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Sensitivity analysis and simulations of surface heating for hypersonic cavity flows
Get PDFHypersonic flow over cavities results in instabilities and discontinuities that affect the surface properties, and potentially results in surface damage. Simulations were performed using semi-structured 2D meshes in FUN3D with the Spalart-Allmaras and Menter Shear Stress Transport turbulence models at a freestream Mach number of 10. The geometry includes a flat plate and four cavities with length-to-height (L/H) ratios of 0.17, 5, 15, and 30. The surface heating is found to have a strong sensitivity to freestream Reynolds numbers and some sensitivity to a change in the wall temperature. The cavity flow results are compared to Nestler et al.’s experimental data and Holifield’s CFD results. The cavities with an L/H greater than 1 presented a good match to the experimental data for both heating and pressure. The flow did not fully develop at the bottom of the L/H 0.17 gap, resulting in less accurate results close to the cavity floor
Archives of facade
Get PDFFantasy is a genre that seldom includes black characters. When black characters are present, they often lack the same narrative significance, reliability and character growth that is given to white characters. This can lead to poorly written black characters that lack purpose or fall victim to stereotypical roles and troupes. Depicting black characters in this way can further isolate readers who wish to read about black characters, that are more than just stereotypes, within the fantasy genre. This thesis will examine the writing techniques of character coding and the subversion of stereotypes and how they present a way for black characters to be better represented within the fantasy genre. Lastly, authors, N.K. Jemisin, L.L. McKinney and Tomi Adeyemi and their use of these techniques to create fully realized black characters within their fantasy novels will be analyzed
Nonduality and identity: an exploration of form, genre, and perspective
Get PDFThis thesis utilizes hybrid forms of poetry and prose to examine questions of nonduality, perspective, and identity, simultaneously testing the boundaries of genre and form as a whole. The opening craft essay offers a more specific analysis of form and genre, particularly those of poetry / prose and fiction / nonfiction, while the creative writing demonstrates how such differentia are relevant to the art of creative writing
Associations between gut microbiome metabolomics and endometriosis risk, progression, and non-invasive diagnosis: a review
Get PDFEndometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, is characterized by growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, and encompasses metabolic, immunologic, and endocrine dysfunction. Despite its significant impact, endometriosis remains inadequately studied within the realm of women\u27s health, emphasizing the crucial need for innovative approaches in the analysis and diagnosis of this complex condition. The cause of endometriosis is unknown however it could be influenced by genetics, environmental factors, diet, lifestyle, and notably composition of the gut microbiome. Recent scholarly interest has sparked inquiries into the correlations between endometriosis and the gut microbiome, and studies have unveiled altered gut microflora profiles with endometriosis as well as identified microbial metabolic byproducts that potentially influence disease development and progression. The associations between endometriosis and the gut microbiome can be evaluated using metabolomics, which is a rising branch in the sciences and medicine that involves the study of metabolites in the body and can be used to identify biomarkers to non-invasively analyze and diagnose a disease. Metabolomic studies have provided evidence for variations in gut microbiota abundance, composition, and diversity among individuals with endometriosis, alongside alterations in metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and estrogen-modulating bacteria that potentially impact the risk and progression of the condition. Leveraging fecal metabolomics to examine distinctions in gut microbiome composition specific to endometriosis, and identifying potential biomarkers, offers a non-invasive avenue for diagnosing the condition. Furthermore, the interplay between dietary factors, the gut microbiome, and endometriosis risk and progression underscore the significance of dietary interventions in mitigating disease outcomes. Evidence supports the beneficial role of fiber intake, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, foods rich in phytoestrogens, antioxidants like resveratrol and vitamins C, E, and D, and probiotics in reducing the risk and slowing the progression of endometriosis. While a causal relationship between altered gut microbiota profiles and endometriosis remains elusive, further exploration of the intricate connections between the gut and women\u27s reproductive health is imperative. Studying the associations between endometriosis and the gut microbiome through metabolomics not only holds promise for enhancing diagnostic capabilities, but also for advancing minimally invasive therapeutic strategies in the management of endometriosis and related conditions
Radial, vortex, and spiral solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation and other reaction--diffusion systems
