Physically-Based Modeling and Characterization of Hot Flow Behavior in an Interphase-Precipitated Ti-Mo Microalloyed Steel

In this contribution, a series of hot compression tests was conducted on a typical interphase-precipitated Ti-Mo steel at relatively higher strain rates of 0.1~10 s−1 and temperatures of 900~1150 °C using a Gleeble-2000 thermo-mechanical simulator. A combination of Bergstrom and Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami models was first used to accurately predict the whole flow behaviors of Ti-Mo steel involving dynamic recrystallization, under various hot deformation conditions. By comparing the characteristic stresses and material parameters, especially at the higher strain rates studied, the dependence of hot flow behavior on strain rate and deformation temperature was further clarified. The hardening parameter U and peak density ρp exhibited an approximately positive linear relationship with the Zener–Hollomon (Z) parameter, while the softening parameter Ω dropped with increasing Z value. The Avrami exponent nA varied between 1.2 and 2.1 with lnZ, implying two diverse nucleation mechanisms of dynamic recrystallization. The experimental verification was performed as well based on the microstructural evolution and mechanism analysis upon straining. The proposed constitutive models may provide a powerful tool for optimizing the hot working processes of high performance Ti-Mo microalloyed steels with interphase precipitation

Privacy and data protection campaign for businesses.

Privacy and data protection is an area that is often overlooked or regarded as unimportant by Singaporean businesses. Little has been done in Singapore to solve this growing problem, and to date there is scant information available locally about privacy or data protection. In preparation for the upcoming legislation on privacy and data protection in the later half of this year, we worked with the Direct Marketing Association of Singapore (DMAS) toconceptualize a long term Business to Business (B2B) campaign on consumer privacy and data protection, and to developand execute a focused communication tool as an initial phase to the campaign. The collaboration resulted in the roll-out of a definitive toolkitin a direct mailer that promotesdata protection as an important element for a successful business. This report documents the research and analysis to better understand the perceptions of businesses and consumers on privacy and data protection in Singapore. It also outlines the strategies and rationales employed in the creation and execution of the communication tool, and the conception of the overarching campaign. Recommendations which can be referenced for future efforts in this area are also included.Bachelor of Communication Studie

Recent Developments in the Use of Intralesional Injections Keloid Treatment

Keloid scars are often considered aesthetically unattractive and frustrating problems that occur following injuries. They cause functional and cosmetic deformities, displeasure, itching, pain, and psychological stress and possibly affect joint movement. The combination of these factors ultimately results in a compromised quality of life and diminished functional performance. Various methods have been implemented to improve keloid scars using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. However, it has proven to be a challenge to identify a universal treatment that can deliver optimal results for all types of scars. Through a PubMed search, we explored most of the literature that is available about the intralesional injection treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids and highlights both current (corticosteroid, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, interferon, cryotherapy and verapamil) and future treatments (interleukin-10 and botulinum toxin type A). The reference lists of retrieved articles were also analysed. Information was gathered about the mechanism of each injection treatment, its benefits and associated adverse reactions, and possible strategies to address adverse reactions to provide reliable guidelines for determining the optimal treatment for particular types of keloid scars. This article will benefit practitioners by outlining evidence-based treatment strategies using intralesional injections for patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids

Development of an evaluation tool for smoking cessation clinics and services

Background and challenges to implementation Many smoking cessation clinics are passive and dependent on motivated smokers to proactively seek help. Also, smoking cessation clinics are not well publicized. Most healthcare professionals are unaware of the existing smoking cessation services, and rarely refer smokers to these clinics. Many smokers who want to quit do not proactively visit these clinics or call the quitline. Most if not all these clinics and services are not receiving the expected number of smokers and some are dormant or closed down quietly. Intervention or response This project, commissioned by the Hong Kong Tobacco Control Office, was to develop and publish an evaluation tool (E-tool, version 1.1) for smoking cessation clinics and services. The project team gathered documentations and data from smoking cessation clinics in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing. Stakeholders discussed and agreed on what would be the most appropriate items for the E-tool. The E-tool draft was pilot-tested by 27 smoking cessation clinics and hospitals in Hong Kong, China Mainland and Southeast Asian countries (from the WHO Fellowship Programme on Tobacco Control, organized by Hong Kong Tobacco Control Office). Results and lessons learnt The finalized E-tool (version 1.1) consists of 33 most basic and essential items in 4 assessment components: Organization assessment (17 points), Environmental assessment (14 points), Process assessment (28 points) and Outcome assessment (11 points). The E-tool and user manual have English, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese versions. All materials can be freely accessed in https://mrct.sph.hku.hk/web/. Conclusions and key recommendations The E-tool for smoking cessation clinics and services can be used to evaluate the quality and outcomes of existing clinics and services, and provide an outcome-oriented guidance for setting up new clinics and services. We invite all kinds of smoking cessation clinics and services in any territories to use this E-tool, and to provide feedback for the development of more advanced E-tools in the future