Tunable magnetic properties of cluster assembled films grown from low temperature co-depositions

Abstract Cluster assembled films are obtained by ultrahigh vacuum deposition of Co and Au vapour at low substrate temperature (T = 30 K). An intimate mixing of Co and Au clusters, about 20 atoms in size, is obtained after annealing to higher temperatures. In order to test the interaction between magnetic particles, controlled segregation and growth by coalescence of larger Co aggregates is achieved by further annealing. Structural as well as magnetic properties are studied in situ by means of variable temperature STM, LEED and MOKE. The Co 70 Au 30 system only becomes ferromagnetic after a mild annealing to 150 K. The real time dynamic evolution of the magnetic properties is then observed in situ over minutes due to demixing and structural rearrangements. The superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic transition subsequent to a temperature increase are well described by Monte Carlo simulations of the phase separation and the hysteresis evolution that include exchange and dipolar interactions

Strengthening Agricultural Research Capacity for Viable Extension Policies in Nigeria: An Exploration of Ricoeur’s Hermeneutic Theory for Analysing Extension Research

Progressively more, researchers use hermeneutic philosophy to inform the conduct of interpretive research. Analogy between the philosophical foundations of a study, and the methodological processes through which study findings are actualized, informs hermeneutic researchers to use (or develop) hermeneutic approaches to research approach through which researchers using hermeneutics can achieve congruence between philosophy, methodology and method. Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation acknowledges the interrelationship between epistemology (interpretation) and ontology (interpreter). Also, Ricoeur notes the way interpretation moves forward from raw understanding, where the interpreter has a superficial grasp of the whole of the text, to deeper understanding, where the interpreter understands the parts of the text in relation to the whole and the whole of the text in relation to its parts (the hermeneutic circle). In this way, Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation provides researchers with a method of developing inter-subjective knowledge which could aid policy advocacy, design and implementation for the professionalization of extension in Nigeria. Through exposition of the concepts of Ricoeur’s theory, which include distanciation, appropriation, explanation and understanding, guess, and validation, a hermeneutic approach to textual analysis is presented, discussed and critiqued as a way of strengthening Nigeria’s extension research capacity and relevance. Examples from Tundun-Iya Adopted Village research on farmers’ adoption of GPS for farm measurement are used to demonstrate points under discussion. It is suggested that, in conjunction with Gadamer’s hermeneutic of understanding, Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation warrants consideration as a method of textual analysis by extension experts in Nigeria.Â

Strengthening Agricultural Research Capacity for Viable Extension Policies in Nigeria: An Exploration of Ricoeur’s Hermeneutic Theory for Analysing Extension Research

Progressively more, researchers use hermeneutic philosophy to inform the conduct of interpretive research. Analogy between the philosophical foundations of a study, and the methodological processes through which study findings are actualized, informs hermeneutic researchers to use (or develop) hermeneutic approaches to research approach through which researchers using hermeneutics can achieve congruence between philosophy, methodology and method. Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation acknowledges the interrelationship between epistemology (interpretation) and ontology (interpreter). Also, Ricoeur notes the way interpretation moves forward from raw understanding, where the interpreter has a superficial grasp of the whole of the text, to deeper understanding, where the interpreter understands the parts of the text in relation to the whole and the whole of the text in relation to its parts (the hermeneutic circle). In this way, Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation provides researchers with a method of developing inter-subjective knowledge which could aid policy advocacy, design and implementation for the professionalization of extension in Nigeria. Through exposition of the concepts of Ricoeur’s theory, which include distanciation, appropriation, explanation and understanding, guess, and validation, a hermeneutic approach to textual analysis is presented, discussed and critiqued as a way of strengthening Nigeria’s extension research capacity and relevance. Examples from Tundun-Iya Adopted Village research on farmers’ adoption of GPS for farm measurement are used to demonstrate points under discussion. It is suggested that, in conjunction with Gadamer’s hermeneutic of understanding, Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation warrants consideration as a method of textual analysis by extension experts in Nigeria.Â