Using NVivo to Analyze Qualitative Classroom Data on Constructivist Learning Environments

This article describes how a qualitative data analysis package, NVivo, was used in a study of authentic and constructivist learning and teaching in the classroom. The paper starts with a summary of the research study in which NVivo was used to analyze the data and overviews the methodology that was adopted in this study. It, then, describes how NVivo was used in the analysis of observational (video) data, interviews and field notes

Identifying parameters of a broaching design using non-linear optimisation

Broaching is one of the most recognised machining processes that can yield high productivity and high quality when applied properly. One big disadvantage of broaching is that all process parameters, except cutting speed, are built into the broaching tools. Therefore, it is not possible to modify the cutting conditions during the process once the tool is manufactured. Optimal design of broaching tools has a significant impact to increase the productivity and to obtain high quality products. In this paper, an optimisation model for broaching design is presented. The model results in a non-linear non-convex optimisation problem. Analysis of the model structure indicates that the model can be decomposed into smaller problems. The model is applied to a turbine disc broaching problem which is considered as one of the most complex broaching operations

Origin of Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Mesophase Formation and Liquid Crystalline to Mesostructured Solid Transformation in the Metal Nitrate Salt-Surfactant Systems

Cataloged from PDF version of article.The zinc nitrate salt acts as a solvent in the ZnX-C(12)EO(10) (ZnX is [Zn(H(2)O)(6)](NO(3))(2) and C(12)EO(10) is C(12)H(25)(OCH(2)CH(2))(10)OH) lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) mesophase with a drastic dropping on the melting point of ZnX. The salt surfactant LLC mesophase is stable down to -52 degrees C and undergoes a phase change into a solid mesostructured salt upon cooling below -52 degrees C; no phase separation is observed down to -190 degrees C. The ZnX-C(12)EO(10) mesophase displays a usual phase behavior with an increasing concentration of the solvent (ZnX) in the media with an order of bicontinuous cubic(V(1))-2D hexagonal(H(1)) - a mixture of 2D hexagonal and micelle cubic(H(1) + I)-micelle cubic(I)-micelle(L(1)) phases. The phase behaviors, specifically at low temperatures, and the first phase diagram of the ZnX-C(12)EO(10) system was investigated using polarized optical microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman techniques and conductivity measurements

Automatic License Plate Location and Recognition Algorithm for Color Images

An automatic car license plate location and recognition system has a great importance in today's industrial world for intelligent transport systems. Any automatic license plate location and recognition system has two main stages: (1) the license plate location and (2) the license plate recognition (LPR). The license plate location is the most important stage in the LPR systems which affects the system's accuracy, directly. Most of the previous methods are based on gray images but the color information is also an important factor to locate the license plate. In this project, we propose a novel license plate location algorithm for color images. The proposed algorithm is based on the brake lights and headlights of car. At the recognition stage, a well known and accepted character recognition algorithm has been used

Temperature dependence of the first-order Raman scattering in GaS layered crystals

Cataloged from PDF version of article.The temperature dependence (15-293 K) of the six Raman-active mode frequencies and linewidths in gallium sulfide has been measured in the frequency range from 15 to 380 cm(-1). We observed softening and broadening of the optical phonon lines with increasing temperature. Comparison between the experimental data and theories of the shift and broadening of the interlayer and intralayer phonon lines during the heating of the crystal showed that the experimental dependencies can be explained by the contributions from thermal expansion and lattice anharmonicity. The pure-temperature contribution (phonon-phonon coupling) is due to three- and four-phonon processes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

An improved method of supercharged transposed latissimus dorsi flap with the skin paddle for the management of a complicated lumbosacral defect

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of nonhealing wounds of lower back often poses a powerful challenge. We present one of the first report of treatment of a lumbosacral defect with a supercharged latissimus dorsi flap with the skin paddle. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 59 yearold man with myeloma of the sacral spine who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and subsequently, laminectomies and placement of hardware for ongoing paresis and spine instability. Then, he developed an open wound and osteomyelitis of the spine with culture positive tuberculous granulomas. After multiple surgical debridement, he presented to our service and was treated with a single stage debridement followed by the performance of a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap based on paraspinal perforators and supercharged. RESULTS: This solution, allowed for augmentation of blood flow to the muscle with the inferior gluteal artery, provided coverage of the defect resistant to the pressure, and simplified post-operative management of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Alternative treatment options, including free tissue transfer, posed difficulties in finding suitable recipient vessels near the defect, in inserting the flap so as to restore its original length without compromising blood flow, and in postoperative care of the patient. Treatment of a lumbosacral defect with a supercharged latissimus dorsi flap with the skin paddle may represent a milestone procedure for complicated lower spine wounds