No full textThis dissertation explores various solutions to nonlinear reaction-diffusion systems, focusing primarily on the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Three types of solutions are investigated: radial solutions (with no angular dependence), vortex solutions (with angular dependence but no radial phase dependence), and spiral solutions (which have radial phase dependence). The study considers free particles without potential and trapped particles inside the cylindrical potential with an impenetrable barrier. We show that spiral solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation only exist for a radially constant phase by considering a related system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. This system is shown to be a special case of the - reaction-diffusion system, whose spiral solutions exist for a nonconstant phase
Dark leaders unveiled: How goal orientation shapes perceived effectiveness
Get PDFIndividuals who possess higher levels of subclinical (i.e., non-pathological level) dark personality traits, specifically psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism, often fill leadership positions (Harms et al., 2011; Diller et al., 2021). Psychopathy refers to the tendency to desire power/control and lack remorse, Machiavellianism refers to the tendency to break the rules and strategically plan for one’s benefit, and narcissism refers to views of superiority and need for adoration (Cesinger et al., 2022). Sadism, finding pleasure in cruelty, has recently appeared as a pertinent addition to the three original dark traits, establishing the Dark Tetrad (Bonfá-Araujo et al., 2022). Certain situations moderate the emergence of trait-related behaviors via Trait Activation Theory (Tett & Burnett, 2003), including goal orientation congruence, which is the alignment of goal setting and achievement patterns (Elliott & Dweck, 1988). However, the interplay between Dark Tetrad traits in leaders, situational activators, and leader effectiveness has not yet been explored. As such, the current study aims to investigate how goal orientation congruence as a situational cue may moderate the relationship between dark leader personality traits and perceived leader effectiveness. To examine this, the relationships between the Dark Tetrad, goal orientation congruence, and perceived leader effectiveness will be evaluated in employed individuals who work as team members within an organization (e.g., managers and subordinates). We hypothesize that leader Dark Tetrad traits will have differential indirect effects on subordinate perceived leader effectiveness via subordinate perceptions of leader dark traits depending on leader perceptions of congruence with subordinate goal orientation. Managers and subordinates will complete surveys at different time points, where managers assess their dark trait levels and perceived goal orientation congruence, and subordinates assess perceived leader dark trait levels and leader effectiveness. Multilevel models will be conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings on this topic could better inform workplace practices regarding leader development and interventions that aim to reduce harmful leader behaviors
You’re doing it wrong! Safety Reporting between Employees and Independent Contractors
Get PDFIntroduction In today\u27s competitive job market, organizations must differentiate themselves to attract and retain high performers (Dassler et. al, 2022). A strong safety culture can be a key component of an organization\u27s employee value proposition (EVP), demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being and fostering a positive work environment. The current study seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of a strong employee-led behavioral observation reporting program, by comparing employee observations and independent contractor observations. Behavioral observations are safe or unsafe behaviors observed in a workplace by peers, and recorded to increase safety engagement (Ludwig & Laske, 2022). The current study hypothesized that employee-reported behavioral observations will lead to a more significant reduction in incident likelihood than those reported by independent contractors. Methodology Two years of safety observations and incident data from 2022- 2023 at a large oil refinery were analyzed. Five departments that reported the highest number of behavioral observations and incidents were selected for analysis. Safety observations were categorized by the observers’ employment classification (employee or independent contractor). Incidents consisted of safety outcomes ranging from minor first-aid injuries to more severe, life-changing injuries. Observation categories were regressed onto incidents using a rolling sum time-series logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were analyzed and graphed for easier interpretation. Results Results indicate that observations reported by employees reduced incident odds with a median OR of 0.986, while those reported by independent contractors increased incident odds with a median OR of 1.012. The rolling sum time series showed significant (p \u3c .05) negative trends in incident odds due to employee observations. Conversely, observations made by independent contractors showed no statistically significant relationship. Implications Results suggest that employee-driven safety initiatives have a more significant impact on safety outcomes than independent contractor involvement. These results demonstrated that organizations looking to enhance their EVP through improved safety practices should place more emphasis on employee-led safety programs. However, a limitation of this analysis is the inability to normalize contractor hours, which may affect the direct comparison between employee and contractor safety outcomes. But by encouraging employee participation in safety reporting, companies can cultivate a healthier safety culture and a safer work environment for all (Ludwig & Laske, 2022). This approach not only reduces incidents but also demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, improving the organization\u27s overall culture (Marsden, 2021), saving lives, and increasing value
