Thomas-forbidden particle capture

At high energies, in particle-capture processes between ions and atoms, classical kinematic requirements show that generally double collision Thomas processes dominate. However, for certain mass-ratios these processes are kinematically forbidden. This paper explores the possibility of capture for such processes by triple or higher order collision processes.Comment: 34 pages and three figure

Cosmic Vortons and Particle Physics Constraints

We investigate the cosmological consequences of particle physics theories that admit stable loops of superconducting cosmic string - {\it vortons}. General symmetry breaking schemes are considered, in which strings are formed at one energy scale and subsequently become superconducting in a secondary phase transition at what may be a considerably lower energy scale. We estimate the abundances of the ensuing vortons, and thereby derive constraints on the relevant particle physics models from cosmological observations. These constraints significantly restrict the category of admissible Grand Unified theories, but are quite compatible with recently proposed effects whereby superconducting strings may have been formed close to the electroweak phase transition.Comment: 33 pages, 2 figures, RevTe

Value of toe pulse waves in addition to systolic pressures in the assessment of the severity of peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischemia

AbstractPurpose: Although pressure measurements are useful in the assessment of the severity of the arterial obstruction, they do not completely identify limbs with and without critical limb ischemia. Our objective was to test whether addition of the measurements of toe pulse waves (PW), which depend on distal perfusion, to pressure measurements could improve the determination of the severity of arterial disease and the presence of critical limb ischemia.Methods: We measured toe pressure (TSP) and ankle/brachial index (ABI) and recorded PW with photoplethysmography in 358 limbs of 182 patients.Results: TSP, ABI, and PW amplitude were lower in 67 limbs with rest pain, skin lesions, or both, with mean differences of 29 mm Hg, 0.12, and 16 mm, respectively ( p < 0.01). Similarly, in the subgroup of 107 limbs with TSP ≤30 mm Hg, TSP, and PW amplitude, but not ABI, were lower in 53 limbs with rest pain, skin lesions, or both, with mean differences of 10 mm Hg and 7 mm ( p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that after controlling was done for TSP and ABI, the odds ratio for the presence of rest pain, skin lesions, or both associated with PW amplitude ≤4 mm was 4.3 (95% confidence interval 1.7, 11.0; p < 0.01). In the subgroup with TSP ≤30 mm Hg, this odds ratio was 3.5 (95% confidence interval 1.0, 11.6; p < 0.05).Conclusions: The findings indicate that addition of PW recording to pressure measurements is likely to increase the accuracy of assessment for critical limb ischemia. (J Vasc Surg 1996;24:258-65.

Understanding Super-Earths with MINERVA-Australis at USQ's Mount Kent Observatory

Super Earths, planets between 5-10 Earth masses, are the most common type of exoplanet known, yet are completely absent from our Solar system. As a result, their detailed properties, compositions, and formation mechanisms are poorly understood. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will identify hundreds of Super-Earths orbiting bright stars, for the first time allowing in-depth characterisation of these planets. At the University of Southern Queensland, we are host to the MINERVA-Australis project, dedicated wholly to the follow-up characterisation and mass measurement of TESS planets. We give an update on the status of MINERVA-Australis and our expected performance.Comment: Accepted to appear in the peer-reviewed proceedings of the 17th Australian Space Research Conference, held at the University of Sydney, 13th-15th November, 201

Mechanical Properties of 8 Mole% Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Both high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength are important when considering the potential application of ceramics in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Yttria stabilised zirconia compounds can be used as both the electrolyte and anode support structure in self supporting SOFC and as a result, there is great interest in the development of these materials. The high ionic conductivity of an 8 mol% Y2O3 ZrO2 formulation, must be combined with suitable mechanical hardness and toughness, in order to qualify for SOFC application. The availability of suitable materials has been limited with the majority of suppliers having only small scale manufacturing capability. This study has investigated the physical and mechanical properties of a commercially available ZrO2(Y2O3)0.08 ceramic,. The product was found to contain only the cubic phase and possess the necessary structural characteristics for use in solid oxide fuel cells

Integration of Virtual Reality Procedural Training in a Flight Training Curriculum

