K-Shell Photoionization of B-like Oxygen (O3+^{3+}) Ions: Experiment and Theory

Absolute cross sections for the {\it K}-shell photoionization of boron-like (B-like) O$^{3+}$ ions were measured by employing the ion-photon merged-beam technique at the SOLEIL synchrotron-radiation facility in Saint-Aubin, France. High-resolution spectroscopy with E/$\Delta$E $\approx$ 5000 ($\approx$ 110 meV, FWHM) was achieved with photon energy from 540 eV up to 600 eV. Several theoretical approaches, including R-Matrix, Multi-Configuration Dirac-Fock and Screening Constant by Unit Nuclear Charge were used to identify and characterize the strong 1s $\rightarrow$ 2p and the weaker 1s $\rightarrow$ 3p resonances observed in the {\it K}-shell spectra of this ion. The trend of the integrated oscillator strength and autoionisation width (natural line width) of the strong $\rm 1s \rightarrow 2p$ resonances along the first few ions of the B-like sequence is discussed.Comment: 23 pages, 5 figures, 5 tables, accepted for publication in J. Phys. B. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1402.051

K-Shell Photoionization of Singly Ionized Atomic Nitrogen: Experiment and Theory

Absolute cross sections for the K-shell photoionization of C-like nitrogen ions were measured by employing the ion-photon merged-beam technique at the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation facility in Saint-Aubin, France. High-resolution spectroscopy with E/$\Delta$E $\approx$ 7,000 was achieved with the photon energy from 388 to 430 eV scanned with a band pass of 300 meV, and the 399.4 to 402 eV range with 60 meV. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions made from the multi-configuration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) and R-matrix methods. The interplay between experiment and theory enabled the identification and characterization of the strong 1s $\rightarrow$ 2p resonances observed in the spectra.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

Analysis of dental collagen cross-linking and carbonate mineral integration from Roman/Byzantine sites in Jordan using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Existing bioarchaeological studies have not fully explored the analytical characterization of dentine\u27s chemical structure. Accordingly, this study used ATR-FTIR to analyze the dentine of 30 human teeth from six archaeological sites in Jordan dating from the Early Roman to the Early Byzantine periods. In addition to collagen cross-linking, we analyzed the factors (ratios) of phosphate/amide I, carbonate/phosphate, and A-type carbonate/B-type carbonate that may influence dentine strength. The results of the study point to statistically insignificant differences in the factors affecting the tensile strength of dentine and thus tooth loading at the site level, while a statistically significant one is found among sites. The differences in these ratios are found to be attributed to tooth loading and age at death

Examining the Role of Immersive Technologies in Preparing Preservice Elementary Teachers: Augmented Reality, Integrated STEM, Teaching Self-efficacy, and Technology Self-efficacy

This dissertation, utilizing a mixed-methods approach within a design-based research (DBR) framework, investigated the impact of augmented reality (AR) technology on the self-efficacy of preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) in integrated STEM teaching and technology. Incorporating both a pilot study and a subsequent dissertation study, the research specifically focused on the effects of AR GeoGebra. The key results that emerged from the pilot and dissertation studies highlight AR\u27s potential to significantly enhance PSTs\u27 STEM teaching self-efficacy. In both studies, the treatment group that engaged with AR GeoGebra showed substantial improvements in integrated STEM teaching self-efficacy. Additionally, in both studies, participants from all groups exhibited significantly improved technological self-efficacy after using GeoGebra, regardless of AR exposure. Qualitative data underscored AR\u27s role in promoting hands-on learning, fostering creativity in STEM education, and bolstering positive attitudes towards STEM integration. These findings emphasize the transformative potential of AR in STEM teacher preparation and its capability to address the needs of preservice teachers in technology-enhanced educational environments

A paleopathological case of pituitary tumor, Eagle’s syndrome and ossifying fibroma

The salvage excavation in Mafraq region in Jordan uncovered a Byzantine female skull that died at an age of 18–25 years old. The visual and x-ray examination revealed diagnoses of pituitary adenoma, Eagle’s syndrome, and maxillary ossifying fibroma. In addition, the case suffered a very poor oral health; dental caries, abscesses, and periodontal disease

