8,082 research outputs found

    Graphical scaffolding for the learning of data wrangling APIs

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    In order for students across the sciences to avail themselves of modern data streams, they must first know how to wrangle data: how to reshape ill-organised, tabular data into another format, and how to do this programmatically, in languages such as Python and R. Despite the cross-departmental demand and the ubiquity of data wrangling in analytical workflows, the research on how to optimise the instruction of it has been minimal. Although data wrangling as a programming domain presents distinctive challenges - characterised by on-the-fly syntax lookup and code example integration - it also presents opportunities. One such opportunity is how tabular data structures are easily visualised. To leverage the inherent visualisability of data wrangling, this dissertation evaluates three types of graphics that could be employed as scaffolding for novices: subgoal graphics, thumbnail graphics, and parameter graphics. Using a specially built e-learning platform, this dissertation documents a multi-institutional, randomised, and controlled experiment that investigates the pedagogical effects of these. Our results indicate that the graphics are well-received, that subgoal graphics boost the completion rate, and that thumbnail graphics improve navigability within a command menu. We also obtained several non-significant results, and indications that parameter graphics are counter-productive. We will discuss these findings in the context of general scaffolding dilemmas, and how they fit into a wider research programme on data wrangling instruction

    Interactive Sonic Environments: Sonic artwork via gameplay experience

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    The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of video-game technology in the design and implementation of interactive sonic centric artworks, the purpose of which is to create and contribute to the discourse and understanding of its effectiveness in electro-acoustic composition highlighting the creative process. Key research questions include: How can the language of electro-acoustic music be placed in a new framework derived from videogame aesthetics and technology? What new creative processes need to be considered when using this medium? Moreover, what aspects of 'play' should be considered when designing the systems? The findings of this study assert that composers and sonic art practitioners need little or no coding knowledge to create exciting applications and the myriad of options available to the composer when using video-game technology is limited only by imagination. Through a cyclic process of planning, building, testing and playing these applications the project revealed advantages and unique sonic opportunities in comparison to other sonic art installations. A portfolio of selected original compositions, both fixed and open are presented by the author to complement this study. The commentary serves to place the work in context with other practitioners in the field and to provide compositional approaches that have been taken

    Flexographic printed nanogranular LBZA derived ZnO gas sensors: Synthesis, printing and processing

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    Within this document, investigations of the processes towards the production of a flexographic printed ZnO gas sensor for breath H2 analysis are presented. Initially, a hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) based, microwave assisted, synthesis method of layered basic zinc acetate (LBZA) nanomaterials was investigated. Using the synthesised LBZA, a dropcast nanogranular ZnO gas sensor was produced. The testing of the sensor showed high sensitivity towards hydrogen with response (Resistanceair/ Resistancegas) to 200 ppm H2 at 328 °C of 7.27. The sensor is highly competitive with non-catalyst surface decorated sensors and sensitive enough to measure current H2 guideline thresholds for carbohydrate malabsorption (Positive test threshold: 20 ppm H2, Predicted response: 1.34). Secondly, a novel LBZA synthesis method was developed, replacing the HMTA by NaOH. This resulted in a large yield improvement, from a [OH-] conversion of 4.08 at% to 71.2 at%. The effects of [OH-]/[Zn2+] ratio, microwave exposure and transport to nucleation rate ratio on purity, length, aspect ratio and polydispersity were investigated in detail. Using classical nucleation theory, analysis of the basal layer charge symmetries, and oriented attachment theory, a dipole-oriented attachment reaction mechanism is presented. The mechanism is the first theory in literature capable of describing all observed morphological features along length scales. The importance of transport to nucleation rate ratio as the defining property that controls purity and polydispersity is then shown. Using the NaOH derived LBZA, a flexographic printing ink was developed, and proof-of-concept sensors printed. Gas sensing results showed a high response to 200 ppm H2 at 300 °C of 60.2. Through IV measurements and SEM analysis this was shown to be a result of transfer of silver between the electrode and the sensing layer during the printing process. Finally, Investigations into the intense pulsed light treatment of LBZA were conducted. The results show that dehydration at 150 °C prior to exposure is a requirement for successful calcination, producing ZnO quantum dots (QDs) in the process. SEM measurements show mean radii of 1.77-2.02 nm. The QDs show size confinement effects with the exciton blue shifting by 0.105 eV, and exceptionally low defect emission in photoluminescence spectra, indicative of high crystalline quality, and high conductivity. Due to the high crystalline quality and amenity to printing, the IPL ZnO QDs have numerous potential uses ranging from sensing to opto-electronic devices