As Virtual Reality (VR) technology becomes more affordable, integrating VR training into pilot training programs is becoming a focus of many flight schools and universities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of VR software and supporting devices as a familiarization and procedural trainer for private pilot students. This presentation will introduce the usage of the VR software for procedural training in the new private pilot training program implemented by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus Flight Department. In this program, new private pilot students partake in a month-long program to learn basic skills and knowledge to prepare them for their upcoming flight lessons. The presentation will cover: 1) A brief introduction to the Commercial Aviation Augmented Reality Toolkit (CAART) software, 2) An outline of how this software is used in the overall layout of the training course, 3) A description of the equipment used including examples and a display of each of the three types of training delivery methods, 4) A discussion of the research plan currently underway and 5) A synopsis of relevant preliminary data regarding the experiences of participants in relation to usability, presence, satisfaction, and simulator sickness. The presentation will cumulate in a discussion outlining future research plans

Understanding the genetic and environmental specificity and overlap between well-being and internalizing symptoms in adolescence

Moderate inverse correlations are typically found between well-being and mental illness. We aimed to investigate the role of genes and environments in explaining the relationships between two aspects of well-being and two measures of internalizing symptoms. Altogether, 4700 pairs of 16-year-old twins contributed data on subjective happiness and life satisfaction, as well as symptoms of depression and emotional problems. Well-being was moderately correlated with internalizing symptoms (range = 0.45, 0.58). Multivariate twin model-fitting indicated both genetic and environmental overlap. Life satisfaction and happiness demonstrated different patterns of overlap, with stronger genetic links between life satisfaction and depression. Non-shared environmental influences were largely specific to each trait. This study supports the theory of mental health and illness being partly (but not entirely) correlated dimensions. There are also significant genetic and environmental factors to identify for well-being that go beyond the absence of mental illness. It is therefore possible that different interventions are needed for treating mental illness and promoting mental health

Cool Jupiters greatly outnumber their toasty siblings : Occurrence rates from the Anglo-Australian Planet Search

This article has been accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ©2019 The Authors. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.Our understanding of planetary systems different to our own has grown dramatically in the past 30 yr. However, our efforts to ascertain the degree to which the Solar system is abnormal or unique have been hindered by the observational biases inherent to the methods that have yielded the greatest exoplanet hauls. On the basis of such surveys, one might consider our planetary system highly unusual - but the reality is that we are only now beginning to uncover the true picture. In this work, we use the full 18-yr archive of data from the Anglo-Australian Planet Search to examine the abundance of 'cool Jupiters' - analogues to the Solar system's giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn. We find that such planets are intrinsically far more common through the cosmos than their siblings, the hot Jupiters.We find that the occurrence rate of such 'cool Jupiters' is 6.73 +2.09 -1.13 per cent, almost an order of magnitude higher than the occurrence of hot Jupiters (at 0.84 +0.70 -0.20 per cent). We also find that the occurrence rate of giant planets is essentially constant beyond orbital distances of ~1 au. Our results reinforce the importance of legacy radial velocity surveys for the understanding of the Solar system's place in the cosmos.Peer reviewe

Donning a Novel Lower-Limb Restrictive Compression Garment During Training Augments Muscle Power and Strength

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(3): 890-899, 2020. The popularity of graduated compression garments (GCG) in sport and exercise is largely driven by the abundance of anecdotal claims suggesting their efficacy. A new line of compression apparel, restrictive compression garments (RCG), integrate novel resistance technology into lower-limb compression garments designed to provide variable resistance to movement. This study aimed to investigate the effect of donning an RCG during a 4-week training program on selected performance variables. Twelve college-aged males were recruited for four weeks of lower-body strength-power resistance training. Participants were randomized 1:1 and blinded to (i) an intervention group (RCG; n = 6) that donned a lower-body RCG during training or (ii) a control group (SHAM; n = 6) that donned a sham during identical training. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) on a seated leg press after 4 weeks (both p \u3c 0.001), with RCG showing a significantly greater increase compared SHAM (p = 0.005, g = 3.35). Similarly, RCG demonstrated significantly greater increases in jump height, peak power, and average power compared to SHAM (p = 0.032, g = 3.44; p \u3c 0.001, g = 4.40; p \u3c 0.001, g = 4.50, respectively). Donning a RCG while engaging in lower-body strength-power training may augment increases 1-RM on a seated leg press, jump height, peak and average power, compared with same exercise training without an RCG