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Gravity separation of coal in the reflux classifier - new mechanisms for suppressing the effects of particle size
No full textThe Reflux Classifier was applied to the separation of coal and mineral matter over different size bands, −8 + 0.5 mm, −2 + 0.25 mm, and −2 + 0.075 mm. The technology consists of a fluidized bed, with a system of parallel inclined channels above. Significant improvement in separation efficiency was achieved by exploiting new separation mechanisms that apply to particles of a given size within the inclined channels. For the coarsest size range, the use of a sufficiently large channel aspect ratio, defined by the channel length to gap ratio, leads to separation densities that are independent of the particle size, and in turn strong control of the cut point. For the finer particles, a new and powerful separation mechanism was exploited, leading to a major reduction in the variation of the particle separation density with particle size, and to a significant reduction in the Ep. The new separation mechanism, achieved through the use of appropriate, closely spaced, inclined channels leads to significant suppression of the effects of particle size in the particle size range −2 + 0.075 mm, even at low solids concentration. For example, over the size range 0.25 to 2.0 mm Ep values of 0.06 to 0.08 were obtained
Water based fractionation of particles
No full textA feed of particles covering a wide range of particle sizes and densities was placed into a novel separator, referred to as the Reflux Classifier, and fractionated at a series of fluidization velocities. Double fractionation was then achieved when each product was sieved into narrow size fractions. For the coal particles used in this study, the ash % was determined for each of the samples. The ash % correlated strongly with particle density, and hence was a useful proxy for the particle density. A new Fractionation Algorithm was developed, which provided a method for estimating the feed size and density distribution from the Double Fractionation data. The cumulative yield % versus the cumulative ash % curves for each size fraction, and for the overall feed were then determined. The findings from the study were validated against accurate results obtained using the sink-float method. Excellent agreement with the curves obtained using the sink-float method was obtained. The sink-float method requires the use of heavy liquids; these are invariably toxic and expensive, hence a viable alternative is needed. The water based fractionation method, in conjunction with the Fractionation Algorithm, may prove to be a suitable substitute for the sink-float method. Precise details of the method and algorithm are therefore provided in order to permit the adoption of this new approach by other laboratories
Blended learning model for English as foreign language (EFL) teaching in Indonesian higher education
No full textGlobal market competition has compelled every country, particularly developing countries, to exert great effort in order to be globally competitive. The Indonesian government has been attempting to improve education in Indonesia by making English one of the subjects to study. In addition, the government views blended learning, the combination of face-to-face and online teaching, as a promising approach for instruction and highly encourages its use in all disciplines, including English. However, along with the challenges of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in Indonesia, many Indonesian educators, especially EFL teachers and practitioners, are unfamiliar with the blended learning approach. Consequently, it becomes problematic when the government's strong encouragement to use the approach does not match practitioners' competence and proficiency in the field. Therefore, this study aims at clarifying the concept of blended learning, especially in the context of Indonesian higher education as well as providing insights into why blended learning has become a prominent approach worldwide, how this approach is implemented globally, how practicable the approach is for the Indonesian context, and to what extent this approach could be advantageous for EFL instruction in Indonesian higher education. In doing so, conceptual research was conducted to address the research questions. Qualitative data such as journal articles, books, websites, and published research reports were reviewed and analysed using a combination of deductive and inductive analysis. Research on blended learning models from America, UK-Australia, and several Asian countries were examined to scrutinise their benefits and limitations as well as their relevance to the Indonesian sociocultural context. The research findings revealed that the current available models of blended learning are mono-focused and might not be suitable for Indonesian EFL instruction. More important elements, particularly the specific sociocultural context and EFL as a specific subject, should be carefully considered. Hence, this research was concluded by proposing a more culturally appropriate, context-dependent, and comprehensive model that takes into account multiple elements of integrated learning and should be beneficial for teaching English in non-English speaking countries such as Indonesia
The identification of novel paracrine factors expressed by human stem cells of mesenchymal origin to develop regenerative non-cellular therapies for cardiac fibrosis
No full textIntroduction: Stem cells of mesenchymal origin, particularly bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell and cardiac stem cells have been investigated for their potential to promote cardiac repair following ischaemic damage. It has been proposed that these cells may exert their protective effects via paracrine signalling. Aim: To identify and investigate paracrine factors released by stem cells of mesenchymal origin. Methods and Results: To investigate this aim, three studies were conducted: 1) A systematic review which consolidated evidence for the “paracrine hypothesis” in the context of ischemic heart disease. 234 individual protective paracrine factors were identified, including VEGF, HGF, and FGF2. 2) Quantitative proteomic profiling of subcellular compartments of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and W8B2+ cardiac stem cells resulted in the identification of hundreds of proteins of interest that were upregulated. Particularly, MCAM and SEMA7A were highly expressed in both stem cell populations. RNA sequencing identified that Mcam and Sema7a were abundant in stromal and endothelial cells, with expression decreasing with age. In vitro, MCAM and SEMA7A significantly increased wound closure in coronary artery endothelial cells in a dose dependent manner. 