A classification of certain almost α\alpha-Kenmotsu manifolds

We study $\mathcal D$-homothetic deformations of almost $\alpha$-Kenmotsu structures. We characterize almost contact metric manifolds which are $CR$-integrable almost $\alpha$-Kenmotsu manifolds, through the existence of a canonical linear connection, invariant under $\mathcal D$-homothetic deformations. If the canonical connection associated to the structure $(\varphi,\xi,\eta,g)$ has parallel torsion and curvature, then the local geometry is completely determined by the dimension of the manifold and the spectrum of the operator $h'$ defined by $2\alpha h'=({\mathcal L}_\xi\varphi)\circ\varphi$. In particular, the manifold is locally equivalent to a Lie group endowed with a left invariant almost $\alpha$-Kenmotsu structure. In the case of almost $\alpha$-Kenmotsu $(\kappa,\mu)'$-spaces, this classification gives rise to a scalar invariant depending on the real numbers $\kappa$ and $\alpha$

The Visualization of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with the Aid of Computed Tomography

The Visualization of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with the Aid of Computed Tomography Graham J. Dileo Dr. Gina Capitano Ed.D., R.T. (R) Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA Abstract This research discusses Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) and the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in diagnosing and establishing a treatment plan. An AAA is a bulge or swelling in the descending aorta, the primary blood vessel in the human body, that can be life-threatening. This type of aortic aneurysm is one of the most common causes of death for patients with a history of high blood pressure or heavy smoking. AAAs typically occur in white men, ages 65 to 75. However, are not limited to this population as the research represents a case study of a 74-year-old female diagnosed with an AAA. Since AAAs can be deadly due to possible rupture, obtaining quick yet qualitative diagnostic imaging is possible with CT. This type of imaging provides cross-sectional imaging of the human body, which can be vital in assessing the size and shape of an AAA. Early detection of an AAA will determine the proper route of treatment. Smaller-sized AAAs of 1-5 cm typically require medication and close monitoring, while larger-sized AAAs greater than 6 cm require emergency surgery. These surgeries are typically endovascular. Although the mortality rate is high, CT can help determine the correct actions needed to prevent possible rupture and increase chances of survival. Keywords: rupture, computed tomography, abdominal aortic aneurysm, risks, surgeryhttps://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/medimg_seniorposters/1029/thumbnail.jp

The Development of nanomaterials for high performance lithium ion battery anodes

Many industries spanning macro to micro applications need advanced energy storage capabilities and Li+ batteries are the prevalent technology to meet those demands. High Li+ capacity semiconductor materials (e.g. Si, Ge) in concert with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been investigated as alternative materials for Li+ batteries. Nanomaterials offer many advantages to high performance batteries by increasing storage capacities, Li+ diffusion, and more adequately accommodating volumetric expansion that occurs in cycling. Silicon and Ge are known to have very high Li+ storage capacities of 4200 and 1600 mAh/g, respectively, and can be used in combination with CNTs to form free-standing anodes. The proper incorporation of semiconductor materials onto and throughout a CNT network through thin film, solution processing, and gas-phase processing techniques, has been studied to develop ultra-high capacity free-standing electrodes. Given the free-standing nature, the removal of binders and metal foil current collectors contributes to an increased electrode energy density over conventional composites on metal substrates. The CNT and semiconductor materials have been characterized in coin and pouch cells upon identifying the synthesis parameters and processing steps to be optimized for several of the incorporation techniques. Anodes fabricated through PVD techniques realize capacities over 800 mAh/g and a predicted \u3e50% increase in energy density over conventional graphite anodes. The use of thin film Ti contacts on high energy Ge-SWCNT anodes demonstrates a 5-fold improvement in Li+ capacity at 1C extraction rates, a drastic improvement in the anode power capabilities. Pairing these electrodes with a high power cathode LiFePO4 can lead to a 60% improvement in power and energy density. A 3-dimensional network of Ge nanoparticles (Ge-NPs), Si and CNTs demonstrates capacities of 1000 and 2000 mAh/g with modest cycling capabilities up to 1C and first cycle coulombic efficiencies of 88%. The performance of these novel anodes in full cells with commercially available cathodes realized electrode-pair energy densities over 300 Wh/kg, while current technologies have energy densities of 150 - 200 Wh/kg. This work demonstrates the combination of high Li+ capacity Si and Ge with highly conductive CNTs in a balanced high energy and high power anode for lithium ion batteries with a 2x improvement in cell energy density

Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization for energy storage and conversion devices

Synthesis conditions and characterization techniques were investigated for a variety of nanomaterials that have potential for use in a plethora of energy storage and conversion devices, such as photovoltaics, thermionic emitters, lithium-ion batteries, and PEM fuel cells. A portion of this work focused on the development of a chemical vapor deposition synthesis technique for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using an iron dimer in xylene as a liquid catalyst precursor. The optimization of synthesis conditions for this technique was subsequently followed by the development of a quantitative purity assessment method for MWNTs from Raman spectroscopy, which involves the ratios of peak heights in Raman spectra. Initial work in the development of this purity assessment method was extended to a second Raman excitation energy, and a universal equation of purity was developed for two excitation laser energies. The capability exists to develop free-standing electrode papers from these synthesized MWNTs for several of the aforementioned applications. A large portion of this work also focused on the characterization of materials commonly used in organic solar cells with the technique of cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical measurements of semiconducting CdSe quantum dots, fullerene derivatives, and polymers (MEH-PPV, P3HT, and MDMO-PPV) were completed to determine the band gap, ionization potential, and electron affinity of these materials in order to improve device fabrication by offering the capability of pre-selecting the materials incorporated in a given composite. This reduces time, energy, and expenses involved with fabrication, along with furthering the understanding of interactions between materials in a composite at the electronic level. This work has offered important contributions to the field of alternative energy by making strides in synthesizing, characterizing, and selecting appropriate materials for use in energy storage and conversion devices

Evaluating Capital and Maintenance Costs for Four Low Impact Development Treatment Systems, and their Efficiency in Removing Total Suspended Solids from Storm Water Runoff

Storm water runoff is the leading source of surface water pollution. To reduce the amount of contaminants in storm water runoff, municipalities and city governments require developers to construct storm water treatment measures, or low impact development (LID) systems, as part of the development project. LID storm water treatment systems utilize a mix of sedimentation, filtration, adsorption, and phytoremediation as mechanisms that remove pollutants from storm water prior to discharging to waterbodies. Existing studies have shown that LID storm water measures are effective in reducing runoff and improving water quality, but studies that can assist decision makers in selecting the most effective practices for their water quality needs and budgets are limited. This master’s project study compared the percentage of total suspended solids (TSS) removed, and capital and maintenance costs required for each treatment measure. Data were collected from primary literature from previous studies and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to determine any differences in TSS removal efficiencies between the four treatment types. Physical, biological, and chemical properties involved with each treatment LID were assessed to determine potential causes for differences observed in removal efficiencies. Data from primary literature were also collected for capital and maintenance costs for each treatment measure, and bar graphs were generated to visually determine the least costly LID over a 20-year time period. Maintenance requirements for each treatment measure were evaluated to provide insight into potential differences observed in treatment costs. By comparing the costs and TSS removal for each LID structure, owners and operators can now better understand and select the most cost effective and efficient solution for treating storm water runoff at their development site. Sand Filters, Porous Pavement, and Vegetated Swales were not significantly different, and achieved high removal of TSS in storm water runoff. Detention Basins were the least costly per volume of storm water runoff the LID is capable of treating due to its open-pit structural design, and minimal maintenance involved. Vegetative Swales were the most cost effective due to its high TSS removal efficiency and affordable costs relative to Sand Filter and Porous Pavement systems

Review of The Self as Subject: Autoethnographic Research into Identity, Culture, and Academic Librarianship

Academic librarians have complex and numerous professional identities. We are researchers, teachers, artists, administrators and technologists. Many of us have advanced degrees in other fields, in which we may or may not remain active. We experience burnout and impostor syndrome, experience and confront racism in our workplaces, and are strongly affected by university politics and bureaucracy. In The Self as Subject: Autoethnographic Research into Identity, Culture, and Academic Librarianship, the authors tease out these complexities using autoethnographic methodology