Derivation of a Numerical Method for Computing 3-D Magnetoplasmadynamic Flows in Thermodynamic Non-equilibrium

Various models exist for the propulsion concept using magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Various authors, such as Powell, Canupp, Candler, and MacCormack have dealt with issues of solving the magnetic field induction equations simultaneously with Navier-Stokes equations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Although most authors deal with species non-equilibrium and thermal non-equilibrium, a new emphasis is set to study the impact of electrons with the electron energy and the electronic excitation energy, as well as a complex energy non-equilibrium. This thesis presents the derivation of a numerical method for computing 3-D MHD flows for the purpose of modeling steady-state magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (MPDT). It details the derivations of each equation: both Navier-Stokes and the induction equation when the magnetic term is treated as a body force and the electron pressure as a surface force. The method of flux vector splitting has been chosen to solve the set of ns+12 equations, ns being the number of heavy particles involved in the flow. In addition, it presents the mathematical issues encountered in using this method. The first part of the method has been solved, finding the conserved variables, flux vectors, flux vector Jacobian, and eigenvalues

The Path of Innovation: from Traditional Classroom to Hybrid Experience

“Introduction to Computing for Engineers” is a programming course emphasizing problem solving. However, the lack of time for practice and the algorithm-centric nature of programming results in inadequate comprehension of this course material. Through course evaluations, faculty experience, and discussions, we feel that students in a programming course should have more time for “hands-on” learning, rather than trying to absorb content through lectures. We believe that by getting students involved and excited about engineering from the beginning of their first year, we will markedly improve comprehension of the course content. To that end, a hybrid course is implemented that involves the creation and implementation of online activities, incorporating student- paced active learning and evaluation modules and in-class student implementation/demonstration. The objective is to enhance student involvement in the learning process, as well as to improve interest and retention in engineering

Surgical Treatment of Neuropathic Chronic Postherniorrhaphy Inguinal Pain:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP) is a serious adverse outcome following inguinal hernia repair surgery. The optimal surgical treatment for neuropathic CPIP remains controversial in the current literature. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various surgical techniques utilized to manage neuropathic CPIP. Methods: The electronic databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were searched. Inclusion criteria were defined to select studies reporting on the efficacy of surgical interventions in patients with neuropathic CPIP. The primary outcome was postoperative pain relief, as determined by postoperative numerical or nonnumerical pain scores. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three surgical techniques were identified: selective neurectomy, triple neurectomy, and targeted muscle reinnervation. Proportions of good postoperative results of the surgical techniques ranged between 46 and 88 percent. Overall, the surgical treatment of neuropathic CPIP achieved a good postoperative result in 68 percent (95% CI, 49 to 82%) of neuropathic CPIP patients (n = 244), with targeted muscle reinnervation yielding the highest proportion of good postoperative results. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of neuropathic CPIP is generally considered safe and has demonstrated effective pain relief across various surgical techniques. Targeted muscle reinnervation exhibits considerable potential for surpassing current success rates in inguinal hernia repair surgery.</p

Hybrid Course Design: Leading a New Direction in Learning Programming Languages

“Introduction to Computing for Engineers” is a programming course emphasizing problem solving. The lack of practice time, in addition to the algorithm-centric nature of programming, results in an inadequate comprehension of course material. In the fall of 2010, three faculty members created and implemented online activities consisting of video lecture slides, and mini on-line quizzes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to give students more “hands-on” learning (rather than expecting them to absorb content through lecture). Students do online lecture study by themselves, then come to the lab to practice on the following day with the instructor and teaching assistant. In the fall of 2010, four out of ten sections were delivered using hybrid instruction. Analysis of exam results at the end of the semester showed no significant distinction between hybrid learning and traditional study. Feedback received from the students indicates that the majority of students preferred the hybrid course over the traditional course. Students who took the hybrid course during this semester are happy with their hybrid experience. These positive results encouraged faculty members to increase the number of hybrid sections to four during the spring of 2011 and the fall of 2011 semesters. The hybrid course design and course-wide assessment continued. In this paper, improvement of the online video design is introduced, and assessment results are presented. It is believed that by switching from a traditional classroom environment to a hybrid learning, student comprehension of the course content will improve, in addition to their interest and subsequent retention in engineering

