Freshman and Sophomore Introduction to Manufacturing-related Engineering Handbooks Using Knovel Databases

Graduates’ abilities to find and apply relevant information from engineering handbooks and reference books to their engineering and technology problems can be considered foundational to their abilities to pursue lifelong-learning in their field. Searchable, electronic access to traditional engineering handbooks and reference books as provided by the database Knovel serves as a user-friendly platform to introduce students to both the breadth and depth of reference book information available. Engineering technology students in a freshman manufacturing processes course and a sophomore materials and metallurgy course were given a hands-on introduction to the Knovel database to promote an early familiarization to relevant engineering references. Activities introduced course-relevant handbooks and search techniques offered through the Knovel database. Time was provided to explore content on a selection of course-related topics. Student responses to a required post-activity essay and an end-of-semester revealed unexpected challenges in convincing early students of the usefulness of engineering handbook and reference data

Persistence metrics for a river population in a two-dimensional benthic-drift model

The study of population persistence in river ecosystems is key for understanding population dynamics, invasions, and instream flow needs. In this paper, we extend theories of persistence measures for population models in one-dimensional rivers to a benthic-drift model in two-dimensional depth- averaged rivers. We define the fundamental niche and the source and sink metric, and establish the net reproductive rate R0 to determine global persistence of a population in a spatially heterogeneous two-dimensional river. We then couple the benthic-drift model into the two-dimensional computational river model, River2D, to study the growth and persistence of a population and its source and sink regions in a river. The theory developed in this study extends existing R0 analysis to spatially heterogeneous two-dimensional models. The River2D program provides a method to analyze the impact of river morphology on population persistence in a realistic river. The theory and program derived here can be applied to species in real rivers

Using Stimulus Material to Explore How Supervisors and Candidates Clarify Expectations During the Research Supervision Process in England

Aim/Purpose This study examined the perceptions of doctoral supervisors and candidates around how expectations for doctoral supervision are clarified, and the strategies used. Background Clarifying expectations is recommended in supervisor and candidate handbooks, supervisor training and recognition programme. Formal strategies have been adopted as a blanket approach by some departments, faculties, or universities but little research explores supervisor and candidate perceptions of this practice or available strategies. Methodology Semi-structured interviews using stimulus material were held with nine supervisors and nine doctoral candidates from a university in England which adopts a team supervision model. Supervisor and candidate dyads were not used. Contribution This study can be used to consider the process of clarifying expectations. A smorgasbord or selection of strategies is presented, for practice. Findings Six supervisors were clarifying expectations at the beginning using an informal discussion, although some supervisors used multiple strategies. Candidates did not recall their expectations being clarified. Some supervisors and candidates believed that expectations did not need to be clarified and there were concerns about formal strategies. Team supervision had a positive and negative influence. Four candidates wanted expectations clarifying but the different starting points and power issues suggested that supervisors need to create the space for regular discussions as part of a working alliance. Recommendations for Practitioners The stimulus material or smorgasbord of strategies can encourage dialogue between supervisors and candidates to enable them to discuss and select appropriate strategies, from the full range available. Recommendation for Researchers Researchers might want to undertake their own studies using stimulus material. The smorgasbord could be used in practice and research undertaken to see how it could be further developed. Impact on Society Supervisors and candidates using the smorgasbord and the idea of the working alliance can assist to have ongoing conversations about expectations. Future Research Researchers could conduct studies in other universities to see if similar findings are discovered. Future research could be undertaken where institutions have adopted a formal approach

A Comparative Study on Emerging Electric Vehicle Technology Assessments

Numerous organizations have published reports in recent years that investigate the ever changing world of electric vehicle (EV) technologies and their potential effects on society. Specifically, projections have been made on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with these vehicles and how they compare to conventional vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Similar projections have been made on the volumes of oil that these vehicles can displace by consuming large amounts of grid electricity instead of petroleum-based fuels. Finally, the projected rate that these new vehicle fleets will enter the market varies significantly among organizations. New ideas, technologies, and possibilities are introduced often, and projected values are likely to be refined as industry announcements continue to be made. As a result, over time, a multitude of projections for GHG emissions, oil displacement, and market penetration associated with various EV technologies has resulted in a wide range of possible future outcomes. This leaves the reader with two key questions: (1) Why does such a collective range in projected values exist in these reports? (2) What assumptions have the greatest impact on the outcomes presented in these reports? Since it is impractical for an average reader to review and interpret all the various vehicle technology reports published to date, Sentech Inc. and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have conducted a comparative study to make these interpretations. The primary objective of this comparative study is to present a snapshot of all major projections made on GHG emissions, oil displacement, or market penetration rates of EV technologies. From the extensive data found in relevant publications, the key assumptions that drive each report's analysis are identified and 'apples-to-apples' comparisons between all major report conclusions are attempted. The general approach that was taken in this comparative study is comprised of six primary steps: (1) Search Relevant Literature - An extensive search of recent analyses that address the environmental impacts, market penetration rates, and oil displacement potential of various EV technologies was conducted; (2) Consolidate Studies - Upon completion of the literature search, a list of analyses that have sufficient data for comparison and that should be included in the study was compiled; (3) Identify Key Assumptions - Disparity in conclusions very likely originates from disparity in simple assumptions. In order to compare 'apples-to-apples,' key assumptions were identified in each study to provide the basis for comparing analyses; (4) Extract Information - Each selected report was reviewed, and information on key assumptions and data points was extracted; (5) Overlay Data Points - Visual representations of the comprehensive conclusions were prepared to identify general trends and outliers; and (6) Draw Final Conclusions - Once all comparisons are made to the greatest possible extent, the final conclusions were draw on what major factors lead to the variation in results among studies

