Adaptive master's dissertation supervision: a longitudinal case study

Drawing on supervisor and supervisee interviews, analysis of supervisor feedback on the supervisee’s draft chapters, and departmental supervisory guidelines, this study focuses on the roles a master’s dissertation supervisor plays during the course of supervision. These roles are discussed referring to models of supervisory pedagogy, the teaching, partnership, apprenticeship, contractual, pastoral, and non-interfering models. Supervisee and supervisor agreed that the supervisor aligned with different roles at different times for different purposes, showing this was a case of adaptive supervision. Nonetheless, the supervisor’s feedback indicated supervision was more directive than his interview data suggested, illustrating the need to collect data from multiple sources to capture the complexities of the supervisory dynamic. We conclude that the dangers of departments attempting to formulate homogenized supervisory practices are highlighted by our case

Palomar/TripleSpec Observations of Spitzer/MIPSGAL 24 μm Circumstellar Shells: Unveiling the Natures of Their Central Sources

We present near-IR spectroscopic observations of the central sources in 17 circumstellar shells from a sample of more than 400 "bubbles" discovered in the Spitzer/MIPSGAL 24 μm survey of the Galactic plane and in the Cygnus-X region. To identify the natures of these shells, we have obtained J, H, and K band spectra with a resolution of ~2600 of the stars at their centers. We observed 14 MIPSGAL bubbles (MBs), WR149, and 2 objects in the Cygnus-X region (WR138a and BD+43 3710), our sample being about 2.5 mag fainter in the K band than previous studies of the central sources of MBs. We use spectroscopic diagnostics and spectral libraries of late- and early-type stars to constrain the natures of our targets. We find five late-type giants. The equivalent widths of their CO 2.29 μm features allow us to determine the spectral types of the stars and hence derive the extinction along the line of sight, distance, and physical size of the shells. We also find 12 early-type stars: in 9 MBs and the 3 comparison objects. We find that the subtype inferred from the near-IR for WR138a (WN9h) and WR149 (WN5h) agrees with that derived from optical observations. A careful analysis of the literature and the environment of BD+43 3710 allows us to rule out the carbon star interpretation previously suggested. Our near-IR spectrum suggests that it is a B5 supergiant. At the centers of the nine MBs, we find a WC5-6 star possibly of low mass, a candidate O5-6 V star, a B0 supergiant, a B/A-type giant, and five luminous blue variable (LBV) candidates. We also report the detections of emission lines arising from at least two shells with typical extents (~10"), in agreement with those in the mid-IR. We summarize the findings on the natures of the MBs since their discovery, with 30% of them now known. Most MBs with central sources detected in the near- to mid-IR have been identified and are red and blue giants, supergiants, or stars evolving toward these phases, including, in particular, a handful of newly discovered Wolf–Rayet stars and a significant number of LBV candidates

Helping international master’s students navigate dissertation supervision: research-informed discussion and awareness-raising activities

Drawing on a longitudinal case study of supervisees’ and supervisors’ experiences of master’s dissertation supervision in a UK university, we identify prominent themes emerging and use excerpts from our data to design pedagogic activities for teaching and learning staff to use in workshops with staff and students focused on supervisory practice. The activities ask discussants to consider experiential supervisory narratives involving students’ social networks, problems interpreting supervisors’ feedback, problems with differing supervisor/supervisee role expectations, and problems with supervisor-supervisee miscommunication. Each scenario is followed by our literature-informed commentary. We argue that these empirically informed, grounded awareness-raising activities will alert supervisors and supervisees to common problems experienced during supervisory journeys, and will encourage them to consider their own supervisory expectations and practices more deeply

A Digital Internal Model Current Controller for Salient Machines

The performance of anisotropic electrical machines is strongly dependent on the current loop characteristics. The problems for achieving robustness and fast response, without overshoot and oscillations, are mainly related to different values and behaviour of the direct and quadrature inductances (Ld, Lq), as well as to high output frequencies. In this paper, a novel current controller structure based on Internal Model Control (IMC) method is presented, taking into account the magnetic anisotropy (Ld != Lq). The model of salient machines is derived directly in the discrete domain and used to obtain a model-based controller. The controller derivation does not rely on transport-delay approximations, which enables improved decoupling of axes dynamics and the closed-loop robustness for very high output frequencies. The presented controller enables enhanced response for higher current loop bandwidth and output frequencies than the state-of-the-art methods. The experimental verification is performed on a 3-phase synchronous machine, using a standard industrial 3-phase inverter

Large amounts of optically-obscured star formation in the host galaxies of some type-2 quasars

