Investigation of Pitching and Plunging Motions on a Tandem Wing Configuration

From the beginning of the history of flight, inspiration has been drawn from nature. Evolution has spent millions of years optimizing creatures that rely on flight as their means of locomotion. Today, aerial vehicles are very different to those from the time of the Wright brothers. One kind of vehicle that stands to benefit in mimicking nature is the drone, particularly smaller drones. Commonly used today by militaries, industry and civilians, drones are increasingly affordable while also decreasing in size thanks to advancements in electronics and manufacturing methods. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how pitching and rolling motions interact with a tandem wing. The effect of a tandem wing is mostly apparent in the hind wing, as the fore wing moves through the fluid it energizes the flow and creates a wake region. The energy put into the fluid is otherwise lost unless captured by the hind wing. The damselfly was essential inspiration in the development of this experiment, current research shows that higher levels of efficiency can be achieved by mimicking the creature’s anatomy. A pitching and plunging motion by the hindwing seeks to recreate the flapping motion used by the damselfly. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was carried out on both wings to visualize the flow and develop an idea of the flow physics at work. Early results show the combined pitching and plunging motion are an effective means of vortex generation. These vortices create a pressure gradient across the hindwing, contributing to lift generation. This is particularly of interest in the take-off phase of flight. The flapping motion has the dual purpose of producing lift and thrust, this is seen as it shifts between downstroke and upstroke of the plunging cycl

The Impact of a Neuroeducation-based Wellness Curriculum on Generation Z: Implementing Mind-Body Connection

Twenty-first century culture has a significant impact on the cognitive-psychological development of modern-day students. Cultural factors that contribute to this include the excessive use of technology, increased focus on higher academic achievement, more parental involvement, a sedentary lifestyle, and fewer in-person social interactions. Concurrently, the curricular emphasis on physical and mental wellness has been weak leading to a rise of mental health issues amongst adolescent students. Ample research indicates that the social and emotional bodies of the brain are developing and functioning differently because of cultural factors and societal trends. It is crucial for educators to take a deeper look at the impacts of contemporary society and current educational practices on the cognitive and psychological development of adolescent students. The following narratives explore findings from neuroscience, education, and mindfulness, utilizing research to develop a neuroeducation-based approach to positive cognitive-psychological development for students

An Environmental Science and Engineering Framework for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

On June 20, 2017, members of the environmental engineering and science (EES) community convened at the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) Biennial Conference for a workshop on antimicrobial resistance. With over 80 registered participants, discussion groups focused on the following topics: risk assessment, monitoring, wastewater treatment, agricultural systems, and synergies. In this study, we summarize the consensus among the workshop participants regarding the role of the EES community in understanding and mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance via environmental pathways. Environmental scientists and engineers offer a unique and interdisciplinary perspective and expertise needed for engaging with other disciplines such as medicine, agriculture, and public health to effectively address important knowledge gaps with respect to the linkages between human activities, impacts to the environment, and human health risks. Recommendations that propose priorities for research within the EES community, as well as areas where interdisciplinary perspectives are needed, are highlighted. In particular, risk modeling and assessment, monitoring, and mass balance modeling can aid in the identification of “hot spots” for antibiotic resistance evolution and dissemination, and can help identify effective targets for mitigation. Such information will be essential for the development of an informed and effective policy aimed at preserving and protecting the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations

Reactividad vascular en adolescentes normotensos de 15 y 16 años. Ciudad Escolar “Ernesto Guevara”, 2008

