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Localized surface plasmons (LSP) excited by optical fields have many potential applications resulting from their ability in detecting ultra-small, ambient refractive index change. Current methods using surface nano-patterning by means of lithography have given rise to LSP of limited propagation and interaction lengths, meaning that practical applications remain challenging. This article describes a new all-optical method of generating LSP by means of a carefully fabricated low-dimensional nano-structured material using a direct-write photochemical lithography. It is shown that the resulting array of localized SPs combine or “Conjoin” to have an unprecedented large interaction length, via coupled evanescent fields, giving rise to superior spectral sensitivities; several orders of magnitude better than those quoted elsewhere and reaching 6 × 103 nm RIU−1 in the aqueous regime and 104 nm RIU−1 in the gaseous regime. Numerical modeling is performed that shows this design of plasmonic platform is capable of producing sensitivities of 105–106 nm RIU−1. It is believed the results achieved in this investigation show that a unique conjoint SP operational mode will significantly impact areas of interest, such as single molecular dynamics, drug delivery systems, etc.

Background: Existing writing self-efficacy instruments have focused on assessing writing self-efficacy through examining mechanical and process features of writing to the neglect of the situated context and its influence. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to theoretically construct the concept of writing self-efficacy from a cognitive and socially constructed perspective and then measure writing self-efficacy from within the discipline of nursing. The initial phase required exploring the epistemological compatibility of self-efficacy theory and social constructionism. The culmination of this work was a multiphase multimethod project to develop and test the Situated Academic Writing Self-Efficacy Scale (SAWSES) based on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and a model of socially constructed writing. The thesis presents five individual papers by publication – two published and three submitted for publication. Methods: Four independent sample studies were conducted. Two studies formed the tool editing phase: a Delphi panel with 7 nursing and 8 writing scholars and Cognitive interviews with 20 undergraduate students. Study validation required two sample recruitments. Study 1 surveyed 255 nursing students examining exploratory factor analysis and a structural equation model. To enhance generalizability, Study 2 surveyed an interdisciplinary sample of undergraduate (N = 543) and graduate students (N = 264) to conduct a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The three identified factors present a structure to the questionnaire which is developmental and has the potential to detect gaps in student self-assessed ability to master various facets of disciplinary writing: 1) Factor 1 – Writing Essentials (synthesis, emotional control, language); 2) Factor 2 – Relational-Reflective – assesses relationship building with writing facilitators (teachers, academic sources) and the self through reflection; and 3) Factor 3 – Writing Identity – explores gaps in student achi

The paper seeks to explore how shifts in property rights have been used to develop innovative models of organissation that internalize the socio-economic costs of the immediate post-Communist era, in Romania. Using Bromley’s (1991) definition of property as a triadic relationship, the case of apartment block infrastructure is used to show how a common property regime has provided a more optimal outcome than either an open or private property regime. How far collaboration and common ownership can be extended, through technology, into wider patterns of production and consumption is therefore a logical next question. There is considerable debate about the extent to which knowledge is becoming a greater source of value than products, as technology and globalisation combine to drive the marginal cost of (re)production and delivery close to zero (Evans & Wurster 1997, Botsman & Rogers 2010, Mason 2013). Some companies are seeking to manage networks and use on-line rating systems to both establish trust and build communities of interest. Wikipedia has demonstrated how such networks can enable the emergence of commons spaces that can outperform privately controlled spaces. In Romania there is found to be much interest in collaborative consumption and emergent signs of collaborative approaches to production, but, as yet no significant technology driven common ownership models.

Although with the overwhelming impact of new technologies globally, numerous factors still account for the setbacks in bridging the digital divide in developing nations. Cameroon has for several years been trailing in the employment of ICTs to facilitate learning and teaching in schools. Nevertheless, a number of ICT projects have been implemented in secondary schools which have helped to reduce this digital gap amongst students. We report on one of the pioneer projects, the Computer and Internet Access Centres (CIAC) project, implemented by the Association for Development, Communication and Environment (ADCOME), a non-governmental organisation with headquarters in the South West Region of Cameroon. We begin by looking at its history, implementation, successes, challenges and possible solutions.

Tokyo, For a small economy, the equilibrium under monopolistic competition may not be pareto optimal. The paper deals with the condition for the existence and pareto optimality of equilibrium under monopolistic competition in a large economy with differentiated products.