We present Hubble Space Telescope images, and spectral energy distributions from optical to infrared wavelengths for a sample of six 0.3<z<0.8 type-2 quasars selected in the mid-infrared using data from the Spitzer Space Telescope. All the host galaxies show some signs of disturbance. Most seem to possess dusty, star-forming disks. The disk inclination, estimated from the axial ratio of the hosts, correlates with the depth of the silicate feature in the mid-infrared spectra, implying that at least some of the reddening towards the AGN arises in the host galaxy. The star formation rates in these objects, as inferred from the strengths of the PAH features and far-infrared continuum, range from 3-90 Msun/yr, but are mostly much larger than those inferred from the [OII]3727 emission line luminosity, due to obscuration. Taken together with studies of type-2 quasar hosts from samples selected in the optical and X-ray, this is consistent with previous suggestions that two types of extinction processes operate within the type-2 quasar population, namely a component due to the dusty torus in the immediate environment of the AGN, and a more extended component due to a dusty, star forming disk.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures. Accepted by ApJ Letter

Home used, patient self-managed, brain-computer interface for the management of central neuropathic pain post spinal cord injury: usability study

Background: Central Neuropathic Pain (CNP) is a frequent chronic condition in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Previously, we showed that using laboratory brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for neurofeedback (NFB) training, it was possible to reduce CNP in people with SCI. In this study, we show results of patient self-managed treatment in their homes with a BCI-NFB using a consumer EEG device. Methods Users: People with chronic SCI (17 M, 3 F, 50.6 ± 14.1 years old), and CNP ≥4 on a Visual Numerical Scale. Location: Laboratory training (up to 4 sessions) followed by home self-managed NFB. User Activity: Upregulating the EEG alpha band power by 10% above a threshold and at the same time downregulating the theta and upper beta (20-30 Hz) band power by 10% at electrode location C4. Technology: A consumer grade multichannel EEG headset (Epoch, Emotiv, USA), a tablet computer and custom made NFB software. Evaluation: EEG analysis, before and after NFB assessment, interviews and questionnaires. Results Effectiveness: Out of 20 initially assessed participants, 15 took part in the study. Participants used the system for 6.9 ± 5.5 (median 4) weeks. Twelve participants regulated their brainwaves in a frequency specific manner and were most successful upregulating the alpha band power. However they typically upregulated power around their individual alpha peak (7.6 ± 0.8 Hz) that was lower than in people without CNP. The reduction in pain experienced was statistically significant in 12 and clinically significant (greater than 30%) in 8 participants. Efficiency: The donning was between 5 and 15 min, and approximately 10–20% of EEG data recorded in the home environment was noise. Participants were mildly stressed when self-administering NFB at home (2.4 on a scale 1–10). User satisfaction: Nine participants who completed the final assessment reported a high level of satisfaction (QUESQ, 4.5 ± 0.8), naming effectiveness, ease of use and comfort as main priorities. The main factors influencing frequency of NFB training were: health related issues, free time and pain intensity. Conclusion: Portable NFB is a feasible solution for home-based self-managed treatment of CNP. Compared to pharmacological treatments, NFB has less side effects and provides users with active control over pain. Trial registration: GN15NE124, Registered 9th June 2016

The Spatial Extent of (U)LIRGs in the Mid-Infrared. II. Feature Emission

We present results from the second part of our analysis of the extended mid-infrared (MIR) emission of the Great Observatories All-Sky LIRG Survey (GOALS) sample based on 5-14 micron low-resolution spectra obtained with the IRS on Spitzer. We calculate the fraction of extended emission as a function of wavelength for all galaxies in the sample, FEE_lambda, and spatially separate the MIR spectrum of galaxies into their nuclear and extended components. We find that the [NeII] emission line is as compact as the hot dust MIR continuum, while the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission is more extended. The 6.2 and 7.7 micron PAH emission is more compact than that of the 11.3 micron PAH, which is consistent with the formers being enhanced in a more ionized medium. The presence of an AGN or a powerful nuclear starburst increases the compactness of the hot dust MIR continuum, but has a negligible effect on the spatial extent of the PAH emission on kpc-scales. Globally, the spectra of the extended emission component are homogeneous for all galaxies in GOALS. This suggests that the physical properties of star formation taking place at distances farther than 1.5 kpc from the nuclei of (U)LIRGs are very similar, resembling local star-forming galaxies with L_IR < 10^11 Lsun, as well as star formation-dominated ULIRGs at z~2. In contrast, the MIR spectra of the nuclear component of local (U)LIRGs are very diverse. This implies that the observed variety of their integrated MIR properties arise, on average, only from the processes that are taking place in their cores.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in Ap

