Mechanical Response of Glass-Epoxy Composites with Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles.

Graphene-based fillers possess exceptional properties that encourage researchers toward their incorporation in glass-epoxy (GE) polymer composites. Regarding the mechanical and wear properties of glass-epoxy composites, the effect of graphene oxide (GO) reinforced in glass-epoxy was examined. A decrease in tensile modulus and increase in tensile strength was reported for 1 wt. % of GO. A shift in glass transition temperature Tg was observed with the addition of GO. The cross-link density and storage modulus of the composite decreased with the addition of GO. The decrease in dissipation energy and wear rate was reported with the increase in GO concentration. A simple one-dimensional damage model of nonlinear nature was developed to capture the stress-strain behavior of the unfilled and filled glass-epoxy composite. Tensile modulus E, Weibull scale parameter σo, and Weibull shape parameter ß were considered to develop the model. Finally, to understand the failure mechanisms in GO-filled composites, a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination was carried out for tensile fractured composites.

On the Residual Stresses and Fracture Toughness of Glass/Carbon Epoxy Composites.

The resistance to delamination in polymer composite depends on their constituents, manufacturing process, environmental factors, specimen geometry, and loading conditions. The manufacturing of laminated composites is usually carried out at an elevated temperature, which induces thermal stresses in composites mainly due to a mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of fiber and matrix. This work aims to investigate the effect of these process-induced stresses on mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness (GI) of Glass-Carbon-Epoxy (GCE) and Glass-Epoxy (GE) composites. These composites are prepared using a manual layup technique and cured under room temperature, followed by post-curing using different curing conditions. Double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were used to determine GI experimentally. The slitting technique was used to estimate residual stresses (longitudinal and transverse direction of crack growth) inherited in cured composites and the impact of these stresses on GI was investigated. Delaminated surfaces of composites were examined using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the effect of post-curing on the mode-I failure mechanism. It was found that GI of both GE and GEC composites are sensitive to the state of residual stress in the laminas. The increase in the GI of laminates can also be attributed to an increase in matrix deformation and fiber-matrix interfacial bond with the increase in post-curing temperature.

Desires versus reality of medical and health science summer student research opportunities.

BACKGROUND: Medical and health science students are increasingly becoming involved in research throughout their undergraduate education. However, the quality of student research outcomes has recently come into question. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of Irish medical and health science student who received a summer student research grant in 2014 and 2015. RESULTS: Of 56 respondents (40.6% response rate), increasing competitiveness for future career opportunities was the highest rated motivational factor for pursuing research. Respondents were most often involved in analysing data (n = 51; 91.1%) and collecting data (n = 46; 82.1%). Respondents most often identified that they would have liked to be involved in coming up with research question (n = 34; 60.7%), while in reality, they were least commonly involved in that aspect (n = 14; 25.0%). CONCLUSION: Despite the desire by summer research students to be involved in early components of research project design, this only occasionally occurs. Summer student research programs should explore the possibility of early involvement of students in the research design phase.

A comparison of mental health legislation in five developed countries: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: To describe similarities and differences in mental health legislation between five jurisdictions: the Republic of Ireland, England and Wales, Scotland, Ontario (Canada), and Victoria (Australia). METHODS: An in-depth examination was undertaken focussing on the process of involuntary admission, review of Admission Orders and the legal processes in relation to treatment in the absence of patient consent in each of the five jurisdictions of interest. RESULTS: All jurisdictions permit the detention of a patient if they have a mental disorder although the definition of mental disorder varies between jurisdictions. Several additional differences exist between the five jurisdictions, including the duration of admission prior to independent review of involuntary detention and the role of supported decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Across the five jurisdictions examined, largely similar procedures for admission, detention and treatment of involuntary patients are employed, reflecting adherence with international standards and incorporation of human rights-based principles. Differences exist in relation to the criteria to define mental disorder, the occurrence of automatic review hearings in a timely fashion after a patient is involuntarily admitted and the role for supported decision making under mental health legislation.

A decade of domiciliary non-invasive ventilation in the west of Ireland.

