439 research outputs found
Canobolas minang Reid, Jurado-Rivera & Beatson, sp. nov.
No full textCanobolas minang Reid, Jurado-Rivera & Beatson, sp. nov. (Figs 6, 12, 16, 20, 25) Material examined. Holotype: 3 / Chalcolampra arthritica Lea, K. G. Sound / (MMS); paratypes (3): 23, 1Ƥ/ K. G. Sound/ (MMS). Description. Length: male 3.5–4mm; female 5mm. Shape: body short-ovate and strongly arched, length 1.4–1.5 x width, length 1.9–2.2 x height. Colour: body reddish-brown to black, with faint greenish hue, appendages dark reddish-brown. Dorsal surfaces relatively dull, microreticulate throughout, reticulation coarser on elytra. Head: frontoclypeus with small to large close punctures, frontoclypeal suture weak, base of clypeal area strongly depressed; antennae c. 0.5 x (male) or c. 0.3 x (female) body length; all antennomeres elongate, 9–10 length 1.4–1.6 x width. Thorax: pronotum closely and evenly punctured, intervals 1.5– 3 x puncture diameters; hypomeron entirely shallowly transversely wrinkled; elytral striae 1–9 complete, striae 2–8 (female) or 2–9 (male) feebly impressed; punctures of striae 1–8 close, separated by 0.5–2 puncture diameters; punctures of basal half stria 3 separated by 1–3 diameters; apical strial punctures not enlarged; interstriae with scattered large punctures and more numerous minute punctures, latter obscured by microreticulation; apices of elytra with elongate acute apical tooth; metaventrite femoral plate triangular with posterior margin slightly convex. Abdomen: ventrites shining, microreticulate but weakly so, especially ventrite V, moderately strongly and closely punctured, with short recumbent setae; first ventrite with semicircular femoral plate, half length of ventrite at this point; penis shallowly curved with thin apex in lateral view and rounded apex in dorsal view, flagellum not visible externally; female genitalia unknown (missing). Distribution. Only known from the type locality, King George Sound, now Albany, south-west Western Australia. This area has significantly higher rainfall than the rest of the south-western bioregion. Etymology. Named for the extinct indigenous language, Minang, local to the King George Sound area (Thieberger 1996): a noun in apposition. Notes. One specimen was identified by Lea as Chalcolampra arthritica Lea, 1903, a species now in genus Ethomela Lea, 1916 (Reid 2006 a). This is not a type specimen and was simply misidentified.Published as part of Reid, Chris A. M., Jurado-Rivera, José A. & Beatson, Max, 2009, A new genus of Chrysomelinae from Australia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), pp. 53-66 in Zootaxa 2207 on page 59, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18974
The degree of monotone approximation
No full textJackson type theorems are obtained for generalized monotone
approximation. Let En , k(f) be the degree of approximation of f by nth
degree polynomials with kth derivative non-negative on[-~, \]. Then
for each k ~ 2 there exists an absolute constant Dk' such that for all
f E c[-~, ~J with kth forward difference non-negative on[-~, ~];
En,k(f ) ~ Dk W(f,n -1 ) • If in addition f' E cf-~, ~] then
-1 -1
E k(f) ~ Dkn W(f!n ) •
n' '
Let E* (f) be the degree of approximation n, 2
on.[ -1,1], off, by nth degree polynomials convex on the whole real line.
Then there exists a constant M such that for each f convex on [-1,l]
-1
E* ( f) ~ M uXf ,n ) • n, 2
The results concerning En , k are to appear in
Beatson [ 1)
Interpolation of geophysical data using continuous global surfaces
No full textA wide class of interpolation methods, including thin-plate and tension splines, kriging, sinc functions, equivalent-source, and radial basis functions, can be encompassed in a common mathematical framework involving continuous global surfaces (CGSs). The difficulty in applying these techniques to geophysical data sets has been the computational and memory requirements involved in solving the large, dense matrix equations that arise. We outline a three-step process for reducing the computational requirements: (1) replace the direct inversion techniques with iterative methods such as conjugate gradients; (2) use preconditioning to cluster the eigenvalues of the interpolation matrix and hence speed convergence; and (3) compute the matrix–vector product required at each iteration with a fast multipole or fast moment method. We apply the new methodology to a regional gravity compilation with a highly heterogeneous sampling density. The industry standard minimum-curvature algorithms and several scale-dependent CGS methods are unable to adapt to the varying data density without introducing spurious artifacts. In contrast, the thin-plate spline is scale independent and produces an excellent fit. When applied to an aeromagnetic data set with relatively uniform sampling, the thin-plate spline does not significantly improve results over a standard minimumcurvature algorithm.Stephen D. Billings, Rick K. Beatson and Garry N. Newsa
Developing reflective practitioners online: The business of blogs in work integrated learning
No full textReflective practice is widely considered across discussions around educational psychology, professional identity, employability of graduates, and generic or graduate capabilities. Critical reflection is essential for providing a bridge between the university and the workplace, and for ultimately preparing work ready graduates (Patrick et al, 2008). Work integrated learning, particularly through internships and work placements for students, is viewed as a valuable approach for students developing skills in reflective practice.\ud
Reflective journals are one of the tools often used to encourage and develop student reflection. Shifting the reflective journal to an online interface as a reflective blog presents opportunities for more meaningful, frequent and richer interaction between the key players in a work integrated learning experience.\ud
This paper examines the adoption, implementation and refinement of the use of reflective blogs in a work integrated learning unit for business students majoring in advertising, marketing and public relations disciplines. The reflective blog is discussed as a learning and assessment tool, including the approaches taken to integrate and scaffold the blog as part of the work integrated learning experience.\ud
