Psychological impact of colorectal cancer screening.

This article examines the psychological impact of participating in sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer prevention. The 1st study examined psychological well-being at 3 months, in relation to screening outcome, in 4,153 individuals. The 2nd study used longitudinal data to examine changes in psychological functioning from before to after screening in relation both to screening outcome and baseline indicators of vulnerability. There were few psychological differences between those who had received negative results or had polyps detected. These findings were confirmed in the longitudinal study, which also found no evidence for vulnerability to adverse effects among those who were initially most anxious or who perceived their risk of cancer to be higher. The longitudinal data suggested that screening might produce transient positive effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Stress Reduction of 3D Printed Compliance‐Tailored Multilayers

Multilayered multi‐material interfaces are encountered in an array of fields. Here, enhanced mechanical performance of such multi‐material interfaces is demonstrated, focusing on strength and stiffness, by employing bondlayers with spatially‐tuned elastic properties realized via 3D printing. Compliance of the bondlayer is varied along the bondlength with increased compliance at the ends to relieve stress concentrations. Experimental testing to failure of a tri‐layered assembly in a single‐lap joint configuration, including optical strain mapping, reveals that the stress and strain redistribution of the compliance‐tailored bondlayer increases strength by 100% and toughness by 60%, compared to a constant modulus bondlayer, while maintaining the stiffness of the joint with the homogeneous stiff bondlayer. Analyses show that the stress concentrations for both peel and shear stress in the bondlayer have a global minimum when the compliant bond at the lap end comprises ≈10% of the bondlength, and further that increased multilayer performance also holds for long (relative to critical shear transfer length) bondlengths. Damage and failure resistance of multi‐material interfaces can be improved substantially via the compliance‐tailoring demonstrated here, with immediate relevance in additive manufacturing joining applications, and shows promise for generalized joining applications including adhesive bonding.     

A holistic integrated dynamic design and modelling approach applied to the development of ultraprecision micro-milling machines

Ultraprecision machines with small footprints or micro-machines are highly desirable for micro-manufacturing high-precision micro-mechanical components. However, the development of the machines is still at the nascent stage by working on an individual machine basis and hence lacks generic scientific approach and design guidelines. Using computer models to predict the dynamic performance of ultraprecision machine tools can help manufacturers substantially reduce the lead time and cost of developing new machines. Furthermore, the machine dynamic performance depends not only upon the mechanical structure and components but also the control system and electronic drives. This paper proposed a holistic integrated dynamic design and modelling approach, which supports analysis and optimization of the overall machine dynamic performance at the early design stage. Based on the proposed approach the modelling and simulation process on a novel 5-axis bench-top ultraprecision micro-milling machine tool – UltraMill – is presented. The modelling and simulation cover the dynamics of the machine structure, moving components, control system and the machining process, and are used to predict the overall machine performance of two typical configurations. Preliminary machining trials have been carried out and provided the evidence of the approach being helpful to assure the machine performing right at the first setup.     

Experimental study of the hydraulic operation of an annular centrifugal contactor with various mixing vane geometries

The annular centrifugal contactor is a combination mixer/centrifuge that has been developed for solvent extraction processes for recycling used nuclear reactor fuel. The experimental observations presented were part of a simulation‐focused research effort aimed at providing a more complete understanding of the fluid flow within these contactors to enable further advancements in design and operation of future units and greater confidence for use of such contactors in a variety of other solvent extraction applications. Laser doppler velocimetry (LDV), particle image velocimetry (PIV), pressure measurements, and high‐speed video imaging for a range of flow rates and rotor speeds were performed to characterize the flow of water in the annular mixing region of the contactor using three different mixing vane geometries. It was found that the geometry of the mixing vanes has a significant impact on the annular liquid height and general flow in the contactor mixing zone. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010     

Increasing attendance at colorectal cancer screening: Testing the efficacy of a mailed, psychoeducational intervention in a community sample of older adults.

This article describes a trial of a psychoeducational intervention designed to modify negative attitudes toward flexible sigmoidoscopy screening and thereby increase screening attendance. The intervention materials addressed the multiple barriers shown to be associated with participation in earlier studies. Adults ages 55-64 (N=2,966), in a "harder-to-reach" group were randomized either to receive an intervention brochure or to a standard invitation group. Attitudes and expectations were assessed by questionnaire, and attendance at the clinic was recorded. Compared with controls, the intervention group had less negative attitudes, anticipated a more positive experience, and had a 3.6% higher level of attendance. These results indicate that psychoeducational interventions can provide an effective means of modifying attitudes and increasing rates of screening attendance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Telepresence feedback and input systems for a twin armed mobilerobot

Complex tasks in unstructured/hazardous environments often require teleoperation. The telepresence robot featured here has “user friendly” limb linked output and feedback systems. The mechanism design and sensory feedback of visual, audio and multi-functional tactile (pressure, texture/slip and thermal parameters) are described     

An assessment of the uncertainty in measurements of solar radiation

Simultaneous but independent pairs of observations of solar radiation made in close proximity to each other for extended time periods at both Vancouver and Toronto have permitted an objective determination of the uncertainty in measurements of solar radiation. The widely quoted observation error of ±5 per cent for an individual observation is appropriate to an hourly time interval, with the uncertainty showing substantial reduction with increased time averaging. The absolute values of the systematic differences were of similar magnitude (2–2.5 per cent) at the two locations. Both the individual and systematic differences showed marked seasonal and interannual variability, with all relative errors being greatest in the winter months. However, at both locations the absolute values of these same statistics showed a strong dependence on the observed irradiance. The variability of these discrepancies illustrates the need to specify the basic time interval and irradiance when selecting or quoting a measurement error.     

Dynamic and static characteristics of a wide speed range machine tool spindle

The static and dynamic stiffnesses of spindle-bearing systems are examined. It is shown that for most general purpose spindle designs spring or hydraulically preloaded bearing arrangements can produce more rigid spindles than comentational bearing arrangements. It is also argued that adjustable preload enables bearing damping to be matched to the spindle-bearing system to give maximum dynamic stiffness. The RHP Variload bearing arrangement is introduced.     

Fostering active network management through SMEs’ practises

Managing the electricity network through ‘smart grid’ systems is a key strategy to address challenges of energy security, low carbon transitions and the replacement of ageing infrastructure networks in the UK. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a significant role in shaping patterns of energy consumption. Understanding how their activities interrelate with changes in electricity systems is critical for active network management. A significant challenge for the transformation of electricity systems involves comprehending the complexity that stems from the variety of commercial activities and diversity of social and organizational practises among SMEs that interact with material infrastructures. We engage with SMEs to consider how smart grid interventions ‘fit’ into everyday operational activities. Drawing on analysis of empirical data on electricity use, smart metre data, surveys, interviews and ‘energy tours’ with SMEs to understand lighting, space heating and cooling, refrigeration and IT use, this paper argues for experimenting with the use of practise theory as a framework for bringing together technical and social aspects of energy use in SMEs. This approach reveals that material circumstances and temporal factors shape current energy demand among SMEs, with ‘connectedness’ an emergent factor.