14 research outputs found
Multifunctional Nanotube Polymer Nanocomposites for Aerospace Applications: Adhesion between SWCNT and Polymer Matrix
Multifunctional structural materials can enable a novel design space for advanced aerospace structures. A promising route to multifunctionality is the use of nanotubes possessing the desired combination of properties to enhance the characteristics of structural polymers. Recent nanotube-polymer nanocomposite studies have revealed that these materials have the potential to provide structural integrity as well as sensing and/or actuation capabilities. Judicious selection or modification of the polymer matrix to promote donor acceptor and/or dispersion interactions can improve adhesion at the interface between the nanotubes and the polymer matrix significantly. The effect of nanotube incorporation on the modulus and toughness of the polymer matrix will be presented. Very small loadings of single wall nanotubes in a polyimide matrix yield an effective sensor material that responds to strain, stress, pressure, and temperature. These materials also exhibit significant actuation in response to applied electric fields. The objective of this work is to demonstrate that physical properties of multifunctional material systems can be tailored for specific applications by controlling nanotube treatment (different types of nanotubes), concentration, and degree of alignment
Characteristics of children admitted to hospital with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada in 2020
Background: Risk factors for severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not
well established in children. We sought
to describe pediatric hospital admissions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada and identify risk factors
for more severe disease.
Methods: We conducted a national prospective study using the infrastructure of
the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance
Program (CPSP). Cases involving children who were admitted to hospital with
microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2
infection were reported from Apr. 8 to
Dec. 31 2020, through weekly online
questionnaires distributed to the CPSP
network of more than 2800 pediatricians. We categorized hospital admissions as related to COVID-19, incidental,
or for social or infection control reasons
and determined risk factors for disease
severity in hospital.
Results: Among 264 hospital admissions
involving children with SARS-CoV-2
infection during the 9-month study
period, 150 (56.8%) admissions were
related to COVID-19 and 100 (37.9%)
were incidental infections (admissions
for other reasons and found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 on screening).
Infants (37.3%) and adolescents (29.6%)
represented most cases. Among hospital
admissions related to COVID-19, 52
(34.7%) had critical disease, 42 (28.0%)
of whom required any form of respiratory or hemodynamic support, and 59
(39.3%) had at least 1 underlying
comorbidity. Children with obesity,
chronic neurologic conditions or
chronic lung disease other than asthma
were more likely to have severe or critical COVID-19.
Interpretation: Among children who
were admitted to hospital with SARSCoV-2 infection in Canada during the
early COVID-19 pandemic period, incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection was common. In children admitted with acute
COVID-19, obesity and neurologic and
respiratory comorbidities were associated with more severe disease.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCPediatrics, Department ofReviewedFacultyResearche