The Influence of Magnetic Field of AMB on Eddy-Current Sensor Operation.

This paper presents laboratory results on the influence of the magnetic field of an active magnetic bearing (AMB) on the eddy-current sensor operation. The magnetic suspension technology enables continuous diagnostics and monitoring of a rotary machine and eliminates drawbacks of classical bearing properties. The magnetic bearing system usually consists of two radial and one axial magnetic bearing. It is combined with a control unit, amplifiers and sensors for measuring the instantaneous position of the shaft. For this purpose, eddy-current sensors are frequently used. They operate in close proximity to the electromechanical actuators; therefore, the question arises whether the actuators do not interfere with the correct operation of these sensors. In the paper, the test rig and research plan prepared for that investigation are delivered. Measurement signals were registered from four control channels for different configurations of power supplies for system elements, e.g., with sensors and AMBs turned off, with sensors turn on and at normal work. Recorded time courses are presented and discussed in the paper. For the prepared test rig and AMB/eddy-current sensor configuration, no significant influence of the generated magnetic field from the support is found for the eddy-current sensor output.

Educational Outcomes of a 4-Year MD-MPH Dual-Degree Program: High Completion Rates and Higher Likelihood of Primary Care Residency.

PURPOSE: In 2007, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston School of Public Health at San Antonio (UTHealth SPH) and UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine (LSOM) designed and implemented a 4-year dual MD and Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Dual MD-MPH programs wherein students can receive both degrees within 4 years are unique, and programmatic evaluation may have generalizable implications for accredited MD-MPH programs. METHOD: Demographic information was collected from UTHealth SPH and LSOM student data. The primary outcome variable was MD-MPH program completion in 4 years. Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) scores, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and Step 2 scores, and successful primary care residency match data were compared between MD-MPH and MD-only students. Family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics were considered primary care residencies, and an analysis excluding obstetrics-gynecology was also conducted. RESULTS: Of 241 MD-MPH students enrolled 2007-2017, 66% were women, 22% Hispanic, and 10% African American. Four-year MD-MPH program completion occurred for 202 (93% of eligible) students; 9 (4.1%) received MD only, 3 (1.4%) received MPH only; and 4 (1.8%) received neither. MD-MPH students' median CBSE score was 2 points lower than for MD-only students (P = .035), but Step 1 and 2 scores did not differ. Primary care residency match was more likely compared with MD-only students, both including and excluding obstetrics-gynecology (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31, 2.33; and OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.82, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The 4-year MD-MPH program retains and graduates a socioeconomically and racial/ethnically diverse group of students with a 93% success rate. MD-MPH graduates were more likely to pursue primary care residency than non-dual-degree students, which may have implications for addressing population health disparities.

The Experimental Verification of Direct-Write Silver Conductive Grid and ARIMA Time Series Analysis for Crack Propagation.

The paper presents experimental verification of customized resistive crack propagation sensors as an alternative method for other common structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques. Most of these are sensitive to changes in the sensor network configuration and a baseline dataset must be collected for the analysis of the structure condition. Sensors investigated within the paper are manufactured by the direct-write process with electrically conductive, silver-microparticle-filled paint to prepare a tailored measuring grid on an epoxy or polyurethane coating as a driving/insulating layer. This method is designed to enhance the functionality and usability compared to commercially available crack gauges. By using paint with conductive metal particles, the shape of the sensor measuring grid can be more easily adapted to the structure, while, in the previous approach, only a few grid-fixed sensors are available. A fatigue test on the compact tension (CT) specimen is presented and discussed to evaluate the ability of the developed sensors to detect and monitor fatigue cracks. Additionally, the ARIMA time series algorithm is developed both for monitoring and predicting crack growth, based on the acquired data. The proposed sensors' verification reveal their good performance to detect and monitor fatigue fractures with a relatively low measurement error and ARIMA estimated crack length compared with the crack opening displacement (COD) gauge.

Lifestyle Practices, Satisfaction with Life and the Level of Perceived Stress of Polish and Foreign Medical Students Studying in Poland.

The adaptation of foreign students to a new country can be complicated due to different cultural values, language barriers and the way university courses are structured. The aim of the study was to analyze the lifestyle practices, satisfaction with life and the level of perceived stress of Polish and foreign students studying various medical disciplines in Poland with regard to chosen sociodemographic characteristics. The study included 231 foreign and 213 Polish students (n = 444) taking different medical disciplines at the medical university in eastern Poland. Three research tools were used: Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (FLQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Additionally, students' sociodemographic data was collected. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and correlations between variables were also examined. Our research indicated that Polish students obtained higher results in FLQ than foreign students. It also demonstrated a significantly higher level of stress among Polish students in comparison to foreign students. The self-assessment of their health condition, lifestyle, and rank associated to being healthy correlated with FLQ, SWLS and PSS-10. The present research can aid the development of support programs for foreign students so that the cultural adaptation processes would more positively influence their lifestyle and an education environment.

Measurement System of a Magnetic Suspension System for a Jet Engine Rotor.

This paper presents laboratory results on the measurement system of a magnetic suspension bearing system for a jet engine rotor of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Magnetic suspension technology enables continuous diagnostics of a rotary machine and eliminates of the negative properties of classical bearings. This rotor-bearing system consists of two radial magnetic bearings and one axial (thrust) magnetic bearing. The concept of the bearing system with a magnetically suspended rotor for UAV is presented in this paper. Rotor geometric and inertial characteristics were assumed according to the parameters of a TS-21 jet engine. Preliminary studies of the measurement system of rotor engines were made on a laboratory stand with homopolar active magnetic bearings. The measurement system consisted of strain gauges, accelerometers, and contactless proximity sensors. During the research, strains were registered with the use of a wireless data acquisition (DAQ) system. Measurements were performed for different operational parameters of rotational rotor speed, control system parameters, and with the presence of disturbance signals from the control system. In this paper, obtained operational characteristics are presented and discussed.

Coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease.

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease is the number one cause of acquired heart disease among children in developed countries. AIM: The aim of the study was a retrospective analysis of the factors that may influence the persistence of coronary artery abnormalities in patients with Kawasaki disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analyzing the medical records of patients hospitalized in the University Children's Hospital of Krakow in the years 2005-2011 we collected the data of 28 patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. The group was divided into two subgroups, depending on the duration of the persistence of changes in the coronary arteries - A (n = 17) for up to 6 months, B (n = 11) - for more than 6 months. Both groups were analyzed for the presence of factors that may influence the course of the disease. RESULTS: There were more boys in group A (11 boys (65%), 6 girls (35%)), whereas in group B the distribution was more uniform (6 boys (55%), 5 girls (45%)). The age of onset in group A was 37.9 months (SD 30.8), in group B 39.5 months (SD 16.7). 17.6% of patients in group A and 36.4% in group B were treated with glucocorticoids. CONCLUSIONS: In the group of patients in which coronary artery abnormalities disappeared more quickly, male and slightly older children dominated. The only difference observed between the 2 groups related to the frequency of the use of glucocorticoids, they were used more often in children, in whom coronary artery abnormalities persisted longer.