Five-year Program Research Articles

Heat Transfer in Turbine Hub Cavities Adjacent to the Main Gas Path

Reliable means of predicting heat transfer in cavities adjacent to the main gas path are increasingly being sought by engineers involved in the design of gas turbines. In this paper, an interim summary of the results of a five-year research program sponsored by the European Union (EU) and several leading gas turbine manufacturers and universities will be presented. Extensive use is made of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element (FE) modeling techniques to understand the thermo-mechanical behavior of a turbine stator well cavity, including the interaction of cooling air supply with the main annulus gas. The objective of the study has been to provide a means of optimizing the design of such cavities for maintaining a safe environment for critical parts, such as disc rims and blade fixings, while maximizing the turbine efficiency and minimizing the fuel burn and emissions penalties associated with the secondary airflow system. The modeling methods employed have been validated against data gathered from a dedicated two-stage turbine rig running at engine representative conditions. Extensive measurements are available for a range of flow conditions and alternative cooling arrangements. The analysis method has been used to inform a design change, which is also to be tested. Comparisons are provided between the predictions and measurements of the turbine stator well component temperature.

Occurrence of pesticides in transboundary aquifers of North-eastern Greece

A five-year groundwater monitoring program undertaken in Evros (north-east Greece), showed a diversification in the levels of pesticide residues detected in adjacent transboundary aquifers. During the first two years 37 wells, including irrigation, drinking water and artesian wells were monitored while the next three years the survey was focused on the 11 most contaminated wells. The presence of pesticide residues was also monitored in the phreatic horizon (shallow groundwater) of four experimental boreholes drilled in the respective margins of four fields. Among the compounds found alachlor, metolachlor, atrazine, desethylatrazine (DEA), desisopropylatrazine (DIA) and caffeine were constantly detected. Pesticide concentrations were much lower (up to 1.54μg/L) in the water of the monitored drinking water wells (deep groundwater aquifers) compared to those found in the phreatic horizon (experimental boreholes) of the respective areas (up to 5.20μg/L). DEA to atrazine concentration ratios (DAR) determined for the phreatic horizon of the three boreholes and respective wells were lower than 1, indicating that preferential flow was the cause of the fast downward movement of atrazine to the phreatic horizon. In contrast the DAR for the fourth borehole and the adjacent well were greater than 1 indicating the absence of preferential flow of atrazine. Catabolic processes of the soil converted atrazine to DEA which is more mobile than atrazine itself through chromatographic (darcian) flow.This differential behavior of pesticides in adjacent aquifers (3km) was further investigated by determining the apparent age of water in the two wells. The apparent age of the water present in the first aquifer was 21.7years whereas the apparent age of that in the second aquifer was approximately 1.2years. The faster replenishing rate of the latter is an indication that this aquifer is very vulnerable to contamination with pollutants present in the infiltrated soil water.

Abstract FO02-03: Breast cancer control in federally qualified health centers.

Abstract Patient Navigation is a patient-centric health care service delivery intervention, with the goal of eliminating barriers, which may occur across the health care continuum, from screening, to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and through survivorship. Pioneered in Harlem, NY, patient navigation is being widely replicated nationally and is receiving considerable support for demonstration projects and research to test its effectiveness. Patient navigation has evolved as a strategy to reduce cancer health disparities by eliminating barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The largest and longest effort to test the efficacy of PN is the $25 million, five-year Patient Navigation Research Program (PNRP) undertaken by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The Chicago patient navigation program, for example, was funded through the NCI PNRP to increase the proportion of patients reaching diagnostic resolution and reduce the time from abnormal screening test to definitive diagnostic resolution among low income underserved women with abnormal breast (n=352) or cervical (n=545) screening results. We found that compared to control subjects who received usual care, a higher percentage of navigated subjects reached a diagnostic resolution by 60 days (83.0% vs. 52.7%) for breast and by 365 days (98.7% vs. 81.0%) for cervical cancer. But, the effects of patient navigation are defined and measured in different ways across programs. In order to make meaningful comparisons across diverse programs, outcome measures must be concordant. Therefore, in March 2010, the National Patient Navigation Leadership Summit comprised of cancer clinicians, researchers, practicing public health and measurement experts, funders, and patient navigators, met to develop a national consensus on common outcomes to solidify the scientific evidence and efficacy of patient navigation using a principles from community-based participatory research. The goal of the Summit was to develop and propose core metrics to measure outcomes of navigation on individuals as well as populations across the continuum. The process used to engage all key stakeholders and current national efforts will be discussed along with the outcomes of this approach. Funding: The Chicago Patient Navigation grant was supported by the National Institute of Health grant 1 U01 CA116875-01. The leadership conference and Cancer supplement were cosponsored by Pfizer Oncology, Livestrong (Lance Armstrong Foundation), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, the American Cancer Society, and AstraZeneca. Citation Format: Elizabeth A. Calhoun. Breast cancer control in federally qualified health centers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr FO02-03.

