Rural men and mental health: their experiences and how they managed

There is a growing awareness that a primary source of information about mental health lies with the consumers. This article reports on a study that interviewed rural men with the aim of exploring their mental health experiences within a rural environment. The results of the interviews are a number of stories of resilience and survival that highlight not only the importance of exploring the individuals' perspective of their issues, but also of acknowledging and drawing on their inner strengths. Rural men face a number of challenges that not only increase the risk of mental illness but also decrease the likelihood of them seeking and/or finding professional support. These men's stories, while different from each other, have a common thread of coping. Despite some support from family and friends participants also acknowledged that seeking out professional support could have made the recovery phase easier. Mental health nurses need to be aware, not only of the barrier to professional support but also of the significant resilience that individuals have and how it can be utilised

Optimal numerical design of bucket elevators using discontinuous deformation analysis

Bucket elevators are efficient machines to transport granular materials in industrial and civil engineering applications. These materials are composed of hundreds, thousands or even more particles, the global behavior of which is defined by contact interactions. The first attempts to analyze the transportation of granular materials were treated by very simple continuum methods that do not take into account these interactions, producing simulations that do not fit the experimental results accurately. Given the internal discontinuity nature of granular media, it is reasonable to use numerical methods to model their behavior, such as discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA)-a member of the discrete element method family that started to be used in the 90s to analyze similar problems. The version of DDA used in the current work treats grains as rigid circular particles with friction, damping and eventually cohesion with the objective of simulating and analyzing in detail the discharge of granular materials with bucket elevators. A deterministic computer code has been implemented and validated against simplified analytical formulae and experimental results taken from the literature. This computer code is then used to obtain optimum two-dimensional bucket geometries under specific working conditions. The optimization aims to maximize transport distance and to minimize remaining material, taking into account bucket velocity and the properties of the grains. The resulting geometries are discussed and compared against standard designs.J.L. Perez-Aparicio, R. Bravo were partially supported by the MFOM I+D (2004/38), both by MICIIN #BIA 2008-00522 and the first also by Polytechnic University of Valencia under grant PAID 05-10-2674. J.J. Gomez-Hernandez was partially supported by MICIIN #CGL 2011-23295.Pérez Aparicio, JL.; Bravo, R.; Gómez-Hernández, JJ. (2014). Optimal numerical design of bucket elevators using discontinuous deformation analysis. Granular Matter. 16(4):485-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-014-0485-5S485498164Rademacher, F.: Non-spill discharge characteristics of bucket elevators. Powder Technol. 22(2), 215–241 (1979)Koster, K.: Bulk material discharge of bucket elevators, especially high-capacity bucket elevators. [zum schuettgutabwurf bei becherwerken, insbesondere bei hochleistungsbecherwerken]. Aufbereitungs-Technik 25(8), 450–463 (1984)Koster, K.: Use of high-capacity bucket elevators in the cement industry. [zum einsatz von hochleistungsbecherwerken in der zementindustrie]. Zement-Kalk-Gips 33(3), 116–119 (1980)Koster, K.: Development and state of the art in heavy-duty bucket elevators with central chains—part 2 [entwicklung und stand der technik von hochleistungs-becherwerken mit zentralkette—teil 2]. ZKG Int. 49(4), 173–187 (1996)Koster, K.: Centrifugal discharge of bucket elevators. Bulk Solids Handl. 5(2), 449–460 (1985)Koster, K.: Problem of complete emptying of high-speed elevator buckets. Aufbereitungs-Technik 27(9), 471–481 (1986)Korzen, Z.: Mechanics of gravitational discharge of cell-less bucket wheels in reclaiming machines. Bulk Solids Handl. 7(6), 801–812 (1987)Korzen, Z., Dudek, K.: Mathematical model of the operational efficiency of a multibucket centrifugal discharge wheel [model matematyczny wydajnosci roboczego procesu kola wieloczerpakowego z odsrodkowym wysypem]. Politechnika Warszawska Prace Naukowe Mechanika 1(121), 187–199 (1989)Shi, G., Goodman, R.: Two dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis. Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 9(6), 541–556 (1985)Pérez-Aparicio, J., Bravo, R.: Discrete Elements, vol. 2, pp. 41–77. Consorcio TCN (2006)Shi, G.: Discontinuous Deformation Analysis: A New Model for the Statics and Dynamics of Block Systems. Ph.D. thesis, University of California, Berkeley (1988)Moosavi, M., Grayeli, R.: A model for cable bolt-rock mass interaction: integration with discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) algorithm. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 43(4), 661–670 (2006)Pérez-Aparicio, J., Bravo, R., Ortiz, P.: Refined element discontinuous numerical analysis of dry-contact masonry arches. Eng. Struct. 48, 578–587 (2013)McBride, W., Sinnott, M., Cleary, P.: Discrete element modelling of a bucket elevator head pulley transition zone. Granul. Matter 13(2), 169–174 (2011)Kruggel-Emden, H., Sudbrock, F., Wirtz, S., Scherer, V.: Experimental and numerical investigation of the bulk behavior of wood pellets on a model type grate. Granul. Matter 14(6), 681–693 (2012)Walton, O., Moor, C., Gill, K.: Effects of gravity on cohesive behavior of fine powders: implications for processing lunar regolith. Granul. Matter 9(5), 353–363 (2007)Gao, Y., Muzzio, F., Ierapetritou, M.: Optimizing continuous powder mixing processes using periodic section modeling. Chem. Eng. Sci. 80, 70–80 (2012)Shmulevich, I.: State of the art modeling of soil-tillage interaction using discrete element method. Soil Tillage Res. 111(1), 41–53 (2010)Moon, T., Oh, J.: A study of optimal rock-cutting conditions for hard rock tbm using the discrete element method. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 45(5), 837–849 (2012)Makokha, A., Moys, M., Bwalya, M., Kimera, K.: A new approach to optimising the life and performance of worn liners in ball mills: experimental study and DEM simulation. Int. J. Miner. Process. 84(1–4), 221–227 (2007)Balevičius, R., Kačianauskas, R., Mroz, Z., Sielamowicz, I.: Discrete element method applied to multiobjective optimization of discharge flow parameters in hoppers. Struct. Multidiscip. Optim. 31(3), 163–175 (2006)Hu, L.: Gradual deformation and iterative calibration of Gaussian-related stochastic models. Math. Geol. 32(1), 87–108 (2000)Bravo, R., Pérez-Aparicio, J., Laursen, T.: An energy consistent frictional dissipating algorithm for particle contact problems. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 92(9), 753–781 (2012)Belytschko, T., Liu, W., Moran, B.: Nonlinear Finite Elements for Continua and Structures. Wiley, New York (2000)Beckert, R., Föll, R.: Untersuchung der abwurfverhältnisse an kettenbecherwerken. Förden Heben 1(15), 833–836 (1966)Jaskulski, A.: Engineer-to-order approach to high speed bucket elevator design in a small-enterprise. Appl. Eng. Agric. 24(5), 545–557 (2008)Beverley, G.: Mechanics of High Speed Bucket Elevator Discharge. Ph.D. thesis. University of Newcastle (1986)Beverley, G., Roberts, A., Hayes, J.: Mechanics of high speed elevator discharge. Bulk Solids Handl. 3(4), 853–859 (1983)Korzen, Z., Dudek, K.: Reclaiming with a high-speed bucket wheel with centrifugal discharge. Bulk Solids Handl. 11(3), 615–626 (1991)Bravo, R., Pérez-Aparicio, J., Laursen, T.: An enhanced energy conserving time stepping algorithm for frictionless particle contacts. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 85(11), 1415–1435 (2011)Jaskulski, A.: Methodology of Multi-Criteria Optimization of Appliances for Vertical Grain Transportation. Ph.D. thesis. Warsaw University of Technology (1992

Energy-efficient casting processes

Metal casting is one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes that have developed along the evolution of mankind. Although nowadays its scientific and technological aspects are well established, in the context of future resource scarcity and environmental pollution pressures, new studies appear necessary to describe the “foundry of the future” where energy and material efficiency are of great importance to guarantee competitiveness alongside environmental protection. In this chapter, both managerial and technical good practices aimed at implementing energy-efficient casting processes are presented alongside a few examples. The “Small is Beautiful” philosophy is presented as a systematic approach towards energy resilient manufacturing and, potentially, sustainability in the long term. Thus, this chapter aims at providing an overview of the different aspects comprising the state of the art in the industry and examples of research themes in academia about energy-efficient casting processes

