Open University

About: Open University is a education organization based out in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 11702 authors who have published 35020 publications receiving 1110835 citations. The organization is also known as: Open University, The & Open University.

Cation distribution and magnetic structure of the ferrimagnetic spinel NiCo2O4

Abstract: The compound NiCo2O4, with spinel-related structure, has been prepared by thermal decomposition of metal nitrates and its bulk structural properties examined by means of magnetic measurements, neutron diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The results suggest a delocalised electron distribution on the octahedral sites with average oxidation states of +3.5 and +2.5 for nickel and cobalt, respectively, and lead to a cation distribution for NiCo2O4 of {Ni3+0.1Co2+0.9}tet[Ni3.5+0.9Co2.5+1.1]octO4. This electronic configuration is consistent with magnetisation measurements if applied magnetic fields cause a charge redistribution on the octahedral sites to favour Co3+ and Ni3+. The surface of NiCo2O4 was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and found to have a different composition containing Co2+, Co3+, Ni2+, Ni3+ and, probably, Ni4+.

Rethinking Teaching in the Context of Diversity

Abstract: Higher education has faced profound teaching challenges in recent times, as it has delivered a widening range of courses to students of increasingly diverse backgrounds, expectations and levels of preparedness. These challenges call for a more radical shift in teaching than simply incorporating remedial support within existing teaching programmes. This paper argues that neither traditional 'knowledge delivery' models of teaching, nor a purely 'student-centred' approach, adequately addresses the challenges of student diversity. Instead, it proposes an emphasis on the sociocultural nature of learning and teaching, modelling learning as acquiring the capacity to participate in the discourses of an unfamiliar knowledge community, and teaching as supporting that participation. It explores the challenges faced by students struggling to make meaning in strange intellectual and social surroundings, and outlines ways teachers can structure courses and tasks so that very diverse cohorts of students can progress tog...

Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction

Abstract: Intended for first- and second-year undergraduates, this introduction to solid-state chemistry includes practical examples of applications and modern developments to offer students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. It aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the traditional knowledge of crystal structures: lattices, unit cells, close packing, and octahedral and tetrahedral holes and their occupation by various ions in the well-known crystal structures. This descriptive work is augmented by free-electron and band theory. Links to other branches of chemistry and practical examples are emphasized, as are the links back to band theory and crystal structures. For this second edition, the book has been updated throughout and has two new chapters, one on X-ray diffraction techniques and another on solid-state preparative methods, as well as new sections on symmetry and ferroelectrics.

Looking for work in creative industries policy

Abstract: In this article, we first outline and account for the utopian description of work in much UK creative industries discourse. We then offer a contrasting assessment that shows how creative workplaces are marked significantly by insecurity, inequality and exploitation (including self‐exploitation). In the third part, we examine recent developments in UK policy discourse, exposing a reluctance to recognize or engage with these manifest problems of creative labour. The article concludes by suggesting that this absence reflects something of the focus and limitations of creative industries policies in the current period, where government initiative appears increasingly driven by a narrowly focused skills and employability agenda, one that seeks to disavow problems of labour markets and bring greater discipline to those (relatively) autonomous institutions that generate creative workers, as part of the wider purpose of producing a more integrated and governable ‘creative economy’.

Geochemical Variations in Vanuatu Arc Lavas: the Role of Subducted Material and a Variable Mantle Wedge Composition

Abstract: New compositional data are presented for recent (<3.5 Ma) basaltic lavas from the Vanuatu arc and North Fiji back-arc, and for material being subducted at the Vanuatu trench. Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data for the lavas vary systematically north–south along the arc and highlight where the D'Entrecasteaux Zone on the subducting plate collides with the fore-arc. Major and trace element data show significant lateral variations in enrichment of the mantle wedge relative to an N-MORB source. New elemental and isotopic analyses of the North Loyalty Basin sediments have allowed the flux of elements in the subducting sediments to be calculated. The wedge has been variably modified by addition of slab-derived material containing a significant subducted sediment component. Merelava in the rear-arc is anomalous and is dominated by a fluid component derived from subducted oceanic crust. Most lavas originate from a Pacific-MORB-like mantle source except for those erupting close to the collision zone in central Vanuatu. Collision of the D'Entrecasteaux Zone has disrupted the arc complex and brought less depleted, isotopically distinct (Indian-MORB-like) mantle material from the back-arc into the arc magma source in this region.