Developing a Vocational Training Computer Game Workplace Simulator: The Vocational Game Project

Abstract This study presents the research and production processes for the development of a Vocational Training computer game workplace simulator that will be used to deliver competency-based The study focuses on the design and development of immersive educational environments and assesses the optimal level of interactivity and game play necessary to achieve identified learning outcomes. This application of games technologies and the development of immersive learning environments enables the targeted delivery of flexible, customised learning programs in the workplace ensuring participant engagement through active learning

Ab initio study of thallium nanoclusters on Si(111)-7x7

We have studied the stability of a thallium nanocluster of various numbers of atoms (N=1,2,...,10) on a Si(111)-7x7 substrate using density functional theory total energy calculations. We have compared it with clusters of other group III elements (Al, Ga, and In). Thallium is found to be unstable with the triangular cluster, which has been known to be stable for other group III elements. Instead, a slightly different structure, in which Si atop atoms are lower than thallium atoms in height by 2.56 angstrom, was found to be quite stable. Such an abnormal structure originates from the inert pair of 6s(2) electrons due to the significant spin-orbit interaction. The initial relaxed N=6 Tl cluster continues to grow with increasing N up to N=9 in the faulted-half unit cell, which is consistent with experimental observationsclose121

Parent perceptions of the quality of life of pet dogs living with neuro-typically developing and neuro-atypically developing children: an exploratory study

There is growing scientific and societal recognition of the role that pet dogs can play in healthy development of children; both those who are neuro-typically developing and those who live with a neuro-developmental disorder, such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, little attention has been paid to how living with children positively and negatively affects quality of life of a pet dog. In this exploratory study we conducted semi-structured interviews with parents of neuro-typically developing children (n = 18) and those with a neuro-developmental disorder (n = 18) who owned a pet dog, until no new factors were identified. Living with children brought potentially positive benefits to the dog’s life including: imposition of a routine, participation in recreational activities and the development of a strong bond between the child and the dog. The importance of maintaining a routine was particularly prevalent in families with children with neuro-developmental disorders. Potential negative factors included having to cope with child meltdowns and tantrums, over stimulation from child visitors, harsh contact and rough and tumble play with the child. The regularity and intensity of meltdowns and tantrums was particularly evident in responses from parents with children with a neuro-developmental disorder. However, child visitors and rough play and contact were mentioned similarly across the groups. Protective factors included having a safe haven for the dog to escape to, parent’s awareness of stress signs and child education in dog-interaction. Parents were also asked to complete a stress response scale to provide an initial quantitative comparison of stress responses between dogs living with the two family-types. Parents with neuro-typically developing children more frequently observed their dog rapidly running away from a situation and less frequently observed their dog widening their eyes, than parents with children with a neuro-developmental disorder. We propose the development of a stress audit based on the findings reported here, to prevent potential dangerous situations, which may lead to dog bites and dog relinquishment and allow owners to maximise the benefits of dog ownership

Emotion cognition: comparative perspectives on the social cognition of emotion

Emotion is the crux of our everyday lives, yet emotion cognition has not been the focus of comparative study. The uniquely human aspects of emotion cognition can only be explored within a dynamic comparative perspective that embraces comparisons across species and across human cultures. Four themes are identified as important aspects of emotion cognition: (1) Positive emotion in comparative cognition; (2) Emotion and emotion regulation in the development of the self; (3) Emotion in communicative signalling; and (4) Emotion cognition and brain-behaviour relations. We propose that these themes be considered in light of a new theoretical approach, emotion cognition. This approach links neuroscience, anthropology, psychology, and ethology, to address questions concerning the universality and uniqueness in human emotion cognition

Quantum interference patterns and electron confinement on a two-dimensional metal: A scanning tunneling microscopy study

International audienc