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Widening participation expert joins Aston University as visiting professor
Liz Thomas is a leading researcher in widening participation and closing the achievement gap She has a very strong international and national reputation for using her research to inform policy and practice Professor Thomas will work within the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences. A leading researcher whose work addresses patterns of under-representation in higher education has joined Aston University as a visiting professor. Liz Thomas is an expert in widening participation and closing the achievement gap. She has joined the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences to work largely with Aston Business School on inclusivity and employability. Professor Thomas has previously worked on the Teaching Excellence Framework Main Panel (Widening Participation Expert), been Chair of Advisory Group, Evaluation of pre-16 outreach work, Office for Fair Access (now Office for Students) as well as an International member of the Vice Chancellor’s Quality Review, University of South Wales, Australia. During the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) period her research will focus on higher education student and graduate experiences in the ‘new new normal’. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an emergency pivot by higher education providers worldwide, from predominantly present-in-person teaching, to primarily or exclusively remote and online learning. As the pandemic has progressed, HE providers have adapted to the new normal, providing a range of hybrid learning, engagement and support opportunities. Employers are also seeing the advantages of more flexible and hybrid ways of working, and this suggests that graduates will need demonstrate additional skills and competencies in relation to autonomy and time management, team working, digital skills and effective communication through a wider range of media. Professor Liz Thomas said: “I am very excited to have been appointed visiting professor in the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University. “I'm very much looking forward to working with colleagues on equity in higher education and employment. “Belonging will continue to be an important theme within my research, both conceptually and practically, and within higher education and employment, in the post-pandemic world. We need to capitalise on the advantages that have emerged, and ensure inclusion, and equitable outcomes for all.” Professor Helen E Higson, associate dean accreditations at Aston Business School, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming Liz to Aston Business School to share her knowledge on inclusivity and employability. “She will bring further leadership internally in areas which fit very well with Aston University’s values, student demographics and objectives. “She has a very strong international and national reputation for using her research-informing policy. Much current practice and policy in HE in the UK is influenced by her work.”
Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment launches livestreamed public lecture series
The Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) are to host their first livestreamed public lecture in a new series: Molecules to Minds on Aston University’s digital channel - Aston Originals on Wednesday 16 February 2022. The livestream will see Dr Rachel Shaw present her lecture ‘Understanding and improving staff wellbeing in paediatric intensive care: A partnership between Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation NHS Trust & Aston University to prioritise workplace wellbeing’. Dr Shaw will present the findings of a project in which she investigated the wellbeing of staff working in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The research was funded by Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation NHS Trust Paediatric Intensive Care Charities. She said: “There is a lot of evidence finding that levels of stress, burnout and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are higher among staff working in paediatric intensive care than in groups of other healthcare professionals. “The Covid-19 pandemic has only further highlighted the need to care for our healthcare staff to improve their own wellbeing, but also, so that they are able to better care for their patients.” Dr Shaw will present her findings of what wellbeing means to PICU staff, the kinds of challenges to their wellbeing they experience at work and at home, the things that hinder their wellbeing in those situations and the things that can help. The one hour livestream will include a Q&A and a roundtable discussion with clinical colleagues from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, looking at key learnings taken both professionally & personally from the project, concluding with next steps and hopes for the future. Dr Shaw added: “We plan to use staff wish lists, together with psychological evidence about what is likely to be successful, to make proposals for what might create working environments that are conducive to workforce wellbeing to create better, sustainable support for PICU staff in the future.” The live stream will take place at 16:00 – 17:00 GMT on Wednesday 16 February, you can register for the event on Eventbrite.