BACKGROUND: While domiciliary non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was initially used in the treatment of respiratory failure resulting from chest wall deformity, the main indication is now chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with recurrent exacerbations associated with type 2 respiratory failure. A longitudinal study of domiciliary NIV provides insights into the evolution of this treatment in the west of Ireland. METHODS: The cohort of patients receiving new prescriptions for domiciliary NIV from Galway University Hospital from 2000 to 2012 was reviewed using study coordinator chart reviews and telephone follow-ups. RESULTS: In total, 161 patients were identified. Prescriptions for domiciliary NIV increased from 2 in 2000 to 35 in 2012. The most common indication between 2000 and 2006 was obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), changing to COPD between 2007 and 2012. There were significantly higher mortality rates in COPD and neuromuscular disease at 1- and 3-year follow-up compared to OHS and chest wall disease. Patients with chest wall disease had most survival years (7.33 ± 5.51) following initiation of domiciliary NIV when compared to patients with OHS (5.50 ± 3.70) and COPD (3.03 ± 1.89) and patients with neuromuscular disease (2.50 ± 2.01). CONCLUSIONS: Domiciliary NIV use increased significantly in the West of Ireland from 2000 to 2012. There has been a shift in prescribing toward COPD. Survival rates for COPD on NIV are relatively short in contrast to patients with OHS and chest wall disease. Improved understanding of the benefits of NIV will allow physicians to better determine appropriate and cost-effective use in the future.

Irish Medical Students Understanding of the Intern Year.

Upon completion of medical school in Ireland, graduates must make the transition to becoming interns. The transition into the intern year may be described as challenging as graduates assume clinical responsibilities. Historically, a survey of interns in 1996 found that 91% felt unprepared for their role. However, recent surveys in 2012 have demonstrated that this is changing with preparedness rates reaching 52%. This can be partially explained by multiple initiatives at the local and national level. Our study aimed evaluate medical student understanding of the intern year and associated factors. An online, cross-sectional survey was sent out to all Irish medical students in 2013 and included questions regarding their understanding of the intern year. Two thousand, two hundred and forty-eight students responded, with 1,224 (55.4%) of students agreeing or strongly agreeing that they had a good understanding of what the intern year entails. This rose to 485 (73.7%) among senior medical students. Of junior medical students, 260 (42.8%) indicated they understood what the intern year, compared to 479 (48.7%) of intermediate medical students. Initiatives to continue improving preparedness for the intern year are essential in ensuring a smooth and less stressful transition into the medical workforce.

Medical Student and General Practitioner Perceptions of Challenges in General Practice in Ireland.

In Ireland, there is a critical shortage in the supply of general practitioners that is projected to worsen. One possible response is to attempt to increase medical student interest in pursuing a career in general practice. Our study aimed to describe the challenges that medical students and general practitioners perceive in the field of general practice. A cross-sectional online survey of 96 medical students (10.5% response rate) enrolled at the National University of Ireland, Galway and 35 general practitioners (24.6% response rate) who attended the Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) Forum in February 2015. VdGM is the WONCA Europe Network for new and future general practitioner. The most commonly perceived challenges included remuneration, stress, access to imaging, respect from fellow medical professionals, treating the ageing population, and complexity of patients. These challenges were also generally rated as of high priority. There was large congruence between students and practitioners as to the challenges and what priority they represented. Of medical student participants, 18% indicated that general practice was their career of choice. Medical students and general practitioner have identified several challenges in the Irish general practice setting. Addressing these concerns is crucial to attract and retain future general practitioners.

Paediatric learning in a clinical attachment: undergraduate medical students' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The clinical environment in paediatrics presents many unique challenges for medical students to achieve clinical proficiency. AIMS: Our study aimed to explore how different elements of the paediatric rotation aid medical students in achieving learning outcomes at the undergraduate stage. METHODS: Using a small-scale exploratory case study, three focus group interviews were conducted with 19 participants by an independent facilitator. Students' self-reported levels of achievement of module learning outcomes were also analysed. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Open coding was initially employed; codes were then refined into categories and grouped. Themes were identified, reviewed and defined. RESULTS: Students highlighted several key themes including trainee factors, teacher factors and environmental factors that were associated with positive learning environments. These included the opportunity to contribute to the patient care, feeling like part of the team. CONCLUSIONS: A clinical learning environment that allows medical students to become actively involved in patient care and to contribute as members to the clinical team can enhance their learning experience.

Do anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs have a role in treating heart failure in the absence of atrial fibrillation?

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are at risk for stroke, and progress in anticoagulation has led to new options for these patients. Patients in sinus rhythm may benefit from antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants, but much work remains to establish efficacy and safety. Additional progress is needed, including better tools for risk stratification and clarity regarding the need for antiplatelet agents in combination with anticoagulants for those with other vascular diseases.