Fat classes of welded steel details derived from the master design curve of the peak stress method

In this paper, the peak stress method (PSM) is adopted to analyse the fatigue strength of steel welded joints. According to this method, a single design curve is expressed in terms of a properly defined equivalent peak stress and it is valid for fatigue design of arc-welded steel joints. Private companies often need simple finite element beam models for fatigue strength assessments, because of the large dimensions of the structures. However, beam elements provide nominal stresses (and not local stresses) that must be compared with appropriate fatigue strength values (the FAT classes) available in design standards. Due to the limited number of FAT classes available, finding the appropriate one is frequently troublesome, particularly when complex geometries are considered. The objective of this work is to define FAT classes in terms of nominal stress for a number of geometrically complex structural details, starting from the design curve of the PSM. FAT classes have also been determined using the hot spot stress approach. Then the results obtained with the two methods are compared. The structural details analysed in the present paper are typically adopted in amusement park structures and are not classified in common design standards

definition of nominal stress based fat classes of complex welded steel structures using the peak stress method

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Tracking the Longitudinal Stability of Medical Students’ Perceptions Using the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire and Serial Evaluation Surveys

Reports on a study that examined the longitudinal stability of student perceptions of their medical education over time, as measured by the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire survey and other satisfaction surveys. Presented at the AAMC (Association of American Colleges) Annual Meeting, RIME (Research in Medical Education) Program, November 2004

Exploring the biological properties and therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides

The researchers involved in the Trans2Care project at the Department of Medical and Biological Sciences of the University of Udine investigate the biological properties of the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the immune system and their therapeutic potential for human and veterinary application. In addition to potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, some AMPs display anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and hold promise as novel antiinfective agents combining antibiotic and immunostimulating properties. A detailed knowledge of their physicochemical, biological and pharmacological properties and of their impact on clinical settings is an important prerequisite to this end. The Trans2Care project offers an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, technical expertise and laboratory facilities to achieve a better understanding of the biological features and therapeutic potential of AMPs

Determination of Crumb Rubber Content of Asphalt Rubber Binders

The study focused on two new laboratory procedures developed for the determination of crumb rubber content of asphalt rubber binders. The first methodology was on the basis of the comparative analysis of cobalt and antimony content of base bitumen, crumb rubber, and asphalt rubber. The second was on the basis of the analysis of combustion products of asphalt rubber binders and of their components. Investigations were performed on binders prepared in the laboratory or sampled at production plants during pavement rehabilitation works. Obtained results were encouraging because it was found that both procedures were characterized by satisfactory levels of accuracy and precision

Increasing the Depth of the Recruitment Pool for Future Women Academic Leaders: Should We Begin with Medical School Electives?

A 2002 report from the AAMC Project Implementation Committee indicated, “The pool from which to recruit women academic leaders remains shallow” (Bickel, et al., 2002). Since hen, much attention has been focused on improving conditions for women at the faculty level. Yet, few studies address the possibility that the medical school experience could impact the initial depth in this recruitment pool. Is there a trend in medical school that may be negatively impacting women’s success in pursuing a career in academia? Presented at the AAMC (Association of American Colleges) Annual Meeting, RIME (Research in Medical Education) Program, November 2006

Setting the Standard for a High-Stakes End of Third Year Assessment

Purpose: - Conduct modified Angoff standard setting procedure due to planned move to “high-stakes” End of Third Year Assessment (EOTYA) - Assess the result of applying cutoffs to EOTYA student performance data - Analyze judges’ perceptions and confidence in setting cutoffs for three skill areas across seven Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) Presented at the AAMC (Association of American Colleges) Annual Meeting, RIME (Research in Medical Education) Program, November 2007

Independent Learning: Emerging Themes

Previous research findings suggest “independent learning” appeared to be the single most useful method for helping students facilitate learning in their preclinical years. This study extends upon our prior work exploring students’ definition of independent learning. Presented at the AAMC (Association of American Colleges) Annual Meeting, RIME (Research in Medical Education) Program, November 2009

AFM macro-probes to investigate whole 3D cardiac spheroids

In its many applications, the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is a promising tool in cardiac mechanobiology because it can unravel the viscoelastic and mechano-dynamic properties of individual cardiomyocytes. However, the biophysical investigation of more accurate 3D models is hampered by commercial probes, which typically operate at the cell sub-compartmental resolution. We have previously shown how flat macro-probes can overcome these limitations by extending the AFM mechanical measurements to multicellular aggregates. Such macro-probes are fabricated by standard micromachining and carry a flat polymeric wedge to offset the AFM mounting tilt. Therefore, the AFM is upgraded to a micro-parallel plate rheometer with unmatched force range and sensitivity. In this article, we show how these macro-probes can be applied to reveal the global rheology of primary cardiomyocytes spheroids, by performing stress-relaxation tests. More importantly, we demonstrate that these macro-probes can be used as passive sensors capable of monitoring the spheroid beating force and beating pattern, and to perform a “micro-CPR” on the spheroid itself