How to move to Canada: A checklist for newcomers
Moving to Canada from another country is no easy task. Whether you plan to settle in Canada permanently or relocate for better career or study options, it takes a lot of time and organization to ensure a smooth transition into life in a new country. We’ve created a handy moving to Canada checklist, which will provide you with a step-by-step guide of all the things you need to do, from deciding which immigration program to apply for to preparing for your life in Canada. In this article: Determine the best immigration pathway for you Get ready to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) Start your PR application process Wait for your PR application to be processed Get ready to travel Determine the best immigration pathway for you Choose between temporary and permanent residence When you’re first considering a move to Canada, you’ll have to choose between several immigration pathways. Many newcomers apply for Permanent Residence (PR) directly, which allows them to live and work in Canada permanently and even become Canadian citizens down the line. The other option is to apply for temporary residence, either in the form of a study permit or work permit, so you can experience life in Canada before deciding whether you want to stay permanently or return to your home country. Due to ongoing delays in the immigration process, many newcomers who were originally planning to apply for PR (or were awaiting a response on their application) are now exploring temporary ways of moving to Canada. However, it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of each pathway before making a decision. For instance, while it’s easier and faster to get a study permit, it’s a longer road to PR. Also, the cost of education for international students is quite high, and even though you may be allowed to work part-time while studying in Canada, you’ll still have to rely on your savings to cover living expenses during your study period. Having Canadian work experience or educational credentials makes it easier to qualify for PR, so if your estimated Comprehensive Ranking System score is low, it may be better to try for a study permit or work permit first. Get ready to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) Decide which province you want to live in The province you choose to settle in will determine the job opportunities that’ll be available to you, the quality of life you’ll have, the cost of living, schooling options for your children, and the cultural environment. Many provinces also have Provincial Nominee Programs through which they invite newcomers whose skills are needed to fill in-demand jobs in the region. Do some research to learn about Canada’s provinces and territories, the major cities that newcomers prefer to live in, and the job market. This will help you decide which province you want to live in before you apply for PR. Identify the right PR program for you Canada has several immigration programs for PR, both at the federal and provincial levels. The Express Entry program is the most popular among newcomers and includes streams for foreign skilled workers, skilled tradespeople, and foreign nationals with Canadian work experience who want to settle in Canada permanently. The Express Entry program uses a point-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank and evaluate individual immigration applications based on factors such as skills, education, language ability, work experience, age, and more. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts periodic draws to determine the CRS cut-off and, if your score is higher than the cut-off, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. If you’re certain about the province you want to live in, you can apply through the Provincial Nominee Program instead. Securing a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, significantly increasing your chances of qualifying for PR. Start your PR application process Gather essential documents for your application As you start filling in your PR application, you’ll be asked to upload various documents, including: Education credentials assessment (ECA): An ECA verifies that your foreign educational degree, diploma, or certification is valid and equal to a Canadian one. The ECA process takes time, so start the process at least two months before you plan to submit your PR application. Language proficiency test scores: If your first language isn’t English or French, you’ll need to take an English and/or French language test. For English, the IRCC accepts IELTS and CELPIP test scores, while for French, you’ll need to take the TEC Canada or the TEF Canada test. Passport: Your PR application will be linked to your passport number, so be sure to check the validity of your passport and get it reissued if it’s scheduled to expire soon. Fill in and submit your Express Entry or PNP profile Once you gather all the essential documents, you’re ready to create your application. For Express Entry, you’ll need to create an account on IRCC and create a profile under one of the three streams. You’ll also need to pay an application fee, which includes the fee for a biometrics test. Once your profile is submitted, you’ll be entered into the Express Entry pool of candidates to await the next CRS draw. Your Express Entry profile will be active for 12 months or until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), whichever is sooner. Some PNP programs may require a separate application. You can find more information on the application process for these programs in our Provincial Nominee Program series. Respond to the Invitation to Apply (ITA) Depending on the immigration program you apply to, you’ll typically have 30 to 60 days to respond once you receive an ITA. At this time, you’ll be asked to provide documentation to support the information you provided in your profile. Some of this paperwork can take time to source, so we recommend gathering these essential documents well in advance. Proof of settlement funds: You’ll require bank statements and letters from your financial institution to prove you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses for your first few months in Canada. Police certification: Your local police authorities will need to certify that you don’t have a criminal background in your country. Work experience letters: Depending on your professional history, you may be required to submit letters from your past and current employers verifying your employment history, including the dates of your employment, working hours, job title and responsibilities, and salary. Birth and marriage certificates: If you’re applying for PR as a family. Job offer letter: If you already secured a job offer in Canada. Medical exam: You’re only required to take a medical test if you receive communication from the IRCC or province