Parsimonious numerical modelling of deep geothermal reservoirs

Numerical modelling has been undertaken to help improve understanding of a deep geothermal system being considered for development in the vicinity of Eastgate (Weardale, County Durham, UK). A parsimonious numerical modelling approach is used, which allows the possibility to develop a workable formal framework, rigorously testing evolving concepts against data as they become available. The approach used and results presented in this study are valuable as a contribution to a wider understanding of deep geothermal systems. This modelling approach is novel in that it utilises the mass transport code MT3DMS as a surrogate representation for heat transport in mid-enthalpy geothermal systems. A three-dimensional heat transport model was built, based on a relatively simple conceptual model. Results of simulation runs of a geothermal production scenario have positive implications for a working geothermal system at Eastgate. The Eastgate Geothermal Field has significant exploitation potential for combined heat and power purposes; it is anticipated that this site could support several tens of megawatts of heat production for direct use and many megawatts of electrical power using a binary power plant

The New Zealand Osteopathic Profession’s Understanding of Continuing Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is commonly accepted as the process for improving the competency, and enhancing the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA’s) of health professionals. Within the last few decades CPD has become an expected requirement of maintaining the right or licence to continue practice. The aim of this research was to investigate the beliefs and understanding of the New Zealand osteopathic profession in relation to CPD; how they decided what CPD to undertake, what they saw as the perceived benefit of completing CPD, and whether they had any barriers accessing CPD. A survey was sent to all 632 registered osteopaths in New Zealand. The survey asked questions about CPD and also gathered general and professional demographic information. The survey was completed by 48% (n=303) of all registered osteopaths, 67% (n=203) of whom held an annual practicing certificate. Findings demonstrated that over 82% (n=234) of respondents completed CPD because it was a requirement of recertification, but 90% (n=256) also felt motivated to complete CPD because it assisted with clinical practice and improving their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Just over half of respondents 52% (n=139) stated they chose CPD based on their clinical focus and particular interests. Practitioners believed theoretical and practical skills and communication skills improved following CPD completion. Barriers to CPD were time (n=212, 71%), cost (n=170, 59%), availability (n=213, 74%), and maintaining a work life balance (n=210, 73%). For 73% (n=191) of respondents, attendance at conferences was the preferred CPD activity, with a further 32% (n=84) preferring informal peer contact and attendance at peer group meetings being very favoured by 37% (n=97). Blogging was the least favoured CPD activity, with 92% (n=240) indicating they did not prefer this as a CPD activity. Male respondents work longer hours in a clinicalsetting, when compared to females, and spent more money on CPD than the female respondents. Findings from this study have shown that osteopaths engaged with CPD for both legislative requirements and also personal reasons. Barriers to CPD include time, cost, availability and work-life balance. This seems to be magnified for female respondents

First Amendment Rights at Fairs, Expositions and Auditoriums

Enclosed is a document concerning the responsibilities of fairs under the First Amendment. This paper was prepared by Charles Getz, IV, at the request of Ester Armstrong, Assistant Director of Fairs & Expositions, Department of Food & Agriculture. This document is intended for the use of the Boards of Directors in formulating a first amendment policy. It is general in nature and is not issued as a mandate that fairs are required to follow. Rather it is intended to provide quidance to fairs in this area and to be updated as the information changes

First Amendment Rights at Fairs, Expositions and Auditoriums

Enclosed is a document concerning the responsibilities of fairs under the First Amendment. This paper was prepared by Charles Getz, IV, at the request of Ester Armstrong, Assistant Director of Fairs & Expositions, Department of Food & Agriculture. This document is intended for the use of the Boards of Directors in formulating a first amendment policy. It is general in nature and is not issued as a mandate that fairs are required to follow. Rather it is intended to provide quidance to fairs in this area and to be updated as the information changes

Elementium [cost-effective braille embosser]

Sense Solutions presents Elementium, a low cost Braille embosser.  Owning a Braille embosser is a great luxury for any visually impaired person.  With this technology they can conveniently tell the difference between objects by printing out the names and mark them.  The need for Braille embossers is especially urgent for the people who are learning to read Braille as they require a lot of practice.  Currently a Braille embosser can cost from $1800-$5000, this is too expensive and people are in need of a solution that is affordable.  With a practical and inexpensive product like Elementium, more people can learn to use Braille materials and improve their ways of life

Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater: The dark triad, attitudes towards doping, and cheating behavior among athletes

We examined the relationships between the Dark Triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), attitudes towards doping, and cheating behavior among athletes. One-hundred and sixty-four athletes completed a questionnaire that assessed the Dark Triad and their attitudes towards doping. Following this, athletes completed a matrix solving task within a specific time limit. Participants were told they would receive a financial reward for the total number matrices they could solve, but only 13 of the 20 matrices were solvable. This provided the incentive and an opportunity for the athletes to cheat. All three Dark Triad personality traits correlated positively with attitudes towards doping and cheating behavior. In regression analyses, psychopathy emerged as a significant positive predictor of attitudes towards doping, and narcissism emerged as a significant positive predictor of cheating behavior. Attitudes towards doping correlated positively with cheating behavior. The Dark Triad appears to be important in relation to both attitudes towards doping and cheating behavior among athletes. In addition, our findings illustrate that favorable attitudes towards doping were linked with actual cheating among athletes. National Anti-Doping Organizations, sports federations, and coaches could assess athletes’ Dark Triad scores and attitudes towards doping in order to identify who may be more likely to cheat

Synthesis of MnO-NiO-SO4 2/ZrO2 solid acid catalyst for methyl ester production from palm fatty acid distillate

Biodiesel is a found promising alternative biofuel to popular fossil fuel because of to its renewable and biodegradable nature and thus is considered as environmentally benign. This paper reports on the synthesis of a novel heterogeneous manganese-nickel doped on sulfated zirconia catalyst (MnO-NiO-SO4−2/ZrO2) by using simple wet impregnation method for biodiesel production from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). The synthesized catalyst was characterized through ammonia temperature programmed desorption (TPD-NH3), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), pyridine adsorption via FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The synthesized catalyst was tested for PFAD through esterification reaction where more than 97% of biodiesel yield was observed under the optimized reaction conditions of 15:1 methanol to PFAD ratio, 70 °C reaction temperature, 3 wt% catalyst loading and 3 h reaction time. The reusability of the catalyst was tested and found that it could be reused for at least five times without significant reduction in activity. Hence, the catalyst was found suitable for biodiesel production from low grade feedstock