ICT in schools survey 2004

This document is the presentation and analysis of the findings of the ICT in schools survey in 2004 with attention given to computer-pupil ratios, staff use of ICT, e-confidence, e-safety and utilisation of specific technologies such as digital projectors

Physiological Effects of Relaxing Stimuli on Heart Rate and Brain Activity with Respect to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response

To gain a better understanding of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), brain activity and heart rate were examined under varying auditory ASMR triggers. ASMR, a psychophysiological response which can be brought on by auditory, visual, and touch stimuli, is described as a feeling of deep relaxation that can originate as a tingling sensation in the scalp and can travel down the spine and limbs in some cases. Many people use ASMR as a means of dealing with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even depression. For this investigation, 25 participants were asked to listen to a 10 minute audio track composed of a variety of ASMR triggers. These triggers and their effects on brain activity and heart rate were recorded via EEG and ECG, respectively. The recorded data was analyzed based on frequency, amplitude, and deviation from the baseline. Comparisons were made between distinct sections of the audio track and special attention was given to segments of the track that participants described as inducing the most relaxing effects for them. The data sets were also divided into groups based on participants’ familiarity with this phenomenon as well as by demographic parameters. Some noteworthy correlations have been identified through this preliminary investigation, an important contribution toward quantitative analysis of the ASMR phenomenon. *Indicates faculty mentor

e-learning through digital theatre : breaking down the tyranny of distance and limits of location

In this article, we report on a cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural digital exchange project between Australian Drama and Education students and Dutch English Language and Culture students, and examine the impact of the place-independent, technology-mediated communications and collaboration on their learning trajectories. The intensive, intercultural collaboration between the two groups of students resulted in a 50-minute group-devised, digital theatre play entitled Quarter Acre Dreaming. This play, performed through live interactive media by both Dutch and Australian students, traced the historical development of the Australian suburb, while integrating scenes of Dutch immigration into Australia. In the creative process, the students on either side of the globe interacted through Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), and used videoconferencing and Skype for live rehearsals and discussions to advance their learning of English, their performance repertoire and cross-cultural understanding

Clinical stakeholders' opinions on the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in critically ill patients in intensive care units : an international Delphi study

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Layered rare-earth hydroxides as multi-modal medical imaging probes: particle size optimisation and compositional exploration

Recently, layered rare-earth hydroxides (LRHs) have received growing attention in the field of theranostics. We have previously reported the hydrothermal synthesis of layered terbium hydroxide (LTbH), which exhibited high biocompatibility, reversible uptake of a range of model drugs, and release-sensitive phosphorescence. Despite these favourable properties, LTbH particles produced by the reported method suffered from poor size-uniformity (670 ± 564 nm), and are thus not suitable for therapeutic applications. To ameliorate this issue, we first derive an optimised hydrothermal synthesis method to generate LTbH particles with a high degree of homogeneity and reproducibility, within a size range appropriate for in vivo applications (152 ± 59 nm, n = 6). Subsequently, we apply this optimised method to synthesise a selected range of LRH materials (R = Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb), four of which produced particles with an average size under 200 nm (Pr, Nd, Gd, and Dy) without the need for further optimisation. Finally, we incorporate Gd and Tb into LRHs in varying molar ratios (1 : 3, 1 : 1, and 3 : 1) and assess the combined magnetic relaxivity and phosphorescence properties of the resultant LRH materials. The lead formulation, LGd1.41Tb0.59H, was demonstrated to significantly shorten the T2 relaxation time of water (r2 = 52.06 mM−1 s−1), in addition to exhibiting a strong phosphorescence signal (over twice that of the other LRH formulations, including previously reported LTbH), therefore holding great promise as a potential multi-modal medical imaging probe

Clinical components and associated behavioural aspects of a complex healthcare intervention : Multi-methods study of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in critical care

Copyright © 2013 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewedPostprin