Probing the Upper Limit of Nonclassical Rotational Inertia

We study the effect of confinement on solid 4-He's nonclassical rotational inertia (NCRI) in a torsional oscillator by constraining it to narrow annular cells of various widths. The NCRI exhibits a broad maximum value of 20% for annuli of approximately 100 micrometer width. Samples constrained to porous media or to larger geometries both have smaller NCRI, mostly below about 1%. In addition, we extend Kim and Chan's blocked annulus experiment to solid samples with large supersolid fractions. Blocking the annulus suppresses the nonclassical decoupling from 17.1% below the limit of our detection of 0.8%. This result demonstrates the nonlocal nature of the supersolid phenomena. At 20 mK, NCRI depends on velocity history showing a closed hysteresis loop in different thin annular cells.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Agroforestry Case Studies: Silvopasture at Early Boots Farm

This case study of Early Boots Farm near Sauk Centre, Minn., shows how Tyler Carlson incorporates trees into pasture settings to raise lowline angus cattle. This agroforestry practice is called silvopasture. The case study outlines lessons that Carlson has learned and benefits from this practice

Agroforestry Case Studies: Elderberry Business on Historic Farm

This is a case study of East Grove Farm near Salem, Iowa, that spepcializes in elderberries and other heritage crops, in addition to starting a winery. The case study outlines management practices, lessons learned and marketing and economic concerns of the operatio

Mdi-Specific Igg Exposure Biomarker And Role Of Intervention

Background: Diisocyanates are sensitizing agents that are used in many industries in the production of polyurethane foams, coatings and other products. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) exposure can occur through dermal and inhalation routes resulting in sensitization and leading to isocyanate asthma. MDI-specific IgG (MDI-IgG) bio-monitoring has been proposed to be used as a predictor of exposure. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was used to assess annual MDI- IgG serum markers in 223 workers in a fabric-coating company. Kaplan Meir Survival Analysis determined whether there was a difference in seroconversion based on exposure level. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to see if covariates such as total IgE level, cough, rash, allergies, and smoking contributed to time to change. Data from 2012 and 2013 were used to compare MDI-IgG level after the implementation of new safety measures. Results: MDI- IgG seroconversion from negative to positive was statistically significant for a difference in the survival curves (p= 0.0076) with respect to job classification. No statistical difference was found among workers for time to seroconversion from MDI-specific IgG positive to negative (p= 0.9232). A non-parametric sign test was used to evaluate the paired serology results for individuals between 2012 and 2013, indicating a significant decrease in MDI-specific IgG levels (p=0.0001). Discussion: There is a significant correlation between job classification and time to positive seroconversion. Biomonitoring may track and trend changes that reflect worker exposures. Data suggest that safety interventions could play an important role in preventing MDI asthma and ensure worker safety

Operationalizing the Vision of Catholic Social Thought Using Change Management

In Catholic social thought, magisterial documents emphasize the “See, Judge, Act” method in reflecting on social issues. While action is an important aspect of this methodology, aspects of Catholic social thought, as seen in the teaching of magisterial documents, has focused primarily on principles and the “judge” part of the method, where one reflects on the current social context in light of Catholic social thought and gospel values. This paper reminds Catholic social thought of the importance of obtaining the commitment of the people within the community in order to put Catholic social thought principles into practice structurally and that obtaining this commitment will require listening and responding to motivations, fears, values, and concerns of the people when handling conflicting goods at stake, while also offering helpful tools and resources for the work ahead. To obtain this commitment, this paper proposes how the discipline of change management offers tools for those putting Catholic social thought into practice and handling the fears, values, and concerns of the people involved. Specifically, the tools of stakeholder, culture, and ADKAR analysis in change management help practitioners implement projects grounded in the principles of Catholic social thought

Contributions of Catholic Social Thought to Doughnut Economics to Achieve a Vision of Flourishing of Creation

Recent developments in Catholic Social (CST) has highlighted the concept of integral ecology, which dovetails with the concept of Doughnut Economics (DE), used by different local government units and organizations to develop their post-COVID-19 economies and societies that are more just, sustainable, and equitable. This intersection of ideas between CST and DE is a fruitful point for dialogue between economics and theology in order to help attain the vision of flourishing of life and prosperity that both disciplines are seeking to achieve, particularly in line with the sustainable development goals on decent work and economic growth and sustainable cities and communities. This paper develops this dialogue, by arguing for three ways that CST can help in strengthening DE further in terms of i.) fleshing out a more robust understanding of human nature, ii.) emphasizing the importance of arts and culture, and iii.) articulating the role of and reform needed in business in achieving the vision of flourishing for the ecosystem, of which human beings are a part of

Vocation and Work in the Spirit: Understanding Charisms in Relation to Work

One of the unique aspects of Jesuit Ignatian education is the focus on vocation and discernment. Still, students’ misconceptions about vocation are not sufficiently addressed, especially the relation between work and vocation. This paper proposesthat Miraslov Volf’s pneumatological understanding of work provides insights that can help dispel misconceptions. Understanding one’s vocation as a charism can he lp students make more sense of work i n today’s context, as wel l help studentsunderstand that work is not simply finding “the right job” that fits their passion and aspir ation but also c ooperating with and responding to grace in doing the good