asking you to do so. Wait for your PR application to be processed How long does it take for your PR to be processed? The processing time for permanent residence applications varies based on the program you apply under. In most cases, it takes at least six months, but due to ongoing COVID-19 related delays, there’s a significant backlog and you may have to wait over a year to get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). However, there are some things you can work on while you wait to make your transition into life in Canada easier. Prepare for the Canadian job market Finding your first job in Canada takes time. Use this extra time to prepare for your job search. Explore the job market in the city you’re planning to settle in and look at job descriptions posted for employment opportunities in your field. You can also start building a professional network in Canada through LinkedIn, virtual coffee chats, and online networking events. Before you start applying to jobs, create a Canadian-style resume and cover letter and customize it for each role. Since most companies now conduct interviews remotely, you should also start interview preparation, so you’re ready to start actively applying for jobs as soon as you get your COPR. Work on your language skills English and French are the two official languages in Canada, although English is more common everywhere except Quebec. If you need to work on your communication skills, this wait period is the perfect opportunity to sign up for language classes or practice at home. Research the basics of living in Canada Life in Canada may be very different from what you’re used to back home. As part of your preparation, be sure to research the types of accommodation available in Canada and use Arrive’s monthly expenses calculator to estimate the cost of living in your target city. Find out about provincial health coverage, the process of getting a driver’s licence, the public transportation system, and, if you have children, the school system in your future province. Familiarize yourself with the financial system, including the role of credit scores, and research banking options that are best-suited to your situation. Many newcomers also experience culture shock when they first arrive in Canada, so spend some time learning about cultural differences you can expect and connect with any friends and family in Canada to learn from their experiences. Prepare to move to Canada Get your visa stamped Once you receive your COPR, you’re all set to prepare for your move. The first step is to submit your passport for a visa stamp and give your biometrics at the authorized agency in your country. The communication you receive from IRCC along with your COPR will have detailed instructions on these steps. Get ready to travel With your visa and COPR in hand, you’re ready to book your flight tickets to Canada. Since it usually takes some time to find long-term rental accommodation, most newcomers book temporary accommodation, such as a hotel, B&B, or hostel for their first few weeks. Next, you’ll need to start packing the belongings you intend to bring with you. As you do that, you can also fill out the personal effects documentation, or forms B4 and B4A (BSF186 and BSF186A), which you’ll need to present to border officials at your port of entry. While you only need these forms at the airport, it’s much easier to fill them out as you pack. You may also have belongings you won’t bring with you to Canada, such as your furniture, vehicle, large electronics, and other items. If you intend to sell these goods before you leave, make sure you allocate enough time to do so. Start applying to jobs in Canada Now that you have a landing date planned, it’s time to start actively applying for jobs. Keep in mind you’re only allowed to start working for a Canadian employer after you receive your PR, but if your initial interviews go well, you can always explain your situation to the employer and negotiate a joining date that’s after you land. Get your documents in order In addition to the documents you submitted along with your PR application, you’ll also need the following during your travel or for your life in Canada: Driver’s licence and extract: If you have prior driving experience in your country, getting a driver’s licence extract from your local authority can help you get a full Canadian licence faster. Travel insurance: In some provinces, the provincial health coverage has a wait period and you’ll need travel insurance to cover you during that time. Medical records, prescriptions, and any ongoing medication References from past employers Quarantine plan: If you’re travelling to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, you also need a quarantine plan for your first few weeks after you land. At present, fully-vaccinated travellers are exempt from the mandatory quarantine, but the final decision is up to officials at your port of entry. Passport and tickets Start the process to open a Canadian bank account A Canadian bank account will be foundational for your financial success in Canada. You’ll need access to your funds during your first few weeks in Canada, so, if possible, you should start the process of opening a bank account before you arrive. Some financial institutions, like RBC, allow you to start the bank account opening process virtually from your home country. Once you’re in Canada, you can visit your local bank branch or set up a virtual appointment to open your account. You’ll also need to apply for a credit card, so you can start building your credit history in Canada. Prepare for your first few days in Canada There are several things you’ll need to get done in your first few days in Canada and, with a little advance preparation, you can arrive all set to accomplish everything on your list. Bring some Canadian currency, ideally in small bills, to cover your expenses until you get a debit or credit card. If you arrive in the winter, pack some warm winter clothes in your carry-on luggage (winter temperatures in Canada are often below freezing!). Look at public transit maps in your city and make note of the bus stops or subway stations close to your temporary accommodation. Carry a travel adapter for your electronics (standard voltage in Canada is 120 V). Buy an international calling card or purchase a Canadian SIM card online and have it delivered to your temporary address. Note: you may be able to purchase a Canadian SIM card upon arrival at certain airports in Canada. Many newcomers from across the world come to Canada with the goal of working and settling here. If you’re exploring immigration pathways to Canada, this moving to Canada checklist will provide you with the information you need to choose a suitable immigration program, apply for permanent residence, and plan your move to Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all.