Surgical Treatment of Neuropathic Chronic Postherniorrhaphy Inguinal Pain:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP) is a serious adverse outcome following inguinal hernia repair surgery. The optimal surgical treatment for neuropathic CPIP remains controversial in the current literature. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various surgical techniques utilized to manage neuropathic CPIP. Methods: The electronic databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were searched. Inclusion criteria were defined to select studies reporting on the efficacy of surgical interventions in patients with neuropathic CPIP. The primary outcome was postoperative pain relief, as determined by postoperative numerical or nonnumerical pain scores. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three surgical techniques were identified: selective neurectomy, triple neurectomy, and targeted muscle reinnervation. Proportions of good postoperative results of the surgical techniques ranged between 46 and 88 percent. Overall, the surgical treatment of neuropathic CPIP achieved a good postoperative result in 68 percent (95% CI, 49 to 82%) of neuropathic CPIP patients (n = 244), with targeted muscle reinnervation yielding the highest proportion of good postoperative results. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of neuropathic CPIP is generally considered safe and has demonstrated effective pain relief across various surgical techniques. Targeted muscle reinnervation exhibits considerable potential for surpassing current success rates in inguinal hernia repair surgery.</p

Implementation and Evaluation of a Second Language Acquisition-Based Programming Course

This paper describes initial findings of an NSF funded project under the Research Initiation Grant in Engineering Education (RIGEE) program. The RIGEE program is a multidisciplinary program focused on developing innovative, implementing and assessing innovative programs that enhance engineering education. The project applied theory and methods of second language acquisition (SLA) to teach an introductory programming course in engineering. The project is a two year long project implemented in multiple sections of an introductory programming class at a technological university, and assessed throughout implementation. It included a component whereby student assistants participated in project development and implementation, and were mentored by project leads. The current presentation presents the results of the fall 2015 assessment of learning effectiveness in the course, and compares SLA course sections to non- SLA sections. Objective and subjective measures of effectiveness were collected and analyzed

Nonsurgical Treatment of Neuralgia and Cervicogenic Headache:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Extracranial compression of peripheral sensory nerves is one of many origins of chronic headaches. Identifying these patients can be difficult, and they are often diagnosed with neuralgia or cervicogenic headache. The recent literature provides the outcomes of surgical decompression in patients with these headaches. This study aimed to give an overview of the current literature on the nonsurgical treatment options and to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments in patients with neuralgia and cervicogenic headache. METHODS: Databases were searched to identify all published clinical studies investigating nonsurgical treatment outcomes in patients with neuralgia or cervicogenic headaches. Studies that reported numerical pain scores, nonnumerical pain scores, headache-free days, or the number of adverse events after nonsurgical treatment were included. RESULTS: A total of 22 articles were included in qualitative analysis. The majority of studies included patients who received injection therapy. Treatment with oral analgesics achieved good results in only 2.5% of the patients. Better outcomes were reported in patients who received local anesthetics injection (79%) and corticosteroid injection (87%). Treatment with botulinum toxin injection yielded the highest percentage of good results (97%; 95% CI, 0.81–1.00). The duration of headache relief after injection therapy varied from 30 minutes to 5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The nonsurgical treatment of patients with neuralgia or cervicogenic headache is challenging. Injection therapy in patients with these types of headaches achieved good pain relief but only for a limited time. Surgical decompression may result in long-lasting pain relief and might be a more sustainable treatment option

Motivating Students to Learn a Programming Language: Applying a Second Language Acquisition Approach in a Blended Learning Environment

Learning a programming language typically involves acquisition of new vocabulary, punctuation, and grammatical structures to communicate with a computer. In other words, learning a programming language is like learning a human language. A recent study showed that programmers use language regions of the brain when understanding source code and found little activation in other regions of the brain devoted to mathematical thinking. Even though programming code involved mathematical operations, conditionals, and loop iterations, researchers found that programming had less in common with mathematics and more in common with human language

High Median Nerve Paralysis:Is the Hand of Benediction or Preacher's Hand A Correct Sign?

High median nerve injuries are commonly presented in textbooks as adopting the typical posture of hand of benediction or preacher’s hand. This study aimed to show that the hand of benediction or preacher’s hand is incorrectly associated with a high median nerve paralysis. METHODS: A retrospective review of four cases with a high median nerve injury is presented. Diagnosis of a high median nerve injury was performed by means of intraoperative findings, electrodiagnostic studies, or ultrasound imaging. None of the patients presented in this study had a hand of benediction on physical examination despite the presence of a high median nerve lesion. RESULTS: All four patients with high median nerve injuries showed a similar hand posture when attempting to make a fist. Firstly, the index finger still flexed at the metacarpophalangeal joint because of the ulnar innervated interossei muscles. Secondly the thumb is completely abducted at the carpometocarpal joint and extended at the interphalangeal joint. Lastly, middle finger flexion is possible due to dual innervation of its flexor digitorum profundus by the ulnar nerve as well as due to the quadriga phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical appearance of a high median nerve palsy is different from the classical hand of benediction or preacher’s hand posture pointing finger. We have shown that this incorrect association can result in delayed referral of patients with high median nerve injuries