Validated repeatability of patient-reported outcome measures following primary total hip replacement:a mode of delivery comparison study with randomized sequencing

Background and purpose — Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to understand better the outcomes after total hip replacement (THR). These are administered in different settings using a variety of methods. We investigated whether the mode of delivery of commonly used PROMs affects the reported scores, 1 year after THR. Patients and methods — A prospective test–retest mode comparison study with randomized sequence was done in 66 patients who had undergone primary THR. PROMs were administered by 4 modes: self-administration, face-to-face interview, telephone interview, and postal questionnaire. PROMs included: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EQ5D-3L (EQ5D), and Self-Administered Patient Satisfaction Scale (SAPS). Linear regression was used to estimate relationships between the mean scores for PROMs by mode. Individual paired differences by mode were calculated, relationships between modes were identified, and results adjusted by time delay and participant age. Results — There was no statistically significant difference between the mean PROM scores recorded for each mode of delivery for each score. Statistically significant differences in the individual paired differences were detected between modes for the WOMAC stiffness subscale, OHS, EQ5D, and SAPS. OHS difference in individual paired means between face-to-face and telephone interview exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. Interpretation — PROMs mode of administration can affect the recorded results. Modes should not be mixed and may not be comparable between studies. It should not be assumed that different modes will obtain the same results and where not already established this should be checked by researchers before use

Posterior approach to optimise patient-reported outcome from revision hip arthroplasty

Introduction Most total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in the UK are performed through a posterior or lateral surgical approach. We aimed to investigate any difference in outcome from revision THA according to the approach at primary and revision THA surgery. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 205 patients who underwent revision THA for aseptic loosening. Patients rated their pain from 0-10 and completed the Self-Administered Patient Satisfaction Scale (SAPS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), WOMAC and Short form-12 questionnaires. Results 205 patients (209 hips) from a cohort of 238 patients (243 hips, 86%) were available for analysis. The mean follow-up was 5 years (SD 1.71). Grouping by approach 20% (43/209) had both primary and revision procedures via a lateral approach, 20% (43/209) had their primary surgery via a lateral approach and their revision surgery via a posterior approach, whilst 60% (123/209) had both procedures via a posterior approach. The WOMAC and OHS were significantly better in patients who had a posterior approach for both primary and revision surgery, compared to those that did not (OHS p = 0.028, WOMAC p = 0.026). We found no significant differences in pain, satisfaction or health-related quality of life between the groups. Discussion Choice of approach for revision hip arthroplasty is influenced by a number of factors, but in clinical situations where either a lateral or posterior approach could be used, the posterior approach appears to be associated with better joint-specific outcomes. Registry data may help further explore the associations between surgical approach and the outcome from revision THA. </jats:sec

Identification of a DMBT1 polymorphism associated with increased breast cancer risk and decreased promoter activity

According to present estimations, the unfavorable combination of alleles with low penetrance but high prevalence in the population might account for the major part of hereditary breast cancer risk. Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1) has been proposed as a tumor suppressor for breast cancer and other cancer types. Genomewide mapping in mice further identified Dmbt1 as a potential modulator of breast cancer risk. Here, we report the association of two frequent and linked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with increased breast cancer risk in women above the age of 60 years: DMBT1 c.-93C>T, rs2981745, located in the DMBT1 promoter; and DMBT1 c.124A>C, p.Thr42Pro, rs11523871(odds ratio [OR]=1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.21-2.29, P=0.0017; and OR=1.66; 95% CI=1.21-2.28, P=0.0016, respectively), based on 1,195 BRCA1/2 mutation-negative German breast cancer families and 1,466 unrelated German controls. Promoter studies in breast cancer cells demonstrate that the risk-increasing DMBT1 -93T allele displays significantly decreased promoter activity compared to the DMBT1 -93C allele, resulting in a loss of promoter activity. The data suggest that DMBT1 polymorphisms in the 5'-region are associated with increased breast cancer risk. In accordance with previous results, these data link decreased DMBT1 levels to breast cancer risk