Security and the Pathways of Women's Empowerment: Findings from a Thematic Synthesis of the Pathways of Women's Empowerment Research

Security and the Pathways of Women's Empowerment: Findings from a Thematic Synthesis of the Pathways of Women's Empowerment Research

China Moving Towards Inclusive Growth

China's economy is characterised by a lack of balance, coordination and sustainability in its development, and some structural and environmental problems. China is determined to promote scientific development and accelerate the transformation of the growth model. The 12th Five-Year Programme is integral to rebalancing growth from export-driven to domestic consumption in order to achieve “higher quality growth” and “inclusive growth”. Renewed efforts are channelled to promote social equity and justice in larger regional context.

Bangkok Hospital Medical Center’s Five-Year Experience with Patient Safety and Risk Management, 2006-2010

OBJECTIVES: Bangkok Hospital Medical Center (BMC) implemented the Patient Safety and Risk Management (PSRM) program in 2006 as an expansion of the Five-Year Quality Culture Development Program that aimed to emphasize the importance of a culture of quality and patient safety in the hospitals. The PSRM program emphasizing the concept of managing risk covers clinical, emotional, proactive, and reactive dimensions of the management process of unexpected adverse events. To highlight the commitment of BMC to patient safety and to measure our progress, the PRSM program during 2006-2010 was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trend of occurrence reports (filed by staff) and customer complaint reports, in addition to the severity level of quality concerns identified in those reports was analyzed. The impact of the program including customer satisfaction, cost of adverse events, and patient safety culture at BMC were evaluated. RESULTS: Annual occurrences, customer complaints, and total adverse event report rates from 2006-2010 were consistent, with the average percent rate of 1.08 %, 0.19 % and 1.27% respectively. The proportion of quality concerns in those reports fell to around 40% in the first three years and rose to around 70% in 2009-2010. However serious quality concerns (i.e., severe adverse events, events impacting on reputation and sentinel events) were relatively small and remained constant. The study showed that PSRM program did help to improve customer satisfaction and reduce the costs of dealing with adverse events. In addition, results of the BMC employee survey indicated that BMC’s culture was good in learning and communication in patient safety, teamwork, management support for patient safety, and overall perceptions of safety. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the PSRM program was successful in part due to BMC’s quality improvement and patient safety environment. Patient safety must be managed seriously, faithfully, and proactively to prevent and mitigate adverse events. Risk management needs to include not only clinical aspects but also emotional affects.

Improving the care of people with traumatic brain injury through the Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) program: protocol for a program of research.

The Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) program was funded in 2009 to increase the uptake of research evidence in the clinical care of patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury. This paper reports the rationale and plan for this five-year knowledge translation research program. The overarching aims of the program are threefold: to improve outcomes for people with traumatic brain injury; to create a network of neurotrauma clinicians and researchers with expertise in knowledge translation and evidence-based practice; and to contribute knowledge to the field of knowledge translation research. The program comprises a series of interlinked projects spanning varying clinical environments and disciplines relevant to neurotrauma, anchored within four themes representing core knowledge translation activities: reviewing research evidence; understanding practice; developing and testing interventions for practice change; and building capacity for knowledge translation in neurotrauma. The program uses a range of different methods and study designs, including: an evidence fellowship program; conduct of and training in systematic reviews; mixed method study designs to describe and understand factors that influence current practices (e.g., semi-structured interviews and surveys); theory-based methods to develop targeted interventions aiming to change practice; a cluster randomised trial to test the effectiveness of a targeted theory-informed intervention; stakeholder involvement activities; and knowledge translation events such as consensus conferences.

Jordan Education Reform for the Knowledge Economy Support Project − a Case Study

This paper evaluates the Government of Jordan Education Reform for the Knowledge Economy program’s (ERfKE) Support Project (ESP); Youth, Technology, and Careers (YTC) component. ERfKE was a five-year program (2004- 2009) and considered one of the most ambitious education reform programs in the Middle East with a financial plan of $380 million dollars. To support ERfKE program, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) additionally provided approximately $31.5 million through its created ERfKE Support Project (ESP). The ESP three major components were: Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Youth, Technology, and Careers (YTC) and the Shorouq initiative supporting South Jordan. The overall performance of the YTC component was certainly encouraging.

Near IR Astrometry of Magnetars

AbstractWe report on the progress of our five-year program for astrometric monitoring of magnetars using high-resolution NIR observations using the laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS-AO) supported NIRC2 camera on the 10-meter Keck telescope. We have measured the proper motion of two of the youngest magnetars, SGR 1806–20 and SGR 1900+14, which have counterparts with K ~21 mag, and have placed a preliminary upper limit on the motion of the young AXP 1E 1841–045. The precision of the proper motion measurement is at the milliarcsecond per year level. Our proper motion measurements now provide evidence to link SGR 1806–20 and SGR 1900+14 with neighboring young star clusters. At the distances of these magnetars, their proper motion corresponds to transverse space velocities of 350 ± 100 km s−1 and 130 ± 30 km s−1 respectively. The upper limit on the proper motion of AXP 1E 1841–045 is 160 km s−1. With the sample of proper motions available, we conclude that the kinematics of the magnetar family are not distinct from that of pulsars.

The Role of Real Estate Development in Solving the Housing Crisis in Algeria, Case Study the Greater Annaba

The housing crisis is not only founded in underdeveloped countries, it has also different aspects of concern of the governments of industrialized countries. Governments, local governments and the private sector are expected to implement different strategies to solve this problem. Our major concern was to focus on the experience of real estate development; however, we have attempted to extend our investigation to capture the degree of satisfaction of needs of residents’ in relation to the new housing policy (five-year program 2005-2009), to solve the housing crisis that continues to grow it. Real estate development is one of the aspects of housing production as well as the improvement of flat policies. If construction of housing is relatively old, the birth of binding activity of real estate development is rather recent (Law No. 86-07 of 4 March 1986 on property development). This analysis will then identify the causes of the problem and propose recommendations based on a collaboration between various population sample who are involved in the operation of housing production (developers, prime contractor, prime contractor, …) in order to reduce the shortage in housing and provide a good quality that meets the people needs according to their lifestyle and vocation of space.

Study on Reconstructing Chinese Territorial Planning System

This paper researches on the territorial system of urban and rural integration to provide reference resources for solving urban-rural dual economy and society structure and land-use management. Methods of documentary data and theory are applied. The result of study indicates that: (1) build up five-level territorial planning at national, province, district, county and regional level to strategically arrange land-use; (2) build up line planning of various types of land to manage scientifically and efficiently; (3) compile land reclamation planning at town-level, village planning to enrich land use detailed planning and promote operation of available; (4) form long-term territorial planning, five-year line planning and annual land use program. The conclusion of this paper shows that: (1) modify urban-rural planning law to unify the planning law provisions; (2) establish planning management committee to unify management of urban-rural territorial; (3) work out unified basic map and standard land classification to unify technical standard system; (4) improve the degree of public participation at different planning stage; (5) implement planning qualification management and industry access system and strengthen planning implementation and modification supervision management.

