Thermal Expansion and Magnetostriction of the Ising Antiferromagnet TbNi2Ge2

We have measured the linear thermal expansion and magnetostriction of the Ising antiferromagnet TbNi2Ge2 along its c-axis from room temperature to 2 K and in magnetic fields to 14 T. We find a magnetic phase diagram that agrees with earlier work and estimate aspects of its uniaxial pressure dependence. We also find a new high field feature near 10 T which may signal the onset of an additional field-induced phase.Comment: 2 pages, to apear in proceedings of 24th International Conference on Low Temperature Physic

Unusual giant magnetostriction in the ferrimagnet Gd2/3_{2/3}Ca1/3_{1/3}MnO3_3

We report an unusual giant linear magnetostrictive effect in the ferrimagnet Gd$_{2/3}$Ca$_{1/3}$MnO$_3$ ($T_{c} \approx$80 K). Remarkably, the magnetostriction, negative at high temperature ($T \approx T_{c}$), becomes positive below 15 K when the magnetization of the Gd sublattice overcomes the magnetization of the Mn sublattice. A rather simple model where the magnetic energy competes against the elastic energy gives a good account of the observed results and confirms that Gd plays a crucial role in this unusual observation. Unlike previous works in manganites where only striction associated with 3$d$ Mn orbitals is considered, our results show that the lanthanide 4$f$ orbitals related striction can be very important too and it cannot be disregarded.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Feasibility of Safe-Tea: A parent targeted intervention to prevent hot drink scalds in pre-school children

Objective Despite the high prevalence of preventable hot drink scalds in preschool children, there is a paucity of research on effective prevention interventions and a serious need to improve parents’ knowledge of first aid. This study investigates the feasibility of ‘Safe-Tea’, an innovative multifaceted community-based intervention delivered by early-years practitioners. Methods ‘Safe-Tea’ was implemented at Childcare, Stay&Play and Home Visit settings in areas of deprivation in Cardiff, UK. A mixed-methods approach was used, including preintervention and postintervention parent questionnaires and focus groups with parents and practitioners to test the acceptability, practicality and ability of staff to deliver the intervention, and parents’ knowledge and understanding. Results Intervention materials, activities and messages were well received and understood by both parents and community practitioners. Interactive and visual methods of communication requiring little to no reading were most acceptable. Parents’ understanding of the risk of hot drink scalds in preschool children and knowledge of appropriate first aid improved postintervention. Parents knew at baseline that they ‘should’ keep hot drinks out of reach. Focus group discussions after intervention revealed improved understanding of likelihood and severity of scald injury to children, which increased vigilance. Parents gained confidence to correct the behaviours of others at home and pass on first aid messages. Conclusion This feasibility study is a vital step towards the development of a robust, evidence-based behaviour change intervention model. Work is underway to refine intervention materials based on improvements suggested by parents, and test these more widely in communities across the UK