Predictive Models of an Electro-mechanical Driving System for Failure Testing of Strain Gauges

Strain gauges are bonded at high stress locations on the surface of critical structural components such as turbine blades to measure fatigue characteristics and detect early warning signs of high cycle fatigue. However, strain gauges do not always report expected measurements. The usual response by maintenance technicians to these failing signals is to investigate the component for weakness, check the placement of the gauges on the component, or examine the instrumentation for failure or damage. However, little research has been conducted to show when the failing signals are the fault of the strain gauge. Such failure modes of strain gauges include improper gauge installation, over-straining, operating outside the temperature limits, physical damage and environmental wear, and improper gauge selection. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, FMEA, is a methodology for monitoring failure modes and their potential effects, causes, and solutions. This research consisted of the introductory steps in developing and analyzing a laboratory setup for FMEA strain gauge testing and analysis. The primary goal of this research was to develop predictive models for strain gauge responses under controlled laboratory conditions. A testing station was developed that generated a mechanical motion on a beam, subjecting strain gauges to a sinusoidally-varying strain. Predictive models of the testing station were developed and experimentally analyzed. Models were also developed for two particular failure modes, debonding and wire lead termination, and experimental analysis was conducted. In general, the models adequately describe the operation of a strain gauge operating under normal conditions and in the studied failure mode. Predicted and experimental data are presented that show the characteristic signals in terms of time domain, histogram, and frequency domain analysis

The Praxis of Disability and Schools in Ohio from 1925-1939

This paper provides a summary of the analysis of school enumeration returns in Ohio from 1925 through 1939, prior to state-wide school consolidation, in 26 counties. Data suggests that a wide range of students with disabilities were accommodated and included in the public-school system. The paper discusses legislation, medical, and clinical definitions of disability for this time period. Results may have had implications on school consolidation in Ohio

Categorisation and Detection of Dark Matter Candidates from String/M-theory Hidden Sectors

We study well-motivated dark matter candidates arising from weakly-coupled hidden sectors in compactified string/$M$-theory. Imposing generic top-down constraints greatly restricts allowed candidates. By considering the possible mechanisms for achieving the correct dark matter relic density, we compile categories of viable dark matter candidates and annihilation mediators. We consider the case where supersymmetry breaking occurs via moduli stabilisation and is gravitationally mediated to the visible and other hidden sectors, without assuming sequestering of the sector in which supersymmetry is broken. We find that in this case, weakly-coupled hidden sectors only allow for fermionic dark matter. Additionally, most of the mechanisms for obtaining the full relic density only allow for a gauge boson mediator, such as a dark $Z'$. Given these considerations, we study the potential for discovering or constraining the allowed parameter space given current and future direct detection experiments, and direct production at the LHC. We also present a model of a hidden sector which would contain a satisfactory dark matter candidate.Comment: 29 pages, 10 figure

Accessibility in Metrô Rio prior to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games.

ABSTRACT:The city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil hosted the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games which brought forth an enormous influx of tourists to a large populated city. This study, analyzed accessibility of the Metrô Line 1 of the subway system in preparation for the games. Photo-based research was used to investigate the Metrô Rio services. Findings suggest that the subway system in the city of Rio de Janeiro, is accessible; however, improvement is needed in the areas of communication, through standardization of language used to describe equipment and accommodations, the standardization of signage and equipment, standardization of navigational logic patterns, and predictability of barriers and services for patrons. A tension was also identified between services provided with assistance and services that promote independence for users with disabilities. Results will help transit agencies to consider accessibility features for all patrons.RESUMO:O Rio de Janeiro foi cidade-sede dos Jogos Olímpicos e Paraolímpicos de 2016, evento que gerou um enorme fluxo de turistas em uma cidade bastante populosa. O presente estudo analisou a acessibilidade do Metrô Linha 1 do sistema metrofer­roviário em preparação para os jogos. A investigação utilizou-se do registro fotográ­fico para averiguar os serviços do Metrô Rio. Os resultados sugerem que o sistemade metrô do Rio de Janeiro é acessível; porém, são necessárias melhorias nas áreas de comunicação por meio da padronização da linguagem utilizada para descrever os equipamentos e espaços, da padronização da sinalização e dos equipamentos oferecidos, da uniformização dos modelos de locomoção e do aumento de previsi­bilidade dos obstáculos e dos serviços oferecidos aos usuários. Também foi iden­tificada uma tensão entre os serviços que se apoiam na assistência e serviços que promovem a independência para os usuários portadores de deficiência. Os resulta­dos auxiliarão agências de transporte a considerar características de acessibilidade para todos os usuários