Most in-demand jobs in Ontario for newcomers
Ontario is one of the most popular provinces among newcomers. Its cultural diversity, economic prosperity, and ever-growing job market are just some of the reasons newcomers from across the world choose to settle in Ontario. The government of Ontario periodically invites newcomers with the skills and experience to meet the province’s growing labour requirements to work and settle in Ontario as Permanent Residents (PR) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. This article provides information on Ontario’s job market. This includes the top industries that contribute to its economy, the most in-demand occupations for newcomers in the region, NOC codes, and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to kick-start your career in Canada. What are the top industries in Ontario? Services industry: The services sector is the largest contributor to the province’s economy and employs nearly 79 per cent of the people living in Ontario. Some of the key service industries include banking and financial services, professional, scientific and technical services, and arts and culture. Manufacturing industry: Ontario’s manufacturing industry is one of the biggest in North America. Some of the most prominent manufacturing industries are automotive, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Agriculture: Ontario’s farming sector contributes nearly 25 per cent of Canada’s farm revenue. Mining industry: In addition to being one of the world’s top 10 producers of nickel and platinum, Ontario is also rich in gold, silver, copper, zinc, cobalt, and non-metallic minerals. Southern Ontario also has a sizeable oil and gas industry. Forestry industry: The forestry industry in the province creates nearly 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Which cities have the most job opportunities in Ontario? Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): This is the most populous region in the province, and Toronto is the financial hub of Canada. Other large industries in Toronto and the GTA include technology, real estate, trade, and manufacturing. Ottawa: As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers significant job opportunities in administration. It is also a major centre for the high technology and finance industries. Brantford: This city is a manufacturing hub and offers job opportunities in food and beverage manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, rubber and plastic production, and warehousing and distribution. In addition, Brantford also has a growing media and entertainment sector. Hamilton: Another manufacturing centre, Hamilton has a large job market in the food processing and agribusiness industry, as well as in advanced manufacturing. Waterloo: The Toronto-Waterloo region is often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the North’ and presents significant opportunities in the technology sector. Which jobs are in demand in Ontario? Health care jobs in Ontario Managers in health care (NOC 0311): Managerial positions in health care typically require a degree in management and pay around $48.21 CAD per hour. • Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012): You’ll need a nursing degree and a provincial nursing licence to qualify. The median hourly pay for registered nurses in Ontario is $36 CAD. • Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 3211): As a lab technologist in Ontario, you can earn a median income of $38 CAD per hour. • Opticians (NOC 3231): Opticians make between $27 CAD and $34 CAD in Ontario. • Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233): Licensed nurses make a median hourly wage of $27 CAD. • Nurse aides, orderlies, home support workers, and patient service associates (NOC 3413, 4412): For these occupations, the hourly wage ranges between $17.50 CAD and $20 CAD. Service sector jobs in Ontario To qualify for service sector jobs, you’ll usually require at least an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university. Administrative services managers (NOC 0114): Managerial positions in administration typically pay a median salary of $41 CAD per hour. Banking, credit and other investment managers (NOC 0122): Managers in the finance sector earn a median income of $50 CAD per hour. You’ll usually need a degree in management or finance to qualify. Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers (NOC 0124): These roles require a degree in marketing or management and pay a median income of $40 CAD per hour. Business services managers (NOC 0125): These roles pay an average hourly salary of $43 CAD. Corporate sales managers (NOC 0601): Sales manager roles in Ontario can be fairly high paying, with a median hourly wage of $52 CAD per hour. Restaurant and food services managers (0631): Compared to other managerial positions, restaurant and food services managers have the lowest median wage at $19.23 CAD per hour. Construction managers and managers in transportation (NOC 0711, 0731): Employees in these roles earn a median hourly wage between $38 CAD and $40 CAD. Human resources professionals (NOC 1121): HR professionals make an average income of $35 CAD per hour. Professional occupations in business management consulting (NOC 1122): In Ontario, business consultants make a median hourly salary of $41 CAD. Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 2161): As a mathematician, you can earn an average of $45 CAD per hour. However, you’ll need an advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related subject. Technology sector jobs in Ontario To work as an engineer in Ontario, newcomers require a licence from the province in addition to an engineering degree. Engineering managers, computer and information systems managers (NOC 0211, 0213): Managerial level in-demand jobs in Ontario pay a median hourly wage between $52 CAD and $53 CAD. To qualify, you may require a degree in engineering, management, or both. Computer engineers (NOC 2147): As a computer engineer, you can earn a median income of $44 CAD per hour. Database analysts, software engineers and designers, computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2172, 2173, 2174): These technology sector roles pay between $40 CAD and $46 CAD per hour in Ontario. While many such positions require an engineering degree, some roles may also be open to applicants with a degree in computer science. Web designers and developers (NOC 2175): Web designers in Ontario can earn a median hourly wage of $31 CAD. Manufacturing jobs in Ontario Manufacturing managers (NOC 0911): Managers in manufacturing make a median income of $43 CAD per hour in Ontario. Machine operators in the mining and processing, chemicals, plastics, woodworking, and food and beverage industries (NOC 9411, 9416, 9417, 9418, 9421, 9422, 9437, 9446, 9461): Machine operators and process control workers typically earn a median hourly wage between $15 CAD and $23 CAD, depending on the industry they are in. Assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers in the electronics and mechanical industries (NOC 9523, 9526, 9536, 9537): The median hourly wage for these jobs is between $16 CAD and $22 CAD. Agriculture jobs in Ontario The median hourly wage for in-demand agriculture jobs is between $14.35 CAD and $20 CAD. General farm workers (NOC 8431) Nursery and greenhouse workers (NOC 8432) Harvesting labourers (NOC 8611) Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry workers (NOC 9462) What is the minimum wage in Ontario? The general minimum wage in Ontario as of October 1, 2021, is $14.35 CAD per hour. For student workers, the minimum wage is $13.50 per hour. What is the unemployment rate in Ontario? The unemployment rate in Ontario in September 2021 was 7.3 per cent. However, the province’s economy is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and, with each quarter, the unemployment rate is inching back towards the pre-pandemic level of under six per cent. How can I move to Ontario? In addition to the federal Express Entry program, the province also invites permanent residents through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. If you’re planning to work in Ontario temporarily, you may be able to qualify for a work permit if your skills align with the province’s in-demand occupations. Ontario also boasts of some of the best universities in Canada and, each year, thousands of students come to Canada on study permits, with the aim of receiving a world-class education and settling permanently in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
Declining viewership for live events, including the Super Bowl, presents concerns for advertisers
This year’s NFL Championship, best known as the Super Bowl, will again be one of the most watched events. But public interest in live events appears to be declining, even for the “Big Game,” say two marketing professors at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. “Live sports events are the last stand for live TV, with the Super Bowl being the biggest spectacle to unite the American audience. Live events like this are languishing. Need proof? Look at record low ratings for award shows,” said Ann Bastianelli, teaching professor of marketing at Kelley, who added that the Super Bowl remains “a rare opportunity to gauge the U.S. cultural consciousness.” “The early reports and teasers suggest that Super Bowl viewers are in for a smorgasbord of memorable and even humorous commercials, providing some much-needed laughs during the ongoing pandemic. Even so, the Super Bowl isn’t enjoying the same viewership it once had which should prompt changes in marketing decisions,” added Demetra Andrews, clinical associate professor of marketing. With a television audience of more than 90 million last year, the Super Bowl continues to provide the biggest platform for advertisers. But, according to Andrews, television viewership of the Super Bowl has declined fairly steadily for years and the increase in livestreaming of the game does not account for the decline. Of note, she said, is a persistent decline in watchers aged 18-49 since 2008, a key component of the Super Bowl audience. According to Morning Consult, 40% of Generation Z-aged American aren’t sports fans, compared to only 24% of Millennials opting out of sports. Gen Z may be more likely to watch and share ads online than during the sporting event. “Despite this, the price for advertising during the Super Bowl has remained high for a 30-second ad. This is likely to prompt marketing organizations to reexamine the value of the Super