Proteomic Insights into the Hidden World of Phloem Sap Feeding

The physical interface between a phloem-feeding insect and its host plant is a single cell buried deep within the plant tissue. As such, the molecular interactions between these notorious agricultural pests and the crop plants upon which they feed are diffi cult to study. ‘Omic’ technologies have proved crucial in revealing some of the fascinating detail of the molecular interplay between these partners. Here we review the role of proteomics in identifying putative components of the secreted saliva of phloem-feeding insects, particularly aphids, and discuss the limited knowledge concerning the function of these proteins

Open problems on graph coloring for special graph classes.

For a given graph G and integer k, the Coloring problem is that of testing whether G has a k-coloring, that is, whether there exists a vertex mapping c:V→{1,2,…}c:V→{1,2,…} such that c(u)≠c(v)c(u)≠c(v) for every edge uv∈Euv∈E. We survey known results on the computational complexity of Coloring for graph classes that are hereditary or for which some graph parameter is bounded. We also consider coloring variants, such as precoloring extensions and list colorings and give some open problems in the area of on-line coloring

Environmental Barcoding Reveals Massive Dinoflagellate Diversity in Marine Environments

Rowena F. Stern is with University of British Columbia, Ales Horak is with University of British Columbia, Rose L. Andrew is with University of British Columbia, Mary-Alice Coffroth is with State University of New York at Buffalo, Robert A. Andersen is with the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Frithjof C. Küpper is with the Scottish Marine Institute, Ian Jameson is with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Mona Hoppenrath is with the German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research, Benoît Véron is with University of Caen Lower Normandy and the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Fumai Kasai is with the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Jerry Brand is with UT Austin, Erick R. James is with University of British Columbia, Patrick J. Keeling is with University of British Columbia.Background -- Dinoflagellates are an ecologically important group of protists with important functions as primary producers, coral symbionts and in toxic red tides. Although widely studied, the natural diversity of dinoflagellates is not well known. DNA barcoding has been utilized successfully for many protist groups. We used this approach to systematically sample known “species”, as a reference to measure the natural diversity in three marine environments. Methodology/Principal Findings -- In this study, we assembled a large cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) barcode database from 8 public algal culture collections plus 3 private collections worldwide resulting in 336 individual barcodes linked to specific cultures. We demonstrate that COI can identify to the species level in 15 dinoflagellate genera, generally in agreement with existing species names. Exceptions were found in species belonging to genera that were generally already known to be taxonomically challenging, such as Alexandrium or Symbiodinium. Using this barcode database as a baseline for cultured dinoflagellate diversity, we investigated the natural diversity in three diverse marine environments (Northeast Pacific, Northwest Atlantic, and Caribbean), including an evaluation of single-cell barcoding to identify uncultivated groups. From all three environments, the great majority of barcodes were not represented by any known cultured dinoflagellate, and we also observed an explosion in the diversity of genera that previously contained a modest number of known species, belonging to Kareniaceae. In total, 91.5% of non-identical environmental barcodes represent distinct species, but only 51 out of 603 unique environmental barcodes could be linked to cultured species using a conservative cut-off based on distances between cultured species. Conclusions/Significance -- COI barcoding was successful in identifying species from 70% of cultured genera. When applied to environmental samples, it revealed a massive amount of natural diversity in dinoflagellates. This highlights the extent to which we underestimate microbial diversity in the environment.This project was funded by Genome Canada and the Canadian Barcode of Life Network. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Biological Sciences, School o

Design, development and validation of a model of problem solving for Egyptian Science classes

