A new operational matrix based on Bernoulli polynomials

In this research, the Bernoulli polynomials are introduced. The properties of these polynomials are employed to construct the operational matrices of integration together with the derivative and product. These properties are then utilized to transform the differential equation to a matrix equation which corresponds to a system of algebraic equations with unknown Bernoulli coefficients. This method can be used for many problems such as differential equations, integral equations and so on. Numerical examples show the method is computationally simple and also illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the method

THE EFFECTS OF A VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATOR ON FORMATIVE AND SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR DENTAL CLINICAL SKILLS

Dental students’ psychomotor skills are being assessed implicitly by formative feedbacks during clinical laboratory sessions and through knowledge-based questions and practical performance measurements given in forms of summative assessments such as a Clinical Skills Examinations (CSE) and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). Preliminary results from the three BDS Year 1 groups showed a moderate association between some of the psychomotor skills and CSE and OSCE results (1st Cohort BDS1 2007/2008, 2nd Cohort BDS1 2008/2009 and 3rd Cohort BDS1 2009/2010)

Dimensionality-driven spin-flop transition in quasi-one-dimensional PrBa2Cu4O8

In the quasi-one-dimensional cuprate PrBa$_2$Cu$_4$O$_8$, the Pr cations order antiferromagnetically at 17 K in zero field. Through a combination of magnetic susceptibility, torque magnetometry, specific heat and interchain transport measurements, the anisotropic temperature-magnetic field phase diagram associated with this ordering has been mapped out. A low-temperature spin-flop transition in the Pr sub-lattice is found to occur at the same magnetic field strength and orientation as a dimensional crossover in the ground state of the metallic CuO chains. This coincidence suggests that the spin reorientation is driven by a change in the anisotropic Rudermann-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction induced by a corresponding change in effective dimensionality of the conduction electrons.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure

Breach of continuous disclosure in Australia

Given that disclosure is important for the efficient functioning of capital markets, this paper explores the impact of infringement of continuous disclosure by Australian listed firms. We observe a significantly negative market reaction for our sample firms around the day an infringement is announced. Our findings also provide partial evidence of an increase in spreads and a decrease in price informativeness following the announcement of a breach. Overall, our results indicate that the market considers the breach of continuous disclosure to be a relatively important incident

Modeling anisotropic and rate-dependent plasticity in short-fiber reinforced thermoplastics

In this study, an anisotropic viscoelastic-viscoplastic macro-mechanical model is presented for short-fiber reinforced thermoplastics (SFRT). In injection molding of SFRT, the fiber orientation is influenced by the flow velocity profile which varies throughout the mold. The flow-induced orientation in the microstructure leads to anisotropy in the mechanical response. In addition to the mechanical anisotropy, SFRTs show time dependent behavior because of the thermoplastic matrix. The developed model captures the effects of both material orientation and loading rate on the yield behavior. In this study, uniaxial tests are performed at different strain rates and material orientations with samplescutfrominjectionmoldedplaques. Theexperimentalresultsshowthattheeffects of loading rate and material orientation on the yield are decoupled. The presented model takes advantage of this observation to simplify material characterization. An implicit integration scheme is used for the numerical implementation of the model as a UMAT in ABAQUS. Multiple relaxation times are used in order to capture the nonlinear pre-yield regime. An efficient method for obtaining the model parameters for different modes is proposed. Experimental results are used for validation of the model and a good agreement is observed for the prediction of viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior

Why do financial literacy programmes fail?

Numerous studies have found a positive relationship between financial literacy and financial experience. Typically, this relationship is interpreted as being a causal relationship, i.e. an increase in financial literacy leads to better financial decision making. However, a simple relationship cannot be interpreted in a causal way. In this paper, we show evidence for a causal relationship running the opposite way, i.e. people with more financial experience seem to acquire more financial knowledge and become more financially literate. This finding has important implications as it suggests that programmes targeted at improving financial literacy could be more effective if they incorporate experiential components