bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-step facile synthesis and high H2-evolution activity of suspensible CdxZn1−xS nanocrystal photocatalysts in a S2−/SO32−system
Authors: Zhong Wei , Huang Xiao , Xu Ying , Yu Huogen
Published: September 2018

Suspensible CdxZn1−xS nanocrystal photocatalysts with improved H2-evolution activity are prepared by a co-precipitation route in a sulfur-rich Na2S–Na2SO3solution.
l-Dopa and dopamine conjugated naphthalenediimides modulate amyloid β toxicity
Authors: Ramesh Madhu , Makam Pandeeswar , Voshavar Chandrashekhar , Khare Harshavardhan , Rajasekhar Kolla , Ramakumar Suryanarayanarao , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: September 2018

We report amino acid, l-dopa and dopamine functionalised naphthalenediimides (NDIs) and the detailed in silico and in vitro studies to identify potential multifunctional modulators of amyloid β toxicity.
One-pot synthesis of polyfunctionalized quinolines via a copper-catalyzed tandem cyclization
Authors: Chen Dianpeng , Sun Xuejun , Shan Yingying , You Jinmao
Published: September 2018

An efficient one-pot approach for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized quinolines was developed via a sequence of copper-catalyzed coupling reaction/propargyl-allenyl isomerization/aza-electrocyclization.
Electrophilic halogenation of hydrazones of CF3-ynones. Regioselective synthesis of 4-halo-substituted 3-CF3-pyrazoles
Authors: Muzalevskiy Vasiliy M. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: September 2018

An efficient approach for the synthesis of 4-halo-3-CF3-pyrazoles was elaborated using the cyclization of hydrazones of CF3-ynones induced by electrophilic halogenation.
From spent alkaline batteries to ZnxMn3−xO4 by a hydrometallurgical route: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Romo Lorena Alcaraz , López-Fernández Ana , García-Díaz Irene , Fernández Paloma , Urbieta Ana , López Félix A.
Published: September 2018

A series of Zn/Mn binary oxides with different molar ratios were synthesized via co-precipitation from a solution obtained through the leaching of a black mass originating from the mechanical recycling of spent alkaline and Zn–C batteries.
Ediacaran scavenging as a prelude to predation
Authors: Gehling James G. , Droser Mary L.
Published: September 2018

Predation is one of the most fundamental ecological and evolutionary drivers in modern and ancient ecosystems. Here, we report the discovery of evidence of the oldest scavenging of shallowly buried bodies of iconic soft-bodied members of the Ediacara Biota by cryptic seafloor mat-burrowing animals that produced the furrow and levee trace fossil, Helminthoidichnites isp. These mat-burrowers were probably omnivorous, stem-group bilaterians that largely grazed on microbial mats but when following mats under thin sands, they actively scavenged buried Dickinsonia, Aspidella, Funisia and other elements of the Ediacara Biota. These traces of opportunistic scavengers of dead animals from the Ediacaran of South Australia represent a fundamental ecological innovation and a possible pathway to the evolution of macrophagous predation in the Cambrian. While the Ediacaran oceans may have had oxygen levels too low to support typical large predators, the Helminthoidichnites maker lived in and grazed on microbial mats, which may have provided a localized source of oxygen.
RF operation in graded AlxGa1−xN (x = 0.65 to 0.82) channel transistors
Authors: Razzak T. , Hwang S. , Coleman A. , Bajaj S. , Xue H. , Zhang Y. , Jamal‐Eddine Z. , Sohel S.H. , Lu W. , Khan A. , Rajan S.
Published: September 2018

The first report is presented on the RF operation of AlGaN channel transistor with Al‐composition above 80%. The reported device is a polarisation‐graded field effect transistor (PolFET) featuring an ultra‐wide bandgap (UWBG) AlGaN channel with Al‐composition grading from 65 to 82%. Transistors with a gate length of 0.8 μm were fabricated, with a current density of 265 mA/mm, the highest observed for AlGaN channel transistor with Al‐composition above 80%, and fT/fMAX of 5.4/14.2 GHz. This demonstration of RF operation of polarisation‐graded transistor provides a direction for achieving ultra‐wide bandgap AlGaN based devices for high performance RF and power switching applications.
Diffuse discharges in SF6 and mixtures of SF6 with H2, formed by nanosecond voltage pulses in non‐uniform electric field
Authors: Panchenko Alexei N. , Tarasenko Victor F. , Beloplotov Dmitry V. , Panchenko Nikolay A. , Lomaev Mikhail I.
Published: September 2018