Graduate capabilities were used as cornerstones for students to frame students’ thinking, experiences and reflection. These capabilities emphasise the value of coherent theoretical and practical knowledge, coupled with critical, creative and analytical thinking, problem solving skills, self reliance and resilience. Underlying these graduate capabilities is a focus on\ud
assessment for learning matched with assessment of learning. Using specific triggers and prompts as part of the reflective process, and incorporating ongoing feedback from academic supervisors, students moved from descriptive levels of reflection, to more meaningful and critical reflection.\ud
Students’ blogs are analysed to identify key themes, challenges and achievements in the work integrated learning experience. Suggestions for further development and improvement, together with a model of best practice, are proposed
Assessing and learning in internships: Reflecting on pedagogy and progress
No full textAn elective internship unit as part of a work integrated learning program in a business faculty is presented as a case study.\ud
In the unit, students complete a minimum of 120 hours work placement over the course of a 13 week semester. The students are majoring in advertising, marketing, or public relations and are placed in corporations, government agencies, and not for profit organisations.\ud
To support and scaffold the students’ learning in the work environment, a range of classroom and online learning activities are part of the unit.\ud
Classroom activities include an introductory workshop to prepare students for placement, an industry panel, and interview workshop. These are delivered as three workshops across the semester.\ud
Prior to commencing their placement, students complete a suite of online learning modules. The Work Placement Preparation Program assists students in securing obtaining a placement and make a successful transition to the work environment. It provides an opportunity for students to source possible work placement sites, prepare competitive applications, develop and rehearse interview skills, deal with workplace issues, and use a student ePortfolio to reflect on their skills and achievements.\ud
Students contribute to a reflective blog throughout their placement, with feedback from academic supervisors throughout the placement.\ud
The completion of the online learning modules and contribution to a reflective blog are assessed as part of the unit. Other assessment tools include a internship plan and learning contract between the student, industry supervisor, and academic supervisor; job application including responses to selection criteria; and presentation to peers, academics and industry representatives at a poster session.\ud
The paper discusses the development of the internship unit over three years, particularly learning activities and assessment. The reflection and refinement of the unit is informed by a pedagogical framework, and the development of processes to best manage placement for all stakeholders. A model of best practice is proposed, that can be adapted to a variety of discipline areas
Using poster presentations as assessment of work integrated learning
No full textBackground / context: The ALTC WIL Scoping Study identified a need to develop innovative assessment methods for work integrated learning (WIL) that encourage reflection and integration of theory and practice within the constraints that result from the level of engagement of workplace supervisors and the ability of academic supervisors to become involved in the workplace.\ud
Aims: The aim of this paper is to examine how poster presentations can be used to authentically assess student learning during WIL. \ud
Method / Approach: The paper uses a case study approach to evaluate the use of poster presentations for assessment in two internship units at the Queensland University of Technology. The first is a unit in the Faculty of Business where students majoring in advertising, marketing and public relations are placed in a variety of organisations. The second unit is a law unit where students complete placements in government legal offices.\ud
Results / Discussion: While poster presentations are commonly used for assessment in the sciences, they are an innovative approach to assessment in the humanities. This paper argues that posters are one way that universities can overcome the substantial challenges of assessing work integrated learning. The two units involved in the case study adopt different approaches to the poster assessment; the Business unit is non-graded and the poster assessment task requires students to reflect on their learning during the internship. The Law unit is graded and requires students to present on a research topic that relates to their internship. In both units the posters were presented during a poster showcase which was attended by students, workplace supervisors and members of faculty. The paper evaluates the benefits of poster presentations for students, workplace supervisors and faculty and proposes some criteria for poster assessment in WIL. \ud
Conclusions / Implications: The paper concludes that posters can effectively and authentically assess various learning outcomes in WIL in different disciplines while at the same time offering a means to engage workplace supervisors with academic staff and other students and supervisors participating in the unit. Posters have the ability to demonstrate reflection in learning and are an excellent demonstration of experiential learning and assessing authentically.\ud
Keywords: Work integrated learning, assessment, poster presentations, industry engagement.\u
Reconstruction with blobby shapes
No full textWe investigates fitting a surface to an object using blobby models as a coarse level approximation. The aim is to achieve a given quality of approximation with relatively few parameters. This process involves an optimisation procedure where a number of blobs (ellipses or ellipsoids) are separately fitted to a cloud of points. Then the optimised blobs are combined to yield an implicit surface approximating the cloud of points. The results for our test cases in two and three dimensions are very encouraging. For many applications, the coarse level blobby model itself will be sufficient. For example, adding texture on top of the blobby surface can give a surprisingly realistic image.
