bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teaching and Learning through Laboratory Experiments in the Area of Nuclear Technology
Authors: Lazarte Gustavo , Cruz Kouichi Julian Andres , Lucero Alejandra Lucia Perez , Chautemps Norma Adriana , Keil Walter Miguel 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Simulated laboratories are an effective tool to complement teaching and learning processes, in this case, in the area of nuclear physics and related sciences. They can be used in universities, schools, and research centers for personnel ramp up and training. This work presents the development of a simulator of a nuclear radiation counter and the elements used in experiments alongside it, such as simulated radioactive sources, absorbing materials and dispersing materials of radiation. This simulator allows us to verify the scientific laws that are involved in the interaction of radiation with matter, in a safe and reproducible way. The simulated laboratory experiments include determining the plateau curve of a Geiger-Müller tube, beta particle absorption and backscattering, and radioactive background. The data obtained from the simulations is based on the real experiments, eliminating the inherent risks of the manipulation of radioactive materials. This also allows to verify theoretical concepts in practice, strengthening the learning process and incentivizing research, interpretation, integration and communication of the obtained results. By incorporating this simulator in the multidisciplinary teaching and learning processes in STEM fields, it is possible to run these laboratories in a simple manner using non-radioactive materials.
The Covid-19 Between State of Emergency and Exception in Italy and Its Consequences on Human Rights
Authors: Omizzolo Marco , Sodano Pina 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In mid-December 2019, several atypical cases of pneumonia were detected in hospitals in Wuhan City – Hubei Province – in Inner China. It turns out that the first patients had already fallen ill in early December or even mid-November. However, only on the last day of the year 2019, Chinese doctors were able to officially identify a new virus in a 41-year-old patient admitted 5 days earlier. The virus belongs to the class of “coronavirus”, the same to which the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) viruses belong. It is initially baptized 2019-nCov, or “new 2019 coronavirus”. In February, the official name assigned to the virus is Sars-COV-2 and the associated disease is named COVID-19. The outbreak took on considerable proportions in China and then spread to the rest of the world, leading the World Health Organization to declare the infection a “pandemic” on 11 March 2020. The containment strategies applied in the most affected countries have proved to be very different in effectiveness, to the point that the lethality of the virus appears very different from country to country. This difference in impact has led to different legal, economic and social consequences.
The Quest to Quit: an Exploration of the Cessation - Relapse Cycle of Cigarette Smoking
Authors:   , Hooper Carolyn May 
Published: November 2021

<p>The smoker's perspective is seldom sought in cessation research. Consequently, cessation approaches may be less effective because they are not based on assumptions and interpretations shared by those who smoke. Understanding how chronic relapsing smokers interpret their predicament could enhance cessation approaches, improving the chances for complete, permanent cessation. To generate such an understanding, five participants were recruited who had attempted to quit smoking several times. Aiming for depth rather than breadth, multiple interviews were conducted with each participant, who also kept an event diary, recording current smoking, nicotine withdrawal, lapsing and relapsing. Narratology, a biographical method of symbolic interactionism drawing on thematic, structural, and dialogic analysis, was used to elicit the participants' points of view from interview and diary data. The findings show that participants make sense of their chronic relapsing through a master narrative of 'willpower versus weakness'. Meanwhile, the tobacco control domain is largely driven by 'cost', and subsidised treatments are driven by the 'addiction' master narrative. This gap between ways of making sense of smoking and relapse can cause self-stigma, reducing the likelihood that quitting will be attempted and that quit attempts will succeed. Changes are proposed to mitigate the negative effects on self-efficacy brought about through the present approach to tobacco control. Ways to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments are suggested. Finally, the value of the narrative method is highlighted, with suggestions for its use in research where elucidating the insider point of view may improve treatment outcomes.</p>
An Exploratory Case Study into the Cultural Effects on Knowledge Management Practices in the Solomon Islands
Authors:   , Sanga Joseph Baeoro 
Published: November 2021