    Study, development and improvement of MCM-41-type MSN synthesis oriented to biomedical applications

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    [ES] La presente tesis doctoral, titulada "Estudio, desarrollo y mejora de la síntesis de nanopartículas mesoporosas de sílice (MSN) tipo MCM-41 orientada a aplicaciones biomédicas" se centra en la síntesis, caracterización, estudio y evaluación de diferentes MSN tipo MCM-41, con el objetivo de ampliar el conocimiento de las MSN como nanomateriales implicados en aplicaciones biomédicas. El primer capítulo de este trabajo es una introducción general sobre los temas que se van a tratar a lo largo de la tesis. Por un lado, se introducen los principales conceptos sobre las nanopartículas de sílice mesoporosas, y en particular las MSN de tipo MCM-41, como su descubrimiento, sus propiedades, ventajas y aplicaciones, su síntesis y la química implicada, y la posibilidad de ser funcionalizadas o dopadas para adquirir propiedades adicionales y únicas. Por otro lado, se presenta un amplio abanico de técnicas de caracterización de MSN, destacando su importancia en la presente tesis. Por último, se revisan los conceptos de nanomedicina y nanomateriales, incluyendo el conjunto de requisitos que deben cumplir los nanomateriales para ser validados, los tipos de nanomateriales desarrollados hasta el momento y los principales cuellos de botella encontrados en la traslación clínica de los nanomateriales. En este contexto, se revisan los estudios de las MSN en nanomedicina, señalando los retos de las mismas dentro de esta especialidad y la oportunidad que ofrecen a la ciencia de los materiales. En el segundo capítulo se exponen los objetivos generales de la presente tesis doctoral, que son abordados en los siguientes capítulos. El tercer capítulo se basa en un estudio en profundidad del mecanismo de síntesis de las MSN de tipo MCM-41, considerando el mecanismo de estructuración de la sílice, la nucleación, el crecimiento y los procesos de envejecimiento. En particular, se analizan detalladamente las primeras etapas de la síntesis de MSN. Además, se revisan los diferentes modelos descritos sobre el mecanismo de estructuración de la sílice, que han sido ampliamente estudiados. El cuarto capítulo se centra en la investigación del efecto de algunos parámetros tradicionalmente poco estudiados en la síntesis y formación de MSN de tipo MCM-41, como el tiempo de síntesis, la velocidad de agitación, el núcleo de agitación magnética utilizado, la velocidad de adición del TEOS y el método de neutralización una vez formadas las nanopartículas. También se introduce una revisión de la influencia de los parámetros de síntesis más estudiados en las MSN tipo MCM-41. El quinto capítulo se basa en el estudio de la obtención, caracterización y manipulación de MSN de tipo MCM-41 coloidales. En primer lugar, se presenta una revisión crítica de los trabajos que informan sobre la obtención de MSN coloidales, correctamente suspendidas o discretas. En segundo lugar, se introduce una metodología para caracterizar la estabilidad coloidal de las MSN. En tercer lugar, se estudia y compara el comportamiento coloidal de diferentes nanopartículas en diferentes condiciones. Y, por último, se desarrolla un marco conceptual y de trabajo sobre los principios que rigen la estabilidad coloidal de las nanopartículas. El sexto capítulo es un estudio exhaustivo de las implicaciones del uso de diferentes procedimientos de eliminación de surfactantes en las MSN de tipo MCM-41, como la calcinación a diferentes temperaturas y la extracción con disolventes. Las propiedades fisicoquímicas de las MSN estudiadas son la eficiencia de eliminación de surfactantes, el grado de condensación de la sílice, la porosidad, la estabilidad coloidal y la reactividad superficial. Además, se comprobó la biocompatibilidad de las nanopartículas en cuanto a su citotoxicidad y su degradación en un entorno fisiológico simulado, para validar su uso en aplicaciones biomédicas. El séptimo capítulo recoge las conclusiones generales de la presente tesis, que resumen las conclusiones obtenidas en cada capítulo.