while other promoters were under positive selection (ACAT2, HSP90B1, SLC25A33), revealing a selective sweep in specific extreme environments. Elevation-based ancestry groups, which were decoupled from population structure, demonstrated a response to previous extreme weather events; over approximately one generation. At the functional level, selection on promoter regions indicated evolution of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway (AhR-ARNT) transcription factor binding motif, which has previously been demonstrated to play a role in cellular stress tolerance. This chapter reveals the role of climate in driving local adaptation across the landscape, and short-term rapid evolution to extreme weather conditions, both with a functional basis.The investigation of telomere length determined that the sex and the size of the lizards were more pertinent that the microclimate conditions, with bigger males having the shortest telomeres. However, temporal patterns demonstrated that in drier years telomeres were shorter, indicating that acute changes in the environment are still important in shaping relative telomere length. Overall, telomere dynamics in G. galloti are largely shaped by intrinsic factors as opposed to extrinsic environmental factors across the landscape, however extreme climate fluctuations, such as those associated with climate change, may still play a role. A comparison of telomere length to other published datasets revealed G. galloti along with sister lineages display less variable telomere lengths than other lizard taxa, potentially related to ecological versatility across elevations.Examining the expression of heat-shock proteins and oxidative stress markers revealed that the expression of GRP94, but not of HSP70, vary with slope angle and elevation, with greater expression at higher, steeper slopes. GRP94 was also more highly expressed with decreasing radiant sky temperature. Carbonylation, a marker of oxidative stress, decreased at greater elevations interacting with solar radiation. The sex of the lizards also played a role, with females displaying more carbonylation than males. Carbonylation and GRP94 were found to have a tight correlation, which was also influenced by the available microclimates in the form of operative temperature. Warmer temperatures demonstrated increased GRP94 and lower carbonylation, and vice versa, emphasising the importance of thermoregulatory opportunities in maintaining internal biochemistry.The findings from these chapters contribute significant insights into the molecular basis of environmental adaptation, which can have practical applications for the conservation and preservation of organisms during the Anthropocene. These chapters highlight the importance of seldom explored molecular mechanisms in explaining environmental adaptation, and demonstrate them acting at different time scales, and pivoting around the mitigation of oxidative stress
An Exploration of Post-traumatic Growth in Families of Women who have Experienced Postpartum Psychosis
Full text linkThis thesis portfolio comprises three parts:Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewThis review systematically examined the qualitative literature that captures the experiences of women with a learning disability during the perinatal period. A thematic synthesis of ten papers identified two overarching themes: ‘Disempowerment’ and ‘Support from Others’. Seven subthemes also emerged: ‘Feeling Judged’, ‘Feeling Underestimated’, ‘The Importance of Communication’, ‘The Importance of Autonomy’, ‘It Takes a Village’, ‘Positive Encounters with Professionals’, and ‘How Support from Others Could be Improved’. These findings indicate that collaborative, person-centred care seems to be important in empowering mothers with a learning disability during the perinatal period.Part Two: Empirical StudyThe empirical paper explored the shared experiences of families impacted by postpartum psychosis. Couples were jointly interviewed and asked to tell their stories of what changes that they have noticed in their lives following postpartum psychosis. Amongst the small sample of white-British, heterosexual couples, increased empathy seems to develop towards others experiencing mental health difficulties following lived experience of postpartum psychosis. Some evidence of increased feelings of closeness and strength within relationships was also found. These findings emphasise the importance and value of involving women’s partners in the treatment and recovery process of postpartum psychosis.Part Three comprises the AppendicesThe appendices contain supporting information to the systematic literature review and empirical paper, including reflective and epistemological statements
LIAISE COST ACTION: Leveraging Industrial Symbiosis as a Transformational Tool for Sustainable Industrial Practices
No full textIndustrial Symbiosis is increasingly recognized as a practical solution for reducing waste, minimizing resource depletion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By connecting diverse industries through resource-sharing networks, businesses can significantly improve their operational efficiency while contributing to broader environmental objectives. Case studies like Kalundborg Symbiosis in Denmark showcase the potential of Industrial Symbiosis to facilitate cleaner production processes, reduce operational costs and promote circular strategies for long-term sustainability. The adoption of Industrial Symbiosis, however, is not without challenges. One major barrier is the considerable upfront investment required to establish the necessary infrastructure for resource exchange systems. Additionally, technical feasibility constraints, including the compatibility of waste streams and logistical challenges, often limit the scalability of Industrial Symbiosis initiatives. Non-technical barriers such as limited awareness, insufficient stakeholder engagement and a lack of knowledge-sharing platforms further complicate efforts to expand Industrial Symbiosis practices. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks in some regions fail to provide adequate incentives for industries to embrace symbiotic partnerships, underscoring the need for policy reforms that support cross-sector collaboration. To overcome these barriers, the LIAISE COST Action was established to create a platform for collaboration, research and innovation in Industrial Symbiosis. The initiative was born out of the need to address existing obstacles such as fragmented knowledge, limited cross-sector cooperation and the lack of clear policy frameworks that hinder the adoption of Industrial Symbiosis practices. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, LIAISE actively works to develop strategies, share insights and create solutions that drive sustainable industrial transformation. The LIAISE COST Action is dedicated to advancing sustainable industrial practices through the promotion and application of Industrial Symbiosis as a transformational tool. By connecting industries through resource-sharing networks, LIAISE aims to support the transition towards a Circular Economy and contribute to achieving climate neutrality. The LIAISE COST Action’s research coordination objectives focus on producing and continuously updating state-of-the-art knowledge in Industrial Symbiosis and its subareas. This involves addressing technical, regulatory, governance, financial, and training drivers and barriers to support wider implementation. To enhance the integration of Industrial Symbiosis processes, LIAISE coordinates and consolidates research outcomes by leveraging ICT tools and databases on by-products and waste. These efforts aim to define optimized holistic approaches that improve Industrial Symbiosis performance and promote its use in industries across Europe and beyond. By synthesizing and improving existing knowledge from regional, national, and European contexts, LIAISE develops coherent strategies that support Industrial Symbiosis implementation. Moreover, LIAISE establishes a collaborative platform that enables knowledge exchange by providing access to training materials, peer-to-peer contacts, reports, and documentation. Furthermore, LIAISE serves as a stakeholder platform to identify barriers, needs and requirements from various sectors through a bottom-up approach, engaging industries, academia, and policymakers. By raising awareness of the negative consequences of the linear economy, LIAISE encourages policy adoption and promotes Industrial Symbiosis practices. LIAISE has established four working groups to organize its activities effectively. WG1 focuses on Industrial Symbiosis technical synergies, improving resource-sharing practices to enhance sustainable development. WG2 concentrates on developing frameworks that support Industrial Symbiosis business models and financial mechanisms. WG3 is dedicated to raising awareness, acceptance, and engagement with Industrial Symbiosis through training, supporting tools, and governance frameworks. WG4 ensures impactful dissemination and outreach efforts to maximize the Action’s impact during and beyond its four-year duration. LIAISE has established four working groups to organize its activities effectively. WG1 focuses on Industrial Symbiosis technical synergies, improving resource-sharing practices to enhance sustainable development. WG2 concentrates on developing frameworks that support Industrial Symbiosis business models and financial mechanisms. WG3 is dedicated to raising awareness, acceptance, and engagement with Industrial Symbiosis through training, supporting tools, and governance frameworks. WG4 ensures impactful dissemination and outreach efforts to maximize the Action’s impact during and beyond its four-year duration. Through collaboration among researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders, LIAISE facilitates knowledge exchange, best practice sharing and innovative solutions that enhance the implementation of Industrial Symbiosis across Europe. This paper explores the potential of Industrial Symbiosis as a transformative strategy for addressing industrial challenges and mitigating climate change. Drawing on insights from the LIAISE COST Action, the study highlights how Industrial Symbiosis fosters resource efficiency, promotes Circular Economy practices and reduces environmental impacts by enabling the exchange of resources such as energy, water, and raw materials across industries
Examining the role of social networking sites representation in optimising digital transformation: challenges from the Egyptian context
Full text linkGovernments across the globe are witnessing a continuous process of digital transformation. However, little evidence of the management process is provided from Eastern contexts as contrasted with Western ones. This paper argues a significant contribution to marketing theory in the process of digital transformation. Specifically, social networking sites (SNS) which assist organisations in promoting the policy of transformation and are an essential element of the process. This research uses theories like political marketing and public policy marketing to investigate the extent of SNS optimisation in creating value and long-term relationships, which are essential elements of strategic marketing orientation. Since Eastern contexts are far less researched, this research takes the presence of the Egyptian Government on SNS as its foci. The research includes a netnographic approach towards addressing the research goals. Findings indicated a role for the maturity of strategy, top management support and the application of strategic marketing strategy in the process
The term structure of interest rates as predictor of stock market volatility
