Direct protonation of the W–H bonds of Bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)tungsten dihydride

Protonation of (C_5Me_5)_2 WH_2 to give [(C_5Me_5)_2WH_3]+ is proposed to occur by attack at both W–H bonds rather than by direct attack at the d^2 metal centre

Calibration of the torsional and lateral spring constants of cantilever sensors

Financial support from the EPSRC (EP/K000411/1) and the University of St. Andrews under an Impact Acceleration Account (EP/K503940/1) are gratefully acknowledged.A method suitable for the calibration of the spring constants of all torsional and lateral eigenmodes of micro- and nanocantilever sensors is described. Such sensors enable nanomechanical measurements and the characterization of nanomaterials, for example with atomic force microscopy. The method presented involves the interaction of a flow of fluid from a microchannel with the cantilever beam. Forces imparted by the flow cause the cantilever to bend and induce a measurable change of the torsional and lateral resonance frequencies. From the frequency shifts the cantilever spring constants can be determined. The method does not involve physical contact between the cantilever or its tip and a hard surface. As such it is non-invasive and does not risk damage to the cantilever. Experimental data is presented for two rectangular microcantilevers with fundamental flexural spring constants of 0.046 and 0.154 N/m. The experimentally determined torsional stiffness values are compared with those obtained by the Sader method. We demonstrate that the torsional spring constants can be readily calibrated using the method with an accuracy of around 15%.PostprintPeer reviewe

Enhancing student understanding through playful learning using Playmobil pro

A growing body of evidence shows the value of playful learning and using playful approaches such as Lego Serious Play. However, little research has investigated the effectiveness of Playmobil pro to support higher education teaching and learning. This case study investigates how Playmobil pro can be used to support final-year Primary Education Studies undergraduates to deepen understanding through a playful approach. Methods used are the analysis of Playmobil pro representations and exit tickets completed by participants. Playmobil pro supported student understanding by providing a play-learning tool to assist the construction of models in order to create meaning and support rich discussions about concepts. The implications of this research include the potential of Playmobil pro to be a tool used in higher education to support student learning and engagement

The EVIDENCE project: Measure no.20 - Cycling

Positive Benefit-Cost-Ratios (BCRs) are seen for networks of cycle paths, based on journey time savings and lower health and fuel costs. Positive BCRs at the lower end of the scale derive benefits mainly from the value of time; health benefits contribute the additional value at the top of the BCR range.Leisure-based networks can also bring benefits in respect of new job creation and additional economic activity. Appropriate infrastructure provision for cycle traffic, forming comprehensive networks of routes, is essential to encourage cycling. These networks need to be built up from components such as safe junctions and bridges which create suitably direct routes for cycle traffic. There is some lack of clarity, however, as to what specific links, or provision at junctions, would be deemed most suitable by users and potential users. There is a perception that it is safer to separate cycle traffic from motor traffic,and that off-road paths are therefore required

You did what at the weekend? - A workshop to develop the digital awareness and understanding of digital footprints amongst primary education studies undergraduates

Digital footprints, which are the records left online through the use of social media such as Twitter and Instagram, are a growing concern for the future employability of undergraduates. This case study explores research the co-creation of a workshop about digital footprints with undergraduates on a Primary Education Studies degree in an English university to protect professional identities. The workshop included a range of activities to help undergraduates learn about the importance of digital footprints, how to check their own digital footprints, explore steps to protect their digital identities on different social networks, and how to curate a positive digital identity. It is argued here that undergraduates need more opportunities to learn about digital footprints

Determination and measurement of factors which influence propensity to cycle to work

