60 research outputs found
Direct high-precision measurement of the magnetic moment of the proton
The spin-magnetic moment of the proton is a fundamental property of
this particle. So far has only been measured indirectly, analysing the
spectrum of an atomic hydrogen maser in a magnetic field. Here, we report the
direct high-precision measurement of the magnetic moment of a single proton
using the double Penning-trap technique. We drive proton-spin quantum jumps by
a magnetic radio-frequency field in a Penning trap with a homogeneous magnetic
field. The induced spin-transitions are detected in a second trap with a strong
superimposed magnetic inhomogeneity. This enables the measurement of the
spin-flip probability as a function of the drive frequency. In each measurement
the proton's cyclotron frequency is used to determine the magnetic field of the
trap. From the normalized resonance curve, we extract the particle's magnetic
moment in units of the nuclear magneton . This
measurement outperforms previous Penning trap measurements in terms of
precision by a factor of about 760. It improves the precision of the forty year
old indirect measurement, in which significant theoretical bound state
corrections were required to obtain , by a factor of 3. By application
of this method to the antiproton magnetic moment the fractional
precision of the recently reported value can be improved by a factor of at
least 1000. Combined with the present result, this will provide a stringent
test of matter/antimatter symmetry with baryons.Comment: published in Natur
Design principles in housing for people with complex physical and cognitive disability: towards an integrated framework for practice
To develop a research-based environmental framework to guide the design and construction of suitable residential dwellings for individuals with complex disability. An environmental approach to housing design and development recognises that there are physical, psychological and social components relating to housing design, dwelling location and the neighbourhood context, and that these elements interact to affect the physical, psychological, and social wellness of individuals. Following theoretical review and synthesis, a comprehensive set of design features that are conducive to residentsâ wellness and quality of life are described. It is clear that housing design and development for people with complex disability ought to consider the physical, social, natural, symbolic, and care environment in relation to housing design, dwelling location, and the neighbourhood context for improved housing outcomes. An integrated housing design and development framework is presented. It is hoped this practical matrix/evaluative tool will inform future inclusive housing design and development decisions in Australia and internationally. The application of this framework is especially relevant to political climates striving to achieve design innovation to increase housing choice for people with complex disability
Skeleton of an unusual cat-sized marsupial relative (Metatheria: Marsupialiformes) from the middle Eocene (Lutetian: 44-43 million years ago) of Turkey
We describe a near-complete, three-dimensionally preserved skeleton of a metatherian (relative of modern marsupials) from the middle Eocene (Lutetian: 44â43 million years ago) LĂŒlĂŒk member of the UzunçarĆıdere Formation, central Turkey. With an estimated body mass of 3â4 kg, about the size of a domestic cat (Felis catus) or spotted quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), it is an order of magnitude larger than the largest fossil metatherians previously known from the Cenozoic of the northern hemisphere. This new taxon is characterised by large, broad third premolars that probably represent adaptations for hard object feeding (durophagy), and its craniodental morphology suggests the capacity to generate high bite forces. Qualitative and quantitative functional analyses of its postcranial skeleton indicate that it was probably scansorial and relatively agile, perhaps broadly similar in locomotor mode to the spotted quoll, but with a greater capacity for climbing and grasping. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of a total evidence dataset comprising 259 morphological characters and 9kb of DNA sequence data from five nuclear protein-coding genes, using both undated and âtip-and-node datingâ approaches, place the new taxon outside the marsupial crown-clade, but within the clade Marsupialiformes. It demonstrates that at least one metatherian lineage evolved to occupy the small-medium, meso- or hypo-carnivore niche in the northern hemisphere during the early Cenozoic, at a time when there were numerous eutherians (placentals and their fossil relatives) filling similar niches. However, the known mammal fauna from UzunçarĆıdere Formation appears highly endemic, and geological evidence suggests that this region of Turkey was an island for at least part of the early Cenozoic, and so the new taxon may have evolved in isolation from potential eutherian competitors. Nevertheless, the new taxon reveals previously unsuspected ecomorphological disparity among northern hemisphere metatherians during the first half of the Cenozoic
Write, draw, show, and tell: a child-centred dual methodology to explore perceptions of out-of-school physical activity
Background
Research to increase childrenâs physical activity and inform intervention design has, to date, largely underrepresented childrenâs voices. Further, research has been limited to singular qualitative methods that overlook childrenâs varied linguistic ability and interaction preference. The aim of this study was to use a novel combination of qualitative techniques to explore childrenâs current views, experiences and perceptions of out-of-school physical activity as well as offering formative opinion about future intervention design.
Methods
Write, draw, show and tell (WDST) groups were conducted with 35 children aged 10â11 years from 7 primary schools. Data were analysed through a deductive and inductive process, firstly using the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model as a thematic framework, and then inductively to enable emergent themes to be further explored. Pen profiles were constructed representing key emergent themes.
Results
The WDST combination of qualitative techniques generated complimentary interconnected data which both confirmed and uncovered new insights into factors relevant to childrenâs out-of-school physical activity. Physical activity was most frequently associated with organised sports. Fun, enjoyment, competence, and physical activity provision were all important predictors of childrenâs out-of-school physical activity. Paradoxically, parents served as both significant enablers (i.e. encouragement) and barriers (i.e. restricting participation) to physical activity participation. Some of these key findings would have otherwise remained hidden when compared to more traditional singular methods based approaches.
Conclusions
Parents are in a unique position to promote health promoting behaviours serving as role models, physical activity gatekeepers and choice architects. Given the strong socialising effect parents have on childrenâs physical activity, family-based physical activity intervention may offer a promising alternative compared to traditional school-based approaches. Parents' qualitative input is important to supplement childrenâs voices and inform future family-based intervention design. The WDST method developed here is an inclusive, interactive and child-centred methodology which facilitates the exploration of a wide range of topics and enhances data credibility
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