Results of experimental study of nanosecond diffuse discharge in SF6 and gas mixtures of SF6 with H2, D2 and C2H6 are presented. The aim of this work is to study parameters of discharge between two extended electrodes with a small radius of curvature in SF6 and SF6 with additives. It was shown that diffuse discharge can be formed in SF6 at elevated pressure between blade electrodes with length of 30 cm. It was also confirmed that in a sharply non‐uniform electric field a beam of runaway electrons is generated and that the gap breakdown occurs due to ionisation waves which begin on electrodes with small radius of curvature. Laser action in the infrared spectral region was obtained in SF6–H2 (D2, C2H6) mixtures. The laser output up to 110 mJ was easily achieved which corresponds to ultimate intrinsic efficiency (with respect to deposited energy) of 10%.
Plant leaf classification using GIST texture features
Authors: Mostajer Kheirkhah Fateme , Asghari Habibollah
Published: September 2018

The leaves of plants have rich information in recognition of plants. In general, agriculture experts accomplish information extraction from the leaves. Since the leaves contain useful features for recognising various types of plants, so these features can be extracted and applied by automatic image recognition algorithms to classify plant species. In this study, the authors investigate a novel approach for recognition of plant species using GIST texture features. Then, the principal and suitable features are selected by principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm. In the classification step, three different approaches such as Patternnet neural network, support vector machine, and K‐nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithms were applied to the extracted features. For evaluation of the authors’ approach, they applied their proposed algorithm on three famous datasets. In comparison to some widely used features, the results show that their approach outperforms the other methods in the case of the time and the accuracy. The best results were achieved by applying PCA algorithm to GIST feature vector and using the Cosine KNN classifier.
Finite state machine control and power quality enhancement using Goertzel filter for multifunctional battery energy storage system
Authors: Pranith Sai , Kumar Shailendra , Singh Bhim , Bhatti Terlochan Singh
Published: September 2018

This study presents the design and control of a multifunctional battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide reactive power and harmonics compensation in grid‐connected and uninterrupted supply modes to loads during grid non‐availability. The BESS comprises of a bidirectional DC–DC converter and a grid‐connected voltage source converter (VSC). The bidirectional converter is controlled to provide the battery charging and to maintain constant DC link voltage. The VSC uses a multimode controller and the finite state machine (FSM) based logic for mode transitions. The multimode controller uses a sliding Goertzel transform based filter for grid‐connected mode and voltage controller for standalone mode of operation. The FSM logic monitors the system parameters using a voltage and the rate of change of frequency for deciding the mode of operation and for smooth transition between these modes. Simulated and test results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control in achieving the set objectives.
Miniaturisation of wideband antennas by means of feed line topology alterations
Authors: Ul Haq Muhammad Aziz , Koziel Slawomir , Cheng Qingsha S.
Published: September 2018

It is a common practice to achieve reduction of wideband antenna size by incorporating appropriate geometrical modifications into conventional antenna topologies (e.g. monopoles or uniplanar structures). The authors investigate a particular type of modification, which is changing the geometry of the feed line. The two basic geometries include a taper and a stepped‐impedance line. They carry out systematic investigations concerning the effect of these feed line geometries on obtainable antenna miniaturisation rates. For the sake of generality, feed line geometries of various complexities are considered (from two to six sections). An automated adjustment of antenna geometry parameters through numerical optimisation is performed to ensure design optimality for each combination of antenna/feed structure. The optimisation process is formulated as an explicit size reduction task with a constraint on the maximum in‐band reflection level. The investigations are performed using two selected ultra‐wideband monopoles. The results indicate clear advantage of the stepped‐impedance feed line over the tapered one. On the other hand, considerable size reduction can be obtained by increasing the geometrical complexity of the feed line, although the design problem becomes more challenging due to the increased number of antenna parameters. Numerical results are validated experimentally for selected antenna prototypes.
Influence of environmental conditions on the virulence and distribution of Orobanche cumana Wallr. in the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Duca Maria , Clapco Steliana , Nedealcov Maria , Dencicov Lidia
Published: September 2018

