Modelling of DPF regeneration using microwave energy

FEM based models in COMSOL multiphysics have been used to simulate regeneration of diesel particulate filter following the layout of an existing microwave cavity. The study utilized the physics packages in the software to model the electric field and thermal profiles of the microwave cavity and DPF. This was used to establish dimensions for microwave cavity and DPF. Further it was possible to integrate the heating properties of the Silicon Carbide used in the DPF substrate. The electric field and thermal profiles of the microwave cavity, as well as the DPF were investigated for the established dimensions and simulated results were compared with experiments. In the experiment, we deployed microwave power generated by a 2.45GHz magnetron into the existing microwave cavity to regenerate DPF. The results of the experiments showed the thermal profiles during DPF regeneration to be in agreement with the profiles from the simulated results. The scheme was further used to improve the design of the cavity for better energy utilization and DPF regeneration efficiency. Electric field and thermal profiles of the microwave cavity were established for various dimensions of microwave cavity for a given DPF size and the results were investigated. It was found that cylindrical cavity (diameter of 153mm and length of 533mm) gives the optimal dimensions for the regeneration of a commercial DPF (143mm (diameter) x 183mm (length) viewed in terms of near homogeneous electric field distribution.Authors wish to acknowledge InnovateUK for the financial support provided to the project ‘Marine Exhaust Gase Treatment System (MAGS) {grant reference number 42471-295209)’, in which, the presented work is part of

Flexible conformable hydrophobized surfaces for turbulent flow drag reduction

In recent years extensive work has been focused onto using superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction applications. Superhydrophobic surfaces retain a gas layer, called a plastron, when submerged underwater in the Cassie-Baxter state with water in contact with the tops of surface roughness features. In this state the plastron allows slip to occur across the surface which results in a drag reduction. In this work we report flexible and relatively large area superhydrophobic surfaces produced using two different methods: Large roughness features were created by electrodeposition on copper meshes; Small roughness features were created by embedding carbon nanoparticles (soot) into Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Both samples were made into cylinders with a diameter under 12 mm. To characterize the samples, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and confocal microscope images were taken. The confocal microscope images were taken with each sample submerged in water to show the extent of the plastron. The hydrophobized electrodeposited copper mesh cylinders showed drag reductions of up to 32% when comparing the superhydrophobic state with a wetted out state. The soot covered cylinders achieved a 30% drag reduction when comparing the superhydrophobic state to a plain cylinder. These results were obtained for turbulent flows with Reynolds numbers 10,000 to 32,500

Does undergraduate curriculum design make a difference to readiness to practice as a junior doctor?

Background: Undergraduate medicine curricula can be designed to enable smoother transition to work as a junior doctor. Evaluations should improve curriculum design. Aim: To compare a graduate cohort from one medical school with a cohort from other medical schools in the same Foundation Year 1 (FY1) programme in terms of retrospective perceptions of readiness for practice. Method: A Likert-scale questionnaire measured self-perception of readiness to practice, including general capabilities and specific clinical skills. Results: Response rate was 74% (n=146). The Peninsula Medical School cohort reported readiness for practice at a significantly higher level than the comparison cohort in 14 out of 58 items (24%), particularly for ‘coping with uncertainty’. In only one item (2%) does the comparison cohort report at a significantly higher level. Conclusions: Significant differences between cohorts may be explained by undergraduate curriculum design, where the opportunity for early, structured work-based, experiential learning as students, with patient contact at the core of the experience, may promote smoother transition to work as a junior doctor. Evaluation informs continuous quality improvement of the curriculum

Exploring the Map of Medicine's potential in undergraduate medical education.