Unscheduled Overtime: The Hidden Hazard? Unveiling Its Impact on Incident Probability in the Safety Sector
Get PDFUnscheduled overtime increases injury probabilities due to worker fatigue, reduced performance, and understaffing (Wong, Chan, & Ngan, 2019). With businesses incurring around $1 billion per week in non-fatal workplace injury costs (Liberty Mutual, 2024), this study explored the relationship between unscheduled overtime and incident probability to provide data-driven insights for reducing workplace injuries and improving operational efficiency. Specifically, the research investigated whether increased unscheduled overtime contributed to higher incident probabilities. This research utilized two years of safety data from an oil refinery in the Southwest region of the United States from 2022 and 2023. The data included variables such as date, departmental demographics, incidents, and hours of unscheduled overtime. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between unscheduled overtime and the probability of incidents occurring. Statistical descriptive analyses were used to characterize the dataset, and key identifiers like department and overtime hours were utilized to merge the data. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between unscheduled overtime and workplace incidents (mean = 24.86; p\u3c .05). For every 1-hour increase in unscheduled overtime, there was a 1% increase in the odds of an incident. Over a 2-year period, employees worked a median of 13.75 hours of unscheduled overtime per week. In one operational department, the likelihood of an incident rose by 1.1% for every 100 hours of unscheduled overtime. The study confirms that unscheduled overtime significantly heightens the risk of workplace incidents, consistent with existing research on fatigue and performance (Camden & Ludwig, 2013; Matre et al., 2021). This underscores the necessity for effective fatigue management strategies. Although limitations such as varying shift patterns and contractor hours might affect the generalizability of the findings, the results emphasize the importance of addressing unscheduled overtime to enhance workplace safety and reduce injury-related costs. Implementing benefits like additional paid time off for overtime can improve the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and support work-life balance. By adopting proactive workload management and safety measures, organizations can reduce risks, enhance employee well-being, and foster a safer, more efficient work environment
Examining the impact of changes in sentencing guidelines and offender demographics on sentencing of white collar offenders
Get PDFUsing the most recent data compiled by the United States Sentencing Commission and conducted within the conceptual framework of the focal concerns perspective, the current study investigates the impact of offender characteristics, case characteristics, and legally relevant factors on the sentencing outcomes of defendants sentenced under §2B1.1 of the federal sentencing guidelines. Results shows that while gender had no discernable influence on the probability of incarceration or the length of sentence, other demographics of the offender (race/ethnicity, age, and level of education) all emerged as statistically significant. Evidence of jurisdictional variation in sentencing was also detected. Consistent with the goals of sentencing reformers, legally relevant factors surfaced as the strongest determinants of sentencing outcomes. Policy implications and directions for future research are presented
Analysis of Vibratory Pile Drivers using Longitudinal and Rotational Oscillations with a Purely Plastic Soil Model
Get PDFDriving piles by longitudinal vibrations has been a proven technology since the Gorky dam project in the late 1940’s. Shortly after that drivers which included both longitudinal and rotational oscillations were developed for driving tubular piles, both steel and concrete. Recent renewed interest in this technology for large offshore piles has occasioned the re-examination of the analysis of these piles using methods similar to those that Soviet developers used. In this paper a purely plastic model for both shaft and toe resistance is used parametrically to analyse the performance of these machines. Starting with the free-hanging case of no resistance with or without the effect of gravity, a dimensionless, parametric model was developed to analyse the system. Comparison with earlier analyses of a similar kind is included. The results shown an improvement in the movement of the pile per rotation of the eccentrics but further work needs to be done with improved soil modelling for more conclusive results