The parasitic angiosperm Orobanche cumana is present in the main sunflower-producing countries around the world. In recent years, more aggressive races of broomrape have evolved and the parasite has rapidly spread to new areas. A similar trend has been observed in the Republic of Moldova. At the beginning of 1950s, broomrape was detected in Moldova, especially in the southern areas. Currently, all the known races of Orobanche are present in the country and the parasite has expanded considerably on new areas in the center and north. Based on these results and the data reported by other authors, related to influence of climate change on the phytosanitary situation, we studied the interdependence between the climate and the distribution of Orobanche cumana Wallr. over different parts of the Republic of Moldova. Prevalence of broomrape infection mainly in the southern and central part of the Republic of Moldova and its sporadic presence in the northern part can be influenced, not only by short rotations, type of sunflower hybrids grown and soil parameters, but also by the weather conditions such as higher temperatures and lower humidity in the south and center. Based on multiannual data and trends observed in recent years, characterized by an increase in temperature and decrease of relative humidity, we conclude that climate change will create favorable conditions for infecting sunflower plants in all the areas where sunflowers are grown, including the expansion of broomrape to the north of Moldova.
Neutrophil- and Platelet- to Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Euthyroid Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Bilge Muge , Yesilova Aylia , Adas Mine , Helvaci Aysen
Published: September 2018

Background Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder. Both neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are reported to be increased in various inflammation-related diseases, but their clinical significance in HT remains unclear.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid autommunity and NLR and PLR as markers of systemic inflammation in HT.

Methods In this study, we evaluated 145 women with HT and 60 age-matched healthy controls. We compared the PLR and the NLR of HT patients with controls and the correlation between the NLR, PLR, and C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibody titers in the patient group. Also we compared the PLR and the NLR of HT patients that received levothyroxine with those who did not receive levothyroxine

Results There were no significant differences between patient and control groups in terms of overall leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and other laboratory tests. In the patient group lymphocyte counts were lower while the platelet counts, NLR (2.29±0.65 vs1.68±0.40), PLR (164.95±55.14 vs106.88±32.19) were higher than those of the control (p<0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusion In this study we found that NLR and PLR were higher in euthyroid Hashimoto patients than in a healthy control group. NLR and PLR are likely non-specific indicators of immune disorder and their implications for HT and other conditions remain to be elucidated.
Influence of Exercise on Platelet Function in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Neergaard-Petersen Søs , Hvas Anne-Mette
Published: September 2018

Regular exercise may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular thrombotic events. However, previous studies suggest that the risk of myocardial infarction or primary cardiac arrest is transiently increased during exercise. Thus, on the one hand, exercise seems to be able to protect against cardiovascular disease, but on the other hand, it seems to provoke sudden cardiac death. As platelets play a key role in arterial thromboembolic disease, the effect of exercise on platelet function is of special interest. This systematic review summarizes the evidence of the influence of exercise on platelet function in patients with coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, or peripheral arterial disease. We specifically investigated, (1) if platelet function was increased in patients prior to exercise compared with healthy controls, (2) if exercise influenced platelet function differently in patients compared with healthy controls, and finally (3) if exercise reduced the effect of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). We performed a literature search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. In total, 18 articles were included and grouped into studies including patients with coronary artery disease (n = 7), angina pectoris (n = 5), hypertension (n = 5), and patients with peripheral arterial disease (n = 2). One study included both patients with coronary artery disease and patients with hypertension, and this study was therefore included in both groups. All studies performed short-term exercise either using treadmill (n = 12), primarily following the Bruce protocol, or bicycle ergometer test (n = 6). Overall, patients did not differ from healthy controls in platelet aggregation or activation prior to exercise. After exercise, conflicting results were reported with some studies reporting intensified platelet aggregation and/or platelet activation, some studies found no difference, whereas a few studies reported a reduction in platelet aggregation after exercise when compared with controls. Exercise seemed to impair the effect of aspirin during or shortly after exercise. In conclusion, the studies reported contradictive results. However, this review indicates that strenuous short-term exercise induces increased platelet activation also implying a reduced effect of aspirin during short-term exercise. Controlled studies on the effect of regular long-term low-intensity exercise are needed to further clarify the influence of long-term exercise on platelet function.
A suite-level review of the neutron powder diffraction instruments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Authors: Calder S. , An K. , Boehler R. , Dela Cruz C. R. , Frontzek M. D. , Guthrie M. , Haberl B. , Huq A. , Kimber S. A. J. , Liu J. , Molaison J. J. , Neuefeind J. , Page K. , dos Santos A. M. , Taddei K. M. , Tulk C. , Tucker M. G.
Published: September 2018

