Dynamics of disordered harmonic lattices

Extensive numerical and analytic studies of vibrational spectra, normal modes, thermodynamic properties, and dynamical properties of harmonic systems with varying degrees of substitutional disorder have been made. The effects on observable properties of random mixtures of two or more species of atoms with differing masses and differing couplings to nearest-and next-nearest-neighbors have been investigated. Using the IBM-7030 digital computer, spectra for linear chains of 100,000 atoms have been obtained. Calculations in two and three dimensions have been limited to arrays of approximately 1000 atoms. Varying composition, mass ratio, and order affect the spectra in two and three dimensions in ways analogous to those effected in the linear chain. A physical interpretation of the complex nature of the disordered spectrum is given. The effects of disorder on the dynamics of binary disordered harmonic chains have been studied and have been found to be quite pronounced --Abstract, page ii

Friction stir weld tools

A friction stir weld tool sleeve is supported by an underlying support pin. The pin material is preferably selected for toughness and fracture characteristics. The pin sleeve preferably has a geometry which employs the use of an interrupted thread, a plurality of flutes and/or eccentric path to provide greater flow through. Paddles have been found to assist in imparting friction and directing plastic metal during the welding process

Disengagement and engagement affects on transition readiness in college students with chronic illnesses

Patients with chronic illnesses must eventually transfer from pediatric health care to adult heath care. Unfortunately, this transition can be a hard one for people if they are not sure how to transition properly. However, there is very little data on what a proper transition may look like. In order to help bridge this gap, I have looked at specific coping mechanisms, disengagement and engagement, that may have an affect on transition readiness, specifically in college students. Through the SONA system, students with chronic illnesses responded to a series of questionnaires and data was analyzed to find that while engagement coping mechanisms did not correlated with transition readiness, disengagement mechanisms negatively correlated with transition readiness

Difference in Knowledge of MRSA Regarding Sophomore and Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Abstract Background The risk of infection by antibiotic resistant organisms is a common problem in hospital settings. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is the most common type of resistant bacteria that can have serious consequences or even lead to death. Nurses\u27 knowledge of how to prevent and treat this problem is essential for patient safety. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in level of knowledge of MRSA in sophomore and senior level baccalaureate nursing students. Methods This descriptive, comparative study will examine differences in knowledge of MRSA between sophomore and senior baccalaureate nursing students and determine if relationships exist between the knowledge scores and participant. Findings The mean MRSA knowledge scores were the same between both groups at 43% correct. The demographic variables showed a weak positive correlation with the MRSA knowledge scores. The only variable that has statistical significance is whether or not the student is employed, whether it is in a healthcare setting or not. Conclusions This study has revealed that the amount of MRSA knowledge does not increase as the student progresses through the nursing program. Regardless of the increased quantity of clinical hours, experience, and education provided, the knowledge level remains the same throughout the program. Adding increased education regarding MRSA may prove beneficial to the quality of nurses that the school produces

El efecto de la posición de partida en la salida de espalda en natación

Las salidas en natación suponen, cada vez más, un componente muy importante del tiempo final de prueba. Los problemas que plantea la investigación de la salida de espalda, debido a que parte del movimiento sucede dentro del agua y parte fuera, ha hecho que no aparezcan estudios previos que aporten luz a las dudas que plantean los entrenadores y los libros de texto sobre el tema. Uno de estos interrogantes es saber si la posición de partida de las piernas debe ser más o menos abierta (ángulos de la rodilla de 15±5º ó 90±5º). Para ello cuatro nadadores experimentados (21.5 ± 0.5 años, 59.3 ± 1.4 seg en 100m espalda y 27.2 ± 0.5 seg en 50m) fueron entrenados durante cuatro semanas en ambas salidas y efectuaron un total de tres salidas de cada, para posteriormente ser elegidas las mejores de cada uno, para cada condición del estudio. Se realizo un test de Wilcoxon para comparación de muestras relacionadas no paramétricas. En contra de lo que podía ser esperado no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los tiempos a 5, 10 y 15 metros en ninguna de ellas (p=1, p=0.8 y p=0.6), así como en velocidades del centro de gravedad en salida y entrada (p=0.095 y p= 0.145), altura del centro de gravedad (p= 0.5), o longitud del vuelo (p=0.214) entre otras. Las similitudes del movimiento con el de un salto vertical sin contramovimiento, salvando la diferencia de la gravedad, nos hacen pensar que otras variables no controladas como el ángulo de la cadera o factores coordinativos relacionados con la acción de los músculos biarticulares puedan tener una influencia mayor que la variable estudiada. No obstante, los datos no paramétricos nos hacen ser prudentes y esperar a los resultados del análisis del resto de sujetos. Por último, decir que los nadadores usaban una de las dos variables normalmente, encontrándose más cómodos con ella. Esto nos lleva a sugerir a nivel técnico el trabajo de ambas en edades tempranas para posteriormente ver cual produce los mejores resultados.Peer Reviewe

Opportunities and Traps for Trade Unions in European Employment Policy Initiatives:The Case of Social Dialogue on Active Inclusion

After some promise in the 1990s, European unions have grown increasingly disillusioned with regard to the results of EU social policy and EU social dialogue. The paper analyses the extent and reasons of this disillusion by looking at the impact on social dialogue of the Active Inclusion Recommendation launched by the European Commission at the outset of the economic crisis in 2008. The Recommendation led to a tripartite framework agreement at the EU level in 2010 (the only such agreement in a decade), which was then to be implemented at national and regional levels. With a multilevel governance approach, the paper looks at the extent to which social dialogue on Active Inclusion at the EU level, in six EU countries (France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK) and six regions (Rhône-Alpes, Lombardy, Lower Silesia, Catalonia, West Sweden and Greater Manchester) within those countries was somehow revitalised. The analysis, looking at both top-down and bottom-up processes and based on documentary analysis and interviews, shows that the initiative displays ambiguities similar to those of typical composite EU principles, such as famously the case of ‘flexicurity’. The multilevel governance of the EU, including the interaction between ‘soft’ employment policies and evolving ‘hard’ Eurogovernance tools, and with poor horizontal and vertical coordination, resulted in multiple distortions of the principle and, over time, to frustration. Unions’ engagement varies by level, country and region, reflecting both traditional national approaches and the local perception of ‘active inclusion’ as an opportunity. Although trade unions were more welcoming of ‘active inclusion’ than they had been for flexicurity, similar related threats and opportunities led to modest achievements and a gradual fading of the idea at the European and national levels, with some more opportunities however at the regional level. The paper concludes that, if trade unions want to engage with the idea of a European Social Model and with Eurogovernance, they could develop stronger networks among regional organisations