References J. C. Carr, R. K. Beatson, J. B. Cherrie, T. J. Mitchell, W. R. Fright, B. C. McCallum and T. R. Evans, Reconstruction and Representation of 3D Objects With Radial Basis Functions, pp.67--76 in SIGGRAPH 2001, ACM Press/ACM SIGGRAPH, 2001. Y. Ma, S. Soatto, J. Kosecka and S. Sastry, An Invitation to 3-D Vision: From Images to Geometric Models, Springer, 2004, Chapter 2. S. Bischoff and L. Kobbelt, Ellipsoid decomposition of 3D-models, 3DPVT Proceedings, 2002, pp.480--488. S. Liu, X. Jin, C. C. L. Wang and K. Hui, Ellipsoidal-blob approximation of 3D models and its applications, Computers and Graphics, 31(2), 2007, pp.243--251. doi:10.1016/j.cag.2006.12.004 P. D. Simari and K. Singh, Extraction and remeshing of ellipsoidal representations from mesh data, Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2005, 2005, pp.168. I. Soderkvist, Introductory overview of surface reconstruction methods, Research Report 10, Department of Mathematics, Lulea Univeristy, Sweden, 1999. X. Jin, S. Liu, C. C. L. Wang, J. Feng and H. Sun, Blob-based liquid morphing, Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds, 16 (3--4), 2005, pp.391--403. doi:10.1002/cav.8
The principle of Ultra Vires and the local authorities’ decisions in England
No full textThe hypothesis of this thesis is that valid administrative decisions from local authorities are guaranteed via clear and precise enabling clauses in the primary legislation. Taking examples from local government in England, the author argues that the style of drafting local authorities’ legislations influences decisions taken by local authorities - so in attempting to exercise implied powers conferred by the imprecise enabling legislation and insufficient guidance, local authorities tend to go beyond intended legal powers and as a result take unreasonable, arbitrary and invalid decisions
Authentic assessment of work integrated learning
No full textThe paper examines how poster presentations can be used to authentically assess student learning during internships. While poster presentations are commonly used for assessment in the sciences, they are an innovative approach to assessment in the humanities. It is argued that posters are one way that universities can overcome the substantial challenges of assessing work integrated learning. The paper evaluates the use of poster presentations for assessment in two internship units at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT)]. The first is a unit in the Faculty of Business where students majoring in advertising, marketing and public relations are placed in a variety of organisations. The second unit is a law unit where students complete placements in government legal offices. The two units adopt different approaches to the poster assessment; the unit in the Faculty of Business is non-graded and the poster assessment task requires students to reflect on their learning during the internship. The law unit is graded and requires students to present on a research topic that relates to their internship. In both units the posters were presented during a poster showcase which was attended by students, workplace supervisors and members of faculty. The paper evaluates the benefits of poster presentations for students, workplace supervisors and faculty and concludes that posters can effectively and authentically assess various learning outcomes in internships in different disciplines
Mortality Salience and Cultural Cringe: The Australian Way of Responding to Thoughts of Death
No full text© The Author(s) 2014. Kashima ES, Beatson R, Kaufmann L,
Branchflower S, Marques MD. Mortality Salience and Cultural Cringe: The
Australian Way of Responding to Thoughts of Death. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology. 2014;45(10):1534-1548. doi:10.1177/0022022114543521Terror Management Theory predicts that mortality salience (MS) instigates cultural worldview defenses, especially among individuals with lower self-esteem. That MS intensifies positive evaluations of pro-U.S. essay authors, and negative evaluations of anti-U.S. essay authors have been documented as supportive evidence. However, the evidence to date may have been limited to where praising for the former and rejection of the latter authors is consistent with a shared cultural script and thus normative. In the case of Australian people, the cultural script of cringe prescribes them to evaluate their country modestly and to reject high praise of their country. We therefore predicted that MS (vs. control) should lead Australians, with low self-esteem in particular, to evaluate pro-Australia essay authors less positively while not affecting their evaluations of anti-Australia essay authors. Results from two studies were consistent with this prediction. It is important to distinguish MS effects on adherence to cultural norms from those on reaffirming collective self-esteem, and to consider relevant cultural scripts when interpreting evidence for worldview defenses.</div
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