Punching behaviour of foam filled modular sandwich panels with high-density polyethylene skins

Tahmoorian, F ORCiD: 0000-0002-5158-2077Modular composite panels are being widely used for floors and roofs in prefabricated construction. Scissors shear and punching shear strength are two critical parameters for designing the sandwich panels under concentrated out of plane load. However, there are relatively few studies on scissors shear and punching shear strength of sandwich panels in literature in comparison with tensile strength and normal shear strength. In this paper, the scissor shear and punching behaviour of an innovative structural sandwich panel is investigated. The introduced system consists of a high-density polyurethane (PUR) foam core as well as two continuous layers of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) facings. Scissors shear strength and punching strength of these panels are studied through a creative experimental procedure. The scissors shear test is also simulated using non-linear finite element models and finally, the results are compared with each other. The results show that the first yield point of composite happens due to shear stress in foam. On the other hand, due to scissors shear, the foam is ruptured on two surfaces at about 45°. The scissors shear strength for the proposed panel, is determined to be 3.1 MPa, which is in good agreement with numerical results. In addition, the results revealed that using studliner skins can improve the scissors shear strength and punching shear strength of panels by about 34% and 22%, respectively

Advancement in remote sensing of wind energy

Azad, M ORCiD: 0000-0001-8258-6057In modern applications, wind turbines are gaining in height and becoming larger in size, as well as being installed in complex, mountainous, and hilly terrain to produce large amounts of energy for neighboring populations and industries. However, one must keep in mind that the efficiency of a wind farm is greatly affected by inaccurate wind resource assessment. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate wind resource potential to estimate how much energy is available at the site and how much power the wind turbine can produce, because the power output of a wind turbine scales cubically with the available wind speed. In this case, to achieve the highest possible efficiency from a wind farm and to install modern machines of even larger heights, it becomes necessary to study and precisely estimate wind resource potential and its economic feasibility. The investigation of wind resource at larger heights and at complex wind farms requires a more physical volume-based measurement. Ground-based remote-sensing techniques such as light detection and ranging and sound detection and ranging are becoming increasingly useful and popular in the wind energy sector for resource assessment as they help in reducing complexity, uncertainty, and technicality in modern wind farm development, because they provide volume measurement and measure the entire rotor field from top to bottom at each height, particularly at higher hub height, which is difficult to do using conventional techniques, traditional techniques, or meteorological mast techniques. The meteorological mast consists of a cup anemometer and other measuring instruments to measure wind speed and wind direction. Using meteorological mast is not a representative idea as it gives point and fixed measurements, and empirical equations such as power law and log law are used to convert wind speed measured at 10 m or 30 m to larger heights of 100 m, 120 m, or more. This chapter is focused on increasing confidence in the result of remote-sensing measurement. Most importantly, there is economic merit in determining the total amount of cash flowing on wind resource assessment using advance different techniques

Australia-India: Bilateral trade opportunities and challenges

Medhekar, A ORCiD: 0000-0002-6791-4056India is Australia’s fourth largest export market and investment destination, and fifth largest trading partner, with access to a large and youthful market of 1.4 billion population. In 2018, India was the second largest source of skilled professionals, after the UK and third largest source of immigrants after the UK and New Zealand. Increasing number of Indian nationals and businesses are choosing Australia as a destination of choice for education, tourism and for doing business. The Independent India Economic Strategy – 2035, was launched on 22 November 2018 for promoting bilateral trade and export market for Australian goods, services, and investment opportunities for mutual economic benefit. This chapter examines the economic significance of bilateral trade relationship between Australia and India, and opportunities and challenges faced by the two countries with focus on education, tourism, health agri-business, alternative energy and mining sectors to meet the demand and supply gap and the sustainable development goals

Making the student voice count: Using qualitative student feedback to enhance the student experience