The suite of neutron powder diffractometers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) utilizes the distinct characteristics of the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor to enable the measurements of powder samples over an unparalleled regime at a single laboratory. Full refinements over large Q ranges, total scattering methods, fast measurements under changing conditions, and a wide array of sample environments are available. This article provides a brief overview of each powder instrument at ORNL and details the complementarity across the suite. Future directions for the powder suite, including upgrades and new instruments, are also discussed.
Theoretical and experimental research on a high efficiency X-band klystron-like RBWO
Authors: Yang Dewen , Shi Yanchao , Xiao Renzhen , Teng Yan , Sun Jun , Chen Changhua
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we study an X-band klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillator (RBWO) with a pre-modulation cavity, modulation ridge, drift tube in the slow wave structure (SWS) and extraction cavity in both theoretical and experiment. PIC simulations show that the conversion efficiency can be up to 62% with output power of 3.0 GW. In experiment, when the diode voltage is 660 kV, and the diode current is 6.4 kA, the output power is 1.9 GW, and the conversion efficiency is 45%(±5%). And we find that the conversion efficiency mainly suffers from the breakdown in the extraction cavity and the plasma from the cylindrical collector. To suppress the breakdown and plasma effect, the breakdown electric field threshold in RF structures(especially in the extraction cavity) had better be larger than 700 kV/cm. Moreover, the distance between the position where the electrons are collected and the end of extraction cavity should be larger than 20 mm in case of the cylindrical collector.
Epitaxial GaAs and pHEMT on aluminum-transformed AlAs nanofilms
Authors: Cheng Chia-Chu , Wu Chu-Chun , Fan Yen-Ting , Wu Jenq-Shinn , Lin Sheng-Di
Published: September 2018

Heterogeneous epitaxial growth between semiconductors and metals boosts novel device development and enables various applications. In this work, we have investigated the epitaxial growth of GaAs layers on top of a nanoscale aluminium-transformed AlAs film. The grown GaAs layers are single-crystalline and of high-quality, that has been evidenced by using various material characterization methods and by fabricating their high-electron mobility transistors. We found that an intriguing process named as “arsenidation” of aluminium film plays a key role in the successful epitaxy. Our work opens a window for growing semiconductor/metal hetero-structures for various device applications in the future.
Periodic pattern formation in an achiral bent core nematic
Authors: Elamain Omaima , Hegde Gurumurthy , Komitov Lachezar
Published: September 2018

We investigated a periodic flexoelectric domain pattern, which appeared as regular parallel stripes in an achiral bent core nematic liquid crystal when dc electric field was applied. We found that such a pattern was first formed at the substrate surface and took place in sandwich cells with a gap larger than 2μm. The field-induced periodic pattern was preserved in the field-off state by a polymer network formed in the cell and was found to exhibit a polar as well as a linear electro-optic response due to in-plane switching of the sample optic axis. A comparison between this response and the one obtained in short cholesteric liquid crystals, aligned in ULH (uniform lying helix) texture, and short pitch ferroelectric liquid crystals, respectively, suggested that a heliconical molecular order is most probably formed in the field-induced periodic stripe pattern, with the helix axis orthogonal to the stripes. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence of field-induced chiral-symmetry breaking in the flexoelectric periodic stripe pattern in achiral bent core nematic, resulting in heliconical molecular order, resembling the one of twist-bend (TB) nematic phase in this kind of nematics.
Flexible, transparent resistive switching device based on topological insulator Bi2Se3-organic composite
Authors: Das Biswajit , Sarkar Pranab K. , Das Nirmalya S. , Sarkar Samrat , Chattopadhyay Kalyan K.
Published: September 2018

Two-dimensional topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanosheets (NSs) embedded in poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) are employed for the first time for the resistive switching (RS) application. Hexagonal 2D Bi2Se3 NSs are synthesized by a simple solvothermal method and combine with PMMA at different weight percentages of 2D Bi2Se3. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy along with other characterizations such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were performed for the characterization of Bi2Se3@PMMA hybrid system. The composite was deposited on a transparent, flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate to form Ag/Bi2Se3@PMMA/indium doped tin oxide memory cell. I-V characteristics of the device revealed a stable and non-volatile memory effect. The device shows a significantly high resistance (RHRS/RLRS) ratio, more than 103, high retention time (more than 9000 s) with high reproducibility over a large number of (105) ac cycles. From the experimental data, RS performances are explained by using a charge trapping–detrapping mechanism. Owing to the increasing interest in flexible electronics, bending tests are carried out at various bending diameters (10–30 mm) to show the mechanical robustness of the proposed device.
Gd doping effect in p-type Bi2Te3 single crystals
Authors: Kim Soo-Whan , Jung Myung-Hwa
Published: September 2018

