University of Bolton Institutional Repository

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    Dual-mode thin film bulk acoustic wave resonators for parallel sensing of temperature and mass loading

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    Thin film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR) devices supporting simultaneously multiple resonance modes have been designed for gravimetric sensing. The mechanism for dual-mode generation within a single device has been discussed, and theoretical calculations based on finite element analysis allowed the fabrication of FBARs whose resonance modes have opposite reactions to temperature changes; one of the modes exhibiting a positive frequency shift for a rise of temperature whilst the other mode exhibits a negative shift. Both modes exhibit negative frequency shift for a mass load and hence by monitoring simultaneously both modes it is possible to distinguish whether a change in the resonance frequency is due to a mass load or temperature variation (or a combination of both), avoiding false positive/negative responses in gravimetric sensing without the need of additional reference devices or complex electronics

    Breaking down barricades: GraphArabia - a transnational, interdisciplinary approach to learning support

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    This paper focuses on how the East African experience of developing a computer based phonic reading system to support learners with reading difficulties in Kenya is being used to develop an Arabic language version in the UAE for use across Arabic speaking regions of the Middle East and beyond. Whilst the two authors of this paper are from widely differing backgrounds and cultures, the resultant project demonstrates how unlikely partnerships can be the catalyst for effective development

    APs in ‘hospice at home’ and daycare in the northwest.

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    The third article in this series of four will look at the role of the assistant practitioner (AP) in the ‘hospice at home’ and daycare services that are situated in the hospice. There will be consideration of the innovative nature of the ‘hospice at home’ service and an examination of the vision for the AP within the setting. Also, an examination of the importance of daycare, which aims to give more breadth to the provision offered to individuals.Advance care planning (ACP) will be looked at, as an area that should become of increased importance, as a forming knowledge, helping professionals and others to understand the wishes and choices of individuals.The importance of caring for those at the end of life and the experiences of carers will also be explored, seen to be of such importance in terms of offering holistic care.In addition, we have spoken with two APs about what skills escalation has helped them achieve

    Recording student experiences in Art and Design: what suits our students best?

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    A reflection based on a paper written by Thomas and Rodriguez-Yborra, "Meeting the needs of students within an institutional Personal Development Planning (PDP) framework: piloting, informing, embedding and evaluating ePDP in a School of Arts, Media and Education (SAME) at a UK University — the PIeR project". Thomas, B and Rodriguez-Yborra, M (2010), EAC2010 Book of Abstracts and Papers

    Post-fire flexural performance of epoxy-nanocomposite matrix glass fibre composites containing conventional flame retardants

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    This paper investigates the effect of varied nanoparticles (silicate nanoclays and double-walled carbon nanotubes) and micro-sized flame retardants (FRs) on the post heat/fire flexural performance of glass fibre-reinforced (GFR) epoxy composites. The fire reaction properties of GFR epoxy composites containing different combinations of nano- and micro-sized FRs were studied at varied incident heat fluxes (35-75 kW/m(2)). The flexural stiffness and modulus values of radiant heat-damaged GFR composites decreased rapidly with increasing incident heat flux. On another hand, the post-fire flexural properties of these specimens exposed for 30-90 s post-ignition at 50 kW/m(2) retained only 20% of their room temperature flexural properties. Despite significant improvements in the fire reaction properties, their post-fire flexural performance was least affected. This suggests that, while these flame retardants are effective in promoting char formation, the formed char networks are not consolidated enough to effectively constrain the fibre reinforcements. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

    Surveying an institution's assessment mechanisms towards new measures of success

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    Widening participation can create challenges of student retention, an issue being constantly addressed by such initiatives as increased student support. Supposedly 'elite' universities, it has been argued, attract 'better' students, a term largely defined in terms of academic success. The research presented here argues that 'better' is entirely misleading and invites reflection as to whether a change from traditional didactic assessment approaches to more innovative modes could enhance achievement, success and therefore retention by recognising and recording the qualities of a student populace with widely varying experiences and talents without undermining academic rigour. An analysis of the types of assessment within a widening participation university as recorded on the validated module database against the highest weighting level revealed a wide variety of imaginative approaches to measuring student engagement reflecting the commitment and professionalism of staff in providing an educational context that is varied and meaningful. Whilst acknowledging this strength, it is argued that further flexibility is required to more exactly measure student abilities, both in assessment timing and form, the emphasis presently being very much upon tutor-led modes with insufficient attention given to recognising the potential of students to contribute to the assessment process. Present assessment modes can therefore perhaps be viewed as an additional barrier and there is a need to reflect upon form to recognise more fully student ability

    Film bulk acoustic resonator pressure sensor with self temperature reference

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    A novel film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) with two resonant frequencies which have opposite reactions to temperature changes has been designed. The two resonant modes respond differently to changes in temperature and pressure, with the frequency shift being linearly correlated with temperature and pressure changes. By utilizing the FBAR's sealed back trench as a cavity, an on-chip single FBAR sensor suitable for measuring pressure and temperature simultaneously is proposed and demonstrated. The experimental results show that the pressure coefficient of frequency for the lower frequency peak of the FBAR sensors is approximately −17.4 ppm kPa−1, while that for the second peak is approximately −6.1 ppm kPa−1, both of them being much more sensitive than other existing pressure sensors. This dual mode on-chip pressure sensor is simple in structure and operation, can be fabricated at very low cost, and yet requires no specific package, therefore has great potential for applications

    Development of an advanced personal protection equipment fabric for protection against slashes

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    Knife is the most commonly used single weapon in the UK, being 32% of the weapons employed in a violent incident. Studies reveal that majority (63.3%) of the knife inflicted wounds were slash type and could be disfiguring or life threatening if the blood vessels are ruptured. The stab resistant armours that are currently available do not protect the arms, neck and face as they are very rigid and heavy to be worn comfortably for everyday use for security personnel and are also expensive for the civilian population.During the research programme, various composite yarns consisting of; a) blends of Spectra® (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), glass and polyamide; b) Stainless steel core with wraps of Dyneema® (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and polyester; and c) Kevlar®, in different compositions, were thoroughly investigated to determine the most appropriate yarn for the slash proof materials. The slash proof fabric structures were developed by using knitting technology as it offers significant advantages in terms of cost, design flexibility and versatility. Different fabrics using the appropriate yarn were developed using various knitting criteria. Since there was neither any literature published for slash resistant fabrics nor any comparable fabric availability, the developed fabrics were tested against each other using a test method stipulated for slash proof application. The fabrics were also tested for their thermophysiological and flame resistant properties using a wide range of test methods and procedures. Due to the probable application of slash resistant fabrics, i.e. outer wear in open atmosphere, the developed fabrics were also characterized after exposing 5 years equivalent of UVA/B radiation.This research programme has led to some extremely successful and innovative outcomes including the granting of a full patent. One of the major findings has been that a two-layered knitted structure produced by using a combination of composite and staple-fibre aramid yarns helps to withstand a higher impact force during the slash attack. It was also established that the designed racked structure in the fabric not only provides resistance to the continuous movement of the knife blade but also increases the overall slash resistance capability of the protective fabric.The research has also led to some recommendations for further work in order to re-confirm some of the findings established during the study and also to improve the structure by reducing the area density of the slash resistant fabrics further due to the changes in the pass criteria of the slash resistant standard, set as a direct outcome of this research

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