Sociology : promise and problems : inaugural lecture delivered at Rhodes University

Inaugural lecture delivered at Rhodes UniversityRhodes University Libraries (Digitisation

A Genetic Algorithm for Structure Prediction of Magnetic Materials

When considering global optimisation of magnetic crystal structures, it is important to consider both the atomic and spin degrees of freedom. This thesis presents a novel genetic algorithm for simultaneously optimising the magnetic and crystal structures of materials. The algorithm was first tested on a new magnetic interatomic potential presented in the thesis, and was shown to be capable of finding the correct atomic and magnetic structure. The algorithm was then used to study mixing the NiO(111)/MgO(111) interface, where the process behind the mixing was unknown. Results from this study suggest that mixing is driven by energetics of the system, rather than kinetic processes. Finally, the interface between the Heusler alloy CFAS and n-doped Ge, where experimental observations suggested an unknown interface phase, was studied. This work proposed the half Heusler structure for this phase, and predicted this to have unfavourable electronic properties

A comparison of vertical drift‐envelopes to conventional drift‐bottles

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109919/1/lno19752010141.pd

Framing Political Messages to Fit the Audience’s Regulatory Orientation: How to Improve the Efficacy of the Same Message Content

This research investigates how the impact of persuasive messages in the political domain can be improved when fit is created by subliminally priming recipients’ regulatory focus (either promotion or prevention) and by linguistic framing of the message (either strategic approach framing or strategic avoidance framing). Results of two studies show that regulatory fit: a) increases the impact of a political message favoring nuclear energy on implicit attitudes of the target audience (Study 1); and b) induces a more positive evaluation of, and intentions to vote for, the political candidate who is delivering a message concerning immigration policies (Study 2)

Framing Political Messages to Fit the Audience’s Regulatory Orientation: How to Improve the Efficacy of the Same Message Content

This research investigates how the impact of persuasive messages in the political domain can be improved when fit is created by subliminally priming recipients’ regulatory focus (either promotion or prevention) and by linguistic framing of the message (either strategic approach framing or strategic avoidance framing). Results of two studies show that regulatory fit: a) increases the impact of a political message favoring nuclear energy on implicit attitudes of the target audience (Study 1); and b) induces a more positive evaluation of, and intentions to vote for, the political candidate who is delivering a message concerning immigration policies (Study 2)