It is generally accepted that Bi2Te3 prepared from stoichiometric melts has p-type charge carriers generated from BiTe-type antisite defects, while Bi2Te3 grown under Te-rich condition becomes n-type due to another type of TeBi antisite defects. We report the magnetic and transport properties of GdxBi2-xTe3 prepared from stoichiometric melts, where p-type charge carriers are dominant. The physical properties of all the samples have no significant changes with varying the nominal Gd composition up to x = 0.2. Compared with n-type GdxBi2-xTe3 samples grown under Te-rich condition, we find low solubility for all the samples and no clear signature of antiferromagnetic order. These results suggest that the Gd doping rate in GdxBi2-xTe3 is governed by the type of antisite defects and charge carriers, so that the antiferromagnetic ordering is not eventually introduced.
Effects of thickness ratios and sputtering mode on the structural, electrical and optical properties of bilayer molybdenum thin films
Authors: Zhao Haili , Xie Jingpei , Liang Tingting , Mao Aixia , Wang Aiqin , Chen Yanfang , Ma Douqin , Paley Vladislav , Volinsky Alex A.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the bilayer Mo films with a constant thickness were deposited by direct current and direct current (DC/DC), radio frequency and direct current mixed (RF/DC) magnetron sputtering, respectively. Changing thickness ratios of bottom layer to total thickness of bilayer film in the range from 10% to 50%, ten types of bilayer Mo thin films were deposited. The purpose is to improve the photo-conversion efficiency of Cu(In, Ga)Se2(CIGS) solar cells by changing the sputtering modes and thickness ratio. The microstructures, electrical and optical properties of the bilayer Mo thin films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), Hall Effect measurement system, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis) and four-point probe resistance system. It was found that with the increase of thickness ratios in two sputtering modes, both the crystallinity and grain size decreased, while the reflectance increased. Especially, when the thickness ratio was 40%, the resistivity of Mo film prepared in RF/DC mode was as low as 3.365 ×10-5 Ω·cm and the highest reflectance was above 60%. Using this optimized Mo thin film as electrode, the highest photo-conversion efficiency for the CIGS thin film solar cells was as high as 11.5%.
Linear wave propagation for resistive relativistic magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Mignone A. , Mattia G. , Bodo G.
Published: September 2018

We present a linear mode analysis of the relativistic magnetohydrodynamics equations in the presence of finite electrical conductivity. Starting from the fully relativistic covariant formulation, we derive the dispersion relation in the limit of small linear perturbations. It is found that the system supports ten wave modes which can be easily identified in the limits of small or large conductivities. In the resistive limit, matter and electromagnetic fields decouple and solution modes approach pairs of light and acoustic waves as well as a number of purely damped (non-propagating) modes. In the opposite (ideal) limit, the frozen-in condition applies and the modes of propagation coincide with a pair of fast magnetosonic, a pair of slow and Alfvén modes, as expected. In addition, the contact mode is always present and it is unaffected by the conductivity. For finite values of the conductivity, the dispersion relation gives rise to either pairs of opposite complex conjugate roots or purely imaginary (damped) modes. In all cases, the system is dissipative and also dispersive as the phase velocity depends nonlinearly on the wavenumber. Occasionally, the group velocity may exceed the speed of light although this does not lead to superluminal signal propagation.
Investigation of comb-type pulse forming line with low impedance
Authors: Liu Shifei , Zhang Zicheng , Li Song , Liang Bo
Published: September 2018

