Shape coexistence and tilted-axis rotation in neutron-rich hafnium isotopes

We have performed tilted-axis-cranked Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for a neutron-rich hafnium isotope ($^{182}$Hf) whose proton and neutron numbers are both in the upper shell region. We study whether the shell effects play a role in producing high-$K$ isomers or highly gamma-deformed states at high spin. In particular, the possibility of shape coexistence and the effect of wobbling motion are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, to be published in Phys. Lett.

General rule learning in school children

The study investigated Chinese school age children’s rule learning ability of non-adjacent dependency pattern with musical tones. Thirty-nine students with a mean age of 10 years and 5 months old were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 rule groups (SD= 10 months). They listened to musical tone streams generated according to non-adjacent dependency rule patterns. Afterwards, they judged if testing stimuli resembled the rules in training phase. Results showed that the participants were not able to extract non-adjacent rules from musical tones. Instead, the participants performed the task by learning adjacent dependency rule as the default. However, we cannot conclude there is no non-adjacent rule learning in Chinese population because the design of the study may be too difficult for school-aged children. For example, the variability of intervening elements was not sufficient and the differences on musical tones were very subtle for identification. Further research can consider the use of perceptual cues or melodies to investigate rule learning ability of non-adjacent dependency of nonspeech domain in Chinese population.published_or_final_versionSpeech and Hearing SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science

Chemistry teachers' understanding of models of teaching and learning in practical word

For most Malaysian chemistry teachers, practical work is part of teaching and learning chemistry. The chemistry curriculum has been designed since 2005 to produce active learners through hands-on activities and experimentations (Curriculum Development Centre, 2005). Nonetheless, the teaching and learning strategies in the curriculum emphasis thoughtful learning, which can occur through various models of teaching and learning such as inquiry, constructivism, contextual learning and mastery learning (Curriculum Development Centre, 2005). In fact, the government of Malaysia has allocated enormous amount of money during last few decades to ensure the highest quality of science education for Malaysian schools (Norfariza et. al, 2013). Besides preparing teachers for professional advancement as agents of change with the introduction of new programs, teachers who are not adequately trained will be sent for special in-service training, “The Cascade Training” (IBE, 2001). Instructional materials such as teachers’ guide book for the respective subjects and teaching-learning modules were disseminated to all schools

High intrinsic biosorption efficiency of cattle manure on Cr(VI): a potential low-cost fibre-rich biosorbent

Fibre-rich manure derived from grass-fed cattle showed significantly higher intrinsic sorption efficiency on Cr(VI) solution as compared to corncob, sawdust and cogon grass. This observation could be attributed to the ligneous nature and rough surface morphology of the cattle manure. Four-factor, three-level, face-centred composite design (FCCD) suggested the process was greatly affected by initial pH of the solution, contact time and sorbent dosage (p50% adsorption efficiency. It is predicted that both physisorption and chemisorption are involved in the sorption process

Physicochemical and sensory analysis of instant cereal beverage incorporated with corncob powder

The primary objectives of this study were to process corncob into corncob powder (CCP) and to apply CCP in the formulation of instant cereal beverage (ICB) in order to produce high fibre ICB, and to investigate the physicochemical and sensory properties of the corncob-based instant cereal beverage. Corncobs were sourced and washed thoroughly before drying and grinding into CCP. CCP was then imparted into ICB formulation in three different ratios (10, 20 and 30% w/w) to partially substitute corn flour in the formulation. All four ICB samples including the commercial counterpart were analysed for their physicochemical and sensory properties. The incorporation of CCP has affected the viscosity, colour and sensory attributes significantly of the produced ICB. Higher contents of CCP in the formulation was found to be responsible for less viscous and browner effect compared to the commercial ICB samples. Formulation of ICB incorporated with 30% w/w CCP had the highest mean scores (6.00, p<0.05) of overall acceptability among all the other formulations and it was comparable to the commercial ICB in the current market

Piperacillin/tazobactam Induced Myelosuppression

Neutropenia, secondary to immune destruction or maturation arrest, is the most commonly described adverse haematological effect of beta-lactam antibiotics. We describe a case of reversible pancytopenia, with evidence of hypocellular marrow, after a prolonged course of piperacillin/tazobactam for 26 days

Physicochemical and sensory analyses of high fibre bread incorporated with corncob powder

The primary objectives of the present work were to produce corncob powder (CCP) from corncobs and incorporate the CCP into bread formulation in order to develop high fibre bread, and to investigate the physicochemical and sensory properties of the produced high fibre bread (HFB). The corncobs were collected and washed before they underwent the grinding and drying processes. The obtained CCP was incorporated into the bread formulation in three different proportions (5, 10 and 20%) to partially substitute bread flour in the formulation. All three bread samples and the control (0% CCP in the formulation) were analysed to obtain their physicochemical and sensory properties. The incorporation of CCP significantly affected the texture, colour and volume attributes of the produced breads. Increasing the content of CCP in the formulation was found to be responsible for firmer, smaller and darker bread loaves as compared to the composite bread samples. The bread formulation incorporated with 10% CCP had the highest mean scores (7.00) of overall acceptability among all the other formulations, and it was comparable to the commercial breads in the current market