Investigation of environmental effects on coatings for thermal control

Accomplishments made during study of coatings are reported. Development of structure/property theory for selecting most appropriate pigments for space vehicle paints is discussed along with improvements made in zinc-oxide pigmented potassium silicate paint

Decolonizing Humanitarian Aid: Addressing Racism And Health Inequities In The Context Of Africans Displaced From Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to one of Europe\u27s largest humanitarian crises since World War II. With over 14 million people forcibly displaced from Ukraine, this thesis delves into the lesser-known aspect of anti-Black discrimination impacting displaced Africans and those of African descent during the conflict. This thesis research has two primary objectives: (1) to explore the personal experiences and struggles of displaced African persons as they encountered barriers to safety while escaping the war-torn region, and (2) to examine NoirUnited International\u27s efforts to create a framework that addresses humanitarian crises with a focus on racial justice and community-based aid. The thesis uses a decolonial ethnographic approach to gather insights from video interviews, personal narratives, and active participant observation in collaboration with the NGO NoirUnited International to contextualize the experiences of third-country nationals (TCN) fleeing the war. Interviews were conducted with three displaced Africans from Ukraine to highlight how racial discrimination impacted their journey and overall health. Racial discrimination has compounded the effects of war trauma throughout the conflict, creating a complex challenge requiring a comprehensive approach to address the systemic inequalities contributing to it. By shedding light on the unique, intersectional challenges faced by those displaced from Ukraine, this study\u27s findings can be used to raise awareness and provide culturally sensitive recommendations for NGOs, mental health professionals, and advocates to mitigate the effects of discrimination and better support the psychological well-being of Africans and other “Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

Development of a space stable thermal control coatings for use in large space vehicles

The preparation and evaluation of zinc orthotitanate and of several new pigments and the environmental testing and evaluation of these pigments and of coatings made from them constitute the bulk of the work accomplished. New pigments were prepared and EPR spectra of pigments and their precursor compounds studied. Results of extensive testing of commercially-available, strippable, protective coatings are reported; Owens-Illinois 650 glass resin has been stabilized against progressive mechanical failures; and definite improvements have been noted. A zinc oxide pigmented lithium silicate paint has demonstrated very good ultraviolet stability

Development of space stable thermal control coatings for use on large space vehicles

The evaluation and environmental testing of zinc orthotitanate pigments for use as space stable thermal control coatings on large space vehicles are discussed. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the pigments and their precursor compounds are examined. A continuing study of the spectral intensity of mercury-argon and mercury-xenon sources in reported. Results of long term environmental testing of commercially available, strippable, protective coatings are discussed

Great black-headed gulls Larus Ichythaetus and renecked Phalaropes Phalaropus Lobatus inland Ethiopia

Volume: 3

Correctness and response time distributions in the MemTrax continuous recognition task: Analysis of strategies and a reverse-exponential model

A critical issue in addressing medical conditions is measurement. Memory measurement is difficult, especially episodic memory, which is disrupted by many conditions. On-line computer testing can precisely measure and assess several memory functions. This study analyzed memory performances from a large group of anonymous, on-line participants using a continuous recognition task (CRT) implemented at https://memtrax.com. These analyses estimated ranges of acceptable performance and average response time (RT). For 344,165 presumed unique individuals completing the CRT a total of 602,272 times, data were stored on a server, including each correct response (HIT), Correct Rejection, and RT to the thousandth of a second. Responses were analyzed, distributions and relationships of these parameters were ascertained, and mean RTs were determined for each participant across the population. From 322,996 valid first tests, analysis of correctness showed that 63% of these tests achieved at least 45 correct (90%), 92% scored at or above 40 correct (80%), and 3% scored 35 correct (70%) or less. The distribution of RTs was skewed with 1% faster than 0.62 s, a median at 0.890 s, and 1% slower than 1.57 s. The RT distribution was best explained by a novel model, the reverse-exponential (RevEx) function. Increased RT speed was most closely associated with increased HIT accuracy. The MemTrax on-line memory test readily provides valid and reliable metrics for assessing individual episodic memory function that could have practical clinical utility for precise assessment of memory dysfunction in many conditions, including improvement or deterioration over time

AMPK:regulating energy balance at the cellular and whole body levels

AMP-activated protein kinase appears to have evolved in single-celled eukaryotes as an adenine nucleotide sensor that maintains energy homeostasis at the cellular level. However, during evolution of more complex multicellular organisms, the system has adapted to interact with hormones so that it also plays a key role in balancing energy intake and expenditure at the whole body level

Exploiting Opportunities for Pollution Prevention in EPA Enforcement Agreements

Two relatively new EPA policies encourage the inclusion of pollution prevention in regulatory enforcement settlements. The advantages to a firm include reduction or elimination of environmental problems at the source (thus decreasing reliance on end-of-pipe controls), enhanced prospects for future compliance, and a potential for a reduction in the assessed penalty. We discuss the factors that influence both EPA and firms to include pollution prevention in enforcement settlements, characterize the process in a few exemplary cases, and recommend ways to enhance and expand these activities. The research presented focused on case study analysis of 10 recent EPA-negotiated enforcement settlements that included chemical substitutions, process changes, or closed-loop recyclin

Socio-economic status and students' experiences of technologies: Is there a digital divide?

With the widening participation agenda in Australia, more students from low socio-economic backgrounds are being encouraged to undertake university degrees, and will be expected to use digital technologies and demonstrate digital literacies. This paper used data from a 2013 survey of students across three universities, to examine whether there were socio-economic differences in students' access to and use of technologies. There were few differences in access to equipment. There were also no differences in the most common uses of technologies, such as accessing course materials from the LMS, and few differences between students from low, medium and high socioeconomic status suburbs. However students who received government support benefits less frequently used technologies that related to disciplinary skills or to creating rather than receiving content. There may be a subtle digital divide, where financially disadvantaged students are engaging less with technologies that will most benefit their future employment