3) Lastly, laminin was investigated for its potential to deliver and promote the benefits of identified factors of interest. Human cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and coronary artery endothelial cells were subjected to hypoxia/ reoxygenation with or without laminin coating to determine effects of laminin on apoptosis, fibrosis, inflammation, hypoxic damage, cell proliferation, and viability under hypoxic conditions. Overall, there was no clear improvement induced by laminin. Conclusions: Together, the data presented in this thesis has resulted in the identification of a wealth of paracrine factors that could serve as therapeutic targets for cardiac repair following ischaemic damage. This wealth of data holds the potential to revolutionise our approach to managing fibrotic disease progression, and therefore improve the overall quality of life patients following a myocardial infarction or heart failure diagnosis.</p
The role of language education programs on the integration of Middle Eastern Refugee Mothers (MERMs) in regional Australia
No full textThe global refugee crisis continues to forcibly displace millions of people, many of whom are mothers. Scattered populations resettle in different countries around the world, including Australia. However, resettlement in a new country is associated with multiple challenges, including re-building a new life, adapting to an unfamiliar culture, and acquiring a new language. These challenges are exacerbated for refugee women and mothers who are the core of the family. Yet, little is known about their resettlement challenges. Middle Eastern Refugee Mothers (MERMs) are among the groups whose voices are rarely heard, despite the increasing refugee populations who have been resettling in regional Australia. The under-representation of these mothers within the regional Australian community prompted the need to conduct this research. Given the importance of language proficiency as one of the key facilitators of integration, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of language education programs on the integration of MERMs in regional Australia. This study employed a qualitative research method and utilised a narrative enquiry technique. It involved semi-structured interviews with 21 refugee mothers from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan who had been living in a regional Australian town between 6 months and 7 years. The participants arrived in Australia under the refugee and humanitarian program and enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. The semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants’ first languages (Farsi/Dari and Arabic) to collect accurate data. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated to English. The data were coded, categorised, and analysed, using Ager and Strang’s (2008) integration model as an analytical framework. The findings indicate that the language barrier was the major challenge for MERMs in regional Australia, particularly, for mothers with limited formal education and illiteracy in their first language. The participants experienced substantial dependence on their family members and interpreters for daily activities due to the language barrier, leading to their social isolation. Despite the provision of language education through the AMEP program, the progress made by the participants was minimal. The findings suggest that to facilitate the unique needs of these mothers, a more suitable and flexible English language program is required. This study may impact the design and delivery of specific programs to support not only refugee women and mothers in Middle Eastern communities, but also women from other cultural and ethnic disadvantaged groups in Australia, and English-speaking resettlement countries with similar context. It may also assist local policymakers in planning and evaluating inclusive services for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and underprivileged groups
Blue Space for oboe and interactive audio-visual system
No full textBlue Space is a work for oboe and interactive audio-visual system which uses motion tracking, real-time fluid simulation and granular sound synthesis to create a responsive digital environment. The gestures, movements and sounds made by the oboist generate the audio-visual digital content which is projected in real time. The interactive system used for Blue Space has its origins in the dance work ‘Encoded’, performed in 2012 by the Stalker Theatre, which used a fluid simulation system developed by Andrew Johnston at the Creativity and Cognition Studios at UTS. The addition of sound to the original system led to the earlier experimental works for oboe, Sound Stream and Airflow in 2013. Based on Gaston Bachelard’s philosophical text ‘Water and Dreams’, Blue Space explores the relationships between water, image and sound. Taking form in many kinds of fluid, vapour, ice crystals and rain, water appears in its diverse moods, encompassing tranquility, power, life and death. While the work has a clearly defined structure, improvised sections allow flexible interaction during performance as the artists react to each other and to the output of the system
Development of the reflux classifier
No full textThe reflux classifier is a new gravity separation technology for processing fine coal and other dense minerals, developed through collaboration between the University of Newcastle and Ludowici Australia. This chapter provides an account of that development, covering a number of the key findings that have led to the final
design, and indeed the separation performance achieved. The chapter also outlines the theoretical basis used to quantify the capacity of the separator. The technology embodies the benefits of a high shear rate similar to that observed for spirals, the benefits of an autogenous dense medium similar to that observed in a teetered-bed
separator, and an increased throughput advantage similar to that produced by a lamellae thickener, with a strong synergy achieved among all three. Moreover, the laminar shear mechanism that arises within closely spaced inclined channels permits a powerful separation on the basis of density, delivering a significant performance advantage at the low cut points required for the recovery of metallurgical coal
Chinatowns
No full textPoem published in the collection, 'Here Not There.' A poem sequence evoking global routes and transnational ways of belonging