1,685 research outputs found

    A Pennsylvania State University/General Electric Get Away Special (GAS) experiment

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    We describe four student-designed experiments by the Pennsylvania State University, which are planned for a GAS canister. The four experiments will measure: the effects of radiation on semiconductors; orbital debris impacts; the Space Shuttle's magnetic field; and the photoelectric yield of several different materials. These experiments are the result of the efforts of more than one hundred students

    Anatomical Constellations for Upright Hypoxemia

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    Tuning the Mechanical Behavior of Density-Graded Elastomeric Foam Structures via Interlayer Properties.

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    The concept of density-graded foams has been proposed to simultaneously enhance strain energy dissipation and the load-bearing capacities at a reduced structural weight. From a practical perspective, the fabrication of density-graded foams is often achieved by stacking different foam densities. Under such conditions, the adhesive interlayer significantly affects the mechanical performance and failure modes of the structure. This work investigates the role of different adhesive layers on the mechanical and energy absorption behaviors of graded flexible foams with distinct density layers. Three adhesive candidates with different chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics are used to assemble density-graded polyurea foam structures. The mechanical load-bearing and energy absorption performances of the structures are evaluated under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Mechanical tests are accompanied by digital image correlation (DIC) analyses to study the local strain fields developed in the vicinity of the interface. Experimental measurements are also supplemented by model predictions that reveal the interplay between the mechanical properties of an adhesive interlayer and the macroscale mechanical performance of the graded foam structures. The results obtained herein demonstrate that the deformation patterns and macroscale properties of graded foam composites can be tuned by selecting different bonding agents. It is also shown that the proper selection of an adhesive can be a practical way to address the strength-energy dissipation dichotomy in graded structures

    Problem gambling and family violence : findings from a population-representative study

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    Background and aims: Few studies have investigated the association between problem gambling (PG) and violence extending into the family beyond intimate partners. This study aimed to explore the association between PG and family violence (FV) in a population-representative sample. It was hypothesized that: (a) PG would be positively associated with FV, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities and (b) these relationships would be significantly exacerbated by substance use and psychological distress. A secondary aim was to explore whether gender moderated these relationships. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults. Results: Moderate-risk (MR)/problem gamblers had a 2.73-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (21.3%; 95% CI: 13.1-29.4) relative to nonproblem gamblers (9.4%; 95% CI: 8.5-10.4). They also had a 2.56-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV perpetration (19.7%; 95% CI: 11.8-27.7) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.0%; 95% CI: 8.0-10.0). Low-risk gamblers also had over a twofold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.0-26.0) and perpetration (19.3%; 95% CI: 13.5-25.1). These relationships remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were attenuated for MR/problem gamblers, after adjustment for substance use and psychological distress. MR/problem gamblers had a greater probability of FV victimization, if they reported hazardous alcohol use; and low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of FV perpetration if they were female. Discussion and conclusion: These findings provide further support for routine screening, highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs, and suggest that reducing alcohol use may be important in these efforts. © 2018 The Author(s). **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record*

    The intergenerational transmission of problem gambling : the mediating role of parental psychopathology

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    The present study investigated the intergenerational transmission of problem gambling and the potential mediating role of parental psychopathology (problem drinking, drug use problems, and mental health issues). The study comprised 3953 participants (1938 males, 2015 females) recruited from a large-scale Australian community telephone survey of adults retrospectively reporting on parental problem gambling and psychopathology during their childhood. Overall, 4.0% [95%CI 3.0, 5.0] (n = 157) of participants reported paternal problem gambling and 1.7% [95%CI 1.0, 2.0] (n = 68) reported maternal problem gambling. Compared to their peers, participants reporting paternal problem gambling were 5.1 times more likely to be moderate risk gamblers and 10.7 times more likely to be problem gamblers. Participants reporting maternal problem gambling were 1.7 times more likely to be moderate risk gamblers and 10.6 times more likely to be problem gamblers. The results revealed that the relationships between paternal-and-participant and maternal-and-participant problem gambling were significant, but that only the relationship between paternal-and-participant problem gambling remained statistically significant after controlling for maternal problem gambling and sociodemographic factors. Paternal problem drinking and maternal drug use problems partially mediated the relationship between paternal-and-participant problem gambling, and fully mediated the relationship between maternal-and-participant problem gambling. In contrast, parental mental health issues failed to significantly mediate the transmission of gambling problems by either parent. When parental problem gambling was the mediator, there was full mediation of the effect between parental psychopathology and offspring problem gambling for fathers but not mothers. Overall, the study highlights the vulnerability of children from problem gambling households and suggests that it would be of value to target prevention and intervention efforts towards this cohort. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Shane Thomas” is provided in this record*

    Experimental and numerical investigation of a new MOF based adsorption water desalination system

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    In this research, performance of adsorption desalination systems is investigated numerically and experimentally through number of techniques including the use of advanced adsorbent materials known as metal organic frameworks (MOFs), various cycle configurations and operating conditions. A Simulink model was developed to simulate the heat and mass transfer processes associated with the adsorption/desorption processes, evaporation of seawater and condensation of potable water. This model has been used to investigate a number of new adsorbents; "AQSOA-Z02", "Aluminum Fumarate", "CP0-27Ni" and "MIL-l 01 Cr" for the purposes of water desalination and cooling as a secondary output. Number of operating parameters have been investigated including; effect of condenser, evaporator and bed's heating secondary fluid temperatures as well as half cycle time. It was concluded that decreasing condenser temperature, enhances cycle performance, therefore, a new system configuration was developed that enables decreasing the condenser temperature by utilizing all or part of the cooling effect produced in the evaporator which resulted in 314% increase in water production than conventional cycle. Two experimental testing facilities were developed to investigate CP0-27Ni and Al-Fumarate which resulted in maximum daily water production (SDWP) of 22.8 and 25.3 m3 .tonne·'.day·' respectively, while the maximum SDWP reported experimentally for Silica-gel is 13.46 m3 .tonne·' .day·'

    Technology and Simulation to Improve Patient Safety.

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    Improving the quality and efficiency of surgical techniques, reducing technical errors in the operating suite, and ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes through education are common goals in all surgical specialties. Current surgical simulation programs represent an effort to enhance and optimize the training experience, to overcome the training limitations of a mandated 80-hour work week, and have the overall goal of providing a well-balanced resident education in a society with a decreasing level of tolerance for medical errors
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