Novel Non-equilibrium Phase Transition Caused by Non-linear Hadronic-quark Phase Structure

We consider how the occurrence of first-order phase transitions in non-constant pressure differs from those at constant pressure. The former has shown the non-linear phase structure of mixed matter, which implies a particle number dependence of the binding energies of the two species. If the mixed matter is mixed hadron-quark phase, nucleon outgoing from hadronic phase and ingoing to quark phase probably reduces the system to a non-equilibrium state, in other words, there exists the imbalance of the two phases when deconfinement takes place. This novel non-equilibrium process is very analogous to the nuclear reactions that nuclei emit neutrons and absorb them under appropriate conditions. We present self-consistent thermodynamics in description for the processes and identify the microphysics responsible for the processes. The microphysics is an inevitable consequence of non-linear phase structure instead of the effect of an additional dissipation force. When applying our findings to the neutron star containing mixed hadron-quark matter, it is found that the newly discovered energy release might strongly change the thermal evolution behavior of the star.Comment: 18pages,3figures;to be accepted for publication in Physics Letters

Using songs for beginners to learn Chinese : an action research study of local/global language education

Despite the previous research into the use of music, particularly songs, in teaching English, Spanish, and many other languages, the implication of employing songs in Chinese teaching classrooms is still under-developed. This research fills the gap in this area by combining pre-existing theories with practice in Sydney public school. Through examining student’s responses and feedbacks, the effectiveness of using songs in Chinese teaching is critically analysed, and the basic procedures in classroom use is generated. It is argued that since this pedagogy provides students with the opportunity to practice Chinese through entertaining and culturally rich songs, it enhances the learnability of Chinese as a second language. There are three major findings to support this argument: 1. The use of songs can aid in the recall of lexical input by producing mental repetition. 2. Through learning with supporting activities, students can be scaffolded to recognise and reconstruct grammatical structure. 3. Songs can provide motivations for students to explore Chinese and cultural learning. This thesis is part of the researches on the use of music in language teaching. It contributes to the future pedagogical researches regarding language teaching, especially Chinese teaching domain. More importantly, by engaging more students in Chinese learning, it can enhance the popularisation of Chinese in Australian schools