Diverse approaches : a study of Australian journalism educators' use of web-based curriculum modules for reporting cultural difference

The Reporting Diversity website provides four curriculum modules to assist journalism educators to teach students about the issues and practice of reporting on cultural difference. The researchers co-ordinated the second round of trials of these resources in 2009, which involved the participation of academics and students from five Australian universities. A further 30 academics were surveyed to gauge their level of awareness of the materials. This paper reports on the educators’ evaluation of the resources and reveals the innovative ways in which the modules are being used and adapted in different classroom settings. The researchers argue that sharing different teaching approaches to the materials through the Reporting Diversity website would assist other academics to adapt the resources for their own use.

School-based materials for critical reading in English

This research aims to examine Thai students' critical thinking ability in reading English by using materials developed by a research team using a collaborative action research methodology. Initially, a survey of self-percpetions of Thai secondary students on their critical thinking ability was conducted. Then, two Thai teachers were interviewed about their materials and methodology in teaching students to read critically. Lastly, a literature of critical literacy was reviewed to introduce the notions to Thai teachers and Thai students.

Surface modification of biocompatible metallic materials for bone tissue engineering

Titanium, zirconium and TiZr binary alloy were fabricated using a powder metallurgical method. Appropriate surface modifying techniques were conducted on the metals to render an ability for apatite formation. Their biocompatibility has also been assessed. These materials showed potential for biomedical applications because of their excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility which may improve bonding of the implants to juxtaposed bone.

Empirical applications of economic principles in producer price index analysis

The research analyses economic linkages of producer price indices of the construction industry in Australia and relationships between construction and house prices. A range of econometric techniques are applied to analyse construction and house prices. The economic equilibrium and dynamic relationships among regional markets are investigated based on producer price index analysis.

Internet security applications of the Munn rings

Effective multiple clustering systems, or clusterers, have important applications in information security. The aim of the present article is to introduce a new method of designing multiple clusterers based on theMunn rings and describe a class of optimal clusterers which can be obtained in this construction.

Applications of nanomedicine in antibacterial medical therapeutics and diagnostics

The need for new and effective/efficient antibacterial therapeutics and diagnostics is necessary if we want to be able to maintain and improve the protection against pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to traditionally used antibiotics and as a result are a major health concern. The number of deaths and hospitalizations due to bacteria is increasing. Current methods of bacterial diagnostics are inefficient as they lack speed and ultra sensitivity and cannot be performed on site. This is where nanomedicine is playing a vital role. The discovery of new and innovative materials through the improvement in fabrication techniques has seen the establishment of an influx of novel antibacterial therapeutics and diagnostics. The goal of this review is to highlight the research that has been done through the implementation of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for antibacterial medical therapeutic and diagnostic.

Microengineering of supramolecular soft materials by design of the crystalline fiber networks

Crystalline spherulitic fiber networks are commonly observed in polymeric and supramolecular functional materials. The elasticity of materials with this type of network is low if interactions between the individual spherulites are weak (mutually exclusive). Improving the elasticity of these materials is necessary because of their important applications in many fields. In this work, the engineering of the microstructures and rheological properties of this type of material is carried out. A small molecule organogel formed by the gelation of N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide (GP-1) in propylene glycol (PG) is used as an example. The elasticity of this material is improved by controlling the thermodynamic driving force, the supersaturation of the gelator, and by using a selected copolymer additive to manipulate the primary nucleation of GP-1. Because of the weak interactions between the GP-1 spherulites, with the same fiber mass, the elasticity of GP-1/PG gel is less than half of those of the other two gels formed by GP-1 and 2-hydroxystearlic acid in solvent benzyl benzoate (BB), which are supported by interconnecting spherulitic fiber networks. This work develops a robust approach to the engineering of supramolecular functional materials especially those with mutually exclusive spherulite fiber networks.