Development of pulsed power technology is toward higher power, longer duration, and more compact structures. Compact coaxial propylene carbonate pulse forming lines are widely used in the application of pulsed power systems. In order to further lengthen the duration and decrease the geometrical sizes of pulsed power systems, a comb-type pulse forming line is adopted. It is a slow-wave structure with a comb-type inner electrode. In this paper, the operation principle, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental investigation of the comb-type forming line are carried out, respectively. First, the operation principle is briefly introduced. The principle to increase the duration is explained. Second, the theoretical analyses about the dispersion relation are proposed. Third, the PSpice model is built by the L-C network. Based on the calculated parameters, the electrical circuit is simulated. A Computer Simulation Technology (CST) model is also built, which allows for a straightforward coupling of electric and magnetic (EM) simulation and circuit simulation. Finally, the comb-type pulse forming line is experimentally tested and verified. For the comb-type propylene carbonate forming line with a 67 cm length to replace the traditional coaxial one, it has an impedance of 8 Ω and a duration of 64 ns. Experimental data on its test results are given. The experimental results are in accordance with the numerical simulations. The investigation approved the comb-type pulse forming line feasible and set a solid foundation for its application in the pulsed power system.
Atomic structure calculations, partition function, and thermodynamic parameters for W LXXII and Au LXXVII
Authors: Singh Narendra , Goyal Arun
Published: September 2018

In this work, we present a theoretical study of W LXXII (Li-like W71+) and Au LXXVII (Li-like Au76+) by employing a multi-configuration Dirac Fock method approach within the framework of the Dirac-Coulomb Hamiltonian including quantum electrodynamics and Breit corrections. We have presented energies of the lowest 42 fine structure energy levels and radiative data for electric dipole (E1) transitions within the lowest 42 levels. We have made comparisons with available energy levels compiled by NIST and achieved good agreement. We have also discussed discrepancies between our results and other theoretical results with possible reasons of discrepancy. Due to inadequate data in the literature for higher excited states, analogous relativistic distorted wave calculations have also been performed using the flexible atomic code to assess the reliability and accuracy of our results. Furthermore, we have calculated the partition function and thermodynamic properties by the fine structure approach. The variation of the partition function, internal energy, and specific heat with temperature is also discussed. We believe that our presented work and future comparisons with experimental observations will be beneficial in fusion plasma.
Tasks in the pedagogic space
Authors: Andon Nick , Dewey Martin , Leung Constant
Published: September 2018

This chapter discusses two related studies, both carried out at our own institution with participant students enrolled on an MA in Applied Linguistics, and both aimed at exploring the development of academic discourse at Master’s level. Both studies draw on ‘task’ as a unifying point of reference. The first study examines student and tutor posts written in an online discussion forum for a first semester module on the MA programme. The forum, which comprises a series of reading, writing, and discussion tasks, was intended as an opportunity for students to relate concepts covered in the MA to existing beliefs and practices and to discuss the pedagogic implications of theory and research in applied linguistics. Our objective was to better understand how students perceive the purpose and value of online tasks. Student participation in the online tasks raised wider issues of engagement with pedagogic activities. This prompted us to carry out a second study concerning student engagement with feedback on assessed work throughout the academic year. For this, we carried out student interviews, inviting participants to bring with them one assessed assignment from the previous term and discuss their responses to the written comments they had received from tutors. We were especially interested in understanding students’ prior assumptions and expectations regarding feedback, to explore students’ readiness to make use of feedback and examine to what extent feedback can have an impact on academic writing.

In both studies we found a number of telling differences between student and staff perceptions of and orientation to the various tasks and activities being investigated. In our framing of the relevant pedagogic issues we consider the factors to emerge from the studies as components of a wider “pedagogic space”, a framing which has enabled us to make sense of the data by posing some very constructive questions and by reflecting on broader pedagogic, curriculum, and organisational matters.
Becoming a task-based teacher educator
Authors: Baralt Melissa
Published: September 2018

In this chapter, I adopt a case study approach to my own transformation from academic researcher to university-level teacher educator responsible for training future language teachers and providing training and professional development workshops to language teachers in my community. I describe how I set out as a newly-minted Ph.D. with a background in second language acquisition (SLA) research and a specialization in task-based language teaching (TBLT), and why and how I had to move beyond my own SLA-based training in order to be able to support teachers in the real world of classroom, particularly those encountering TBLT for the first time. Fundamental to my transition was what I learned from classroom observation, teachers’ feedback, action research, and conscious reflection on my own practices. In what follows, I explore this process through the prism of TBLT, that is, in relation to a suite of courses and workshops on language teaching methodology and TBLT, and chart the evolution of a task-based orientation to the delivery of those courses and its impact on my development as a teacher educator. In this I highlight how the construct of ‘task’ played a useful and facilitative role in framing reflection and development within a teacher education context. With this personal narrative, my goal is to draw on my own experience to highlight the real-world needs of classroom teachers, particularly those new or transitioning to TBLT, and how those needs might best be served by teacher educators.
Unearthing gold from the mud: alchemy and organizational tensions
Authors: Rozuel Cécile
Published: September 2018

