Biomechanics of foetal movement.

© 2015, AO Research Institute. All rights reserved.Foetal movements commence at seven weeks of gestation, with the foetal movement repertoire including twitches, whole body movements, stretches, isolated limb movements, breathing movements, head and neck movements, jaw movements (including yawning, sucking and swallowing) and hiccups by ten weeks of gestational age. There are two key biomechanical aspects to gross foetal movements; the first being that the foetus moves in a dynamically changing constrained physical environment in which the freedom to move becomes increasingly restricted with increasing foetal size and decreasing amniotic fluid. Therefore, the mechanical environment experienced by the foetus affects its ability to move freely. Secondly, the mechanical forces induced by foetal movements are crucial for normal skeletal development, as evidenced by a number of conditions and syndromes for which reduced or abnormal foetal movements are implicated, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip, arthrogryposis and foetal akinesia deformation sequence. This review examines both the biomechanical effects of the physical environment on foetal movements through discussion of intrauterine factors, such as space, foetal positioning and volume of amniotic fluid, and the biomechanical role of gross foetal movements in human skeletal development through investigation of the effects of abnormal movement on the bones and joints. This review also highlights computational simulations of foetal movements that attempt to determine the mechanical forces acting on the foetus as it moves. Finally, avenues for future research into foetal movement biomechanics are highlighted, which have potential impact for a diverse range of fields including foetal medicine, musculoskeletal disorders and tissue engineering

Hermetic edge sealing of photovoltaic modules

The feasibility of using an electrostatic bonding (ESB) and ultrasonic welding process to produce hermetic edge seals on terrestrial solar cell modules was investigated. The fabrication sequence is to attach an aluminum foil "gasket' to the perimeter of a glass sheet. A cell circuit is next encapsulated inside the gasket, and its aluminum foil back cover is seam welded ultrasonically to the gasket. An ESB process for sealing aluminum to glass was developed in an ambient air atmosphere, which eliminates the requirement for a vacuum or pressure vessel. An ultrasonic seam welding process was also developed which did not degrade the quality of the ESB seal. Good quality welds with minimal deformation were produced. The effectiveness of the above described sealing techniques was tested by constructing 400 sq cm (8 x 8 s64 sq in) sample modules, and then subjecting them to nondestructive fine and gross leak tests. The gross leak tests identified several different causes of leaks which were then eliminated by modifying the assembly process

Embedding Mindfulness Practice Within a Higher Education Organisation: a Living Theory Influenced Approach

Background: Neoliberal ideology and policies have influenced the management of higher education leading to ‘a doing more with less’ culture, in turn leading to a negative impact on contemporary working practices of academics. There has been an escalation of poor mental health with rises in referrals to counselling and occupational health. Purpose: The core aims were to increase mindful awareness and compassion leading to resilience expressed as a ‘Mindful University of Westminster’. This work took a holistic approach to help facilitate the wellbeing of both staff and students. Methodology/Approach: The main thread was a Living Theory influenced approach through a recognition of my personal core living values: equity, freedom and compassion. This insider-practitioner insider-researcher study has integrated a methodology and methods also of: action research, reflection, reflexivity, thematic analysis and change management tools. This bricolage approach also used a running metaphor of ‘a play’ throughout to enable interpretation into how the University of Westminster can develop and become a ‘Mindful University’. This research was evaluated utilising a combined approach and included the criteria of: worthy topic, sincerity, audit trails, saturation and methodological cohesion. Findings/Conclusions: The development of a multiple faceted approach of mindful offerings for staff and students allowed an initial flow of mindful and compassion ripples. These became larger waves of influence, whilst working within the University’s own systems and processes. Original Contribution to Knowledge: Choosing a methodology and methods of Living Theory to investigate developing mindfulness practice in higher education is unique and has not been carried out before. Additionally, most universities offering mindfulness usually have limited events and do not try to assert wider influence or impact, as in this work. Implications: Developing a ‘Mindful University of Westminster’ can help towards alleviating some of the suffering for some staff and students and supports general wellbeing at the University

Large area space solar cell assemblies

Development of a large area space solar cell assembly is presented. The assembly consists of an ion implanted silicon cell and glass cover. The important attributes of fabrication are (1) use of a back surface field which is compatible with a back surface reflector, and (2) integration of coverglass application and call fabrication

Not Playing Second Fiddle: A Librarian as Adjunct Professor for a University Music Department

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Murder Pass: Tackling Toxic Masculinity through Musical Comedy

The author discusses the process of co-writing a full-length musical that addresses issues of toxic masculinity and sexism