An external evaluation of Phat Pak process and structure: Volume 2: Appendices

An evaluation was conducted by the 510 Evaluation Research Group 2007 after receiving a request from the Phat Pak Governance Group (PPGG). The evaluation focused on four areas identified in the Phat Pak service specification plan attached to it’s Ministry of Health contract (Youth participation, Communication Strategies, Decision making Processes and Skills Development)

An external evaluation of Phat Pak process and structure: Volume 1: Evaluation report

An evaluation was conducted by the 510 Evaluation Research Group 2007 after receiving a request from the Phat Pak Governance Group (PPGG). The evaluation focused on four areas identified in the Phat Pak service specification plan attached to it’s Ministry of Health contract (Youth participation, Communication Strategies, Decision making Processes and Skills Development). Our intention of evaluating the Phat Pak Programme has been to, through feedback from a range of participants, gauge the extent that the programme objectives (such as those highlighted in the contract are being met. More specifically, the function of the evaluation has been to help identify specific areas that are working well and those areas that need further development. It is our intention that the evaluation will provide both short and long-term direction with added insight towards increasing participation and enhancing health outcomes for youth and the wider community of the Waikato region

Regular Versus Shorter Orientation

This study compared college student characteristics of those who attended regular and shorter orientation sessions at a state university over a period of four years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and results indicated that significant differences existed between the students who attended the regular orientation and those who attended a shorter orientation. Further analysis using linear and logistic regression indicated that type of orientation session attended did not significantly affect the outcomes of retention, fall and spring grade point average (GPAs), and academic status beyond the effects of student background characteristics. Recommendations focused on college student experiences

Koinonia

Ways to Grow Our ProfessionVocational Education: A New Perspective, Brent Ellis Forging Ahead in Student Programs, Steve Austin Ways to Train OthersThe Steps to Thinking Well are as Easy as 1-2-3, Randy Blackford Ten Things Every RA Should Know, Brad Voyles Ways We Have LearnedI Learned Too, Sara Oyer One Year Later, Rob Loane Regular FeaturesPresident\u27s Corner Editor\u27s Disk ACSD Accoladeshttps://pillars.taylor.edu/acsd_koinonia/1015/thumbnail.jp

Periocular Manifestation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a Novel Perioperative Screening Tool

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents perioperative challenges with increased risk for complications. Floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is associated with OSA yet has not been addressed perioperatively. The current standard for perioperative OSA screening includes assessing patient risk factors or the STOP-BANG tool, which requires an active participant. We aimed to confirm a connection between FES and OSA in presurgical patients and develop a screening method appropriate for patients with perioperative OSA risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 162 presurgical pre-anesthesia clinic patients were enrolled. Screening questions determined eligibility. Those who were pregnant or aged \u3c 19 were excluded. Control group included those with a STOP-BANG score \u3c 3. Experimental group included those with BMI \u3e 35 and OSA diagnosis. Examiners photographed participants\u27 eyes with vertical and horizontal retraction while two blinded ophthalmologists used a grading scale to review grade of eyelid laxity. RESULTS: Differences in habitus, ASA score, and hypertension as a comorbidity were significant. Sensitivity of FES screening was 52% (CI 37-66%) and specificity was 56% (CI 46-66%) for reviewer 1. For reviewer 2, sensitivity was 48% (CI 28-69%) and specificity was 72% (CI 60-81%). Negative predictive value was 86% (CI 81-90) for reviewer 1 and 88% (CI 83-92%) for reviewer 2. Inter-rater agreement was moderate. CONCLUSION: While specificity and sensitivity were lower than anticipated, negative predictive value was high. Given this strong negative predictive value, our findings indicate using eyelid retraction to screen for FES has perioperative clinical utility. These findings encourage further research addressing the connection of lid laxity/FES to OSA. KEY POINTS: • Aimed to investigate if a FES screening tool could identify perioperative OSA risk. • Negative predictive value for FES with OSA was 86%. • Observing periocular lid laxity has clinical utility; is feasible in any patient