Time-Optimal Transfer of Coherence

We provide exact analytical solutions for the problem of time-optimal transfer of coherence from one spin polarization to a three-fold coherence in a trilinear Ising chain with a fixed energy available and subject to local controls with a non negligible time cost. The time of transfer is optimal and consistent with a previous numerical result obtained assuming instantaneous local controls.Comment: Published version (with typos in eqs. (25)-(27) corrected

A little black number: Undressing transformation from student to pattern maker

Frequently, there is a gap between students’ knowing, being and doing. This is significant in vocations where students must “become” discipline professionals, transforming their identities as they begin to understand the what, how and why of their profession. As learning cannot happen in isolation, it is crucial that staff support this metamorphosis. Tinto argues that the first year is the most important time for this support, when integration into the university is beginning.This project used action research to facilitate students’ journey to becoming pattern makers. Tinto’s framework underpinned a scaffolded approach: Expectations were clearly stipulated throughout the project: students were to design and construct a pattern for and ultimately sew a little black dress. Support was given through lecturer guidance, consultations and tutor assistance. Feedback was given weekly in time for students to correct work before beginning the next step. In a practical project it is inevitable that students are involved in the learning process. In the case of this project, they needed to use pattern making to link Creative Design and Garment Technology together. A focus group was conducted with students to understand if and how they experienced the transformation of becoming.By creating clear expectations, support, timely feedback and involvement, it was possible to facilitate the transformation less painfully than previous years. The implication for student well-being in higher education is that students who feel supported are more likely to succeed. This project is still challenging for students as it allows them to rise to higher expectations

Notes on Iowa Mosses - VI

In a paper presented before this Academy in 1931, the writer reported a species of Fabronia under the name F. gymnostoma. The species was collected by Dr. B. Shimek August 16, 1916, near West Lake Okoboji, where it occurred very sparingly near the base of a large partly decorticated red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Only a few old fruits were found. There were no peristomes, but a few rather ragged cells at the mouth of the capsule were taken to be a remnant of a membrane which closed the opening as in F. gymnostoma

Notes on Iowa Mosses. V.

Work during the past year on the collection of mosses in the Herbarium of the State University of Iowa has brought to light six species new to the state. Several other species, rare in the state, that have been found in new localities also seem worthy of note. The collections on which this report is based were made chiefly by Dr. B. Shimek, and the species here listed were collected by him unless otherwise specified

Teacher Curriculum: A Failed Paradigm of Practise and Proceedure

An examination of recent literature concerning teacher training suggests that in many parts of the western world it is constantly under review. Major Reports (Martin: 1964; Bell: 1971;James: 1972; The Senate: 1972; Williams: 1979; Coffey: 1980; Auchmuty: 1980) and the popular press have written and continue to write about various aspects of the teachers life. Some of these are anlyses of what is the case, others are about what could be the case whilst others dwell on the shortcomings of the teaching profession. The U.K. for example has its infamous Black Papers whilst in Australia the same concepts concerning standards occupy media space. Teacher unions continue to say what is lacking within educational bureaucracies, and State and Federal Governments respond in an ad hoc fashion to the pressures of budget, coercion and whim