Spectral synthesis and topologies on ideal spaces for Banach *-algebras

This paper continues the study of spectral synthesis and the topologies τ∞ and τr on the ideal space of a Banach algebra, concentrating on the class of Banach *-algebras, and in particular on L1-group algebras. It is shown that if a group G is a finite extension of an abelian group then τr is Hausdorff on the ideal space of L1(G) if and only if L1(G) has spectral synthesis, which in turn is equivalent to G being compact. The result is applied to nilpotent groups, [FD]−-groups, and Moore groups. An example is given of a non-compact, non-abelian group G for which L1(G) has spectral synthesis. It is also shown that if G is a non-discrete group then τr is not Hausdorff on the ideal lattice of the Fourier algebra A(G).

Are we teaching our students what they need to know about ageing? Results from the National Survey of Undergraduate Teaching in Ageing and Geriatric Medicine

Introduction - Learning about ageing and the appropriate management of older patients is important for all doctors. This survey set out to evaluate what medical undergraduates in the UK are taught about ageing and geriatric medicine and how this teaching is delivered. Methods – An electronic questionnaire was developed and sent to the 28/31 UK medical schools which agreed to participate. Results – Full responses were received from 17 schools. 8/21 learning objectives were recorded as taught, and none were examined, across every school surveyed. Elder abuse and terminology and classification of health were taught in only 8/17 and 2/17 schools respectively. Pressure ulcers were taught about in 14/17 schools but taught formally in only 7 of these and examined in only 9. With regard to bio- and socio- gerontology, only 9/17 schools reported teaching in social ageing, 7/17 in cellular ageing and 9/17 in the physiology of ageing. Discussion – Even allowing for the suboptimal response rate, this study presents significant cause for concern with UK undergraduate education related to ageing. The failure to teach comprehensively on elder abuse and pressure sores, in particular, may be significantly to the detriment of older patients.