[CA] L'actual tesi doctoral, titulada "Estudi, desenvolupament i millora de la síntesi de nanopartícules mesoporoses de sílice (MSN) de tipus MCM-41 orientada cap a aplicacions biomèdiques" se centra en la síntesi, caracterització, estudi i avaluació de diferents mostres de MSN de tipus MCM-41 amb l'objectiu de millorar el coneixement de les MSN com nanomaterials implicats en aplicacions biomèdiques. El primer capítol d'aquest treball és una introducció general sobre els elements que es tractaran durant tota la tesi. D'una banda, s'introdueixen els conceptes principals sobre les nanopartícules mesoporoses de sílice, i en particular les de tipus MCM-41, com el seu descobriment, les seues propietats, avantatges i aplicacions, la seua síntesi i la química implicada, i la possibilitat de ser funcionalitzades o dopades per adquirir propietats addicionals i úniques. D'altra banda, es presenta una àmplia gamma de tècniques de caracterització de MSN destacant la seua importància en la tesi actual. Finalment, es revisen els conceptes de nanomedicina i nanomaterials, incloent-hi el conjunt de requisits que els nanomaterials han d'aconseguir per ser validats, els tipus de nanomaterials desenvolupats fins ara, i els principals colls d'ampolla trobats en la translació clínica de nanomaterials. En aquest context, es revisen els estudis de les MSN en nanomedicina, assenyalant els seus reptes dins de la nanomedicina i l'oportunitat que ofereixen a la ciència dels materials. El segon capítol exposa els objectius generals de la tesi doctoral actual, que són abordats en els següents capítols. El tercer capítol es basa en un estudi en profunditat del mecanisme de síntesi de les MSN tipus MCM-41, considerant el mecanisme d'estructuració de la sílice, la nucleació, el creixement i els processos de maduració. Particularment, les primeres etapes de la síntesi de MSNs s'analitzen en detall. A més, es revisen els diferents models reportats sobre el mecanisme d'estructuració de sílice, que ja han sigut àmpliament estudiats. El quart capítol es centra en la investigació de l'efecte d'alguns paràmetres tradicionalment menys estudiats en la síntesi i formació de l'MSN de tipus MCM-41, com: el temps de síntesi, la velocitat d'agitació, el nucli d'agitació magnètica utilitzat, la velocitat d'addició de TEOS i el mètode de neutralització una vegada que es formen les nanopartícules. També s'introdueix una revisió de la influència dels paràmetres de síntesi més estudiats en les MSN de tipus MCM-41. El cinqué capítol es basa en l'estudi de l'obtenció, caracterització i manipulació de les MSN de tipus MCM-41 col·loidals. En primer lloc, es presenta una revisió crítica dels treballs que descriuen l'obtenció de MSN col·loidals, correctament suspeses o discretes. En segon lloc, s'introdueix una metodologia per caracteritzar l'estabilitat col·loidal de les MSN. En tercer lloc, s'estudia i compara el comportament col·loidal de diverses nanopartícules en diferents condicions. I finalment, es desenvolupa un marc conceptual i de treball sobre els principis que regeixen l'estabilitat col·loidal de les nanopartícules. El sisé capítol és un estudi exhaustiu de les implicacions de l'ús de diferents procediments d'extracció de surfactants a les MSN de tipus MCM-41, com la calcinació a diferents temperatures i l'extracció de dissolvents. Les propietats fisicoquímiques de les MSN estudiades són l'eficiència d'extracció de surfactant, el grau de condensació de sílice, la mesoporositat, l'estabilitat col·loidal i la reactivitat de la superfície. A més, la biocompatibilitat de les nanopartícules es va provar pel que fa a la seua citotoxicitat i la seua degradació en un entorn fisiològic simulat, per validar el seu ús en aplicacions biomèdiques. El seté capítol recull les conclusions generals de la tesi actual, que resumeix les conclusions obtingudes en cada capítol, però també proporciona noves perspectives i una visió global de la matèria estudiada.