This study examines the academic and career goals set by urban youth as well as their perceived career barriers and the strategies they anticipate using to face these barriers. Nine adolescents in the 11th and 12th grades from two large, urban public schools in the Midwest were interviewed for this study. Students’ responses were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method developed by Hill and colleagues. Seven domains were identified in participant responses, addressing participant ideas about both ideal and alternate career choices, the influences on their career choices, potential obstacles in their future, and methods for managing obstacles. Categories and subcategories are described and discussed and implications for practice and future research are offered.

No abstract

No abstract

To achieve high efficiency and low degradation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC), it is necessary to maintain an appropriate level of humidification in the fuel cell membrane. Thus, membrane humidifiers are typically used in PEMFC systems. Parameter studies are important to evaluate membrane humidifiers under various operating conditions to reduce the amount of physical tests. However, simulative studies are computationally expensive when using detailed models. To reduce the computational cost, surrogate models are set up. In our study, a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a hollow fibre membrane humidifier is presented and validated using measurement data. Based on the results of the validated CFD model, a surrogate model of the humidifier is constructed using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) in combination with different interpolation methods. To evaluate the surrogate models, their results are compared against reference solutions from the CFD model. Our results show that a Halton design combined with a thin-plate-spline interpolation results in the most accurate surrogate humidifier model. Its normalised mean absolute error for 18 test points when predicting the water mass fraction in the membrane humidifier is 0.58%. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the solutions of the POD model can be used to initialise CFD calculations and thus accelerate the calculation of steady state CFD solutions.

In automobiles thermal energy is used at various energy scales. With regard to reduction of CO 2 emissions, efficient generation of hot and cold temperatures and wise use of waste heat are of paramount importance for car manufacturers worldwide. Thermoelectrics could be a vital component in automobiles of the future. To evaluate the applicability of thermoelectric modules in automobiles, a Modelica model of a thermoelectric liquid-gas heat exchanger was developed for transient simulations. The model uses component models from the object-oriented Modelica library TIL. It was validated based on experimental data of a prototype heat exchanger and used to simulate transient and steady-state behavior. The use of the model within the energy management of an automobile is successfully shown for the air-conditioning system of a car.

No abstract

No abstract

Background: Several prominent societies have published statements promoting earlier integration of palliative care for patients with advanced lung disease. Our institution recently added palliative care consultation to the lung transplant evaluation process. Study Design: Patients (n=153) who underwent lung transplant evaluation were sent surveys. Of those, 29 had died, 10 asked to be excluded and 45 (36%) completed the survey. This included the 15-item Advance Care Planning (ACP) Engagement survey, a validated tool to assess readiness and self-efficacy. Results: The ACP-engagement survey showed high self-efficacy and readiness. Regarding potential bad outcomes after lung transplant, palliative care helped them feel more informed (63% “extremely”) and ready/prepared (59% “extremely”). A t-test compared mean scores between lung transplant provider team members. Pulmonologists were the most likely to help participants feel both informed and ready & prepared for potential bad outcomes (p=0.02). Overall, participants reported that the palliative care consult had a high impact. Conclusion: The palliative care visit specifically offered benefit in patient and medical decision maker preparation for potential bad outcomes, independent of their ACP engagement and knowledge about the visit beforehand.