Quasi-infra-red fixed points and renormalisation group invariant trajectories for non-holomorphic soft supersymmetry breaking

In the MSSM the quasi-infra-red fixed point for the top-quark Yukawa coupling gives rise to specific predictions for the soft-breaking parameters. We discuss the extent to which these predictions are modified by the introduction of additional ``non-holomorphic'' soft-breaking terms. We also show that in a specific class of theories there exists an RG-invariant trajectory for the ``non-holomorphic'' terms, which can be understood using a holomorphic spurion term.Comment: 24 pages, TeX, two figures. Uses Harvmac (big) and epsf. Minor errors corrected, and the RG trajectory explained in terms of a holomorphic spurion ter

Measuring the success of reducing emissions using an on-board eco-driving feedback tool

This paper reports the findings of an eco-driving trial that was designed enable users to make pre-trip and on-route decisions when driving as to the optimal route to take. The basis of this paper will be to estimate how efficiently drivers are performing in relation to fuel consumption per kilometres (km). The analysis uses details on the vehicle specification, in terms of fuel efficiency, and relates this to the distance travelled to provide the user with information on the efficiency per km travelled. Eco-driving involves the training of individuals to change their driving patterns and to adapt to driving conditions. The results of the study show that eco-driving feedback is a powerful tool and how it can be used to reduce emissions

Promoting Bicycle Commuter Safety, Research Report 11-08

We present an overview of the risks associated with cycling to emphasize the need for safety. We focus on the application of frameworks from social psychology to education, one of the 5 Es—engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation. We use the structure of the 5 Es to organize information with particular attention to engineering and education in the literature review. Engineering is essential because the infrastructure is vital to protecting cyclists. Education is emphasized since the central focus of the report is safety

Direct observation of yield in films by flat punch indentation

In regular indentation many strain states are simultaneously present in the indented region, so measured parameters such as hardness and modulus are average values over a wide range of strains. Testing of structures such as pillars, levers or film bulges enables determination of yield point and modulus with uniform strains in the sample, but requires specialised sample preparation and can be significantly affected by surface condition. Here we show how in-situ indentation with a flat punch allows direct observation of a discrete yield point in soft films on more rigid substrates. The yield point is clearly observable from the load displacement behaviour and from post indent AFM imaging. The film is in uniform uniaxial strain. Finite element simulations show that effective self-confinement by surrounding film material leads to uniformity throughout the film material down to surprisingly low aspect ratios around 4:1. This occurs for a significant range of stresses above the yield point. Eventually at even higher stresses the film material is extruded laterally. The characteristics of the yield event will be described as a function of temperature and film thickness for thin to ultrathin films. At higher aspect ratio and with sufficient stiffness of punch and substrate, quantitative, in-situ measurement of intrinsic stress vs. strain to well beyond the elastic limit becomes possible for thin films. The extent to which full constitutive relations for polymer films can be determied will be discussed, along with limitations of the technique

“Patch them up and send them home”: perceptions of nurses and physiotherapists in their role with end-stage COPD

Background: People with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have a high symptom burden and experience repeated hospital admissions as their disease progresses. End of life is typically difficult to predict, and although palliative care initiatives are developing within COPD, active treatment often continues up to death. There is a lack of literature in the field concerning the impact this has on staff delivering care, and their role in decision-making within this patient group. Aims: To explore the role of staff in caring and treatment decision-making for those with acute severe COPD and the multi-disciplinary team relationships influencing care. Methods: This exploratory, qualitative study consisted of 4 interviews and 1 focus group with nurses and physiotherapists who care for patients with severe COPD in the acute hospital setting. A grounded theory approach to analysis was aided by the software NVivo. Results: Advocacy and support to patients and families were cited as important aspects of their role, but effectiveness is hampered by pressure on beds and the general approach of “patch them up and send them home”. Advocacy was described in terms of information-giving and communication, and staff opinions were consulted in some treatment decisions, but that this depended on the hierarchy of the medical team: “…it comes down to which consultant is in charge that day”. Levels of decision-making involvement and advocacy were related to knowing the patient and professional experience, but were significantly limited by time and other pressures. Conclusions: Participants described frustration regarding the lack of palliative care decision-making in end-stage COPD, but nurses and physiotherapists are developing their roles in advocacy for this patient group. A second phase of data collection is investigating the nature of advocacy in this group further