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This article presents the culmination of the first author's experience of work at a Deaf Education Centre in Aotearoa New Zealand, alongside the themes stemming from a literature review on wellbeing and the development and maintenance of social and emotional skills for deaf students in both mainstream and special education. The predominant themes identified suggest inconclusive outcomes for students being placed in mainstream or special education in terms of wellbeing and its components such as belonging, identity, and the development of social and emotional skills. Areas for ongoing development and research are outlined, including a need to ascertain the student voice in future research and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is the most widely used and important method for chemically analyzing and speciating surfaces. XPS has surface sensitivity (5–10 nm), is quantitative, and is able to probe the oxidation states of the elements at surfaces. However, during the past few years, a great deal of incorrect XPS data analysis has entered the scientific literature. Accordingly, efforts, including this Insight Note, are being made to provide tutorial information to the scientific community. Aluminum is a scientifically and technologically important element. Here we discuss approaches for fitting the Al 2p peak envelope from a sample of aluminum foil with a thin layer of oxide on it. Signals from the metal and oxide are present. We discuss methods for electrically isolating (or not isolating) the sample during data acquisition, the choice of the baseline, fitting the oxide peak with one or two synthetic peaks, and fitting the metal signal with two symmetric or two asymmetric peaks. The thickness of the oxide is calculated based on the areas of the oxide and metal signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gaussian–Lorentzian sum (GLS) and product (GLP) functions remain important in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) peak fitting. Here, we present a detailed view of these functions, comparing them with each other and with the Voigt function (the "LA(m)" function). First, we show the GLS, GLP, and LA(m) functions as a function of their mixing parameters, m, which reveals differences between them. We then illustrate the use of these functions to fit a series of spectra acquired at different pass energies (resolutions). Next, we show the underlying Gaussian and Lorentzian components of a series of GLS and GLP functions as a function of m, which confirms that the GLS is a simple linear combination of Gaussian and Lorentzian functions. However, one of the two functions used to make the GLP can be very wide, that is, at its extremes, one of these functions has infinite width. We then discuss a plot of the areas of the GLS, GLP, and LA(m) functions as a function of m, which reveals the expected, linear increase in area of the GLS, but nonlinear changes in the areas of the other two functions. Finally, to better understand them, we fit these functions to each other. These results indicate that the GLS and GLP better match the LA(m) function at lower and higher values of the mixing parameter, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the fundamental, theoretical peak shape in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is Lorentzian, some Gaussian character is observed in most XPS signals. Additional complexity in the form of asymmetry is also found in many XPS signals, which requires more advanced peak shapes than the traditional, symmetric Voigt and Gaussian-Lorentzian sum and product (pseudo-Voigt) functions. Here, we discuss the merits and disadvantages of four approaches that have been used to introduce asymmetry into XPS peak shapes: addition of a decaying exponential tail to a symmetric peak shape, the Doniach-Sunjic peak shape, the double-Lorentzian, DL, function, and the LX peak shapes, which include the asymmetric Lorentzian (LA), finite Lorentzian (LF), and square Lorentzian (LS) functions. The Doniach-Sunjic peak shape is the only asymmetric, synthetic peak that has a theoretical basis. However, it has an infinite integral, which makes it problematic in quantitative work. The mathematical bases for the LX and DL peak shapes are discussed, and practical examples of their use in peak fitting are presented. The case is made for the Voigt function being the most appropriate function for XPS peak fitting, in general, which suggests that a modified Voigt function may be the most reasonable for fitting asymmetric XPS signals. The LX and DL functions include convolution with a Guassian, which, with the exception of the LS function, makes them Voigt-like functions. The sources of asymmetry and its complexity are discussed. It is emphasized that not every asymmetric spectrum should be fit with an asymmetric peak shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores one of the conditions that can foster interpreters' ability to process meaning: their familiarity with the primary participants. Discussion focuses on how latent networks (Watts, 2003) inform the interpretation of relational work (Locher and Watts, 2005) and rapport management (Spencer-Oatey, 2000/2008). The relationship between familiarity and interpretation of relational activity is illustrated through the juxtaposition of two independent studies. Data in the first study were generated through semi-structured group discussions involving eight experienced British Sign Language/English interpreters to identify contextual influences on their choice of interpreting strategies around im/politeness. The findings from the first study are complemented by an interactional sociolinguistic analysis of relational practice within healthcare. In this second study, observational recordings of two naturally-occurring general practice consultations, interpreted between Australian Sign Language and English, were supplemented with reflective interviews with the participants. Familiarity emerged as a strong theme across both studies. Familiarity provides the background knowledge enabling interpreters to better understand both the content and the intent of participants' language. The knowledge afforded by familiarity reduces interpreters' cognitive load and may therefore facilitate their greater focus on the relational aspects of the interaction. • Relational work is a key element of successful signed language interpretation. • Familiarity enhances interpreters' understanding of speakers' intentions. • Familiarity with clients reduces the cognitive load on the interpreter. • Greater familiarity enables interpreters to focus more on rapport management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SU‐8 is an important, epoxy‐based, negative photoresist that can create high aspect ratio features. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is a nondestructive analytical technique that can be performed in the open air. In this study, reflection and transmission SE measurement data were combined to model the optical function of SU‐8 photoresist. The data were fit using three different models: (i) a B‐spline model, (ii) a four‐Gaussian oscillator model with an ultraviolet (UV) and an infrared (IR) pole, and (iii) a Cody–Lorentz model with three additional Gaussian oscillators. All three models successfully fit the data, where the B‐spline model showed the lowest mean squared error. In situ SE data were also collected and fitted to follow possible changes in the optical properties of the SU‐8 during its development. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) modeling of a complete SU‐8 monomer is qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the measured optical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total ion current chromatogram (TICC) obtained by liquid–chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) is often extremely complex and ‘noisy’ in appearance, particularly when an electrospray ionization source is used. Accordingly, meaningful qualitative and quantitative information can be obtained in LC–MS by data mining processes. Here, one or more higher-quality mass chromatograms can be identified/extracted/isolated and combined to form a TICC, wherein much of the background mass noise is eliminated, and quantitative data for chromatographic peaks can be obtained. Pattern Recognition Entropy (PRE) is a new application of Shannon’s statistical concept of entropy. PRE is both a pattern recognition tool and a summary statistic that can be used to identify information-containing mass chromatograms, where higher quality data (higher signal-to-noise mass chromatograms) usually have lower PRE values. Reduced TICCs are obtained by first calculating the PRE values of the component mass chromatograms. A plot of PRE value vs. m / z for the mass chromatograms is then generated, and the resulting band of PRE values is fit to a piecewise spline polynomial. The distribution of the differences between the individual PRE values and the spline fit is then used to select ‘good’ mass chromatograms. For the data set considered herein, best results were obtained with a threshold of 0.5 standard deviations below the average value (value of the spline). PRE reduces the number of component mass chromatograms significantly (by an order of magnitude) and at the same time preserves most of the chemical information that is collectively in them. It can also distinguish between mass chromatograms of chemically similar species. PRE is arguably a less computationally intensive alternative to the widely used CODA algorithm for variable reduction. It produces reduced TICCs of comparable if not higher quality, and it requires only a single user input for variable selection. Reduced TICCs generated by PRE can be smoothed to further improve their signal-to-noise ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we focus on the perspectives and practical needs of a group of adult immigrants from language backgrounds other than English as they encounter the pragmatic demands of communicating in the workplace and in the community. Drawing on a subset of data from a large-scale longitudinal study of recent adult immigrants with low levels of English, we explore what they notice about the pragmatics of communication in Australia and the sociopragmatic and pragmalinguistic skills they need to ‘fit in’ and function successfully through English. The pragmatic issues they identify encompass a range of sociopragmatic and pragmalinguistic issues not normally addressed in interlanguage research, including the importance of small talk and how to participate in it, the role and interpretation of informality and indirectness, different perceptions of sociability and the ‘need to be nice’, recognition of the need to be pragmatically flexible, and differences between the language taught in the classroom and that used every day in the community. We consider the implications for language classes in an ESL setting and suggest some activities designed to help immigrants prepare for the transition from classroom language learner to competent language user in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is widely used in the semiconductor and materials industries for depositing thin films. Here, we describe a holder/container for performing ALD on particles that does not require agitation. This device contains a broad, shallow, circular recess that holds the particles. Two different frits and combinations of stacked meshes were explored as a cover to this holder to restrict the movement of the particles while still allowing good conductance of the ALD reagent gases. A mathematical discussion of the diffusion through the frits and stacked meshes is presented. As confirmed by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) on planar witness silicon shards, consistent, high‐quality film growth took place inside and outside the holder. The performance of the holder was demonstrated with ~5‐μm zirconia particles that were coated with alumina from trimethylaluminum (TMA) and water, and with zinc oxide from diethylzinc (DEZ) and water. Deposition on different amounts of particles was investigated (50, 100, 200, and 500 mg). Parasitic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) appeared to be present when a greater number of particles or meshes were used. ALD coating on particles was also confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Ho and McKay equation makes the impossible prediction of infinite adsorption. • The flaw in the Ho and McKay equation is in its half-stable fixed point. • A straightforward mathematical fix for the Ho and McKay equation is presented. Ho and McKay's pseudo-second order equation is widely used for fitting adsorption data, often outperforming Lagergren's model. However, the Ho and McKay equation contains a mathematical inconsistency that predicts infinite