Controlling nanoparticle formation via sizable cages of supramolecular soft materials

We present a new generic strategy to fabricate nanoparticles in the “cages” within the fibrous networks of supramolecular soft materials. As the cages can be acquired by a design-and-production manner, the size of nanoparticles synthesized within the cages can be tuned accordingly. To implement this idea, both selenium and silver were chosen for the detailed investigation. It follows that the sizes of selenium and silver nanoparticles can be controlled by tuning the pore size of the fiber networks in the material. When the concentration of the gelator is high enough, monodisperse nanoparticles can be prepared. More interestingly, the morphology of the nanoparticles can be altered: silver disks can be formed when the concentrations of both the gelator and silver nitrate are sufficiently low. As the fiber network serves as a physical barrier and semisolid support for the nanoparticles, the stability in the aqueous media and the ease of application of these nanoparticles can be substantially enhanced. This robust surfactant-free approach will not only allow the controlled fabrication of nanoparticles, but also can be applied to the fabrication of composite materials for robust applications.

Microengineering of soft functional materials by controlling the fiber network formation

The engineering of soft functional materials based on the construction of three-dimensional interconnecting self-organized nanofiber networks is reported. The system under investigation is an organogel formed by N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide (GP-1) in propylene glycol. The engineering of soft functional materials is implemented by controlling primary nucleation kinetics of GP-1, which can be achieved by both reducing thermodynamic driving force and/or introducing a tiny amount of specific copolymers (i.e., poly(methyl methacrylate comethacrylic acid)). The primary nucleation rate of GP-1 is correlated to the number density of GP-1 spherulites, which determines the overall rheological properties of soft functional materials. The results show that the presence of a tiny amount of the polymer (0.01-0.06%) can effectively inhibit the nucleation of GP-1 spherulites, which leads to the formation of integrated fiber networks. It follows that with the additive approach, the viscoelasticity of the soft functional material is significantly enhanced (i.e., more than 1.5 times at 40 °C). A combination of the thermal and additive approach led to an improvement of 3.5 times in the viscosity of the gel.

Image retrieval based on bag of images

Conventional relevance feedback schemes may not be suitable to all practical applications of content-based image retrieval (CBIR), since most ordinary users would like to complete their search in a single interaction, especially on the web search. In this paper, we explore a new approach to improve the retrieval performance based on a new concept, bag of images, rather than relevance feedback. We consider that image collection comprises of image bags instead of independent individual images. Each image bag includes some relevant images with the same perceptual meaning. A theoretical case study demonstrates that image retrieval can benefit from the new concept. A number of experimental results show that the CBIR scheme based on bag of images can improve the retrieval performance dramatically.

Clinical applications of aptamers and nucleic acid therapeutics in haematological malignancies

Haematological malignancies result from a heterogeneous mix of genetic mutations and chromosome aberrations and translocations. Targeted therapies, such as the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, or the BCR-ABL1 inhibitor imatinib, have proven to be effective treatments in the management of some of these malignancies, though relapsing or refractory disease is still common. Nucleic acid-based therapies have also entered the clinical arena, providing an alternative, complementary approach. The forerunner of these therapies were the antisense oligonucleotides, but their scope has expanded to include short-interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA, decoy oligonucleotides and aptamers. These can be used either as monotherapeutics, in conjunction with current chemotherapy regimens, or in combination with each other to improve therapeutic efficacy. Not only can these nucleic acid-based therapies silence target genes, they also have the potential of restoring gene function. While challenges remain in delivering effective doses of nucleic acid in vivo, these are steadily being met, suggesting an optimistic future in the treatment of haematological malignancies. This review summarizes the application of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, particularly aptamers, in the diagnosis and treatment of haematological malignancies.

Production and applications of multi-layer 3D fabrics

In this paper, 3D textile structures, their types and applications have been discussed. Woven structures especially multi-layer woven structures are discussed in detail. A simple and quick method to produce 3D textile woven preforms on conventional looms is also given at the end of this paper. 3D textile fabrics give composite structures weight reduction with improved mechanical properties in comparison to traditionally used materials.

Decision support and the effectiveness of web-based delivery and information tailoring for bowel cancer screening : an exploratory study

