Processing Parameters for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of Gold

Research into laser processing of different metals has enabled Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) processes to produce parts for a wide variety of applications. However, less focus has been made on the processing of precious metals. Currently little research has been reported on the processing of precious metals and alloys using the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process. Here we present an initial investigation into the processing of 24 carat gold (Au) powder using a SLM system. Gold powder was tested for apparent density, tap density, particle shape and size distribution. A quality check of the specimen was carried out using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for sinterability and occurrence of porosity. Significant processing parameters were also identified.Mechanical Engineerin

A Fuzzy Logic Based Controller for the Automated Alignment of a Laser-beam-smoothing Spatial Filter

A fuzzy logic based controller for a laser-beam-smoothing spatial filter is described. It is demonstrated that a human operator's alignment actions can easily be described by a system of fuzzy rules of inference. The final configuration uses inexpensive, off-the-shelf hardware and allows for a compact, readily implemented embedded control system

Nursing and midwifery students' encounters with poor clinical practice:a systematic review

The aim of this paper was to systematically review evidence about nursing and midwifery students’ encounters with poor clinical care.We undertook a systematic review of English language empirical research using multiple databases from inception to April 2016. Hand searching was also undertaken. Included papers contained accounts of empirical research which reported on students’ encounters with poor care. These were quality-assessed, information was extracted into tables, and study results were synthesized using thematic analysis.N=14 papers met inclusion criteria; study quality was moderate to good. Study synthesis revealed four themes: i) encounters with poor practice: students encounter poor practice that is likely to be worthy of professional sanction; ii) while intention to report is high in hypothetical scenarios, this appears not always to translate to actual practice; iii) a range of influencing factors impact the likelihood of reporting; iv) the consequences of encountering and subsequently reporting poor practice appeared to have a lasting effect on students.Research is required to determine the frequency and nature of students' encounters with poor care, when and where they encounter it, how to increase the likelihood that they will report it, and how they can be supported in doing so

The predictive validity of the short-term assessment of risk and treatability (START) for multiple adverse outcomes in a secure psychiatric inpatient setting

The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) aims to assist mental health practitioners to estimate an individual’s short-term risk for a range of adverse outcomes via structured consideration of their risk (“Vulnerabilities”) and protective factors (“Strengths”) in 20 areas. It has demonstrated predictive validity for aggression but this is less established for other outcomes. We collated START assessments for N = 200 adults in a secure mental health hospital and ascertained 3-month risk event incidence using the START Outcomes Scale. The specific risk estimates, which are the tool developers’ suggested method of overall assessment, predicted aggression, self-harm/suicidality, and victimization, and had incremental validity over the Strength and Vulnerability scales for these outcomes. The Strength scale had incremental validity over the Vulnerability scale for aggressive outcomes; therefore, consideration of protective factors had demonstrable value in their prediction. Further evidence is required to support use of the START for the full range of outcomes it aims to predict

Analysis of Droplet Train/Moving Substrate Interactions in Ink-Jetting Processes

Ink-jetting technology has been applied to several processes in solid free-form fabrication (SFF) wherein droplets impinge onto a substrate to deposit the build material. Droplet impact behaviour on a surface has been the interest of many researchers; however, few studies have been undertaken to investigate the interaction of droplets with the moving substrate. This paper reports the impact behaviour of the droplets jetted at different frequencies onto a substrate moving over a range of velocities. The phenomena associated with the interaction were classified into three main regimes.Mechanical Engineerin

Factor validation and Rasch analysis of the individual recovery outcomes counter

Objective: The Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter is a 12-item personal recovery self assessment tool for adults with mental health problems. Although widely used across Scotland, limited research into its psychometric properties has been conducted. We tested its' measurement properties to ascertain the suitability of the tool for continued use in its present form.Materials and methods: Anonymised data from the assessments of 1,743 adults using mental health services in Scotland were subject to tests based on principles of Rasch measurement theory, principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.Results: Rasch analysis revealed that the 6-point response structure of the Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter was problematic. Re-scoring on a 4-point scale revealed well ordered items that measure a single, recovery-related construct, and has acceptable fit statistics. Confirmatory factor analysis supported this. Scale items covered around 75% of the recovery continuum; those individuals least far along the continuum were least well addressed.Conclusions: A modified tool worked well for many, but not all, service users. The study suggests specific developments are required if the Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter is to maximise its' utility for service users and provide meaningful data for service providers.*Implications for Rehabilitation*Agencies and services working with people with mental health problems aim to help them with their recovery.*The individual recovery outcomes counter has been developed and is used widely in Scotland to help service users track their progress to recovery.*Using a large sample of routinely collected data we have demonstrated that a number of modifications are needed if the tool is to adequately measure recovery.*This will involve consideration of the scoring system, item content and inclusion, and theoretical basis of the tool

Central Command Rest and Recuperation Hub-to-Hub Airlift Network Analysis

The primary purpose of this research effort was to discover the efficiency and effectiveness of the historical hub-to-hub R&R airlift network. This study analyzed the hub-to-hub aircraft efficiency rates and introduced capacity changes in the airlift network with the use of Arena simulation to improve network performance. Furthermore, this study created simple heuristic options for the future airlift framework required to meet USCENTCOM\u27s forecasted R&R transportation demand under the premise of a CY11 country 1 drawdown and an upscale of combat and support forces within country 2. There were several important outcomes of this research effort. First, this study designed the future framework for R&R airlift passenger operations with a focus on leveraging simple heuristics to increase intertheater commercial aircraft utilization to 89.7 percent while also adding four additional weekly sorties in the strategic port to intratheater hub routes. As a result, this study demonstrated that passenger velocity at the strategic port could be increased by 20.6 hours on the average and 24.9 hours at the 90th percentile with a decrease in the transient passenger footprint at the strategic port by 215 passengers on the average. This transient passenger footprint reduction also opens up further opportunities for cost savings by contracting support personnel and facilities at the strategic port for future operations. Finally, this study found that the use of a simple heuristic could increase commercial aircraft seat utilization rates by approximately 10 percent yielding an estimated $26.5M in yearly savings in contract airlift