[EN] The present PhD thesis, entitled "Study, development and improvement of MCM-41-type mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) synthesis oriented to biomedical applications" is focused on the synthesis, characterisation, study and evaluation of different MCM-41-type MSN samples to improve the knowledge of MSN as nanomaterials involved in biomedical applications. The first chapter of this work is a general introduction about the items that are going to be treated throughout the thesis. On the one hand, the main concepts about the mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and in particular MCM-41-type MSN, are introduced, such as their discovery, their properties, advantages, and applications, their synthesis and the chemistry involved, and the possibility of being functionalised or doped to acquire additional and unique properties. On the other hand, a wide range of MSN characterisation techniques are presented highlighting their importance in the current thesis. Finally, the concepts of nanomedicine and nanomaterials are reviewed, including the set of requirements the nanomaterials must accomplish to be validated, the types of nanomaterials developed thus far, and the main bottlenecks found in clinical translation of nanomaterials. In this context, the studies of MSN in nanomedicine are reviewed, illustrating the challenges of MSN within the nanomedicine and the opportunity their offer to material science. Second chapter exposes the general objectives of present PhD thesis, which are addressed in the following chapters. Third chapter is based on an in-depth study of the synthesis mechanism of MCM-41-type MSN, considering the silica templating mechanism, the nucleation, the growth and the aging processes. Particularly, the early stages of the MSNs synthesis are substantially analysed. In addition, the different models reported about the silica templating mechanism, which are widely studied, are reviewed. Fourth chapter is focused on the investigation of the effect of some disregarded parameters on the synthesis and formation of MCM-41-type MSN, such as synthesis time, stirring rate, the magnetic stir bar used, TEOS addition rate and the neutralisation method once nanoparticles are formed. A review of the influence of the most studied synthesis parameters on MCM-41-type MSN is also introduced. Fifth chapter is based on the study of the obtaining, characterisation and manipulation of colloidal MCM-41-type MSN. First, a critical review of works that report the obtaining of colloidal, well-suspended or discrete MSN is presented. Second, a methodology to characterise the colloidal stability of MSN is introduced. Third, the colloidal behaviour of several nanoparticles under different conditions is studied and compared. And finally, a conceptual and operational framework about the principles governing the colloidal stability of nanoparticles is developed. Sixth chapter is a comprehensive study of the implications of the use of different surfactant removal procedures on standard MCM-41-type MSN, such as calcination at different temperatures and solvent extraction. The physicochemical properties of MSN studied are the surfactant removal efficiency, the silica condensation degree, the mesostructured framework, the colloidal stability and the surface reactivity. Additionally, the biocompatibility of nanoparticles was tested regarding their cytotoxicity and their degradation in a simulated physiological environment, to validate their use in biomedical applications. Finally, seventh chapter gathers the general conclusions of the current thesis, which summarise the conclusions obtained in each chapter, but also provide new perspectives and the big picture of the studied matter.Candela Noguera, V. (2022). Study, development and improvement of MCM-41-type MSN synthesis oriented to biomedical applications [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/182386TESI

