A Digital Low Dispersion Spectral Library Covering the 3500-7500AA Region Using the SAAO Radcliffe 1.9m Telescope's Cassegrain Spectrograph

We have created a digital spectral library, using low resolution optical spectra, of photometric and spectral standard stars. The data were acquired using the Cassegrain Spectrograph installed on the 1.9m Radcliffe telescope at the South African Astronomical Observatory. The library consists of optical wavelength (~ 3500-7500AA) spectra for main sequence and giant stars encompassing those most commonly observed in the Galaxy, namely the late-B, A-, F-, G-, K-, and early- to mid-M stars. We intend that our standard star spectra will be especially useful for spectral classification of stars in the field and Galactic clusters alike, and will have high pedagogic value when included into representative Introductory Astronomy or Stellar Astronomy curricula for undergraduate astronomy major and minor programs. We exploit the spectral library in order to derive spectral types for seventy-six optically and X-ray selected members of the young open cluster NGC 6475. Comparison of spectral-type, optical and infrared photometric data to theoretical colors derived from spectral type show that the reddening of the cluster is E(B-V) = 0.068 +/- 0.012 (1sigma=0.058), a vector consistent with earlier surveys. Our analysis also highlights the utility of such spectra in rejecting cluster non-members, thereby allowing the creation of a clean sample of bona fide cluster members for follow-up science observations.Comment: 8-figures, accepted for publication in PASP; online data: http://www.saao.ac.za/science/facilities/instruments/grating-spectrograph-with-site-ccd/spccd-spectral-type-library

How Should Universities be Responding to the Fast-changing Professional and Vocational Worlds?

Universities are currently facing an acute crisis of identity. The focus on traditional and academic courses is being redirected to vocational programmes. Universities are turning to industry to sponsor research, and even courses, in a drive towards educational privatisation. Such a dependence could lead to pedagogic compromise. The successful graduate in vocational subjects will be defined by their ability to transfer essential skills to a fluctuating professional arena. It is only by continuous, and a responsive, alliance with the market that we can build course that are relevant to industry but also preserve their pedagogic integrity

Depositional Patterns of Miocene Facies, Middle Texas Coastal Plain

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School development : a consultative approach : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Education at Massey University

This thesis uses a case study approach to show how a strategy of 'School Development' might be applied to New Zealand schools. It is argued that a policy of school based staff development and training will lead to greater school effectiveness. Such a policy uses a coordinated organizational approach rather than the more traditional reliance on withdrawing teachers from their classrooms for a time in order to concentrate on elements of the teaching-learning process. Support for this concept is derived from Organization Development theory and research. The term 'School Development' has been used to distinguish the particular New Zealand modifications which have been made to the more generic organization development theory. The notion of a consultant is central to the approach described and tasks and procedures which would be used by interventionists are discussed. School development assumes that schools have the capacity for self renewal. The consultant merely helps the school to realise this capacity. Components of teaching practice can be addressed within the framework of the school where they occur. Teachers can in this way increase their effectiveness with their present classes. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of school development for teacher education generally

Phosphine-porphyrin conjugates : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masterate of Science in Chemistry at Massey University, New Zealand

The research carried out in this thesis comprises an investigation into the synthesis and characterisation of a variety of complexed phosphine-aldehydes, complexed phosphinoporphyrins, and phosphinoferrocene conjugates. The porphyrin and phosphine moieties are linked together via the vinyl group, a product of Wittig chemistry. In general, functionalisation occurs at the β-pyrrolic position of the porphyrin and at the para position of a phenyl group on the phosphine. Chapter One introduces the properties of porphyrins and the triphenylphosphine ligand, as well as a brief review on the types of functionalised triphenylphosphines. A brief review of existing phosphinoporphyrins is also discussed. The proposal for using the vinylic linking group (and hence Wittig chemistry) to connect the porphyrin and the phosphine moieties is also described. Chapter Two outlines the synthesis of the 4-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde (5) ligand, which is a necessary precursor for the Wittig reaction with meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) phosphonium salt (1). It was discovered that the Wittig reaction of (1) with (5) led to the synthesis of the product of oxidation, phosphinoporphyrin oxide (7), instead of the desired phosphinoporphyrin (6). Therefore an alternative scheme was pursued - complexation before the Wittig reaction. Hence the remainder of the chapter describes both the synthesis and characterisation aspects of five transition metal complexes of (5). These include complexes of gold, ruthenium, tungsten, and platinum. Chapter Three describes the synthesis and characterisation of a variety of novel complexed phosphinoporphyrins, including two bis-phosphinoporphyrin complexes. This was achieved by utilising Wittig chemistry of TPP phosphonium salt (1) with the appropriate complexed phosphine-aldehyde. In each case, optimisation of the Wittig conditions was required in order to obtain the sterically and thermodynamically favoured trans isomer. Chapter Four extends the phosphinoporphyrin chemistry by investigating the synthesis of a novel phosphinoporphyrin trimer. In order to achieve this, a phosphine tris-aldehyde was synthesised. This chapter focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of tris(4-formylphenyl)phosphine oxide (20). The results of the Wittig reaction of (20) with TPP phosphonium salt (1) are also described. Chapter Five demonstrates the versatility of both the Wittig and phosphine chemistry. In this chapter, the synthesis of phosphinoferrocenes via Wittig chemistry is investigated. The ferrocene and phosphine moieties are linked via the vinyl group, in a similar manner as the phosphinoporphyrins. In this case, functionalisation occurs at the para position of a phenyl group of the phosphine to the cyclopentadienyl ring of the ferrocene. A phosphinoferrocene monomer, (24), was synthesised by Wittig reaction of a ferrocene phosphonium salt (22) with (5). Both the synthesis and characterisation of this compound is reported. Also described is the attempted synthesis of a phosphinotrisferrocene via Wittig reaction of (22) with (20). Chapter Six contains a brief summary of the results obtained during this study, and also mentions future research to be pursued in this field of study

Dangerous creatures of the Maltese sea : injuries and treatment : part 2

This is the second of a two-part article intended to give information about different organisms which inhabit the Maltese sea and which are potentially harmful. Doctors working in the primary health setup and sometimes also in secondary care are often faced with injuries related to these organisms. The nature of the injury and its treatment is then discussed. Treatment however is not evidenced based as little if any studies have been conducted in this field of medicine. After the first article considered venomous organisms, this second article will review sea creatures that may cause injury through bites, spines and electricity.peer-reviewe