adsorption for q > q e. This issue should be resolved. This problem is illustrated graphically using the mathematical concept of 'flow along the line'. This analysis reveals that the problem with the Ho and McKay model is its half-stable fixed point. Other variants of the Ho and McKay equation similarly predict infinite adsorption for q > q e. In contrast, the Lagergren equation does not show this anomaly – it has a stable fixed point. An analysis of more than 250 papers in the scientific literature that cite the Ho and McKay equation confirms that real adsorption experiments do not follow the predictions of the Ho and McKay equation for q > q e ; they do not show 'runaway' behavior. That is, the issue raised in this work is purely mathematical/theoretical; it is about following recommended practices for making precise models. A simple solution to the inconsistency in the Ho and McKay equation is to only define it for q ≤ q e. Other possible fixes for this equation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very little is known about the effects of whole body vibration on the supraspinal central nervous system. Though much clinical outcome data and mechanistic data about peripheral neural and musculoskeletal mechanisms have been explored, the lack of central understanding is a barrier to evidence-based, best practice guidelines in the use of vibrational therapy. Disparate methods of administration render study to study comparisons difficult. To address this lack of uniformity, we present the use of targeted subcutaneous vibration combined with simultaneous in vivo electrophysiological recordings as a method of exploring the central effects of peripheral vibration therapy. We used implanted motors driven by both Grass stimulators and programmed microcontrollers to vary frequency and location of stimulation in an anesthetized in vivo rat model while simultaneously recording firing rate from gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area. We show that peripheral vibration can alter GABA neuron firing rate in a location- and frequency-dependent manner. We include detailed schematics and code to aid others in the replication of this technique. This method allows for control of previous weaknesses in the literature including variability in body position, vibrational intensity, node and anti-node interactions with areas of differing mechanoreceptor densities, and prefrontal cortex influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lexical variation abounds in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and is commonly associated with the introduction of the Australasian Signed English lexicon into Deaf education in 1979, before NZSL was acknowledged as a language. Evidence from dictionaries of NZSL collated between 1986. 1997 reveal many coexisting variants for the numbers from one to twenty in NZSL. This article reports on an empirical investigation of how the use of variants for numerals is associated with social factors of age, region, and gender. Results confirm that age group is the strongest factor in variation and that region also plays a role. The analysis of illustrative cases of number variation reveals sociolinguistic processes of social differentiation and changing lexical usage in the NZSL community. Findings provide comparative data on aspects of number variation reported in the closely related British Sign Language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Display glasses meet the demands of the flat panel display industry vis-à-vis their composition, flatness, and forming processes. Here, we report the high-resolution time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) characterization of Corning® EAGLE XG®, a widely used display glass, and subsequent chemometric analyses of these data. Samples analyzed included the as-formed glass, fracture surfaces from remelt bars, and as-formed surfaces subsequently exposed to process-relevant treatments, including strong acids and bases, two industrial detergents, and an atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment. Elemental signals in the positive ion ToF-SIMS spectra respond to surface treatments. Acidic conditions leach non-silica components from the surfaces, while basic treatments extract these species less efficiently. The detergents leave residues of Na+ and K+. The atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma treatment had little effect on the surface composition, while the melt surface differs significantly from the bulk fracture surface. Above ca. 75 m/z, the negative ion spectra are dominated by two series of homologous cluster ions with compositions of Si nO2 n+2Al− and Si mHO2 m+1H−. The presence of these clusters suggests that analogous structures exist at the near surface regions of the samples. In a series of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) analyses, two or three MCR components captured >95% of the variance in the data for these samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand research suggests that CAM use by GPs has decreased, while referral to CAM practitioners by GPs has increased, and that patients often do not tell their health practitioners when they are using CAM. The New Zealand Medical Council has developed guidelines for GPs who use CAM. However, there is no research in New Zealand that looks at how patients and GPs respond to CAM issues in the consultation. This paper uses data collected for two research projects on doctor-patient interaction. For this research, consultations between 105 patients and nine GPs were video-recorded. In this data set, all doctors but one were 'orthodox' and to some degree reserved judgement on CAM, albeit remaining cautious in how they made this evident. Patients on the other hand demonstrated a variety of strategies to get CAM on the agenda, and GPs were careful to couch any criticism in such a way as to protect the 'face' of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this illustration, we present a transcription and discussion of the variety of English spoken by people of European descent in New Zealand. Locally, such people are referred to as being Pākehā, using the Māori word. Pākehā speech is illustrated here in the speech of three educated women. Thus some of the features which might be expected from New Zealanders do not occur in these recordings, although the speakers are all clearly New Zealanders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]