<p>Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging discipline and in recent years it has received increased attention both from academics and practitioners. At the academic front, the major debate is over the conceptual plurality of KM. This is as a result of the subject having its roots from various disciplines. To practitioners the subject is attractive since it promises the management of knowledge, an abstract concept and the most elusive one to manage. Some think KM is just another fad but the realities experienced by multinational corporations trying to do business across cultures forces both academics and practitioners to constantly think about knowledge management and culture. This thesis posits that there is such a thing as national cultures. In this work, Solomon Islands' national culture with its main features of multiplicity of subcultures, bigmanism, wantokism, pijin and the people's experiences through mission work, government and war are highlighted as providing encouragement and also barriers to knowledge management. Using De Long and Fahey's four frameworks, a case study was conducted informed by the ethnographic tradition. The study drew on methodological triangulation which included semistructured interviews, focus groups, document analysis and observations. The use of multiple data collection tools was employed to ensure convergence of data and the dependability of this work. This study finds two important considerations. First, important knowledge is cognitive understanding and to a lesser extent technical. Structured knowledge is not central to KM. There are two reasons given for this view. One, due to scarcity of resources, there is high competition for education which is regarded as cognitive knowledge, although in practice it is structured knowledge. Two, indigenous knowing is socially constructed and mainly exists in tacit form. Second, even when solicited, participation from subordinates is difficult to come by. This behaviour is embedded in kastom relating to bigmanism. This thesis contributes both to theory and practice. The main theoretical contribution is the argument that knowledge management theorist must take into consideration the effects of national cultures on knowledge recognition and the evaluation of knowledge management concepts. For practitioners, an understanding of the recipient culture is critical for implementing proposed changes. Particularly for Solomon Islands practitioners, a special awareness is necessary from leadership to understand the minds of workers, otherwise change interventions will always be a frustrating vocation.</p>
The Magnetic Properties of Selected Rare Earth Nitrides Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors:   , Ludbrook B. M. 
Published: November 2021

<p>Gadolinium nitride (GdN) and samarium nitride (SmN) are grown by pulsed laser deposition on yttria stabilised zirconia substrates. Surface and structural characterisation shows that the thin films are epitaxial with crystallites of up to 30 nm in diameter and a very large in plane coherence length. A novel oxide layer is observed at the substrate-film interface, caused by oxygen in the substrate reacting with the deposited rare earth element. GdN is found to be ferromagnetic below 70 K with a saturation moment of 7 Bohr magneton per ion. The relationship between the crystal structure and the magnetisation is investigated using ferromagnetic resonance and a weak easy axis along the [111] azimuth is reported. Hall effect measurements show the carriers are electrons, present in concentrations of 1020/cm3. Magnetic measurements on SmN show the presence of metallic droplets, but correcting for these, the Curie temperature is found to be 30 K.We report on preliminary growths of europium nitride and show the valence of the Eu is 3+, solving an outstanding theoretical question.</p>
Precipitation in the Waikato River Catchment
Authors:   , Dravitzki Stacey Maree 
Published: November 2021

<p>Observational data and numerical models were used to investigate precipitation in and around the Waikato River catchment. This economically important catchment relies on a dependable precipitation supply for agriculture and hydroelectric generation, with stations generally receiving 2,000 +/- 300 mm of precipitation annually. Long-term and inter-annual variability of total and extreme precipitation were examined using up to 100 years of observational data. Precipitation volumes within the catchment were represented by a five-day smoothed, area-averaged time series, and extreme events were defined as exceeding the 95th percentile. Atmospheric circulation oscillations correlated with the frequency of light precipitation but not with the probability of occurrence or with the magnitude of heavy precipitation events. Also no significant linear variations in precipitation (either annual totals or extreme precipitation characteristics) were found over this period, although temperature increased by 1.15+/-0.45'. A total of 63 heavy precipitation events were identified between 1996 and 2001. An analysis of the prevailing synoptic conditions reveal that heavy precipitation was associated with the passage of cold fronts of cyclones with minima at both 500 and 1000 mb heights. Extended periods of enhanced baroclinicity (succession of cyclones) or blocking anticyclones east of New Zealand have led to flooding in the Waikato catchment. Storm tracking showed that 10% of cyclones originating in the Tasman Sea result in heavy precipitation in the catchment. The accuracy and value of the GFS global precipitation forecasts <= 180 hours were investigated. Depending on forecast lag, the global models correctly predicted the presence of precipitation in 70-80% of forecasts, but the magnitude and distribution were often inaccurate. The probability of receiving precipitation is increased when more members of a lagged ensemble predict it. Forecasts with lags shorter than approximately 96 hours were appropriate to use as boundary constraints for mesoscale modelling. The ability and limitations of mesoscale models to simulate the spatial distribution of precipitation were examined through high-resolution WRF simulations of three heavy precipitation events, and ten different model settings were compared for the January 2006 event. The model consistently under-predicted precipitation. The timing and location of convective precipitation, which accounted for 50% of the precipitation during two events, was physically unconstrained but regional totals were comparable to observations. A continuous two-year numerical simulation was run to provide a precipitation climatology for data-sparse areas. The simulation gave good spatial representation of precipitation and other meteorological variables but tended to under estimate the magnitude of heavy precipitation and over-estimate light precipitation.</p>
Evaluating a Group-Based Sustainability Intervention Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors:   , Davie Morgan Geddes 
Published: November 2021

