title: Evaluating the effects of team-skills training on subjective workload

authors: Prichard, Jane S.

subjects: subjective workload

abstract: This study evaluated the impact of a team-skills training intervention on students’ subjective experience of workload when working in collaborative groups. Three cohorts of students (N = 295) taking an undergraduate degree unit were compared across three successive years, in which presence or absence of training was varied. Students in trained groups reported lower levels of subjective workload than those in untrained groups and also performed better across a range of academic exercises. This effect was moderated by whether students were regrouped half-way through the academic year. Results are discussed in terms of theories of team-skill acquisition and issues in skill transferability caused by regrouping.

text: Evaluating the effects of team-skills training on subjective workload This study evaluated the impact of a team-skills training intervention on students’ subjective experience of workload when working in collaborative groups. Three cohorts of students (N = 295) taking an undergraduate degree unit were compared across three successive years, in which presence or absence of training was varied. Students in trained groups reported lower levels of subjective workload than those in untrained groups and also performed better across a range of academic exercises. This effect was moderated by whether students were regrouped half-way through the academic year. Results are discussed in terms of theories of team-skill acquisition and issues in skill transferability caused by regrouping.

year: 2010

title: Protein-Intercalated Bentonite as Nano-Reinforcement in Bloodmeal-Based Bioplastics

authors: Shamsuddin, Rashid M.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Novatein Thermoplastic Protein (NTP) is a biopolymer produced by modifying bloodmeal to a thermoplastic material, but requires reinforcement to improve mechanical properties. Proteinintercalated calcium (CaBt) and sodium bentonite (NaBt) were investigated as nano-scale reinforcements in NTP. These were prepared by recovering proteins from meat processing wastewater called stickwater, thereby reducing treatment cost and intercalating protein into clay layers in a single step. Using stickwater-modified NaBt improved the composite’s tensile strength by 23% (at 0.5 parts per hundred bloodmeal, pphBM) and Young’s modulus by 17% compared to standard NTP. Stickwater treatment greatly improved the compatibility of bentonite with NTP compared to gelatin-treated bentonite whose resulting composites only had similar or slightly improved mechanical properties. The improved mechanical properties are parallel with other improvements observed in thermal, crystallinity and filler distribution. Potential applications include plant pots and seedling trays for plant nursery and agricultural disposable tools such as weasand clips, nails and barbs.

text: Protein-Intercalated Bentonite as Nano-Reinforcement in Bloodmeal-Based Bioplastics Novatein Thermoplastic Protein (NTP) is a biopolymer produced by modifying bloodmeal to a thermoplastic material, but requires reinforcement to improve mechanical properties. Proteinintercalated calcium (CaBt) and sodium bentonite (NaBt) were investigated as nano-scale reinforcements in NTP. These were prepared by recovering proteins from meat processing wastewater called stickwater, thereby reducing treatment cost and intercalating protein into clay layers in a single step. Using stickwater-modified NaBt improved the composite’s tensile strength by 23% (at 0.5 parts per hundred bloodmeal, pphBM) and Young’s modulus by 17% compared to standard NTP. Stickwater treatment greatly improved the compatibility of bentonite with NTP compared to gelatin-treated bentonite whose resulting composites only had similar or slightly improved mechanical properties. The improved mechanical properties are parallel with other improvements observed in thermal, crystallinity and filler distribution. Potential applications include plant pots and seedling trays for plant nursery and agricultural disposable tools such as weasand clips, nails and barbs.

year: 2015

title: Inter-propositional relations: An investigation of authentic Māori texts signalled in te reo Māori

authors: Whaanga, Hēmi

subjects: Māori manuscripts

abstract: I report here on a part of a research project involving the investigation of a range of authentic Māori texts in terms of two types of meaning relation - those that operate within propositions (referred to here as 'intra-propositional relations'), and those that link propositions or groups of propositions (referred to here as 'inter-propositional relations'). In focus here is the second of these types, that is, inter-propositional relations, and in particular, the ways in which they are signalled in te reo Māori. The implications of the findings for the teaching and learning of te reo Māori are also discussed.

text: Inter-propositional relations: An investigation of authentic Māori texts signalled in te reo Māori I report here on a part of a research project involving the investigation of a range of authentic Māori texts in terms of two types of meaning relation - those that operate within propositions (referred to here as 'intra-propositional relations'), and those that link propositions or groups of propositions (referred to here as 'inter-propositional relations'). In focus here is the second of these types, that is, inter-propositional relations, and in particular, the ways in which they are signalled in te reo Māori. The implications of the findings for the teaching and learning of te reo Māori are also discussed.

year: 2007-09