Pabel, A ORCiD: 0000-0003-1409-5496Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline how qualitative data can be used to gain insights into the experience of different cohorts of students including online and on-campus students. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data from student surveys are used to analyse three years of data. The text analytics software Leximancer was used to analyse the qualitative student comments. Findings: Comparing comments of on-campus and online students, the findings indicate that the students had different perceptions in regards to what they rated as best aspects of their course and what needed improvement. Originality/value: The study is based on three years of qualitative comments collected in student surveys. The study is unique, given that previous studies have looked at qualitative comments in general rather than comparing the experience of online and on-campus students

Exploration of intervention strategies to reduce public stigma associated with gambling disorder

Russell, AM ORCiD: 0000-0002-3685-7220Stigma associated with gambling disorder is complex, and is a key obstacle that prevents sufferers from seeking early help for their condition. However, little research has addressed how best to reduce gambling stigma. This study explored the effectiveness of video intervention styles, that have been used to reduce public stigma for conditions such as mental illness and substance use disorders. This was done to determine which would be most suitable, considering the unique characteristics of gambling disorder. An online survey of 164 people living in Australia was conducted which examined attitudes toward gamblers experiencing problems before and after an intervention. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three interventions (contact, education, advocacy) or a control video. The study found that each intervention was associated with changes to different components of stigma. Importantly, the education intervention increased labelling, but reduced stereotype endorsement and anger. Advocacy also reduced anger, attributions of character flaws, and anticipated discrimination and recoverability. While these interventions were generally effective at reducing stigma, the contact intervention was mixed, effectively intervening for some aspects of stigma, but increasing stigma on others. No single intervention reduced all aspects of stigma, suggesting that a complementary approach utilising specific elements of each intervention style could be used to deliver relevant information and effectively reduce stigma. Taken together, this suggests that research should be conducted into comprehensive, combined interventions, that include aspects of all three intervention styles, in an attempt to reduce more aspects of stigma simultaneously

Paradoxes in nurses’ identity, culture and image: The shadow side of nursing

Brien, DL ORCiD: 0000-0002-9005-3645; Mcallister, MM ORCiD: 0000-0003-1181-1610This book examines some of the more disturbing representations of nurses in popular culture, to understand nursing’s complex identities, challenges and future directions

Do multi-ingredient protein supplements augment resistance training-induced gains in skeletal muscle mass and strength? A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 trials

Doering, TM ORCiD: 0000-0002-6427-1067Objective: To determine the effects of multi-ingredient protein (MIP) supplements on resistance exercise training (RT)-induced gains in muscle mass and strength compared with protein-only (PRO) or placebo supplementation. Data sources: Systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria: Randomised controlled trials with interventions including RT ≥6 weeks in duration and a MIP supplement. Design: Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effect of supplementation on fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass, one-repetition maximum (1RM) upper body and 1RM lower body muscular strength. Subgroup analyses compared the efficacy of MIP supplementation relative to training status and chronological age. Results: The most common MIP supplements included protein with creatine (n=17) or vitamin D (n=10). Data from 35 trials with 1387 participants showed significant (p<0.05) increases in FFM (0.80 kg (95% CI 0.44 to 1.15)), 1RM lower body (4.22 kg (95% CI 0.79 to 7.64)) and 1RM upper body (2.56 kg (95% CI 0.79 to 4.33)) where a supplement was compared with all non-MIP supplemented conditions (means (95% CI)). Subgroup analyses indicated a greater effect of MIP supplements compared with all non-MIP supplements on FFM in untrained (0.95 kg (95% CI 0.51 to 1.39), p<0.0001) and older participants (0.77 kg (95% CI 0.11 to 1.43), p=0.02); taking MIP supplements was also associated with gains in 1RM upper body (1.56 kg (95% CI 0.80 to 2.33), p=0.01) in older adults. Summary/conclusions: When MIP supplements were combined with resistance exercise training, there were greater gains in FFM and strength in healthy adults than in counterparts who were supplemented with non-MIP. MIP supplements were not superior when directly compared with PRO supplements. The magnitude of effect of MIP supplements was greater (in absolute values) in untrained and elderly individuals undertaking RT than it was in trained individuals and in younger people. Trial registration number: CRD42017081970. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ

Cancer care and occupational therapy: A scoping review

Meredith, PJ ORCiD: 0000-0002-2981-9189INTRODUCTION: Cancer can disrupt participation in everyday activities, suggesting a place for occupational therapy; however, there is a need to articulate the nature, scope and available evidence supporting the occupational therapy role within cancer care. In this scoping review, we identify the breadth of practice and evidence for occupational therapy in cancer care, across all stages of the disease trajectory (diagnosis to palliation/survivorship) throughout the lifespan. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched in June 2018, for English language articles. Key words were: cancer care, OR oncolog*, OR oncologic care, OR neoplasms, OR cancer survivors, OR terminal cancer, OR cancer rehabilitation, AND occupational therap*. No date restrictions were imposed. Included were: all styles of literature including grey literature, all types of cancers and all age brackets. There were no restrictions on place of origin of papers. Following the Arksey and O'Malley (2006; International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8: 19-32) framework for scoping reviews, the first author screened titles and abstracts, and all three authors reviewed sets of the included articles. Conflicts were discussed until consensus was reached. RESULTS: After evaluating 305 titles and abstracts and 111 full-text articles, 89 papers were retained. Articles included research studies (n = 43), reviews (n = 15), grey literature (n = 16), practice analyses (n = 14) and an editorial (n = 1). The occupational therapy roles described were diverse, but largely descriptive in nature, with little evidence of outcomes from treatment. Furthermore, the majority of papers addressed adult populations, with few considering children, adolescents or young adults. Most papers focused on specific stages of the disease, and none addressed the disease along its full trajectory. CONCLUSION: Despite identifying a diverse range of occupational therapy roles in cancer care throughout the disease trajectory and across the lifespan, the need for professional discourse and research within our profession was highlighted. This was particularly evident for adolescents and young adults with cancer

Using resilience as a tool for systematic change

Brien, DL ORCiD: 0000-0002-9005-3645; Mcallister, MM ORCiD: 0000-0003-1181-1610“Wicked” problems occur not just for patients in healthcare services, as can be seen in Chapter 1, Resilience in Nursing, but also for nurses in attempting to change and improve their own professional culture. Nursing’s advancement and professionalization has been hampered by internal and external tensions, including professional disunity, public misunderstanding and devaluation, and lack of political will and support to improve conditions (Thorne, 2015). This situation leads to further problems, such as stress, conflict, and burnout, and defensive coping mechanisms that can metamorphose into uncaring behaviors toward patients. It is these "wicked" problems of stress, burnout, and conflict that we focus on in this chapte

The voices of death doulas about their role in end-of-life care

Miller-Lewis, LR ORCiD: 0000-0001-6013-130X'Death Doulas' have emerged as a relatively new role supporting dying people and their family members; however there is a lack of clarity around how the role is enacted, and around the death doula role within health and social care systems. This study aimed to explore the ambiguity of the role of death doulas in end-of-life care including the skills, training and experience of death doulas; how the role is communicated to the community; and the relationships to palliative care providers and other health professionals. People identifying as death doulas were invited to participate in an online survey between April and June 2018. Ethical approval was obtained. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and purposive sampling was used to survey death doulas registered with death doula training organisations, newsletters and email distribution lists. Questions were based on the researchers' previous findings about the role. One hundred and ninety completed or partially completed surveys were received. Results showed diversity within, and some commonalities across the sample in terms of: training, experience and skills; Death doulas have emerged not only as a response to the overwhelming demands on families and carers, but also demands placed on health care professionals (including palliative care) at the end-of-life. They have identified gaps in health and social care provision, perhaps taking on tasks that health professionals don't have responsibility for. However, the roles and scope of practice of death doulas is not clear-cut even within their cohort, which can then make it hard for patients and families when choosing a death doula, especially as a lack of regulation and standardised training means that doulas are working without oversight, and often in isolation