<p>Meeting the challenge of anthropogenic climate change will require widespread adoption of more sustainable behaviours. However, although attitudes towards sustainable behaviours are positive, actual change is lagging behind. Three studies explored the success of a classroom intervention programme that was intended to support individual change towards more sustainable behaviour in the domains of energy conservation and consumer responsibility. It was expected that identification with the small action groups used in the programme would have a positive effect. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1977) and the social identity perspective (Turner, 1999) were used as a framework for analysis. Studies one and two examined the success of the intervention programme across two iterations. Behaviour measures used in study one were inadequate but effective measures were developed for the second study. The intervention programme was very successful in achieving behaviour change and improving attitudes towards and intentions to perform sustainable behaviour. The TPB was supported by both studies, although there were unexpected inconsistencies in the variables predicting intent. Contrary to expectations, there was no effect found for group identification. Differences were also found between those participants who chose to focus on energy conservation and those with a focus on consumer responsibility, suggesting that the consumption group approached environmental behaviour in a more holistic way. Study three was a qualitative analysis of diary entries by participants in study one. A participant narrative of sustainable behaviour was constructed and related to attribution theory, particularly the Martinko and Thomson (1998) synthesis model. The narrative substantially matched the TPB but some problematic aspects of the intent construct in the TPB were identified. There was also evidence of a positive effect of group membership that had not been captured by the group identification variable. Potential interpretations and consequences of these findings were discussed.</p>
Applied Mathematics of Space-time & Space+time: Problems in General Relativity and Cosmology
Authors:   , Cattoen Celine 
Published: November 2021