    A high-performance open-source framework for multiphysics simulation and adjoint-based shape and topology optimization

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    The first part of this thesis presents the advances made in the Open-Source software SU2, towards transforming it into a high-performance framework for design and optimization of multiphysics problems. Through this work, and in collaboration with other authors, a tenfold performance improvement was achieved for some problems. More importantly, problems that had previously been impossible to solve in SU2, can now be used in numerical optimization with shape or topology variables. Furthermore, it is now exponentially simpler to study new multiphysics applications, and to develop new numerical schemes taking advantage of modern high-performance-computing systems. In the second part of this thesis, these capabilities allowed the application of topology optimiza- tion to medium scale fluid-structure interaction problems, using high-fidelity models (nonlinear elasticity and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations), which had not been done before in the literature. This showed that topology optimization can be used to target aerodynamic objectives, by tailoring the interaction between fluid and structure. However, it also made ev- ident the limitations of density-based methods for this type of problem, in particular, reliably converging to discrete solutions. This was overcome with new strategies to both guarantee and accelerate (i.e. reduce the overall computational cost) the convergence to discrete solutions in fluid-structure interaction problems.Open Acces

    Multifunctional Lightweight Structures of Silicon Carbide Nanowires

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    Silicon carbide (SiC) as a type of ceramic material possesses unique properties such as high hardness, good high temperature strength, and excellent oxidation resistance. However, the intrinsic shortcomings of ceramic-based materials, such as high brittleness, low recoverable compressibility, and low fatigue resistance, prevent their utilisations as structural or functional components. To overcome these issues, highly porous lightweight and flexible SiC ceramics constructed by nanowires are promising alternatives for advanced engineering applications. The aim of this thesis is therefore to fabricate highly porous lightweight and flexible SiC nanowire structures by three novel approaches: (1) in-situ chemical-blowing; (2) melamine foam-based replica template; (3) electrospinning and explore their properties towards different applications. The overview, including the aims and objectives of this thesis is outlined in Chapter 1. The existing knowledge about lightweight SiCNW structures including crystallography, synthesis approaches, physical properties (mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, high temperature stability), and well-developed energy and environment-related applications (piezoresistive sensors, catalyst support, absorbers, and filters) is documented in Chapter 2. The generic information of the starting materials, synthesis techniques, equipment, and method used for the fabrication of 3D SiCNW structures, characterisation of their microstructural features, and evaluation of the various aspects of their multifunctionalities is descripted in Chapter 3. To identify suitable techniques to assemble SiC nanowires (SiCNWs) into 3D architectures, Chapter 4 provides a selection of advanced manufacturing approaches for lightweight SiCNW structures with easy and precise control of the overall shape and growth of SiCNWs. Followed with the demonstration of the exciting properties of the as-obtained three SiCNW structures including mechanical properties, thermal insulation performance, thermo-oxidation resistance, and fire-retardance in Chapter 5. Finally, based on their own characteristics, the applications of the SiCNW structures such as piezoresistive sensors, catalyst support, and efficient absorbents for oil and organic solvents are present in Chapter 6. A guidance in the manufacturing of advanced ceramic nanowire structures with desired microstructures and properties tailored for specific applications will be eventually provided. I first demonstrated the creation of SiCNW sponges by a facile template/catalyst-free sugar-blowing technique, by reacting SiO2 with sustainable kitchen sugar, using NH4Cl as a blowing agent. The as-grown, highly porous SiCNW sponges exhibited a core-shell structure, the core part with a density of 115-125 mg cm-3 was comprised of short and tangled SiC whiskers with SiC flakes embedded, while the shell layer with an ultralow density of ~25 mg cm-3 consisted of numerous smooth SiCNWs. These sponges exhibited a compressive modulus of ~389 kPa, recoverability under cyclic compression loading for 100 cycles at a strain of 20% and a thermal conductivity of 42-92 mW m-1K-1. Secondly, I reported the fabrication of SiCNW scaffolds with tuneable microstructures, densities, and therefore properties, by regulating the solid loading content in the reticulated melamine foam (MF) template. The resulting samples exhibited high strength (modulus up to ~167.3 kPa), good recoverability (11% residual strain and 72% maximum stress after 100 compressive cycles at a ε = 20%), and low thermal conductivity of 32-54 mW m-1K-1. Finally, I successfully created 3D SiCNW aerogels by using a Mille crêpe stacking and sintering of the electrospun PAN/SiO2 fibres for the first time. The resulting aerogels made of interconnected SiCNWs displayed an ultralight density of 29 mg cm-3, excellent compressive recoverability and fatigue resistance. Meanwhile, the SiCNW aerogels exhibited a thermal conductivity of 24 mW m-1K-1, even lower than that of the air, suggesting its superinsulation capability. Benefitting from intrinsic properties of SiC, experimental results have shown that all the as-obtained SiCNW structures exhibited good thermal insulation performance, exceptional high-temperature stability, fire-retardance, and temperature-invariant elasticity. Furthermore, I have explored the best-suited functional applications for each SiCNW structure. The SiCNW sponges and aerogels with better compressive recoverability and mechanical stability exhibited interesting electromechanical sensing capability. The sponge-based sensor exhibited a gauge factor up to 87 and stable wide-range compression-resistance responses. Whilst the aerogel-based strain sensor with higher recoverable strains presented stable sensing behaviour at different strains, frequencies, elevated temperatures over 200 °C and excellent repeatability over 2000 cycles. Owing to the cellular structure with the co-existence of SiC nanowires and struts, good interconnectivity, and competent mechanical strength and stability, the SiCNW scaffolds demonstrated the exclusive suitability as excellent support for MOF-derived TiO2-C catalyst, with ~35% enhanced in-situ loading of the catalyst, enabling a superior photocatalytic performance and good repeatability for at least 3 cycles. I further examined the SiCNW structures as organic solvent/oil absorbent. They exhibited rapid absorption of various organic solvents and oils. Typically, the SiCNW aerogels possess the highest absorption capacity of 32-86 g g-1, as well as robust recoverability. Meanwhile, the absorbed content can be easily removed by squeezing, distillation, and combustion, while the SiCNW structures remain unchanged. These features have shown that the SiCNW structures are promising for applications for the potential removal of chemical spills and oil leakage, with the advantage of easy recycling. All these remarkable findings will not only provide an important opportunity to advance the understanding of lightweight SiCNWs structures and make original contributions to utilise them as multifunctional devices, but also bring us the new ways to reshape the manufacturing of porous ceramics for future energy and environment-related applications

