Innovative Silver-Based Catalyst for Oxidation of Methane to Methanol

Methane is a main component of many natural gas reserves. It is fundamental for an effective method to be developed for inexpensive and abundant methane to be converted to value added chemicals, such as methanol, formaldehyde, acetic acid, carbon monoxide, and fuel. The primary goal of this research is for the development of an innovative silver-based catalyst for effective conversion of methane to methanol. The Ag-based solution we developed can be tuned to be either acidic or basic to adapt to different catalyst support. The solution was characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and the Ag adsorption was determined. The heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized on alumina support (acidic) and active carbon support (basic) via Wet Incipient Impregnation method. The synthesized catalyst is to be tested for CO2 hydrogenation at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL). To establish relationship between activity and properties, solid characterization of the catalyst will be carried out in detail through infrared spectroscopy (IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method for surface area, pore size, and volume. This research has the potential to contribute to the field by establishing an alternative, more effective method of utilizing methane

Approaches to Communicating Flooding Information in Hampton Roads: Results From Surveys of Local Government Staff

The objectives of this report are to identify current communication strategies regarding coastal flooding and present opportunities for improvement and collaboration within the Hampton Roads region. The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission partnered with Old Dominion University to design two surveys of local government staff, the first regarding flooding outreach and the second regarding flooding notification methods. This report summarizes the results of each survey and synthesizes challenges described by respondents. Opportunities and resources, including local initiatives and guides developed by federal agencies and emergency notification providers, are highlighted to assist local government staff in addressing challenges related to flooding outreach and notifications

Relationship between Device Size and Body Weight in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus Undergoing Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder Deployment

Background Deployment of the Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) is the preferred method for minimally invasive occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs, with appropriate device sizing crucial to successful closure. Dogs of any body weight can be affected by PDA. Objectives To describe the range of ACDO sizes deployed in dogs of various body weights for improved procedural planning and inventory selection and to investigate for correlation between minimal ductal diameter (MDD) and body weight. Animals A total of 152 dogs undergoing ACDO deployment between 2008 and 2016. Methods Body weight, age, breed, sex, and MDD obtained by angiography (MDD‐A), MDD obtained by transesophageal echocardiography (MDD‐TEE), and ACDO size deployed were retrospectively evaluated. Results Correlation between body weight and ACDO size, MDD‐A and MDD‐TEE was poor, with R‐squared values of 0.4, 0.36, and 0.3, respectively. Femoral artery diameter in the smallest population of dogs placed inherent limitations on the use of larger device sizes, with no limitations on the wide range of device sizes required as patient size increased. The most commonly used ACDO devices were size 3 through 6, representing 57% of the devices deployed within the entire study population. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Patent ductus arteriosus anatomy varies on an individual basis, with poor correlation between MDD and body weight. Weight‐based assumptions about expected ACDO device size for a given patient are not recommended

An Evaluation of a Scottish Higher Education ‘Student Transitions’ Enhancement Theme:Stakeholders’ Perceptions and Recommendations for Future Activities

We would like to acknowledge that this work was funded by QAA Scotland.The Quality Assurance Agency Enhancement Themes identify specific development themes to enhance the student learning experience in Scottish higher education (HE). This evaluation explored the second year of the ‘Student Transitions’ theme through the questions: How do stakeholders perceive the impact of the ‘Student Transitions’ work and, what are the facilitators and barriers to the successful development of projects? Data were collected during two overlapping phases. In Phase 1, 30 individuals, with national or institutional leadership roles associated with the current Enhancement Theme participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. In Phase 2, 43 online questionnaires were completed by institutionally nominated individuals. Professional, support and academic staff, and student representatives from all 19 Scottish Universities participated. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach and descriptive statistics. Themes developed were: perceived impact; facilitators and barriers, such as support, engagement and sustainability. These themes were explored across institutions and sector wide. Participants felt ‘Student Transitions’ work was fundamental for Universities. Participants considered that Theme work had enhanced reflection on, and engagement with transition issues. Capturing direct impact was challenging for participants and it was proposed that it may take several years to evidence the outcomes of the work at the level of student experience. Broadly, participants reported that the sector was supportive and collaborative where ideas and resources for the ‘Student Transitions’ work had been openly shared. Challenges to advancing Enhancement Theme activities include limited time and other agendas competing for limited resources e.g. the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The findings highlight the complexity of integrating the Theme within institutions and broadly across the sector. Key recommendations and lessons learned surround 1) defining and measuring impact; 2) enhancing engagement; 3) and Theme integration.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire on long-term catheter quality of life

Aim To translate the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Long-Term Catheter Quality of Life (LTCqol) questionnaire (ICIQ-LTCqol) questionnaire from English to Arabic and evaluate its psychometric properties. Background Currently, no tool for Arabic speaking patients is available to measure the quality of life in patients using long-term urinary catheters. Design Translation and psychometric assessment of questionnaire. Methods The internal consistency and construct validity of the translated Arabic version of the ICIQ-LTCqol were evaluated in a convenience sample of 141 participants recruited from a hospital in Egypt from April to September 2017. Test-retest reliability was assessed for a sample of 15 participants who completed this version at two-time points. Construct validity was assessed by factor analysis. Results The translated Arabic version of the ICIQ-LTCqol showed satisfactory test-retest reliability and internal consistency, with Cronbach’s α = 0·75. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the same two factors (‘catheter function’ and ‘lifestyle’) structure as found in the English version of the tool supporting the construct validity of the translated questionnaire. Conclusion This original and significant study allows, for the first time, researchers and clinicians working with Arabic speaking patients, the opportunity to evaluate the quality of life in long-term urinary catheter users

Coherent Captain Mills: The Search for Sterile Neutrinos

The observation of neutrino oscillations confirms that the active neutrinos (νe, νμ, ντ) are comprised of three mass eigenstates with Δm2 values between 10-3 to 10-5 eV2 . However, a persistent phenomenon has been observed at LSND, MiniBooNE and other shortbaseline experiments (SBE) where Δm2 ~ 1eV2 and is not compatible with the current mixing between mass eigenstates. However, a 4th neutrino, a sterile neutrino (νs) that doesn’t participate in weak interactions could explain the phenomena observed as SBE’s. An experiment has been constructed at TA-53 at Los Alamos National Laboratory to investigate this large Δm2 ~ 1eV2 and determine conclusively whether or not this large Δm2 is due to a “new” sterile neutrino. POSTER PRESENTATION IGNITE AWAR