<p>Cosmography is the part of cosmology that proceeds by making minimal dynamic assumptions. That is, one does not assume the Friedmann equations (Einstein equations) unless and until absolutely necessary. On the other hand, cosmodynamics is the part of cosmology that relates the geometry to the density and pressure using the Friedmann equations. In both frameworks, we consider the amount of information and the nature of the constraints we can obtain from the Hubble flow in a FLRW universe. Indeed, the cosmological parameters contained in the Hubble relation between distance and redshift provide information on the behaviour of the universe (expansion, acceleration etc...). In the first framework, it is possible to concentrate more directly on the observational situation in a model-independent manner. We perform a number of inter-related cosmographic fits to supernova datasets, and pay particular attention to the extent to which the choice of distance scale and manner of representing the redshift scale affect the cosmological parameters. In the second framework, we use the class of w-parameter models which has become increasingly popular in the last decade. We explore the extent to which a constraint on the w-parameter leads to useful and non-trivial constraints on the Hubble flow in terms of cosmological parameters H(z), density p(z), density parameter O(z), distance scales d(z), and lookback time T(z). On another front, Numerical Relativity has experienced many breakthroughs since 2005, with full inspiral-merger-ringdown simulations now possible. One of the main goals is to provide very accurate templates of gravitational waves for ground-based and space-based interferometers. We explore the potential of a very recent and accurate numerical method, the Spectral Element Method (SEM), for Numerical Relativity, by treating a singular Schwarszchild black hole evolution as a test case. Spectral elements combine the theory of spectral and pseudo-spectral methods for high order polynomials and the variational formulation of finite elements and the associated geometric flexibility. We use the BSSN formulation of the Einstein equations with the method of the moving punctures. After applying the variational formulation to the BSSN system, we present several possible weak forms of this system and its spectral element discretization in space. We use a Runge-Kutta fourth order time discretization. The accuracy of high order methods can deteriorate in the presence of discontinuities or sharp gradients. We show that we can treat the element that contains the puncture with a filtering method to avoid artificial and spurious oscillations. These might form and propagate into the domain coming from discontinuous initial data from the BSSN system.</p>
Tourism as a Career in Malaysia: Stakeholders' Perceptions
Authors:   , Mohd Nor Muhammad Rudy Khairudin 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis examines the perceptions of tourism as a graduate career from the view of key stakeholders of tourism - the government, industry, educators and students. It aims to understand what key tourism stakeholders in Malaysia do in promoting tourism as a graduate career, and how students perceive tourism as a career option. The literature suggests that the issue of perceptions of tourism as a career be investigated from the perspective of key stakeholders. Hence, a stakeholder-inclusive approach in tourism human resource development is suggested as a measure to address the skilled labour shortage in tourism and the needs of various stakeholders. An analytical framework has been developed in this thesis to illustrate the relationships and gaps amongst stakeholders and how they view tourism as a graduate career in Malaysia. A total of 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior officials from relevant Ministries, industry bodies, a major employer, and directors of tourism management programs at two public universities and two polytechnics in Malaysia. In addition to that, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 193 final year students of tourism management programs at the same tertiary institutions. The qualitative data was coded into prominent themes while the quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS. This thesis found that the shortage of skilled labour is one of the issues faced by the stakeholders, due to the industry offering low level positions. The government believes that current policies in promoting tourism careers to students were adequate but the industry and educators feel that government does not provide adequate information about career paths in tourism for students. This thesis also discovered that students have generally positive perceptions of tourism as a career. Variables like level of education, willingness to choose a tourism program and overseas travel experience are significant, while the size of the employer, work experience in tourism, and the roles of family and friends working in tourism do not have an influence on students' career-related decisions. All stakeholders play a role in promoting tourism as a career to students but some measures have also been suggested to promote it more effectively.</p>
Basic Education for Poverty Alleviation: Community Perspectives from South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors:   , Saluling Detty M. 
Published: November 2021

<p>In efforts to combat worldwide poverty, education is considered a vital device. It is believed that basic education has a significant impact in stimulating a range of positive forces for change and to fight poverty. However, global efforts to ensure every child has access to quality basic education are still far from being achieved, especially in areas that are physically remote and isolated. Such issues are continually faced by Indonesia, which has many widespread regions and diverse communities and various traditional and customary beliefs, which can affect peoples' attitudes to the education of their children. In addition to an examination of several issues regarding the Government of Indonesia's quest to provide basic education to all Indonesian children, this thesis will also focus on a case study from two villages in the South Sulawesi Province. The study aims to explore the rural community perspectives on the value of basic education in people's lives, and whether it is important to improve their conditions and their children's future.</p>
The Role of Monocytes in Gouty Arthritis
Authors:   , Liu Xiao 
Published: November 2021

<p>Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis characterised by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the joint synovium and the subsequent acute influx of circulating leukocytes. This study investigated the contribution of the inflammatory microenvironment in driving recruited monocyte differentiation and function in acute gouty inflammation. Using the murine peritoneal model of MSU-induced inflammation, the differentiation and functional phenotypes of MSU-recruited monocytes were compared in normal acute inflammation and in an inflammatory environment depleted of resident macrophages and infiltrating neutrophils. In addition, the role of the local environment in producing monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was investigated. Furthermore, the effect of transmigration on the suppressor phenotype of recruited monocytes was also explored. The pro-inflammatory environment was shown to play a key role in the differentiation and function of recruited monocytes in MSU-induced acute inflammation. In addition, infiltrating neutrophils suppressed the pro-inflammatory abilities of recruited monocytes, which may contribute to the resolution of inflammation. Using both whole peritoneal membrane preparations and in vitro culture techniques, results showed that mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal membrane were a source of MCP-1 production, which contributed to monocyte recruitment. Finally no differences were observed in either the differentiation or functional phenotypes of MSU-recruited monocytes isolated from Glatiramer acetate (GA) treated or non-treated mice. These findings suggest that the inflammatory microenvironment plays a key role in driving the recruitment, differentiation and function of circulating monocytes in the MSU-induced model of acute inflammation.</p>