    Layer-by-layer electrode fabrication for improved performance of porous polyimide-based supercapacitors

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    Nanoporous polymers are becoming increasingly interesting materials for electrochemical applications, as their large surface areas with redox-active sites allow efficient adsorption and diffusion of ions. However, their limited electrical conductivity remains a major obstacle in practical applications. The conventional approach that alleviates this problem is the hybridisation of the polymer with carbon-based additives, but this directly prevents the utilisation of the maximum capacity of the polymers. Here, we report a layer-by-layer fabrication technique where we separated the active (porous polymer, top) layer and the conductive (carbon, bottom) layer and used these “layered” electrodes in a supercapacitor (SC). Through this approach, direct contact with the electrolyte and polymer material is greatly enhanced. With extensive electrochemical characterisation techniques, we show that the layered electrodes allowed a significant contribution of fast faradic surface reactions to the overall capacitance. The electrochemical performance of the layered-electrode SC outperformed other reported porous polymer-based devices with a specific gravimetric capacitance of 388 F·g−1 and an outstanding energy density of 65 Wh·kg−1 at a current density of 0.4 A·g−1 . The device also showed outstanding cyclability with 90% of capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 1.6 A·g−1, comparable to the reported porous polymer-based SCs. Thus, the introduction of a layered electrode structure would pave the way for more effective utilisation of porous organic polymers in future energy storage/harvesting and sensing devices by exploiting their nanoporous architecture and limiting the negative effects of the carbon/binder matrix

    Applications and careers for counsellors and counselling psychologists

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    Bring the world together one note at a time': a qualitative study of intercultural practice and identity development of musicians

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    Musicians face particular communication and identity challenges when working with music and people from other cultural groups. Those challenges impede efforts to promote intergroup projects and rapport. Intercultural communication studies have made significant contributions in understanding how people work and live across cultures but do not explicate the unique ways in which professional musicians engage internationally. Thus, there is a need to research musicians’ intercultural practice and identity development. This qualitative study addresses the gap through three research questions: 1) What aspects of intercultural communication and identity processes are significant to musicians when they begin intercultural music practice? 2) What challenges do musicians report during intercultural music projects? 3) What keeps musicians engaged in intercultural music practice in the long term? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 music professionals engaged in intercultural music-making with questions about their projects and experiences. These were complemented with field notes from observations of six respondents’ live concerts. Recordings and written accounts relating to participants were also collected from the internet to inform the analysis. Purposive sampling and theory-led thematic analysis were guided by a priori themes developed from Young Yun Kim’s and Etienne Wenger’s theoretical framework. Kim’s Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross-cultural Adaptation and Wenger’s Communities of Practice theory place individuals’ music careers into intercultural and social learning contexts. The theoretical notion of boundaries - boundary crossing and boundary learning - has also been used to address socio-cultural differences that result in discontinuities in activities and interactions. Codes were arranged under a three-part dynamic of encounter, stress, and learning, which describes how individuals cross groups and work on differences perceived. The findings delineate how musicians experience and learn at musical and cultural boundaries mixedly. Music enabled them to coordinate temporarily by providing non-verbal routines, working arrangements, enjoyments, and promising identities essential in motivating individuals to start intercultural music practice. However, language proficiency, social communication, and cultural adaptations become more critical as musicians work long-term across cultures, organise complicated projects, and negotiate nuanced meanings. Although respondents may state cosmopolitan ideals and intercultural objectives, their focus often gravitated back towards musical issues that emerged in their performance and organising work. Finally, respondents’ experiences suggest that organisers with intergroup mediation objectives should consider arranging language training and designing for meaningful intercultural experiences. It is beneficial for musicians to know what cross-cultural communication and adaptation would be expected and how to seek cultural informants’ help. The findings contribute to theory by offering a novel manifestation of professional musicians’ intercultural activities as boundary phenomena. The diverse cultural experiences told from the musicians’ perspectives enriches our social and psychological understanding of intercultural challenges. These musicians’ projects and words demonstrate how crossing boundaries, with mutual interest and creative adaptation in musical activities, opens up possibilities for new intercultural collaborations, rapport, ideas, and identities
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