Northampton Community College

About: Northampton Community College is a education organization based out in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 3410 authors who have published 4582 publications receiving 130398 citations. The organization is also known as: Northampton County Area Community College.

Influence of titanium and nitrogen on hot ductility of C–Mn–Nb–Al steels

Abstract: The influence of small additions of titanium on the hot ductility of C–Mn–Nb–Al steels has been examined. Titanium and nitrogen levels varied in the ranges 0·014–0·045 and 0·004–0·011 wt-%, respectively, so that a wide range of Ti/N ratios could be studied. The tensile specimens were cast and cooled at average cooling rates of 25, 100, and 200 K min-1 to test temperatures in the range 1100–800°C and strained to failure at a strain rate of 2 × 10-3 s-1. It was found that ductility in the titanium containing niobium steels improved with a decrease in the cooling rate, an increase in the size of the titanium containing precipitates, and a decrease in the volume fraction of precipitates. Coarser particles could be obtained by increasing the Ti/N ratio above the stoichiometric ratio for TiN and by testing at higher temperatures. However, ductility was generally poor for these titanium containing steels and it was equally poor when niobium was either present or absent. For steels with ∼0·005 wt-%N ducti...

Smoking in a forensic psychiatric service: a survey of inpatients’ views

Abstract: Smoking in a forensic psychiatric service: a survey of inpatients' views Very little is known concerning the views and beliefs of psychiatric inpatients about smoking in hospital. We conducted a survey of inpatients from the forensic wards of a large independent psychiatric hospital using a structured interview to collect data about their views on smoking. Of 102 patients eligible to participate, 45 (44.1%) agreed to do so. Most participants (34, 75.6%) were current smokers. Most smokers thought it was just too difficult to give up smoking (25, 73.5%). They cited seeing staff and other patients smoking, as well as the smoky atmosphere on the ward, as barriers to quitting. The majority of participants (35, 77.8%) thought that staff should be allowed to smoke with patients. Smokers held more liberal views about smoking than non-smokers. A smaller proportion of non-smokers than smokers were happy with the hospital smoking policy, as reflected in the ward rules about smoking. The results of this survey suggest that a change in attitude and culture towards smoking may be needed in psychiatric units. Smokers should be regularly offered help and encouragement to quit. Psychiatric care staff should carefully consider whether their own smoking behaviour undermines their patients' attempts to stop smoking. More attention should be given to the views and needs of non-smokers.

Bacterial recolonization during foot surgery: a prospective randomized study of toe preparation techniques.

Abstract: Fifty patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery were randomized into two groups for the purposes of toe preparation. Twenty-four patients underwent a standard preparation which included placing antiseptic between the toes while 26 were additionally cleaned by sliding a gauze swab soaked in topical antiseptic back and forth several times. Povidone iodine followed by chlorhexidine in alcohol was used in both groups. All toes were covered by a sterile glove during surgery unless the toes themselves were to be operated upon. Bacteria were cultured from the toe clefts in 4% of all patients immediately following preoperative disinfection. Significantly fewer patients whose toes had been additionally scrubbed (group 1) showed bacterial recolonization at the end of surgery compared with those undergoing a standard prep (group 2) (7.7% vs 20.8%). We conclude that additional scrubbing of toe clefts prior to surgery reduces the incidence of recolonization of bacteria during the surgical procedure.

Gender differences amongst adult arsonists at psychiatric assessment.

Abstract: Reports of gender differences amongst arsonists at psychiatric assessment are not uncommon, however some are based on relatively small samples. A new retrospective study highlighting gender differences could help to confirm or refute the current state of knowledge. The aim of the current study was to examine gender differences amongst a sample of 167 adult arsonists (129 males and 38 females). Information was collected from clinical records on socio-demographic, family background and childhood factors; adult adjustment; fire setting history; motives; features of pyromania and other offending, from the case notes of a group of arsonists referred to the West Midlands Psychiatry Service over a 24-year period. Female arsonists were older than males and more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis. Women more frequently had a history of sexual abuse, while men had a more varied criminal background and more substance abuse problems. Our findings largely support previous research, and are discussed in this contex...