Claire L Wendland. A Heart for the Work: Journeys through an African Medical School. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010. xiv + 330 pp. Technical Appendix. Notes. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. $27.50. Paper.

HEALTH AND DISEASE Claire L. Wendland. A Heart for the Work: Journeys through an African Medical School. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010. xiv + 330 pp. Technical Appendix. Notes. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. $27.50. Paper. Claire Wendland provides a compelling account of medical training in Africa in A Heart for the Work. In her analyses of the socialization of MaIawian physicians and the practice of African biomedicine, Wendland makes a valuable contribution to the literature on medical power/knowledge, particularly in poor and postcolonial contexts, and provides an all too rare example of anthropology studying up in Africa. Herself a Northerntrained obstetrician-gynecologist and anthropologist, Wendland uses her case to argue that biomedical professionals everywhere are shaped as much by the social, cultural, and material conditions in which they train and practice as by the characteristics of biomedicine in hegemonic form. This coproduction, then, has important consequences for individual physicians and, through their medical practice, for their patients and their nation. Wendland writes accessibly to distill complicated social theory, and biomedical knowledge and experience, into an effordess prose that most any reader could easily engage with. The book deserves to be read far and wide: while Wendland clearly writes with her undergraduate anthropology, sociology, and premedicai students in mind, professionals in medical education, international public health and development, and international public administration broadly will also find a trove of useful analysis and insight. Scholars of biomedicine and scientific expertise will find the case of Malawian physicians a compelling counterpoint to the Eurocentric literature. Finally, as Wendland keeps the contemporary history and context of southern Africa at the forefront of her work, her analysis of modern African biomedicine is useful for Africanists of all stripes. The book is cogendy arranged in seven chapters that follow the progress of medical students through their course of study at the University of Malawi's College of Medicine. Wendland's data comes from a year of intensive fieldwork (2002-3) combined with shorter trips before and after; her view of student progress through the training program is thus crosssectional rather than longitudinal. Instead of following one cohort through the five-year program and beyond, Wendland creates comparative snapshots of different cohorts at various stages of becoming competent physicians. This organization allows her to correlate students' experience with historical phenomena as well as with changing policies in the university system. …

Developing inquiry‐guided learning in a research university in the United Kingdom

AbstractThis chapter discusses themes from a five‐year institutional development program for inquiry‐guided learning (IGL) at The University of Sheffield. It presents a conceptual framework for IGL instructional design, gives examples of IGL courses, and highlights features of the program's approach to the facilitation of educational change.

Forecasting near-surface weather conditions and precipitation in Alaska's Prince William Sound with the PWS-WRF modeling system

In the summer of 2009, several scientific teams engaged in a field program in Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska to test an end-to-end atmosphere/ocean prediction system specially designed for this region. The “Sound Predictions Field Experiment” (FE) was a test of the PWS-Observing System (PWS-OS) and the culmination of a five-year program to develop an observational and prediction system for the Sound. This manuscript reports on results of an 18-day high-resolution atmospheric forecasting field project using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model.Special attention was paid to surface meteorological properties and precipitation. Upon reviewing the results of the real-time forecasts, modifications were incorporated in the PWS-WRF modeling system in an effort to improve objective forecast skill. Changes were both geometric (model grid structure) and physical (different physics parameterizations).The weather during the summer-time FE was typical of the PWS in that it was characterized by a number of minor disturbances rotating around an anchored low, but with no major storms in the Gulf of Alaska. The basic PWS-WRF modeling system as implemented operationally for the FE performed well, especially considering the extremely complex terrain comprising the greater PWS region.Modifications to the initial PWS-WRF modeling system showed improvement in predicting surface variables, especially where the ambient flow interacted strongly with the terrain. Prediction of precipitation on an accumulated basis was more accurate than prediction on a day-to-day basis. The 18-day period was too short to provide reliable assessment and intercomparison of the quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) skill of the PWS-WRF model variants.