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females throughout the developed world. Population screening using fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) facilitates early detection and greater chance of survival, but participation rates are low. We developed a Web-based decision tool to provide information tailored to an individual’s decision stage for CRC screening and attitude toward screening utilizing the Preventive Health Model (PHM) and Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) as theoretical frameworks for screening behavior. We describe the practical steps employed in the tool’s design and the subsequent conduct of an exploratory study.
Objective: To design a decision tool for CRC screening and conduct an exploratory study among average-risk men and women to (1) test the impact of message type (tailored vs non-tailored) and message delivery modality (Web-based vs paper-based) on attitudes toward screening and screening uptake, and (2) investigate the acceptability of the decision tool and relevance of materials.
Methods: Participants (n = 100), recruited from a population sample of men and women aged 50-76 residing in urban Adelaide, Australia, were randomly assigned to a control group or one of 4 interventions: (1) Web-based and tailored information, (2) paper-based and tailored information, (3) Web-based and non-tailored (generic) information, or (4) paper-based and non-tailored information. Participation was augmented by snowball recruitment (n = 19). Questionnaires based on PHM variables were administered pre- and post-intervention. Participants were given the opportunity to request an FOBT. Following the intervention, participants discussed the acceptability of the tool.
Results: Full data were available for 87.4% (104/119) of participants. Post-intervention, perceived susceptibility scores for individuals receiving tailored information increased from mean 10.6 (SD 2.1) to mean 11.8 (SD 2.2). Scores on self-efficacy increased in the tailored group from mean 11.7 (SD 2.0) to mean 12.6 (SD 1.8). There were significant time x modality x message effects for social influence and salience and coherence, reflecting an increase in these scores for tailored Web-based participants only; social influence scores increased from mean 11.7 (SD 2.6) to mean 14.9 (SD 2.3), and salience and coherence scores increased from mean 16.0 (SD 2.2) to mean 17.7 (SD 2.1). There was no greater influence of modality or message type on movement toward a decision to screen or screening uptake, indicating that neither tailored messages nor a Web modality had superior effect. Overall, participants regarded tailored messages positively, but thought that the Web tool lacked “media richness.”
Conclusions: This exploratory study confirms that tailoring on PHM predictors of CRC screening has the potential to positively address attitudes toward screening. However, tailoring on these variables did not result in significantly increased screening uptake. Future research should consider other possible psychosocial influences. Mode of delivery did not affect outcomes, but as a delivery medium, the Web has economic and logistical advantages over paper.

Oxygen reduction reaction activity of La-based perovskite oxides in alkaline medium : a thin-film rotating ring-disk electrode study

In this work, LaMO₃ and LaNi_0.5M_0.5O₃ (M = Ni, Co, Fe, Mn and Cr) perovskite oxide electrocatalysts were synthesized by a combined ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-citrate complexation technique and subsequent calcinations at 1000 °C in air. Their powder X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrate the formation of a specific crystalline structure for each composition. The catalytic property of these materials toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was studied in alkaline potassium hydroxide solution using the rotating disk and rotating ring-disk electrode techniques. Carbon is considered to be a crucial additive component because its addition into perovskite oxide leads to optimized ORR current density. For LaMO₃ (M = Ni, Co, Fe, Mn and Cr)), in terms of the ORR current densities, the performance is enhanced in the order of LaCrO₃, LaFeO₃, LaNiO₃, LaMnO₃, and LaCoO3. For LaNi_0.5M_0.5O₃, the ORR current performance is enhanced in the order of LaNi_0.5Fe_0.5O₃, LaNi_0.5Co_0.5O₃, LaNi_0.5Cr_0.5O₃, and LaNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₃. Overall, LaCoO₃ demonstrates the best performance. Most notably, substituting half of the nickel with cobalt, iron, manganese, or chromium translates the ORR to a more positive onset potential, suggesting the beneficial catalytic effect of two transition metal cations with Mn as the most promising candidate. Koutecky–Levich analysis on the ORR current densities of all compositions indicates that the four-electron pathway is favored on these oxides, which are consistent with hydroperoxide ion formation of <2%.

Applications of a TransFLash in an embedded system debugging

In this paper, the hardware and software design for using a TF card in debugging an embedded system are described. The used hardware platform is designed based on a PXA310 application processor. The Android open source operating system is used as the software platform. The design of the connection circuit between the application processor and the TF card is introduced first. Secondly, the design of the TF card driver program and the method for Android system to mount the TF card are described. In designing the TF driver program, an SPI operation mode and FAT32 file system are used. The transplant of the FAT32 file system is presented more detail. Finally, the paper introduced the system debugging and the test results are given for the TF card used in a video data acquisition unit of a video monitoring. It is shown that high speed data exchange and good universal property can be obtained by using a TF card to download a system image during developing and debugging. The TF card used in debugging can be used as a mass storage in the embedded product without the need of changing the design for debugging the system and it is also convenient for a user to upgrade operating system.