Empirical investigation to explore potential gains from the amalgamation of Phase Changing Materials (PCMs) and wood shavings

The reduction of gained heat, heat peak shifting and the mitigation of air temperature fluctuations are some desirable properties that are sought after in any thermal insulation system. It cannot be overstated that these factors, in addition to others, govern the performance of such systems thus their effect on indoor ambient conditions. The effect of such systems extends also to Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that are set up to operate optimally in certain conditions. Where literature shows that PCMs and natural materials such as wood-shavings can provide efficient passive insulation for buildings, it is evident that such approaches utilise methods that are of a degree of intricacy which requires specialist knowledge and complex techniques, such as micro-encapsulation for instance. With technical and economic aspects in mind, an amalgam of PCM and wood-shavings has been created for the purpose of being utilised as a feasible thermal insulation. The amalgamation was performed in the simplest of methods, through submerging the wood shavings in PCM. An experimental procedure was devised to test the thermal performance of the amalgam and compare this to the performance of the same un-amalgamated materials. Comparative analysis revealed that no significant thermal gains would be expected from such amalgamation. However, significant reduction in the total weight of the insulation system would be achieved that, in this case, shown to be up to 20.94%. Thus, further reducing possible strains on structural elements due to the application of insulation on buildings. This can be especially beneficial in vernacular architectural approaches where considerably large amounts and thicknesses of insulations are used. In addition, cost reduction could be attained as wood shavings are significantly cheaper compared to the cost of PCMs

The role of fear and anxiety in the familial risk for major depression: a three-generation study

Early settlement stimulated by entrepreneurial opportunities of suburban location.general view, view of houses from driveway, 198

Neuronal generators of posterior EEG alpha reflect individual differences in prioritizing personal spirituality

Prominent posterior EEG alpha is associated with depression and clinical response to antidepressants. Given that religious belief was protective against depression in a longitudinal study of familial risk, we hypothesized that individuals who differed by strength of spiritual beliefs might also differ in EEG alpha. Clinical evaluations and self-reports of the importance of religion or spirituality (R/S) were obtained from 52 participants, and again at 10-y followup when EEG was measured. EEG alpha was quantified using frequency PCA of current source densities (CSD-fPCA). Participants who rated R/S as highly important at initial assessment showed greater alpha compared to those who did not. Those who rated R/S important in both sessions showed greater alpha than those who changed their ratings. EEG differences were particularly well-defined for participants with lifetime depression. Findings extend the view of alpha as a marker for affective processes, suggesting an association with the ontogenesis of spirituality

Electromagnetic launch assistance for space vehicles

Motivated by reducing the cost of launching space vehicles, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration sponsored an industry/university research project to explore the application of electromagnetic forces. Here, the technical issues involved are examined, the initial achievements reported and further improvements suggested. If the initial launch phase of a space vehicle is horizontal instead of vertical, it is possible to use electromagnetic forces to supplement the rocket thrust, with consequent saving of rocket fuel. The short time of the horizontal launch phase (10-20s) enables induction levitation to be used in combination with a compact form of a linear induction motor. The performance, dynamic characteristics and scaling laws of this system are examined. Induction levitation is simple and effective, but it has an oscillatory response to force or torque disturbances, and it is unsuitable for very large space vehicles. These problems can be overcome with magnetic suspension using controlled DC electromagnets. Although the energy required for electromagnetic launch assistance is small, the electrical power demand is very high, necessitating some form of local energy storage. The Institution of Engineering and Technology 200