The Compact Linear e+^+e−^- Collider (CLIC): Accelerator and Detector

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) is a TeV-scale high-luminosity linear e$^+$e$^-$ collider under development by international collaborations hosted by CERN. This document provides an overview of the design, technology, and implementation aspects of the CLIC accelerator and the detector. For an optimal exploitation of its physics potential, CLIC is foreseen to be built and operated in stages, at centre-of-mass energies of 380 GeV, 1.5 TeV and 3 TeV, for a site length ranging between 11 km and 50 km. CLIC uses a two-beam acceleration scheme, in which normal-conducting high-gradient 12 GHz accelerating structures are powered via a high-current drive beam. For the first stage, an alternative with X-band klystron powering is also considered. CLIC accelerator optimisation, technical developments, and system tests have resulted in significant progress in recent years. Moreover, this has led to an increased energy efficiency and reduced power consumption of around 170 MW for the 380 GeV stage, together with a reduced cost estimate of approximately 6 billion CHF. The detector concept, which matches the physics performance requirements and the CLIC experimental conditions, has been refined using improved software tools for simulation and reconstruction. Significant progress has been made on detector technology developments for the tracking and calorimetry systems. The construction of the first CLIC energy stage could start as early as 2026 and first beams would be available by 2035, marking the beginning of a physics programme spanning 25-30 years and providing excellent sensitivity to Beyond Standard Model physics, through direct searches and via a broad set of precision measurements of Standard Model processes, particularly in the Higgs and top-quark sectors.Comment: Input to the European Particle Physics Strategy Update on behalf of the CLIC and CLICdp Collaboration

Effect of TiO2 on the Sintering Process of Magnesium Oxide from Seawater

U radu je ispitivan utjecaj dodatka TiO2 na svojstva magnezijeva oksida dobivenog iz morske vode nestehiometrijskim načinom taloženja uz dodatak 80% od stehiometrijski potrebne količine dolomitnog vapna, kao taložnog sredstva. U pripremi uzoraka primijenjen je kombinirani način ispiranja taloga magnezijeva hidroksida (3 + 2), tj. ispiranje dekantacijom provedeno je tri puta zaluženom destiliranom vodom, pH =12,50, i dva puta destiliranom vodom, pH = 6,74. Višekratno ispiranje na filtar-papiru (pet puta) obavljeno je istim sredstvom za ispiranje (svježa destilirana voda pH = 6,74). Zatim su izotermno i aktivirano sintetizirani uzorci MgO (80%-tno taloženje) bez dodatka TiO2 i uz dodatak w(TiO2) = 5 i 8% pri temperaturi 1700 °C u trajanju 1 sat, kako bi se utvrdila svojstva ovih uzoraka ponajviše s obzirom na udjel B2O3 u uzorcima nakon procesa sinteriranja. Rezultati ispitivanja ukazuju da dodatak w(TiO2) = 5 i 8% izrazito utječe na smanjenje udjela B2O3 tijekom aktiviranog sinteriranja magnezijeva oksida iz morske vode, te se uzorci mogu karakterizirati kao vatrostalni materijal veoma niskog udjela B2O3. Dodatak TiO2 u količini w = 5 % dovoljan je da veže prisutni CaO i time utječe na zamjetno isparavanje B2O3 u procesu aktiviranog sinteriranja magnezijeva oksida dobivenog iz morske vode nestehiometrijskim načinom taloženja. Tijekom sinteriranja postignuto je znatno zgušnjavanje uzoraka, tj. svi ispitivani uzorci imaju malo otvorenih pora.This study examines the effect of the addition of TiO2 on the properties of magnesium oxide obtained from seawater by substoichiometrical precipitation with 80 % of the stoichiometrically required quantity of dolomite lime as the precipitation agent. Magnesium oxide obtained from seawater by substoichiometrical precipitation contains boron(III) oxide as an impurity. During the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide, the boron present in seawater (in the form of non-dissociated orthoboric acid H3BO3, and partly as borate ion H2BO3 –) adsorbs onto the magnesium hydroxide precipitate, and therefore has to be reduced as much as possible using the appropriate method of rinsing the magnesium hydroxide precipitate. B2O3 is an undesirable admixture in seawater magnesium oxide. Specifically, the properties of special purpose magnesium oxide, i. e. high strength magnesium oxide, are affected significantly by the content of boron in the product. Good quality sintered magnesium oxide contains a very small amount of B2O3. The impurity should not exceed w(B2O3) = 0.005 % in refractory magnesium oxide. The combined method of rinsing the magnesium hydroxide precipitate (3+2) was used in sample preparation, i. e. rinsing by decanting was done three times with alkalized distilled water of pH = 12.50 and twice with distilled water of pH = 6.74. Multiple rinsing on filter paper (five times) was done using the same rinsing agent (fresh distilled water of pH = 6.74). The MgO (80 % precipitation) samples were then subjected to isothermal and activated sintering without TiO2 addition, as well as with the addition of TiO2, w(TiO2) =5 and 8 %, at the temperature of 1700 oC for 1 hour, with the aim of determining the properties of these samples primarily with regard to the B2O3content in the samples after sintering. The results indicate that the addition of TiO2 strongly affects the reduction of the B2O3 content during activated sintering of seawater magnesium oxide, and that the samples can be characterized as refractory material with very low B2O3 content. The addition of TiO2, w(TiO2)=5 %, is sufficient to bind the present CaO and thereby lead to greater evaporation of B2O3 in the process of activated sintering of seawater magnesium oxide. The samples thickened significantly during sintering, i. e. all the samples examined had a very small amount of open pores