No full textWe examine the forecasting power of the volatility of the slope of the US Treasury yield curve on US stock market volatility. Consistent with theoretical asset pricing models, we find that the volatility of the slope of the term structure of interest rates has significant forecasting power on stock market volatility for forecasting horizon ranging from 1 up to 12 months. Moreover, the term structure volatility has significant forecasting power when used for volatility predictions of the intra-day returns of S&P500 constituents, with the predictive power being higher for stocks belonging to the telecommunications and financial sector. Our forecasting models show that the forecasting power of yield curve volatility is higher to and absorbs that of Economic Policy Uncertainty and Monetary Policy Uncertainty, showing that the main channel through which the yield curve volatility affects the stock market is not only related with uncertainty about monetary policy actions or policy rates, but also with uncertainty regarding the future cash flows and dividend payments of US equities. Lastly, we show that the forecasting power of term structure volatility significantly increases during the post-2007 Great recession period which coincides with the Fed adopting unconventional monetary policies to stimulate the economy
A Secure User Anonymity-Preserving Biometrics and PUFs-Based Multi-Server Authentication Scheme With Key Agreement in 5G Networks
Full text linkThe 5G networks can provide high data rates, ultra-low latency and huge network capacity. In 5G networks environment, the popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a rapid increase in the amount of data. Multi-server distributed cloud computing technology provides an excellent solution to alleviate network pressure caused by the rapid growth of data. However, this technology serves as a two-edged weapon, which not only makes various IoT applications possible, but also brings growing concerns for user privacy and ever pressing security challenges. To ensure the high security of 5G network-based applications, we design a secure user anonymity-preserving biometrics and PUFs-based multi-server authentication scheme with key agreement. In our method, we make full use of the inherent security features of user fingerprint and smart device PUF to design a secure multi-server authentication scheme with key agreement in 5G Networks. The proposed scheme is able to resist recognized attacks and its robustness has been verified by security analysis
Observation of Temperature Dependent Atomic Off-Centering in High Entropy Cubic I-V-VI<inf>2</inf>/IV-VI Alloys with Ultralow Thermal Conductivity
Full text linkI-V-VI2/IV-VI compounds and their alloys are of great interest in the field of thermoelectricity due to their unique high-symmetry crystal structures and unexpectedly low thermal conductivity, which is closely related to the off-centering effect in the cubic lattice. However, the influence of such an effect on thermal transport across different temperatures remains largely elusive. Herein, using in situ pair distribution function analysis, it is directly observed that the sustained low thermal conductivity in n-type (AgBiSe2)1-x(PbS)x alloys stem from the dynamic intelligent switching of local structural distortions over wide temperature windows for the first time. Under ambient conditions, the local off-centering of central atoms dominates the phonon scattering, while at high temperatures, the geometrical configuration of the ligands predominantly modulates thermal conductivity due to lattice expansion and diminished cation off-centering. The complementary synergistic effect leads to an ultralow thermal conductivity (<0.64 W m−1 K−1) for (AgBiSe2)0.65(PbS)0.35 across the entire working temperature range and yields a lattice thermal conductivity of only 0.33 W m−1 K−1 at 800 K approaching the glass limit. Atomic-scale insights into the thermal conductivity mechanism of I-V-VI2/IV-VI alloys provide important guidance for designing high-efficiency thermoelectric materials over broad operational temperature ranges
Ponia Van Gogh
No full textFrom publisher site:Tegul užtruksiu iki savo paskutinio atodūsio, bet vieną dieną visi pasaulio dailininkai, meno mylėtojai ir kritikai žinos Vincento van Gogo vardą.CAROLINE CAUCHI (Kerolain Kauki) – maltiečių ir britų kraujo turinti rašytoja. Ji dėstytojavo universitete, o paskui ėmėsi literatūros. Įgijo kūrybinio rašymo daktarės laipsnį. Jos domėjimosi sritis – Johannos van Gogh-Bonger biografija, XIX a. kūrybiškų moterų tildymo nuostatos ir tiesą atkuriančio rašytojo moralinė atsakomybė. Autorė dar yra parašiusi daugiau kaip dešimtį romanų Caroline Smailes vardu.XIX a. pabaigos Paryžius. Rodeno, Monė, Tulūzo-Lotreko, Dega, brolių van Gogų laikai. Čia iš gimtosios Olandijos pas brolį Andriesą gydytis sudaužytos širdies ir lavinti tapybos įgūdžių atvyksta nelaimingą meilę patyrusi Johana. Lydima brolio vaikšto po Monmartrą, žavisi laisva kūrybiškumo dvasia, stebi kylantį Eifelio bokštą ir patraukia Teo van Gogo akį bei širdį.1890 m. provincijoje miršta visai nuskurdęs, niekieno neįvertintas, proto ligos kamuojamas Vincentas van Gogas. Netrukus 28-erių metų jo svainė Johana van Gog-Bonger tampa gausaus dailininko kūrybinio palikimo paveldėtoja ir saugotoja. Iki tol iš viešo gyvenimo stumiama moteris peržengia visas išankstines visuomenės nuostatas ir imasi veiklos. Jos pastangomis Paryžiuje po dešimties metų surengta paroda pagaliau priverčia pasaulį pripažinti neprilygstamą didžio dailininko talentą.Romanas „Ponia van Gogh“ piešia modernistinį XIX a. Paryžiaus paveikslą, parodo anuomet tramdomų kūrybiškų moterų apmaudą, atskleidžia skaudžią talentingo dailininko tragediją ir drauge suteikia balsą nepaprastai moteriai, atvėrusiai pasauliui postimpresionistinių Vincento van Gogo šedevrų vertę