A descriptive relational and cross-sectional study in normotense teenagers (15-16 years of age) of the Ernesto Che Guevara School was carried out from January to March 2008. Two groups were formed out of 1 414 teenagers levelled as vascular normo-reactive and hyper-reactive according to the results of a sustained weight test, with reference to 90 percentile of the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in the study population. The anthropometric variables and other risk factors such as vascular hyper-reactivity were taken into account. The hyper-reactive individuals ate larger amounts of fat and salt than the normo-reactive ones. The hyper-reactive teenagers presented mean values of weight (60.6 kg), body mass index (21.9), waist circumference (72.6cm) and waist-hip index (0.83) which were significantly higher than the mean values of the normo-reactive ones. The mean values of the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure of the different basal measurements were significantly high in the difference between the two groups (p<0.00). A relation of statistical significance between the vascular hyper-reactivity and the risk factors of a diet with excessive salt and fat, and between the anthropometric variables and the values of the blood pressure, was determined.Se realizó un estudio descriptivo relacional de corte transversal en adolescentes normotensos de 15 y 16 años de la Ciudad Escolar “Ernesto Che Guevara” de enero a marzo de 2008. Se formaron dos grupos a partir de 1 414 adolescentes clasificados como normorreactivos e hiperreactivos vasculares según resultado de una prueba de peso sostenido, con referencia del 90 percentil de las tensiones arteriales sistólica, diastólica y media de la población estudiada; se relacionaron las variables antropométricas y otros factores de riesgo con la hiperreactividad vascular; los hiperreactivos consumían cantidades mayores de grasas y sal que los normorreactivos; en los adolescentes hiperreactivos los valores de las medias del peso (60.6.kg), el índice de masa corporal (21.9), la circunferencia de cadera (72.6cm) y el índice cintura cadera (0.83) fueron significativamente mayores que las medias de los normorreactivos; en las medias de las tensiones arteriales sistólica, diastólica y media de las tomas basales fueron significativamente altas las diferencias entre grupos (p<0.00); se constató una relación de significación estadística entre la hiperreactividad vascular y los factores de riesgo de la dieta con exceso de sal y grasas, las variables antropométricas y las medias de las tensiones

Carbon Aerogel-Supported Nickel and Iron for Gasification Gas Cleaning. Part I: Ammonia Adsorption

Biomass gasification is a promising way to obtain green energy, but the gas composition makes it unsuitable for use in traditional technologies (i.e., IC engine). Gas purification over nickel and/or iron catalysts is an attractive alternative. Cellulose-based carbon aerogels (CAGs) have shown suitable physical chemical properties for use as catalyst supports. In this work, nickel and iron catalysts are supported on CAG made from cellulose microfibers. Microfibers were impregnated with (NH4)(2)SO4 to increase the mass yield. Carbonization was evaluated at different heating rates, maximum temperatures, and dwell times to generate CAGs. Resulting chars were characterized by N-2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The CAG with better properties (specific surface, pore size, thermal resistance) was impregnated with the metal precursor salt via incipient wetness and treated with H-2. Catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), XRD, N-2 adsorption, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Ammonia adsorption was studied over CAG and catalysts to estimate the thermodynamic parameters. The impregnation with ((NH4)(2)SO4 improves thermal resistance of the char obtained from carbonization. The catalysts exhibit higher adsorption capacity than CAG (without metal), indicating chemical interaction between ammonia and metals. The metal-ammonia interaction is stronger on Fe than on Ni catalyst, which is consistent with reported theoretical calculations

Estudio sobre neonatos ventilados en Ciudad de La Habana, 2004

Un estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico se realizó en Ciudad de La Habana. Fueron estudiados un total de 241 recién nacidos, quienes recibieron ventilación mecánica en seis unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales entre enero y diciembre de  2004. Sólo 60 (24,8%) fallecieron. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la relación existente  entre diferentes variables seleccionadas y la mortalidad de los recién nacidos ventilados. Se aplicó la prueba de x2 (Ji Cuadrado), considerando significativo (p&lt;0.01) y se  calculó  el exponencial de  β como  una medida del riesgo de fallecer.  Las variables que guardaron relación con la mortalidad fueron la edad gestacional,  el exceso de base y el empeoramiento de las funciones ventilatoria, hemodinámica, neurológica y renal.  El recién nacido de muy bajo peso al nacer tuvo alta correlación con la mortalidad; 37 pacientes pesaron menos de 1500 gramos, 19 de ellos (51,3%) fallecieron. La mayor mortalidad se presentó en los que tuvieron  hipertensión pulmonar persistente, 17 fallecidos de 40 (42,5%), mientras la hemorragia intraventricular tuvo una significativa mortalidad, 8 de 12 (66,6%) niños con hemorragia intraventricular grado III-IV  fallecieron. Concluimos que los neonatos de muy bajo peso al nacer son los que presentan mayor riesgo de muerte, así como los que presentan disfunción multiorgánica.    Palabras clave: Ventilación mecánica, mortalidad neonatal, muy bajo peso

Síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica en neonatos

Un estudio observacional fue realizado durante 9 meses en el Hospital Materno Infantil 10 de Octubre, en Ciudad de La Habana, donde se incluyeron todos los pacientes que fueron ingresados en el Servicio de Neonatología en ese período. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el comportamiento del Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica (SIRS) en recién nacidos y evaluar los principales factores perinatales que se relacionaron con la mortalidad. La definición del SIRS fue modificada y también definimos el Síndrome de Disfunción Múltiple de Organos (MODS). Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados entre 24- 48 horas después de haber sido ingresados. Fueron clasificados 47 niños de 351 como SIRS (13,4%), así como 40 de 351 como MODS (11,4%). Mientras más órganos fueron afectados, la mortalidad fue más alta. Solamente 12 niños fallecieron, 10 de ellos con MODS (83,3%). Concluimos que aunque el SIRS y el MODS son difíciles de diagnosticar en el periodo neonatal, cuando los hallazgos clínicos de ambos síndromes estuvieron presentes, los pacientes tuvieron mayor mortalidad

Comportamiento del síndrome de disfunción múltiple de órganos en neonatos intervenidos quirúrgicamente.

Un estudio retrospectivo fue realizado en el Hospital William Soler en la Ciudad de La Habana durante 2 años. El objetivo fue evaluar el comportamiento del síndrome de disfunción múltiple de órganos (MODS) en neonatos tratados quirurgicamente.. Se seleccionaron 130 recién nacidos que requirieron intervención quirúrgica. Se definió el síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SIRS) y el MODS. Los pacientes fueron evaluados entre 24-48 horas del postoperatorio. La mayor mortalidad fue en aquellos niños diagnosticados con SIRS y MODS. Una baja proporción de niños, sólo 24 de 130 (18,5 %) se clasificaron como SIRS y 27 de 130 pacientes como MODS para 20,8 %. Fallecieron 16 pacientes de 130, lo que representó 12,3 %; pero 6 de ellos no tuvieron ni SIRS ni MODS, estos casos fallecieron tardíamente debido a síndrome de intestino corto, malnutrición y sepsis. Pudimos llegar a la conclusión de que cuando los niños presentaron SIRS o MODS en las primeras 48 horas del postoperatorio, la mortalidad fue más alta que cuando estas condiciones no estuvieron presentes

An Environmental Science and Engineering Framework for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

On June 20, 2017, members of the environmental engineering and science (EES) community convened at the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) Biennial Conference for a workshop on antimicrobial resistance. With over 80 registered participants, discussion groups focused on the following topics: risk assessment, monitoring, wastewater treatment, agricultural systems, and synergies. In this study, we summarize the consensus among the workshop participants regarding the role of the EES community in understanding and mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance via environmental pathways. Environmental scientists and engineers offer a unique and interdisciplinary perspective and expertise needed for engaging with other disciplines such as medicine, agriculture, and public health to effectively address important knowledge gaps with respect to the linkages between human activities, impacts to the environment, and human health risks. Recommendations that propose priorities for research within the EES community, as well as areas where interdisciplinary perspectives are needed, are highlighted. In particular, risk modeling and assessment, monitoring, and mass balance modeling can aid in the identification of 'hot spots' for antibiotic resistance evolution and dissemination, and can help identify effective targets for mitigation. Such information will be essential for the development of an informed and effective policy aimed at preserving and protecting the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations

Evaluating the effects of electron donor delivery for the treatment of a chlorinated DNAPL source zone

A controlled pilot scale aquifer system known as the Experimental Controlled Release System (ECRS) was used to evaluate the bioremediation of PCE DNAPL source zones. The addition of DNAPL in the ECRS made a thorough hydrologic evaluation of the system both more essential and problematic. The focus of this research was to develop a detailed site characterization to help ensure the effective delivery of electron donor (Hydrogen Releasing Compound) and microbes for dechlorination of PCE. Transient water level monitoring, tracer tests, MODFLOW models and spatial analyses of aqueous samples were used to define the hydrogeology of the ECRS. Results of these experiments found that addition of the above constituents resulted in no overall aquifer clogging or impacts on the hydraulics. Additional findings of this investigation contradict some previous laboratory studies with regard to the influence of methanogens on dechlorination and methane production, which is believed to result in aquifer clogging