Understanding the deformation mechanism of individual phases of a ZrTi-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite using in situ diffraction and imaging methods

The plasticity of a ZrTi-based bulk metallic glass composite consisting of glassy matrix and crystalline dendritic phase was studied in-situ under identical tensile loading conditions using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. A generic procedure was developed to separate the diffraction information of the crystalline phases away from that of the matrix and to precisely calculate the microscopic strains of the two phases at different macroscopic load steps. In this way, the time-evolved quantitative links between shear bands nucleation/propagation and the corresponding microscopic stress fields around them are established, providing more quantitative understanding on (1) how the shear bands are driven by the local stress field, and (2) the critical stresses required for the shear bands to nucleate in the crystalline phase, propagate through the crystalline/matrix interface, and finally into the matrix

Thalamic T2 Hyperintensities and Cognitive Function in Chinese Children With NF-1

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The onset of plasticity of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

The deformation behaviors of a Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 bulk metallic glassy alloy under step-controlled tensile loads have been studied in situ and systematically using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. A circular hole, as a stress concentrator, was introduced in the middle of the gauge length of the sample to facilitate the creation of shear bands in a controllable way at the edge of the hole in situ imaging and diffraction studies could be carried out at the identical loads in a quasi-steady state manner. Pair distribution function was used to calculate the strains of different atomic coordination shells and the relative change of the bond lengths of different atomic pairs. The combined imaging and diffraction studies revealed that (1) the extension of solvent–solvent (Zr–Zr) atomic pairs under tension causes the nucleation of shear bands, and (2) the compressive stress field around the shear band tip effectively slows down the fast propagation of shear bands

Economic Sustainability Through Agritourism in Rural Communities: The Case of Native Chicken Beauty Contest in Isabela, Philippines

Agritourism is a promising industry in the Philippines. It is one among the backbones of Philippine economy. This study assessed the impact of the native chicken beauty contest as an agritourism initiatives in Isabela, Philippines based on the perceptions of 639 farmers and stakeholders. The participants are coming from different municipalities of the province. Data were gathered through an adapted survey. Findings revealed that the respondents have a positive perception on the impact of the initiatives in the aspect of economy. They believe that the initiative improves their financial status, and that they received strategic and financial support from the government through their political leaders. On the other hand, the participants’ concern was about peoples’ participations to the development and implementation of the initiatives, proper development of community image for branding towards international recognition. Hence, a policy on inter-agency and inter-cultural monitoring board is highly recommended

Hybrid energy and angle dispersive X-ray diffraction computed tomography

Pixelated energy resolving detectors enable acquisition of X-ray diffraction (XRD) signals using a hybrid energy- and angle- dispersive technique, potentially paving the way for the development of novel benchtop XRD imaging or computed tomography (XRDCT) systems, utilising readily available polychromatic X-ray sources. In this work, a commercially available pixelated cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, HEXITEC (High Energy X-ray Imaging Technology), was used to demonstrate such an XRDCT system. Specifically, a novel fly-scan technique was developed and compared to the established step-scan technique, reducing the total scan time by 42% while improving the spatial resolution, material contrast and therefore the material classification

Regional white matter anisotropy and general intelligence in preterm born children: a voxelwise analysis

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Improving health professional\u27s knowledge of hepatitis B using cartoon based learning tools: a retrospective analysis of pre and post tests

Background: Hepatitis B serology is complex and a lack of knowledge in interpretation contributes to the inadequate levels of screening and referral for highly effective hepatitis antiviral treatments. This knowledge gap needs to be addressed so that current and future healthcare professionals are more confident in the detection and assessment of hepatitis B to improve the uptake of treatment and reduce long-term complications from the disease. Cartoons have been used effectively as a teaching tool in other settings and were considered as a potentially useful teaching aid in explaining hepatitis B serology. This study examines the impact of cartoons in improving healthcare professionals’ knowledge. Methods: A cartoon based learning tool designed to simplify the complexities of hepatitis B serology was developed as part of an online learning program for medical practitioners, nurses and students in these professions. A retrospective analysis was carried out of pre and post online test results. Results: An average improvement of 96% of correct answers to case study questions in hepatitis B serology was found across all ten questions following the use of an online cartoon based learning tool. Conclusion: The data indicates a significant improvement of participants’ knowledge of hepatitis B serology from pre-test to post-test immediately following an online cartoon based learning tool. However, further research is required to measure its long term impact

The misogyny of iron deficiency

Anaemia is common, particularly in women and the commonest underlying cause, iron deficiency, is often overlooked. Anaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing anaesthesia; however, women are defined as being anaemic at a lower haemoglobin level than men. In this narrative review, we present the history of iron deficiency anaemia and how women’s health has often been overlooked. Iron deficiency was first described as ‘chlorosis’ and a cause of ‘hysteria’ in women and initial treatment was by iron filings in cold wine. We present data of population screening demonstrating how common iron deficiency is, affecting 12–18% of apparently ‘fit and healthy’ women, with the most common cause being heavy menstrual bleeding; both conditions being often unrecognised. We describe a range of symptoms reported by women, that vary from fatigue to brain fog, hair loss and eating ice. We also describe experiments exploring the physical impact of iron deficiency, showing that reduced exercise performance is related to iron deficiency independent of haemoglobin concentration, as well as the impact of iron supplementation in women improving oxygen consumption and fitness. Overall, we demonstrate the need to single out women and investigate iron deficiency rather than accept the dogma of normality and differential treatment; this is to say, the need to change the current standard of care for women undergoing anaesthesia

Design and characterisation of metallic glassy alloys of high neutron shielding capability

This paper reports the design, making and characterisation of a series of Fe-based bulk metallic glass alloys with the aim of achieving the combined properties of high neutron absorption capability and sufficient glass forming ability. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function methods were used to characterise the crystalline or amorphous states of the samples. Neutron transmission and macroscopic attenuation coefficients of the designed alloys were measured using energy resolved neutron imaging method and the very recently developed microchannel plate detector. The study found that the newly designed alloy (Fe48Cr15Mo14C15B6Gd2 with a glass forming ability of Ø5.8 mm) has the highest neutron absorption capability among all Fe-based bulk metallic glasses so far reported. It is a promising material for neutron shielding applications