Thermal expansion and atomic displacement parameters of cubic KMgF3 perovskite determined by high-resolution neutron powder diffraction

The structure of KMgF3 has been determined by high-resolution neutron powder diffraction at 4.2 K, room temperature and at 10 K intervals from 373 K to 1223 K. The material remains cubic at all temperatures. The average volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion in the range 373-1223 K was found to be 7.11 (3) × 10-5 K-1. For temperatures between 4.2 and 1223 K, a second-order Grüneisen approximation to the zero-pressure equation of state, with the internal energy calculated via a Debye model, was found to fit well, with the following parameters: θD = 536 (9) K, Vo = 62.876 (6) Å3, Ko' = 6.5 (1) and (VoKo/Y') = 3.40 (2) × 10-18 J, where θD is the Debye temperature, Vo is the volume at T = 0, Ko' is the first derivative with respect to pressure of the incompressibility (Ko) and Y' is a Grüneisen parameter. The atomic displacement parameters were found to increase smoothly with T and could be fitted using Debye models with θD in the range 305-581 K. At 1223 K, the displacement of the F ions was found to be much less anisotropic than that in NaMgF3 at this temperature

A comparison of training methods to increase neck muscle strength [thesis]

The purpose of this study WHS to determine if increases in isometric cervical muscle strength and range of movement (ROM) generated from ten weeks of training on the Multi-cervical unit (MCU) is significantly greater than the increase gained by training with the dynaband. The high rate of neck injury in the Air Force from pilots exposed to high +Gz force has instigated this research. 32 healthy subjects were split into three groups, with one group as the control, one group training on the MCU and one group training on the dynaband. Training groups completed ten weeks of resistance training in their specified mode. Pre and post testing was performed on the MCU to measure changes in isometric strength and ROM. Comparisons were made using a one way ANOVA (

Reconceptualising inquiry in science education

Decades of discussion and debate about how science is most effectively taught and learned have resulted in a number of similar but competing inquiry models. These aim to develop students learning of science through approaches which reflect the authenticity of science as practiced by professional scientists while being practical and manageable within the school context. This paper offers a collection of our current reflections and suggestions concerning inquiry and its place in science education. We suggest that many of the current models of inquiry are too limited in their vision concerning themselves, almost exclusively, with producing a scaffold which reduces the complex process of inquiry into an algorithmic approach based around a sequence of relatively simple steps. We argue that this restricts students’ experience of authentic inquiry to make classroom management and assessment procedures easier. We then speculate that a more integrated approach is required through an alternative inquiry model that depends on three dimensions (conceptual, procedural and personal) and we propose that it will be more likely to promote effective learning and a willingness to engage in inquiry across all facets of a students’ school career and beyond

The value of images: using pictures and words to enhance intercultural and international communication

As our institution expands its international offerings it is increasingly important to be able to communicate with intelligent and able people who have not had much exposure to learning in English. It has been difficult however to communicate verbally due to the low English proficiency of international clients and lack of language skills on the part of the Australian participants. This experience in international communication has highlighted the need for alternative methods of communicating information. In communicating with the students from a Japanese university I found that using diagrams and sketches worked well for example, in creating a cartoon of the process needed to carry out an assignment, such as research in books, asking questions and testing out designs on users. The students also produced visuals to describe their experiences and thinking. The approach has also been used with postgraduate local students and has developed further dimensions that are proving valuable. This paper explains some of the directions taken in introducing visual communication with international clients and explores the ways the approach accords with research into compensatory communication strategies, in particular, communicating with pictures. The value of visual communication in intercultural and international contexts is demonstrated

The Introduction of the New Curriculum and Senior High School System in the Philippines : report of the consultation exercise undertaken in November 2015

Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) as critical determinants economic prosperity. Indeed, STEM educated and trained individuals have been shown to be major determinants of innovation and, thus, contributors to significant economic productivity. Capitalising on such reports, countries such as China and India have developed key policy strategies aimed at increasing the number of scientists and engineers in an attempt to reap the benefits of a STEM-educated workforce. Also, SEAMEO member countries are currently investigating proposals for a common curriculum and educational standards. The SEAMEO Basic Education Standards initiative is aiming to develop a common curriculum framework which reflects those of world class performing countries identified through international assessment tests such as PISA. The focus is science, mathematics, English and entrepreneurship at secondary schooling level and will be anchored by ASEAN values and culture. There is a clear commitment to STEM education in the region and the reported Philippine initiative is well placed to provide the necessary STEM education experiences for students that will lead to an increase in participation in STEM study and careers. In the Philippines, the education system has initiated an increase from ten years to twelve years of study and introduced a new science curriculum to enhance the teaching and learning of science and science related subjects. The Sheffield Institute of Education (SIoE),Sheffield Hallam University was asked by the CHED K to 12 team to conduct a consultation on aspects of the move to the K to 12 curriculum and the introduction of the Senior High Schools initiative. Two senior researchers from SIoE visited Manila in November 2015 and worked directly with the CHED team, invited teachers and HEI academics through informal discussions and workshops to gain an understanding of the K-12 and SHS initiative. The SIoE team developed a series of tools to aid reflection and analysis of the science curriculum. These are included in this report in the appendices. This White Paper will present findings from the consultation process based on the evidence gathered. It also sets out a list of recommendations aimed to support effective development and progress of the initiative. These recommendations emerge from the consultancy process

A new sighting study for the fixed concentration procedure to allow for gender differences

The fixed concentration procedure (FCP) has been proposed as an alternative to the median lethal concentration (LC50) test (organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) test guideline [TG] 403) for the assessment of acute inhalation toxicity. The FCP tests animals of a single gender (usually females) at a number of fixed concentration levels in a sequential fashion. It begins with a sighting study that precedes the main FCP study and is used to determine the main study starting concentration. In this paper, we propose a modification to the sighting study and suggest that it should be conducted using both male and female animals, rather than just animals of a single gender. Statistical analysis demonstrates that, when females are more sensitive, the new procedure is likely to give the same classification as the original FCP, whereas, if males are more sensitive, the new procedure is much less likely to lead to incorrect classification into a less toxic category. If there is no difference in the LC50 for females and males, the new procedure is slightly more likely to classify into a more stringent class than the original FCP. Overall, these results show that the revised sighting study ensures gender differences in sensitivity do not significantly impact on the performance of the FCP, supporting its use as an alternative test method for assessing acute inhalation toxicity

Rapid Nitrate Analysis of Soil Cores Using ISFETs

An intact core extraction procedure was tested that might be used in the field for real–time prediction of soil nitrates. An extraction solution was pushed through a soil core held between two filters, and an ion–selective field–effect transistor/flow injection analysis (ISFET/FIA) system was used to sense soil nitrates in real time. Laboratory tests were conducted using four soil types and two levels of nitrate concentration, soil moisture, core density, core length, core diameter, and extraction solution flow rate. The extraction solution flow was sampled at the exit face of the core and routed to the ISFET/FIA system. The ISFET output voltage was sampled at 100 Hz. Results of the test indicate that nitrate extraction of the soil cores was successful, and that data descriptors based on response curve peak and slope of the ISFET nitrate response curve might be used in tandem in a real–time prediction system

Service Design 101: The joy and challenge of introducing service design into an undergraduate design curriculum

This paper describes the introduction of service design into a university design course that previously promoted itself as industry-based and practice-driven—but which had not necessarily kept pace with the contemporary meanings of these terms. The followings discuss the need to teach service design in Western Australia. These are being highlighted through the latest development in business community, government and NGOs that seek innovation and sustainability. Edith Cowan University Design Department therefore is committed to teach socially-focused projects (such as wayfinding; civic identity; designing out crime) connect students with the public and real clients through collaborative practice and social design workshops. These changes are showing positive feedbacks from students and the community. Expected outcomes in the next 6 to 12 months are to establish clear point of difference to other design education providers in the state, and to see more design students working in and with other areas of the university