Educators and policymakers envision the future of education in Egypt as enabling learners to acquire scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills. In this article, we describe the validation of a model for problem solving and the design of instruments for evaluating new teaching methods in Egyptian science classes. The instruments were based on an established model for problem solving and were designed to assess seventh grade students’ problem solving, experimental strategy knowledge, achievement and motivation towards science. The test for assessing students’ knowledge has been developed based on the topic, density and buoyancy which will be taught in seventh grade in a later intervention study. The instruments were partly self-developed and partly adapted from newly performed studies on strategy knowledge and problem solving in Germany. All instruments were translated into Arabic; the translation process and quality control are described. In order to determine the quality of the instruments, 44 students in Egypt completed the questionnaires and tests. The study’s aim to develop and validate the instruments did require an ad hoc and typical sample which was drawn from an accessible population. Accordingly, the characteristics of the sample are described. Data were analysed according to the classical test theory, but to underpin the results, the instruments were additionally analysed using the even stronger Rasch model. The findings demonstrated the reliability of the items and aspects of validity. In addition, this study showed how test items can be successfully developed and adapted in an international study and applied in a different language

Diferenças na infestação de Aphis gossypii em plantas de algodoeiro cultivar 'IAC-RM3' tratadas com reguladores de crescimento

We have studied the effect of application of growth regulators, (2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC), N,N-dimethylaminosuccinamic acid (SADH), gibberellic acid (GA3) and 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) on cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. 'IAC-RM3', in relation to atack of Aphis gossypii Glover, 1876, under greenhouse conditions. Two determinations of infestation levels of the aphids showed differences in degree of infestation among treatments. CCC treated plants showed increasing in aphid colonization in relation to GA3 at 100 ppm treated plants. The application of SADH at 4000 ppm also showed a tendency of increasing aphid colonization in relation to treated plants with GA3 at 100 ppm. Probably growth retardants promote differences in the water status of hostplant; and the aphids preferences to that plants suggest that the increase in the osmotic potential promotes better rates of aphid feeding than GA3 treated plants. In treated plants with GA3 at 100 ppm the infestation decreased, there was water stress during the warmer time of the day and a probable decreasing in the osmotic potential.Estudou-se a influência da aplicação de reguladores de crescimento (CCC, SADH, GA3 e IAA) em algodoeiro, Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. 'IAC-RM3', na infestação de Aphis gossypii Glover, 1876; em condições de casa de vegetação. A realização de duas determinações no nível de infestação dos afídios, evidenciou que plantas tratadas com CCC mostram níveis superiores de infestação com relação às tratadas com GA3 a 100 ppm; sendo que a aplicação de SADH a 4000 ppm também promoveu uma tendência de maior infestação com relação ao GA3 a 100 ppm. Estes resultados parecem revelar que os retardadores de crescimento promovem um equilíbrio hídrico interno nas plantas mais favorável, mantendo o potencial osmótico mais elevado e possibilitando uma melhor alimentação do afídio. Plantas tratadas com GAg a 100 ppm parecem sofrer maiores déficits hídricos, não favorecendo o estabelecimento das colônias, nas condições estudadas

Within-plant variation in concentrations of amino acids, sugar, and sinigrin in phloem sap of black mustard, Brassica nigra (L.) Koch (Cruciferae)

Although within-plant variation in the nutrient and allelochemical composition of phloem sap has been invoked to explain patterns of host use by phloem-feeding insects, little is known about within-plant variation in phloem chemistry. Here I describe a new technique in which I use the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulz., to investigate within-plant variation in the concentrations of chemicals in the phloem sap of black mustard, Brassica nigra (L.) Koch (Cruciferae). Relationships between the concentrations of chemicals in aphid diets and honeydew were established using honeydew from aphids fed on artificial diets with known concentrations of amino acids, sucrose, and sinigrin. These relationships were applied to honeydew from aphids fed on different aged leaves of black mustard to estimate the concentrations of the chemicals in phloem sap. Sinigrin concentration was estimated to be high (>10 mM) in phloem sap in young leaves, calling into question the prevailing opinion that phloem sap contains only low concentrations of allelochemicals. High concentrations may function as defenses against sap-feeding herbivores. Within-plant variation in phloem sap composition was high: (1) young leaves had high concentrations of nutrients (216 mM amino acids, 26% sugar) and sinigrin (>10 mM); (2) mature and presenescent leaves had lower concentrations of nutrients (77–83 mM amino acids, 19–20% sugar) and low concentrations of sinigrin (1–2 mM); and (3) senescing leaves had high concentrations of nutrients (199 mM amino acids, 25% sugar) and low concentrations of sinigrin (3 mM).Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44893/1/10886_2005_Article_BF02027950.pd