Bowl as a promotional platform,” Andrews said. The cost of a 30-second commercial in the 2022 game is $6.5 million, up significantly from the $5.5 million price tag of just a year ago. “Clearly, the network is not bashful about asking that, even with the misgivings that advertisers have had in the past few years,” Bastianelli said. Super Bowl parties traditionally have been a big part of the game day experience and something most attractive to advertisers. But with larger gatherings discouraged and even restricted last year, this aspect was greatly diminished for the 55th Super Bowl. More people may gather to watch the game, while others will be hesitant to do so. “Without Super Bowl parties, brands might not get the same return on investment, because people couldn’t discuss ads in real-time with others, so brands shifted to digital/online advertising to avoid the $5.5 million price tag,” Bastianelli said. They also do this “because spending money online builds reach and frequency and gives brands valuable data to maximize customer engagement much more cost-efficiently. “The downside is that, while culture spreads at the speed of social, it’s much harder to stand out with sustained hype,” she added. Reevaluation of the Super Bowl as a promotional platform should include a determination of whether an organizations’ target customer groups are likely to watch or attend a Super Bowl event, Andrews said. Both professors are available for interviews. Contact George Vlahakis at vlahakis@iu.edu for assistance.
Study reveals the inside of your car is dirtier than the average toilet
A study by researchers in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University and commissioned by Scrap Car Comparison has revealed that the inside of our cars have significantly higher levels of germs on them than the average toilet. The researchers took samples from car interiors with varied ownership histories, to establish bacterial contamination levels within the vehicles and to highlight how thoroughly people clean their cars. The results revealed that motorists should be cleaning the inside of their cars more frequently, with harmful bacteria likely to be discovered in most cars out on the road today. In particular, the study found that the car boot plays host to significantly high levels of bacteria, with E.coli likely to be found in every boot and potentially on your driver’s seat. More commonly known as faecal bacteria, the findings pose a clear concern for anyone that puts their fruit and vegetables in the boot after a trip to the shops or enjoys a drive-thru dinner in the driver’s seat. Dr Jonathan Cox, a senior lecturer in microbiology at Aston University, said: “The results of this study are fascinating, as they help to show that despite cleaning our cars, the older they are, the dirtier they generally are. “This becomes key when thinking about areas such as the car boot or driver’s seat. Many of us have placed loose food shopping in our boots, or dropped the odd crisp onto our seat, before picking it up and eating it.” Other areas tested included the gearstick, dashboard and backseat which also saw higher levels of bacterial contamination than is found on the average domestic toilet. Bacteria found included Pseudomonas, a bacterium with strains that can’t easily be treated with antibiotics and Staph Aureus, a germ associated with coughs and sneezes that in some cases is linked to MRSA. The researchers identified the filthiest areas of a car: 1. Boot - 1,425 bacteria identified 2. Driver’s seat - 649 bacteria identified 3. Gearstick - 407 bacteria identified 4. Back seat - 323 bacteria identified 5. Dashboard - 317 bacteria identified 6. Steering wheel - 146 bacteria identified. There was also a correlation discovered between the age of a car, and the levels of bacteria likely to be found within it. The older cars sampled for the study exhibited higher bacteria loads than those that have been on the road for a shorter amount of time. However, the researchers found that out of all areas of our cars, the steering wheel was generally found to be the cleanest. This high-contact area saw very low levels of bacterial contamination and could be due to the uplift in hand sanitiser use following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Cox added: “These results highlight that we should change how we think about our cars and cleanliness. Often, we will clean our cars based on whether they ‘look’ clean versus whether they actually are clean. But you would never even think about eating off your toilet seat. “Upholstery should ideally be given a deep clean and in future I will always clean any used car I might purchase!” Dan Gick, managing director at Scrap Car Comparison, commented: “Taking care of your car, from making sure it’s running well to keeping it clean, all work towards ensuring it has a long life and is a car you love mile after mile. The last thing you want is for your car to become a risk on the roads, as well as a risk to your health. “We hope the results of this study help to highlight the importance of taking good care of your car inside and out. It’s worth thinking about how often you clean the inside of your house and apply the same thought process to your car, especially if you tend to drive it every day”.