Organizational tensions are overwhelmingly considered problems to be solved promptly, because they disrupt a rightful order and impede the normal flow of effective practice, production and service. I propose to look at organizational tensions through a more holistic and spiritually infused lens. The discussion is articulated around a core question: from a symbolic and spiritual viewpoint, how do we make sense of and how can we handle the inevitable tensions that fuel organizational life? Following the work of C.G. Jung, I identify tensions as opportunities for soulful learning and as synchronistic opportunities which point toward a chance at awakening something latent in our self. I outline how the complex and artful practice of alchemy offers a process of meaning-making of tensions in organizational life that is both systematic and creative, allowing a deeper understanding of what transformation entails, what shapes it can take, and how we can be present to it.
Growth-oriented new agricultural ventures: the role of entrepreneurial resources and capabilities under convergence forces
Authors: Pindado Emilio , Sánchez Mercedes
Published: September 2018

Using a multilevel approach, this study examines how new entrants’ resources, capabilities and context influence growth-oriented new agricultural ventures. Results indicate that growth orientation is largely self-determined. The knowledge base of the new entrants, their social ties with entrepreneurs, together with the capabilities to identify and exploit opportunities, as well as those to effectively offer new products, trigger these growth-oriented ventures. Industry contexts also influence them, as those operating in less agriculturally competitive countries have a greater probability of becoming growth-oriented, suggesting convergence forces. Lastly, results reveal that competitiveness positively moderates the relationship between product innovation capabilities and growth orientation.
Human Rights Law Concentrate
Authors: Rainey Bernadette
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. Human Rights Law Concentrate is supported by extensive online resources to take your learning further. It has been written by experts and covers all the key topics so that you can approach your exams with confidence. The clear, succinct coverage enables you to quickly grasp the fundamental principles of this area of law and helps you to succeed in exams. This guide has been rigorously reviewed, and is endorsed by students and lecturers for level of coverage, accuracy, and exam advice. It is clear, concise, and easy to use, helping you get the most out of your revision. After an introduction, the book covers: the European Convention on Human Rights; the Human Rights Act 1998; right to life and freedom from ill treatment; right to liberty and right to fair trial; right to family and private life; freedom of religion and expression; freedom of assembly and association; freedom from discrimination; and terrorism. This, the fourth edition, has been fully updated with all the recent developments in the law.
4. Right to life and freedom from ill-treatment
Authors: Rainey Bernadette
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on the right to life and freedom from ill-treatment, considered the two most fundamental human rights premised on the idea of the inherent dignity of human beings. The chapter examines the right to life as elucidated in Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), along with the ECHR’s positive obligations. It also highlights exceptions in Article 2(2) and the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) adjudication on controversial issues as to when life begins and ends, including abortion, the right to die, and the death penalty. The chapter then examines Article 3 and the interpretation of the Article by the ECtHR. In addition, the chapter looks at the UK’s approach to freedom from ill-treatment and the right to life, and concludes with a discussion of the scope of Article 3 with regard to freedom from ill-treatment.
9. Freedom from discrimination
Authors: Rainey Bernadette
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on freedom from discrimination, beginning with an overview of equality as a contested concept as well as formal and substantive forms of equality, and then examines the United Nations’ development of specific treaty and charter mechanisms to protect individuals against discrimination. It then discusses Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which gives limited protection against discrimination but has been expanded by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in its case law and via Protocol 12. Finally, the chapter examines the consolidation and expansion of equality laws in the UK (except for Northern Ireland) under the Equality Act 2010.
4. Directors
Authors: Roach Lee
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on company directors. Every private company must have at least one director, while every public company must have at least two. Directorsʼ duties are now found in the Companies Act 2006, which provides for seven general duties that directors owe to the company. A director’s term of office can terminate in several ways including resignation, retirement, or removal. The courts can also disqualify a person from acting as director.
7. Capital and capital maintenance
Authors: Roach Lee
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the two principal types of capital that companies acquire: share capital (capital obtained by selling shares) and debt capital (capital borrowed from others). Having obtained share capital through the selling of shares, the law requires that the company ‘maintain’ that capital by not distributing it in unauthorized ways, notably by prohibiting companies from returning capital to the shareholders prior to liquidation.
2. Actus reus
