6,512 research outputs found
Reflections on the evolution of a masters programme in instrumentation and control delivered by distance learning.
On the dependence of the avalanche angle on the granular layer thickness
A layer of sand of thickness h flows down a rough surface if the inclination
is larger than some threshold value theta which decreases with h. A tentative
microscopic model for the dependence of theta with h is proposed for rigid
frictional grains, based on the following hypothesis: (i) a horizontal layer of
sand has some coordination z larger than a critical value z_c where mechanical
stability is lost (ii) as the tilt angle is increased, the configurations
visited present a growing proportion $_s of sliding contacts. Instability with
respect to flow occurs when z-z_s=z_c. This criterion leads to a prediction for
theta(h) in good agreement with empirical observations.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figure
Kovacs effects in an aging molecular liquid
We study by means of molecular dynamics simulations the aging behavior of a
molecular model of ortho-terphenyl. We find evidence of a a non-monotonic
evolution of the volume during an isothermal-isobaric equilibration process, a
phenomenon known in polymeric systems as Kovacs effect. We characterize this
phenomenology in terms of landscape properties, providing evidence that, far
from equilibrium, the system explores region of the potential energy landscape
distinct from the one explored in thermal equilibrium. We discuss the relevance
of our findings for the present understanding of the thermodynamics of the
glass state.Comment: RevTeX 4, 4 pages, 5 eps figure
Microwave Self-healing Technology as Airfield Porous Asphalt Friction Course Repair and Maintenance System
A problem increasingly faced by airport authorities is the maintenance of runways. Due to their large aircraft loadings associated with take-off and landing operations, runways experience surface deterioration. Poor quality runway surfaces cannot be tolerated in such an environment. Maintenance issues must be carried out to maximise safety and minimise the risk of aircraft damage. A recent development has been the introduction of self-healing technologies such as rejuvenator encapsulation, induction and microwave heating to address these issues. This paper summarises a laboratory investigation to determine the effectiveness of microwave self-healing for crack repair of Porous Friction Course (PFC) used for airfields. Four mixtures containing varying percentages of conductive steel fibre were tested. Their relative performance was assessed using the Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM) and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) test methods. The results show that the addition of conductive steel fibre increases initial stiffness and strength of the mix. A combination of micro-wave heating and steel fibre addition to the mix indicates that it is possible to significantly improve asphalt performance by making it self-healing to structural problems such as cracking
Microwave Self-healing Technology as Airfield Porous Asphalt Friction Course Repair and Maintenance System
A problem increasingly faced by airport authorities is the maintenance of runways. Due to their large aircraft loadings associated with take-off and landing operations, runways experience surface deterioration. Poor quality runway surfaces cannot be tolerated in such an environment. Maintenance issues must be carried out to maximise safety and minimise the risk of aircraft damage. A recent development has been the introduction of self-healing technologies such as rejuvenator encapsulation, induction and microwave heating to address these issues. This paper summarises a laboratory investigation to determine the effectiveness of microwave self-healing for crack repair of Porous Friction Course (PFC) used for airfields. Four mixtures containing varying percentages of conductive steel fibre were tested. Their relative performance was assessed using the Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM) and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) test methods. The results show that the addition of conductive steel fibre increases initial stiffness and strength of the mix. A combination of micro-wave heating and steel fibre addition to the mix indicates that it is possible to significantly improve asphalt performance by making it self-healing to structural problems such as cracking
Climate change impacts on trends and extremes in future heating and cooling demands over Europe
Acknowledgements The work was supported by the REEEM project (grant agreement no. 691739) funded by the Horizon 2020 (LCE) EU research programme.Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Effect of Alcohol on Nutritional Habits and Mental Well-Being
Alcoholism is a pervasive disease believed to affect nutritional choices and mental state. This study examined the effects of drinking on diet quality and mood. An anonymous online survey was administered through a Google survey that was distributed on social media platforms. The survey included basic demographic questions and questions aimed at gauging alcohol consumption, nutritional habits, and self perceived mental well-being. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze data in SPSS version 25.0. There is an association between binge drinking and depressed mental health. In addition, alcohol drinking influences food choices and overall mood after a night of drinking. Future research can further explore the relationship between dietary choices, amount of alcohol, and mental statushttps://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2023/1053/thumbnail.jp
Equilibrium and out of equilibrium thermodynamics in supercooled liquids and glasses
We review the inherent structure thermodynamical formalism and the
formulation of an equation of state for liquids in equilibrium based on the
(volume) derivatives of the statistical properties of the potential energy
surface. We also show that, under the hypothesis that during aging the system
explores states associated to equilibrium configurations, it is possible to
generalize the proposed equation of state to out-of-equilibrium conditions. The
proposed formulation is based on the introduction of one additional parameter
which, in the chosen thermodynamic formalism, can be chosen as the local minima
where the slowly relaxing out-of-equilibrium liquid is trapped.Comment: 7 pages, 4 eps figure
Remoteness, Indigeneity and Community Health Engagement Processes: A Discursive Approach
Using a discursive approach, this paper examines the impact of remoteness and indigeneity on community health engagement processes in rural Australia. The paper asserts that effective community engagement processes are limited by the discordant notion of community in the discursive practices of the government, the indigenous and non-indigenous health workers in rural areas. The analysis, using machine learned textual analysis, thematic analysis and critical discourse techniques, comprises focus group interviews at five hospitals with community health workers and community members. The outcome of this analysis is that the elaborate managerial structure is frequently averted or subverted in order to get on with the job. The analysis also identifies political and cultural assumptions that underlie the positive connotation of 'community', and reveals tensions based on power, gender, and race that need to be addressed
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