The modern office has changed. According to some experts, it’s much overdue. For others, the idea of the separation of domestic and professional lives is still something to accept. Either way, with the onset of COVID-19 and as workplaces adjust to life after the pandemic, working from home is the new norm for many people and it’s likely going to stay that way indefinitely for some. With that reality also comes the fact that your home office needs to be just as safe and secure as your former place of work once was. Worry not – we’ve got experts who can help. It’s why we asked Augusta University’s Dr. Jeffrey Morris, assistant professor in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, for some easy tips and helpful advice on making that happen. How to separate home or work? The best way to keep work materials safe would be to have a separate device that is used only for work, such as a company-supplied laptop. Since most of us will not have devices supplied to us, the next best would be to use a device that has minimal other use: Try not to use a computer that the rest of the family uses. If others use the computer, create a new user login and use that for work only. Keep all your work files in an encrypted folder. Ensure you have security software installed on the computer you are using for work. Some of the other ways include using a Virtual Private Network, which I’ll address in the next question. What's the best way to secure your connection? Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a must. Hopefully, your work will provide a VPN connection for use. With the spread of cloud data storage, ensuring all connections are secured (the little lock icon in your browser is visible) is a must. If you have a work laptop/computer assigned to you, do you need to take additional steps to secure it while working from home? Much like being in the workplace, the same rules apply: You should log out of the device once you are done working for the day. This prevents accidental use of the computer by others in the home. Turning the device off when not in use is a good way to ensure this. The device needs to be physically secured as well. If the device does not have an anti-virus software program installed from work, you need to ensure it has it before you use it at home. What are the biggest red flags you should look out for? Be wary of emails. Many people mix their work and personal emails when working from home. You may receive a phishing email to your personal email that is aimed at accessing your work email and computers. Cybercriminals are aware that many people are working from home and trying to gain access to company networks by breaking into home computers and waiting for the user to log into company networks or cloud storage. And don’t forget … Updates. Do them as often as possible. Keep your computers updated. This includes not only the operating system but all the other programs installed on the machine. Cybercriminals are targeting all the other software on the computers as the operating systems are getting harder to exploit. There are programs available that can inventory the software on a computer and tell you which programs need updating. Looking to know more? Then let us help. Dr. Jeffrey Morris is an assistant professor at Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. He’s available to speak about keeping your home office safe – simply click on is icon now to arrange an interview today.
Free masks are coming - here's what you need to know
As stores across America prepare to receive "the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in U.S. history," UConn epidemiologist Dr. David Banach is answering the questions about N95 respirators, how they work, and how to use them properly in a new interview with Buzzfeed news: There are several different types and shapes of N95s; some look like duck bills, others like domes, and several have three panels. The main difference between nonsurgical and surgical N95s is that the latter are also fluid resistant to protect doctors and nurses from blood and other bodily fluid sprays, Dr. David Banach, an infectious disease physician and hospital epidemiologist at UConn Health of the University of Connecticut, told BuzzFeed News. ****** N95 respirators are regulated by the US with standards set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while KN95s (and KF94s and others) follow international standards, meaning they also should screen out about 95% of germs and particles, but their effectiveness can vary between brands sold in the US. That’s why Banach advises extra caution if you choose to wear these masks. ****** N95 respirators do expire, Banach said, but it’s usually several years after they are made. As long as you store your N95s according to its box instructions, you’ll be fine — unless you’re saving them for the next inevitable pandemic. Dr. David Banach is an expert on infectious diseases and epidemiology and is a leading expert on COVID-19 in America. To book an interview with Dr. Banach, click on his icon today.
The world's gone crazy for Wordle - Our expert explains why
You can't avoid it these days - Wordle is everywhere. Social media is peppered with people's results, it's the topic of talk shows, and even SNL did a parody of it - essentially baptizing Wordle as a part of American culture. It's a phenomenon that has caught fire - and media everywhere are trying to figure out why. That's why when the Washington Post was trying to spell out just what makes Wordle so enticing - the reporter contacted Dimitris Xygalatas from UConn to get to the source of this five-letter craze. In the beginning, Americans created sourdough starters. As people looked for rituals to cope with the early uncertainties of the pandemic, many bought Peloton bikes, built gardens and watched “Tiger King.” And in Brooklyn, a software engineer said: “Let there be Wordle!” And there was Wordle. Big-time. In recent weeks, the online game has become a kind of ritual for its players, who pilgrimage daily to a website to solve a five-letter puzzle. After completing the game, many share their score with their friends, along with the grid of yellow and green squares that show how many tries it took them to solve the puzzle. The game with no ads was created in late 2021 by Josh Wardle for his partner as a way to kill time during the pandemic. Humans’ brains are designed for pattern-seeking in order to help us make sense of the world, said Dimitris Xygalatas, an anthropologist and cognitive scientist at the University of Connecticut. When humans aren’t able to find patterns, we can experience stress, he said. Something like doing Wordle daily can give people a sense of regularity and a sense of control. Xygalatas’s studies have found that people who participate in collective rituals have lower levels of cortisol that correspond with lower stress and are often able to build social-support networks. This is why, he said, communal rituals — such as cheering for health-care workers from apartment balconies — took off in the early months of the pandemic. “Our mind craves regularity,” he said. “It’s one of the main ways we try to fight anxieties.” Professor Xygalatas is an anthropologist and cognitive scientist at the University of Connecticut who specializes in some of the things that make us human, including ritual, sports, music, cooperation, and the interaction between cognition and culture. He is available to speak with media, answering all your Wordle questions. Click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
Across America it seems deliveries are delayed; shelves are looking increasingly bare and there’s an elevated sense of anxiety when it comes to what lies ahead for America’s economy. All of these important topics are forefront in the minds of many and reporters are covering these stories locally and nationally on a daily basis. It's making news, and that’s why we’ve asked Dr. Richard M. Franza, the Dean of the James M. Hull College of Business at Augusta University, a few quick questions that we’re seeing pop up in media coverage across Georgia. Q 1 - What is causing shortages here at home, especially in grocery stores? “Like most things, it is complicated, not a lot of easy answers, but there are clearly a few things in play here. First, companies have been having a hard time finding workers throughout the supply chain. It starts at the producer level, whether it is meat processing plants or producers of other foods and sundry items, production levels are down due to limitations on workers. Then, there have also been worker issues at the transportation/logistics part of the supply chain. Particularly in the area of trucking. So, even when producers have enough supply, they are having difficulty getting it to the stores. Finally, there are issues at the grocery stores themselves. Both at their distribution locations and the store themselves, they have been short on labor unloading and picking items, again delaying products from getting on the shelves. The problem has gotten worse in the past few weeks due to the COVID spikes due to omicron. While omicron is causing less serious results, it appears to be easier to catch. So, lots of people are getting it, making people have to miss work for five days, putting a further crunch on the labor force.” Q 2 - Is this a problem we are likely to see continue through the first quarter or half of the year? “I am optimistic that we can get past the omicron crunch in the coming weeks (by mid to late February, if not sooner). So, things should get better this quarter. However, this will just put us back to where we were pre-omicron, with still some lingering issues. I am hopeful that as the pandemic evolves into an endemic, things will resemble a more normal environment. While this virus has been unpredictable, I am hopeful that we can return to more normal environment no later than the end of the second quarter.” Q 3 - What we can we expect once the pandemic finally subsides? “I am extremely optimistic concerning our economy post-COVID. We have been pretty resilient to date, so I think if COVID transitions to endemic, I think we will see more spending and more people going to work.” If you’ve got more questions to be answered, or if you’d like to speak with him one on one – then let us help. Dr. Richard M. Franza is available to speak with media about important issues like America’s supply chain and the economy – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
