Investigation of properties of alloys through multiscale computational modeling

Mechanical, electrical and thermal performance of the joints made between circuit components is heavily dependent on the soldering process and the soldering alloy. As Pb-based solders are being phased out from commercial use, research is being carried out to develop newer alloys to match the performance characteristics of Pb-based solders. Computational modeling has been widely used to investigate the performance of new alloy combinations, leading to the requirements for the development of multiscale modeling of an intermetallic joint. To determine the feasibility of such an efficient scaling process, we are trying to simulate mechanical and thermal characteristics across ab initio and classical molecular dynamic implementations. We employ ab initio modeling using density functional theory on a supercell and compare the results for the same structure using classical molecular dynamics. The outcome from the comparison of the results from the two methods is expected to enable us to investigate the role of multi-scale modeling in predicting the properties of alloys at improved rates while maintaining the accuracy of results.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1065/thumbnail.jp

Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge of Food Handlers and the Level of Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices at Restaurants in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka

The study aims to assess the food safety knowledge of restaurant owners/head chefs and to investigate the current level of implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in restaurants in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 100 respondents (50 owners and 50 head chefs) of 50 restaurants in the Kegalle District using both researcher and self-administered questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using Minitab (16/17) and the Microsoft Excel softwarepackages. The General and in-depth food safety knowledge of the respondents were tested using a selfadministered questionnaire which consisted of 24 questions. The GMP implementation was evaluated using a checklist consisting of 40 major Good Manufacturing Practices. The results indicate that the food safety knowledge of the respondents (restaurant owners and head chefs) increased with their education level and level of training. The mean in-depth knowledge score of the respondents was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of their mean general knowledge of food safety. Results indicate that 22% of the respondents have never attended any training sessions or open seminars related to food safety and showed poor knowledge, especially on aspects such as correct temperature control during handling food. The level of GMP implementation increased with restaurant owners' in-depth and total food safety knowledge. The food safety knowledge of head chefs did not seem to affect the level of GMP implementation at restaurants. Since the GMP implementation at restaurants is mostly affected by the restaurant owner’s knowledge and skills, the authors recommend conducting training sessions or open seminars to upgrade their in-depth and total knowledge of food safety

Psychological morbidity among children with transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia and their parents in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND:Thalassaemia is a chronic disease which requires lifelong treatment in a majority. Despite recent advances in the medical care, minimal attempts are made to improve psychological health in these patients. In this study, we aim to describe the psychological morbidity in patients with transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia and their mothers in Sri Lanka. METHODS:This case control study was conducted in the three largest thalassaemia centres of Sri Lanka. All patients with transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia aged 4-18 years were recruited as cases whilst a randomly selected group of children without chronic diseases were recruited as controls. Psychological morbidity of children was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and depressive symptoms of mothers was assessed by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. RESULTS:288 transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia patients and equal number of controls were recruited. Abnormal emotional, conduct, hyperactivity and peer relationship symptom scores were reported by 18%, 17%, 9% and 14% of patients with thalassaemia respectively. Prevalences of abnormal psychological symptom scores in all domains were significantly higher among patients compared to controls. Abnormal conduct symptoms were significantly more prevalent among patients with HbE β-thalassaemia and those with suboptimal pretransfusion haemoglobin levels, lower transfusion volumes, hypothyroidism and undernutrition. Short stature was associated with abnormal emotional and hyperactivity scores. Depressive symptoms were significantly higher among mothers of patients with thalassaemia. Higher depressive symptom scores in mothers were significantly associated with abnormal emotional, conduct and peer relationship symptom scores in children. CONCLUSIONS:A higher proportion of patients with transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia had abnormal psychological symptom scores. Abnormal conduct symptoms were more prevalent among patients with HbE β-thalassaemia, those who were inadequately transfused and having hypothyroidism and undernutrition. Mothers of the children with transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia had significantly higher depressive symptoms which were significantly associated with psychological symptoms among children