X-ray Spectral Variations of U Gem from Quiescence to Outburst

In this paper we report the discovery of a high energy component of the X-ray spectra of U Gem, which can be observed while the source is in outburst. We used Chandra and XMM-Newton observations to compare the quiescence and outburst X-ray spectra of the source. The additional component may be the result of the reflection of X-rays emitted from an optically thin plasma close to the white dwarf, from the optically thick boundary layer during the outburst. Another possible explanation is that some magnetically channeled accretion may occur onto the equatorial belt of the primary causing shocks similar to the ones in the intermediate polars as it was suggested by \citep{w2002}. We have also found a timing structure at about 73 mHz ($\sim$13.7 s.) in the RXTE observation, resembling dwarf novae oscillations (DNOs).Comment: accepted by MNRAS, figure 1 replaced with a newer on

Benchmark Modeling of the Near-Field and Far-Field Wave Effects of Wave Energy Arrays

This project is an industry-led partnership between Columbia Power Technologies and Oregon State University that will perform benchmark laboratory experiments and numerical modeling of the near-field and far-field impacts of wave scattering from an array of wave energy devices. These benchmark experimental observations will help to fill a gaping hole in our present knowledge of the near-field effects of multiple, floating wave energy converters and are a critical requirement for estimating the potential far-field environmental effects of wave energy arrays. The experiments will be performed at the Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory (Oregon State University) and will utilize an array of newly developed BuoysÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ that are realistic, lab-scale floating power converters. The array of Buoys will be subjected to realistic, directional wave forcing (1:33 scale) that will approximate the expected conditions (waves and water depths) to be found off the Central Oregon Coast. Experimental observations will include comprehensive in-situ wave and current measurements as well as a suite of novel optical measurements. These new optical capabilities will include imaging of the 3D wave scattering using a binocular stereo camera system, as well as 3D device motion tracking using a newly acquired LED system. These observing systems will capture the 3D motion history of individual Buoys as well as resolve the 3D scattered wave field; thus resolving the constructive and destructive wave interference patterns produced by the array at high resolution. These data combined with the device motion tracking will provide necessary information for array design in order to balance array performance with the mitigation of far-field impacts. As a benchmark data set, these data will be an important resource for testing of models for wave/buoy interactions, buoy performance, and far-field effects on wave and current patterns due to the presence of arrays. Under the proposed project we will initiate high-resolution (fine scale, very near-field) fluid/structure interaction simulations of buoy motions, as well as array-scale, phase-resolving wave scattering simulations. These modeling efforts will utilize state-of-the-art research quality models, which have not yet been brought to bear on this complex problem of large array wave/structure interaction problem

Effects of pumping on entomopathogenic nematodes and temperature increase within a spray system

Exposure to hydrodynamic stresses and increased temperature during hydraulic agitation within a spray system could cause permanent damage to biological pesticides during spray application. Damage to a benchmark biopesticide, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), was measured after a single passage through three different pump types (centrifugal, diaphragm, and roller) at operating pressures up to 828 kPa. No mechanical damage to the EPNs due to passage through the pumps was observed. Separate tests evaluated the effect of pump recirculation on temperature increase of water within a laboratory spray system (56.8-L spray tank) and a conventional-scale spray system (1136-L spray tank). A constant volume of water (45.4 L) was recirculated through each pump at 15.1 L/min within the laboratory spray system. After 2 h, the temperature increase for the centrifugal pump was 33.6 degrees C, and for the diaphragm and roller pumps was 8.5 degrees C and 11.2 degrees C, respectively. The centrifugal pump was also evaluated within the conventional spray system, under both a constant (757 L) and reducing volume scenario, resulting in an average temperature increase of 3.2 degrees C and 6.5 degrees C, respectively, during the 3-h test period. When comparing the number of recirculations for each test, the rate of temperature increase was the same for the conventional spray, system (for both the constant and reducing volume scenarios), while for the laboratory spray system the temperature increased at a greater rate, suggesting that the volume capacity of the spray tank is the primary factor influencing the temperature increase. Results from this study indicate that thermal influences during pump recirculation could be more detrimental to EPNs than mechanical stress. Results show that extensive recirculation of the tank mix can cause considerable increases in the liquid temperature. Diaphragm and roller pumps (low-capacity pumps) are better suited for use with biopesticides compared to the centrifugal pump, which was found to contribute significant heat to the spray system