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter reviews the actus reus elements of criminal offence. The actus reus consists of prohibited conduct (acts or omissions), prohibited circumstances, and/or prohibited consequences (results). A person can be criminally liable for omissions at common law, but imposing this liability can be controversial. Causation is a key part of consequence/result crimes. The prosecution must prove that the result was caused by the defendant. In order to do this, the chain of causation must first be established, and then consideration must be given to any intervention which might break the chain.
7. Homicide I
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses murder, arguably the most serious crime in English law. Murder is where D kills V, and D intends to kill or intends to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The most common criticism of the offence of murder is that the sentence is mandatory irrespective of whether the mens rea is the more serious form (intent to kill) or the less serious form (intent to cause GBH). There were three partial defences to murder under the Homicide Act 1957 (diminished responsibility, provocation, and suicide pact). There are three partial defences to murder under the Homicide Act 1957 as amended and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009; diminished responsibility, loss of self-control, and suicide pact. The chapter considers the first two in detail. These are partial defences because they result in a conviction for manslaughter rather than a full acquittal.
8. Homicide II
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. An unlawful homicide committed without the mens rea for murder is involuntary manslaughter. This chapter discusses the three classes of involuntary manslaughter: reckless manslaughter, unlawful act manslaughter, and gross negligence manslaughter. Both unlawful act manslaughter and gross negligence are notable for the low level of mens rea required. Indeed, with gross negligence manslaughter the defendant may not even have foreseen the risk of death and yet still be convicted of manslaughter.
13. Other property offences
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter examines six offences: criminal damage, robbery, burglary, handling stolen goods, making off without payment, and squatting. What the offences share is that they relate in some way to property. Although rarely examined on their own, these topics are often assessed as part of bigger questions, sometimes incorporating other offences (eg theft, assault) and sometimes involving aspects of the general defences too.
14. Defences I
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter examines the defences of age, insanity, automatism, intoxication, and mistake. If D is under the age of ten, he is deemed incapable of criminal liability. Insanity is where D proves he had a disease of mind which caused a defect of reason so that D did not know the nature and quality of his act or that it was wrong. Non-insane automatism is an assertion by D that the prosecution cannot prove the actus reus of the offence because D was not in control of his muscular movements. Intoxication rarely succeeds as a defence. Involuntary intoxication is a defence if D does not form mens rea. Voluntary intoxication is a defence only if D is charged with a specific intent crime and D did not form mens rea. Mistake is a defence provided the mistake prevents D forming mens rea.
3. Pay
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the law on employee wages. An employer may be required to pay wages even if there is no work for the employee to do. Part II of Employment Rights Act 1996 deals with the protection of wages. The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (NMWA) provides a minimum hourly wage for workers. A higher minimum wage for those over 25, the National Living Wage, was introduced in 2016.
6. Parental rights
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the law on parental rights. Topics covered include maternity leave, parental leave, time off for dependants, and right to request flexible working. The right to shared parental leave (SPL) is singled out for detailed treatment, partly because it is fairly new, and partly because, some would say, it exemplifies an old-fashioned approach to sex equality when caring for newborns. The option as to whether her partner can share in SPL is for the mother to decide; the mother may receive (by contract) enhanced maternity pay, but there is no enhanced SPL. The effect is to reinforce the mother’s staying at home because if she goes back to work, the family will lose most of the partner’s income because the rate of pay for SPL is low, around £145 a week. The latter point is arguably sex discrimination, and during the currency of this book the Employment Appeal Tribunal will decide this issue (at the time of writing employment tribunals are split).
8. Variation, breach, and termination of employment
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses variations of terms and conditions of employment. Theoretically, neither employer nor employee can unilaterally alter the terms and conditions of employment. A unilateral variation that is not accepted will constitute a breach and, if serious, could amount to a repudiation of the contract. A repudiation does not automatically terminate a contract of employment. In order to justify summary dismissal the employee must be in breach of an important express or implied term of the contract.
10. Redundancy
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the law on redundancy. Employees are considered redundant if the employer has ceased or intends to cease carrying on the business for the purposes for which the employees were employed, or in the place where they are employed there has been, or will be, a diminution in the need for work of a particular kind. The burden of proof is on the employer to show that any offer of alternative employment was suitable and that any refusal by the employee was unreasonable. The size of a redundancy payment depends upon the employee’s age, length of service, and the amount of a week’s pay.