Nanostructured Coatings for U.S. Navy Applications

Abstract This article provides a brief overview of the applications of multimodal alumina-titania (n-AT) coatings stemming from a five-year program on thermal spray nanocoatings sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR). In the main example, plasma sprayed n-AT coatings are applied to the propulsion shafts of Mine Countermeasure ships, bringing a fourfold increase in service life.

Does Residency Training Improve Cognitive Competence in Obstetric and Gynaecologic Surgery?

ObjectiveTo develop an operative knowledge assessment tool to evaluate the cognitive competence of trainees in obstetric and gynaecologic surgery and to determine the rate of change in competence during a five-year residency program. MethodsTwenty-eight participants in five training groups (PGY-1 to PGY-5) in McGill University’s residency program in obstetrics and gynaecology underwent an evaluation based on surgical cognitive competence (SCC) assessment tools developed for three different obstetric and gynaecologic operations: open total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), Caesarean section, and laparoscopic bilateral tubal sterilization (BTL). The tools were developed as checklists listing every step in each operation based on techniques described in current surgical texts. Using analysis of variance and linear regressions, statistical significance was established for procedure-specific scores and overall SCC scores. In addition, the rate of change of cognitive competence throughout the training years was calculated. Finally, using a t test, the overall SCC score was compared to a “critical steps score.” ResultsCritical steps scores and overall SCC scores increased with training experience at an average yearly rate of 13.36% (P < 0.001). Procedure-specific scores increased yearly, by 15.73% for TAH (P < 0.001), 8.06% for Caesarean section (P < 0.001), and 16.31% for BTL (P < 0.001). The difference between overall scores and critical steps scores was not statistically significant for the study cohort (P = 0.94). ConclusionSurgical cognitive competence among obstetrics and gynaecology residents can be reliably assessed with our evaluation tool, and it increases proportionally with residency education, reaching maximum scores during the final year of training. This type of information may be helpful in ascertaining how long a residency program should be.

Novel strategies lead to pre-elimination of malaria in previously high-risk areas in Suriname, South America

BackgroundSuriname was a high malaria risk country before the introduction of a new five-year malaria control program in 2005, the Medical Mission Malaria Programme (MM-MP). Malaria was endemic in the forested interior, where especially the stabile village communities were affected.Case descriptionThe interventions of the MM-MP included new strategies for prevention, vector control, case management, behavioral change communication (BCC)/information, education and communication (IEC), and strengthening of the health system (surveillance, monitoring and evaluation and epidemic detection system). After a slow first year with non-satisfying scores for the performance indicators, the MM-MP truly engaged in its intervention activities in 2006 and kept its performance up until the end of 2009. A total of 69,994 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were distributed and more than 15,000 nets re-impregnated. In high-risk areas, this was complemented with residual spraying of insecticides. Over 10,000 people were screened with active case detection in outbreak and high-risk areas. Additional notification points were established and the national health system was strengthened.Discussion and evaluationIn the current paper, the MM-MP is evaluated both on account of the targets established within the programme and on account of its impact on the malaria situation in Suriname. Malaria vector populations, monitored in sentinel sites, collapsed after 2006 and concurrently the number of national malaria cases decreased from 8,618 in 2005 to 1,509 in 2009. Malaria transmission risk shifted from the stabile village communities to the mobile gold mining communities, especially those along the French Guiana border.ConclusionsThe novel strategies for malaria control introduced in Suriname within the MM-MP have led to a significant decrease in the national malaria burden. The challenge is to further reduce malaria using the available strategies as appropriate in the affected areas and populations. Elimination of malaria in the country will require a thorough understanding of transmission dynamics and a dedicated investment in key effective interventions.

