University of Leicester Open Journals
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2521 research outputs found
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Provenance inconnu and other stories: developing engaging labels for ancient history collections
No full textStorytelling lies at the heart of how museums share their collections with the public. However, not all stories are treated equally. Archaeological collections, with their small finds and fragmentary artifacts, find that many of their stories are relegated to the succinct, objective language of a label, necessarily truncating the rich associations that each object embodies. This does not allow much space for stimulating visitors’ imagination, and is even less conducive to motivating a critical approach. In cases where there are gaps in the object’s origins, the regular label format may give little to no clarification on the object’s life. As a thought-experiment in the possibilities of object biography, we chose the case study of a humble bronze figurine in Musée L’s archaeological collections. Despite its missing provenance and incomplete provenience, we developed a series of display interventions through which we could tell its story in the museum in new way
A3 3 Catching the (arc)Rays
No full textThe team attempted to explore the maximum exposure time to UV rays from MIG-welding.Comparison with the well known UV Index (UVI), and direct modelling, quickly found that MIGwelding is far in excess of even the most extreme UVI ratings. Proposals were made for furtherpapers, exploring more complex modelling and comparison techniques
A5 1 Rollercoaster Restraint vs Your Spine
No full textWe investigate the plausibility of falling out of a restraint mid-ride. We determine that a rider would need to exert 35 kN of force (45 Gs of G-force) to the contact, causing the pawls to fail by mode of buckling. At this force, we find the human torso would extend by 7 metres. We find a human would break before the restraint would
P4 3 Piezoelectric Power Generation for Street Lights
No full textThis study examines the potential of harnessing vehicle traffic in Leicestershire to power streetlighting using the direct piezoelectric effect. Our model generated approximately 4.8 × 102 J ofenergy, which falls significantly short of the estimated energy requirement of 3.3 × 1013 J to meetthe full demands of street lighting
P4 4 Ceresian Spin Station
No full textThis paper investigates the feasibility of creating a station on Ceres, as seen in the book series‘The Expanse’. We calculate the required kinetic energy change of 2.4e+26 J to achieve a spingravity of 0.3g on the surface of the dwarf planet, and explore how an advanced civilization mightacquire such energy, along with the associated complications
A5 4 The Bear Necessities of Acid-Based Gnome Propulsion
No full textWe investigated a unique stunt pulled in a game of dungeons and dragons. We determined the feasibility of a gnome being used as a projectile for a bear with acid breath, comparing the stunt to a fluid-based cannon. We found the gnome could travel 30 feet using this method. We also evaluated that the gnome would be able to withstand this stunt unharmed, but may have irritated feet as a result of acid exposure
Evaluate the benefits of early embedding reflective practice into student experience and personal skill development
No full textTransferable skills are embedded within assessments throughout Higher Education such as organisation, timekeeping and working as part of a team (during groups assessments) amongst some of the skills. Despite this, there is little evidence to suggest that students are fully aware of the importance of reflective practice upon their personal development as a possible transferable skill. In this study, we aimed to assess if and what students understood by the term ‘reflective practice’, and whether they identify its practice and benefits within their studies and for their potential future careers. Quantitative data, was collected during the first teaching block of the 2021-2022 academic year using specific reflective based questions in a paper-based questionnaire, with results indicating that students who undertook our foundation route, which instilled reflective practice-based assessments were more used to reflective practice than standard degree entry students, and emphasised skill development through reflection; confidence to tackle new task (38%), time management (25%), effective communication (25%) and prioritising tasks (13%). The data also suggested that across all levels of our degrees, students preferred to reflect once feedback of an assessment was received (60%) and after personal tutor meetings (43%), meaning, we as an institution should adapt our practice to develop this further. Embedding reflective practice early in a student’s educational curriculum, could therefore enhance how students approach their course, by providing them with key reflective based skills which they can transfer to their journey within Higher Education and their career
Enrichment workshops to encourage awareness of employability skills
No full textA series of workshops offered to biology and health sciences students during June and July 2022 was primarily aimed to help students to understand and appreciate the employability benefits of engaging with practical science investigations. Such investigations are designed to help students develop not only practical, numerical and problem-solving skills but also skills such as perseverance, creativity and resilience which are important additional employability skills. Scrutiny of feedback comments submitted by students who attended the workshops indicated that these aims had been achieved. Side-benefits of the programme included an increased sense of community among students, and the provision of an opportunity to maintain engagement over the summer months when there is a break in module presentation for many students, leaving them in danger of losing their study momentum
Enhancing Airport Sustainability: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Green Roofing
No full textAirports, a vital component of global infrastructure, contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. This paper explores the use of green roofing to enhance airport sustainability, providing many benefits such as temperature regulation, energy efficiency and increasing biodiversity. However, they do pose a challenge unique to airports: the attraction of birds, increasing the risk of bird strikes. The implementation of effective bird deterrent strategies alongside green roofing is critical to achieving environmental benefits whilst maintaining aviation safety
Puffball Bibble and magical voice-altering berries
No full textIn Barbie’s Mermaidia, the 7th Barbie film, we see Barbie, also known as Elena, exploring the treacherous and unknown underwater environment of Mermaidia [1]. In her quest to find the famous ‘Immunity Berry’ which supposedly makes the consumer of the berry immortal, she is accompanied with her puffball sidekick, known as Bibble. In their quest, they come across an underwater magic sea fruit cavern, where Bibble finds himself amazed by the collection of fruits and berries and starts eating them one by one. These mystical fruits are able to change his voice which later helps the duo retrieve the Immunity Berry from goblins. This paper delves into the science behind the voice altering effects of these magical fruits on Bibble’s voice.