2.89% of the UK population cycled for the journey to work as measured by the census in 200I. This percentage is similar to the percentage from the 1991 census and indicates a levelling off in the decline that had been seen in the previous two decades in bicycle use for the journey to work, but does not demonstrate any increase in line with policy aspirations. Choice is a complex issue and related to a wide range of factors including socio-economic variables and the nature of transport infrastructure and the physical geography of an area. As well as the rational and measurable factors, there are many much more complex and subtle factors including the influences of culture and social norms. Changes to behaviour probably take an extended period of time and require a range Qf conditions to be appropriate before a positive choice can be made. Waldman (1977) undertook the last countrywide aggregate study of the variation in use of the bicycle for the journey to work, but a number of the variables he constructed were measured inappropriately, not the least of which was his measure for "danger", which he recommended for further study. It is widely considered that perception of risk from motor traffic is a reason why many people do not currently use the bicycle. This is only one measurable attribute and European bicycle planners consider network coherence, directness, attractiveness and comfort as other equally important issues when designing schemes to promote bicycle use. This research has used primary data collected on perceptions of risk. The particular contribution of the research is in the development of a methodology for the determination of perception of risk for a whole journey, including routes and junctions, and the extension of this methodology to create a measure for risk at an area wide level. Measures that have been found to be significant in relation to the use of the bicycle for the journey to work are car ownership, socio-economic classification, ethnicity, distance to work, condition of the highway pavement, highway network density and population density, hi lIiness, rainfall and mean temperature. In addition the length of bicycle lane, length of bus lane and length of traffic free route have also been found to be important in so far as it influences the perception of risk, which in turn influences the level of bicycle use. The length of route that is signed has also been found to be important. In a sample of four districts for which appropriate data is available, a seven fold increase in route length with cycle facilities, or signed route, would create conditions suitable for an increase in cycle use for the journey to work by a factor of the order of two. An elimination of highways with negative residual life would create conditions suitable for an increase of 10% in the number of bicycle trips for the journey to work

Contact-free experimental determination of the static flexural spring constant of cantilever sensors using a microfluidic force tool

Financial support from the EPSRC (EP/K000411/1 and EP/L017008/1) and the University of St. Andrews under an Impact Acceleration Account (EP/K503940/1) are gratefully acknowledged.Micro- and nanocantilevers are employed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) and in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) as sensing elements. They enable nanomechanical measurements, are essential for the characterization of nanomaterials, and form an integral part of many nanoscale devices. Despite the fact that numerous methods described in the literature can be applied to determine the static flexural spring constant of micro- and nanocantilever sensors, experimental techniques that do not require contact between the sensor and a surface at some point during the calibration process are still the exception rather than the rule. We describe a noncontact method using a microfluidic force tool that produces accurate forces and demonstrate that this, in combination with a thermal noise spectrum, can provide the static flexural spring constant for cantilever sensors of different geometric shapes over a wide range of spring constant values (≈0.8–160 N/m).Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Proportion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescription in equine practice

BACKGROUND: There is little knowledge of the prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and whether their prescription varies between countries. OBJECTIVE: To describe prescription practices of NSAIDs in equids in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and Canada. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive observational study. METHODS: Free-text electronic medical records from 141,543 equids from 10 equine practices in the UK, 255,777 equids from 7 equine practices with 20 branches from the USA and 2 practices with 7 branches from Canada were evaluated. A validated text-mining technique was used to describe the proportion of equids prescribed NSAIDs at least once in these countries. The choice of NSAIDs in orthopaedic and colic cases was evaluated. RESULTS: The prescription of NSAIDs is more common in the USA (42.4%) and Canada (34.2%) than in the UK (28.6%). Phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine were the drugs mostly prescribed in all countries. While flunixi meglumine was most prescribed with colic cases in all countries, a proportion received phenylbutazone despite this drug being licensed for use only with musculoskeletal disease. Phenylbutazone was the most commonly prescribed drug in cases with orthopaedic disease followed by flunixin meglumine in all countries. Only a small proportion of cases received meloxicam, ketoprofen or firocoxib. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design might have resulted in an unknown number of incomplete records, particularly in the reporting of colic and orthopaedic disease. Although the data set is large, the relatively small number of practices recruited from each country may introduce bias. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice can differ between countries although the influence of individual practitioners and practice-specific policy on apparent intercountry differences requires further research. Despite several other NSAIDs being available and a substantial effort being made to evaluate their efficacy, the prescription of NSAIDs other than phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine remains rather limited

Rees Jeffreys Road Fund study: Major roads for the future - Identifying network users and their characteristics

The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund (RJRF) has commissioned an ambitious two-year study of major roads in England with a horizon of 2040. There are seven topics of interest, and the first topic of interest has two tasks, one of which (Task 1B) is to identify network users and their characteristics.The RJRF Study Team needs a comprehensive picture of the nature of usage of major roads in England – who and where the users are, and what sort of journeys they are making.Bringing together data from National Road Traffic Estimates and the National Travel Survey, this reportprovides:• Explanations of the patterns of use of different types of user.• Identification of the factors that may be used to define the nature and extent of roads that could beclassified as forming part of a newly defined Major Road Network (MRN).• Analysis of usage of the SRN in England by region, road type, vehicle type, journey purpose and length