STORIES FROM THE LTFEWORLD OF PRIMARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This thesis attempts to Hnk conceptual analysis with empirical data and shows the interplay between the two. The first part of the thesis considers the work of Whitehead who presents an alternative philosophical framework to re-conceptualise our understanding of the value of Physical Education (PE). She uses the classical philosophical debate about the body and the mind to encourage us to view PE for its own intrinsic worth which she argues, may contribute to the quality of life or well-being of the individual. The dualist and monist theories of the body/mind split are considered and a phenomenological framework for understanding these theories is presented. The notion of the person as an integrated whole is developed as a possible way to re-conceptualise a framework for PE within the primary curriculum. The research methods are developed from the previous debates and use a phenomenological framework to arrive at a final case study where one teacher and her class of 27 Year One/Two children (aged five to six years) were asked to tell their story about PE. Key themes which arose from the data were: PE is different from all the other activities which take place in school. The children experience problems whilst changing for PE. The children direct little attention towards the physical skills in PE. PE can cause the children to experience discomfort. There is a temporal dimension to the PE experience. The children talked about PE requiring them to think. There was a strong imperative dimension to PE although the teacher structured elements of choice and problem solving within the lesson. The children highlighted appropriate behaviour as important. Lastly there was a dominant focus on the emotional dimension of the experience. This study highlights the need to continue and extend the debate within PE: i) to be more creative in the presentation of the PE experience for children by using language which is embodied rather than disembodied; ii) to listen to the stories from children about their experiences in PE to gain a greater understanding of how children receive the PE experience; and iii) to consider how this experience can contribute towards the well-being of the children

Nondestructive residual strain measurement using high energy x-ray diffraction

A nondestructive high energy (60 keV) x-ray diffraction method to measure the internal strain depth-profile in materials was developed using a standard 320 kVp laboratory x-ray source. Traditional x-ray strain measurements are limited to few microns of depth due to the limited penetration of Cu Ka and Mo Ka radiation if a synchrotron or neutron source is not used. The high energy used allows for greater penetration without a synchrotron or neutron facility. Results for aluminum with penetration depths of 1mm and for titanium with penetration depths of 300 micrometers are demonstrated. The spatial resolution of this depth-profile is 50 micrometers to 125 micrometers depending on the collimation and attenuation of the sample. Sensitivity to a lattice parameter change of 0.001A is demonstrated. An energy dispersive HPGe detector is used to perform fixed-angle diffraction measurements. The strain depth-profile measurement is performed by observing the change in the position of the diffraction peaks in the energy dispersive spectrum. A simulation program of the diffraction system for modeling and validating the experimental setup is developed. A new technique to measure the strain using the natural width of the tungsten Ka1 line and the diffraction peak normalized intensity is presented. The results of the energy dispersive technique and the tungsten Ka1 line width technique are compared to the results obtained using high energy angle dispersive XRD technique. Finally we present a preliminary study of the thermal relaxation of residual stress

Evaluation of the BD GeneOhm MRSA and VanR Assays as a Rapid Screening Tool for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of BD GeneOhm VanR Assay, a rapid PCR test that detects the presence of vanA and/or vanB genes and the performance of BDGeneOhm MRSA Assay which detects the staphylococcal cassette chromosomemec (SCCmec cassette) carrying the mecA gene and Staphylococcus aureus specific sequence located within the orfX gene. Methods. 300 duplicate rectal swabs collected consecutively were analyzed for the presence of VRE by culture and BD PCR. 2267 duplicate swabs were collected (728 nasal and 1539 groin swabs) and analyzed for the presence of MRSA by culture method and BD PCR. Results. Compared to culture, the BD GeneOhm VanR Assay showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, 91.1%, 23.5%, and 100%, respectively. The BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay revealed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 97.2%, 99.4%, 89.7%, and 99.9%, respectively, for nasal swabs. For groin swabs, it was 100%, 98.7%, 61.5% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion. The BD GeneOhm vanR Assay is a good screening test for rapid exclusion of VRE carriers in hospitals. The BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay represents a reliable screening test. The true strength of the BD GeneOhm Assay for MRSA and VRE is its exceptionally high NPV making the test an ideal tool for rapid exclusion of MRSA and VRE carriers in hospitals. As a consequence, this would dramatically shorten the patient isolation time