Review of factors affecting steam oxidation testing

Thermal efficiency of current 600°C plant is typically around 45 –46%, this can be raised to over 50% by increasing the operating temperature to 650°C with future goals of 700 and 750°C Advanced Super Critical plant. This increase in operating conditions places increasingly higher demands on conventional materials both in terms of creep strength and corrosion. Recent experience within a five-year programme of collaborative work carried out under the auspices of the UK–US Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the associated Implementing Agreement for Fossil Energy Research and Technology Development, has shown that the generation of such data is not as straight forward as one might expect. It has been shown through extensive test programmes on the same materials that different results and alloy behaviour can be found, which are caused by relatively small differences in the test procedure.In this paper, steam oxidation will be considered, with examples presented and discussed showing the variation in oxidation rates that can be found between different laboratories and even within controlled intercomparisons. The main experimental factors that are believed to affect the alloy behaviour will be introduced and examples presented to illustrate the effect on the oxidation rate and scale morphology.

CAPSTONE DESIGN IN ENGINEERING AND SOCIETY AT MCMASTER UNIVERSITY

Engineering and Society is a five-year program at McMaster University which is available to all departments within the Faculty of Engineering. A new core course, offered for the first time in the Winter 2009 semester, was taken by Society students in their final year. This course is a capstone design course titled “Design for Society”. The course culminated in a group design project wherein the students were given an open-ended problem and were asked to provide a conceptual solution. The problem involved the territorial government of Nunavut, Canada, wanting to give a boost to its tourist trade while showcasing the culture, history and heritage of their people. This case study paper provides an overview of the challenges and successes of delivering this course and will be of interest to those individuals who are contemplating the development and launch of a multidisciplinary engineering design course offering.

Europe Gears Up for the Shale Gale

The European shale gas revolution is still in its infancy and though its commercial potential could rival that of North America, significant challenges lie ahead. France has put a moratorium on shale gas activity while a comprehensive study into its environmental impact is being carried out, and its National Assembly has voted in favor of a ban on hydraulic fracturing. The potential for shale gas production in Europe is undoubted, as consultancy IHS CERA estimates that Europe’s total shale gas in place could be 6,115 Tcf. Among the key challenges that will determine the ultimate productivity in Europe is a regulatory environment that is currently ill-suited to unconventional gas, the company said. “Regulations designed for traditional exploration and production in Amsterdam. “We expect Europe to be a significant part of future activity.” Poland Leads the Way Poland plays host to Europe’s largest known reserves of shale gas. Leasing activity in the country’s three main basins—the Baltic Basin, the Podlasie Basin in the east, and the Lublin Basin to the south—is well under way. The country is keen to push forward with shale gas production as it looks to break away from its reliance on Russian gas supplies. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that Poland has 792 Tcf of risked shale gas in place, with 514 Tcf in the Baltic Basin, 222 Tcf in the Lublin Basin, and the remainder in the Podlasie Basin. Chevron and ExxonMobil have been joined by a large number of smaller players such as DPV Service, Cuadrilla, EUR Energy, and Mazovia Energy in securing acreage across the country. Talisman is carrying out seismic acquisition on con-cessions in the Baltic Basin and it is on track to spud its first two shale gas wells in the fourth quarter of this year, the company said. It moved into the Polish plays through a farm-in arrangement with San Leon Energy for a 60% interest in San Leon’s three concessions. Talisman is committed to drilling a minimum of three wells—Gdansk-W, Braniewo-S, and Szczawno—which cover 600,000 acres. Three optional wells with horizontal sections will be drilled after a successful first phase of testing. San Leon is also engaged in a five-year exploration and development program on its two concessions, Nowa Sol and Wschowa in the Permian Basin South. Both concessions are on trend with prolific Rotliegendes gas and Zechstein oil production. Nexen recently entered into an agreement with Marathon to jointly explore 10 concessions in Poland’s Paleozoic shale play and it says it will pump USD 100 million into shale-related activities. Nexen will acquire a 40% working interest in the concessions, which encompass more than 2 million acres. Marathon is acquiring 2D seismic this year and plans to drill one or two wells in the fourth quarter and potentially seven or eight wells during 2012.