BACKGROUND: Map of Medicine is a web-based knowledge resource depicting evidence-based pathways of patient care. Recent publications suggest a possible role for the Map of Medicine as a training tool in postgraduate education. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the potential of the Map of Medicine to enhance undergraduate medical education. METHODS: A mixed-method study including a survey of UK medical schools, and the embedding of the resource at one medical school and the evaluation of its impact. RESULTS: The survey found that only 1 of 23 medical schools was using the Map of Medicine in its undergraduate curriculum. The Peninsula Medical School students' reaction to the resource was extremely positive. Students liked the Map of Medicine's navigability and help in accessing reliable information. Use of the resource by students grew steadily throughout the period of the study and peaked at 595 sessions a month. There was evidence that usage was directly linked to curricular events, particularly problem-based learning tutorials and medical knowledge assessments. CONCLUSION: There is clear potential for the Map of Medicine in undergraduate medical education and a short-active period of resource promotion led to its embedding within routine learning practice

Inhibitory control as a mediator of bidirectional effects between early oppositional behavior and maternal depression.

Maternal depression is an established risk factor for child conduct problems, but relatively few studies have tested whether children's behavioral problems exacerbate mothers' depression or whether other child behavioral characteristics (e.g., self-regulation) may mediate bidirectional effects between maternal depression and child disruptive behavior. This longitudinal study examined the parallel growth of maternal depressive symptoms and child oppositional behavior from ages 2 to 5; the magnitude and timing of their bidirectional effects; and whether child inhibitory control, a temperament-based self-regulatory mechanism, mediated effects between maternal depression and child oppositionality. A randomized control trial of 731 at-risk families assessed children annually from ages 2 to 5. Transactional models demonstrated positive and bidirectional associations between mothers' depressive symptoms and children's oppositional behavior from ages 2 to 3, with a less consistent pattern of reciprocal relations up to age 5. Mediation of indirect mother-child effects and child evocative effects depended on the rater of children's inhibitory control. Findings are discussed in regard to how child evocative effects and self-regulatory mechanisms may clarify the transmission of psychopathology within families

Alterity & sensitivity in inter-organizational relations: contours of the tutor in marketing ethics education.

Purpose & literature addressed: This paper scrutinises the way in which ethics is taught in the modern business/industrial marketing syllabus. We argue for a reappraisal of the tutor-student relationship such that we may facilitate a greater understanding of how marketing students can make sense of themselves and of ‘the other’ within industrial networks. Research method: This paper is conceptual in its approach. Drawing on literature from the history of marketing thought, educational philosophy and the work of Emmanuel Levinas, we suggest that the conceptualisation of ethics in marketing cannot be divorced from the question of pedagogy and the responsibilities of the tutor. Research findings: We suggest that the ideas of alterity and proximity offers space for a discussion of justice within the global supply chain, providing entry into the marketing discourse for those members of the industrial network not normally encountered by students in the course of teaching. Main contribution: Importantly for teachers of inter-organizational relationships, Levinas offers an opportunity to simultaneously re-imagine the relationship between the student and the tutor. In the process we are forced to confront and acknowledge the responsibility that the role of a moral mediator entails

The Map of Medicine: a review of evidence for its impact on healthcare.

OBJECTIVES: Map of Medicine is an evidence-based online clinical knowledge resource. Procured at significant cost by healthcare providers in the UK, Sweden and Denmark, it is important to establish the beneficial impact that investment has had on healthcare practise and, ultimately, on patient outcomes. The objective of this study is to review the evidence for the impact of the Map of Medicine on clinical practice. METHODS: A systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted. Nine healthcare databases, Google Scholar and Google were searched for articles containing the terms 'map of medicine'. RESULTS: The search identified 133 articles. Eleven of the articles identified met the inclusion criteria. The main finding of the study is the paucity of evidence available on the impact of the Map of Medicine and the variable quality of that which does exist. There are some encouraging early indications for the Map of Medicine as a tool within service redesign, leading to an increase in appropriate referrals to secondary care, decreased patient waiting times and considerable cost savings. CONCLUSION: Further research with study designs that can generate high quality evidence for the impact of Map of Medicine is essential in order to support policy decisions