Strick Mask Enforcement in an Academic Library

Universities faced a variety of options regarding COVID-19 preparations and enforcement rules in the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. Libraries were on the front line as they provided computer labs, wi-fi, study spaces, and academic resources. The Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library at Tennessee Tech University made major changes as part of a campus-wide mobilization to provide face to face classes and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff installed dozens of signs, stored away hundreds of chairs, and recorded new public address announcements. Students started the semester wearing masks, but as a group they steadily moved in the direction of masklessness. During the final week of the semester only 38% were wearing masks over their noses and mouths. Between semesters the university administration asked the library dean to strictly enforce mask wearing in the library. Volunteer library staff strictly en-forced mask wearing, including removing students from the library without a warning for not wearing a mask. As a result of the new enforcement students wore masks at a 95% rate with another 4% wearing their masks below their noses. The latter were asked to raise their masks. The tale of the two semesters shows that strict enforcement can generate a high compliance rate despite students’ inclination toward not wearing masks

Citation Analysis: Availability of Student Research Poster Citations

This citation analysis examines the availability of 1313 citations from student research posters across multiple disciplines at a mid-sized university. The study focuses on whether the cited materials are available via the library or freely online. Results indicate only one-fifth of citations were from library proprietary sources while two-thirds were freely available online. Resource age and discipline also influence availability. This study informs collection development decisions and instruction services and helps define the library’s role of providing information and facilitating information access

Application of Molecular Ultrasound for Imaging Integrin Expression

Stabilized microbubbles with a size between 1-5 µm are used as ultrasound contrast agents in the clinical routine. They have shown convincing results for the vascular characterization of tissues as well as in echocardiography. Due to their size, microbubbles strictly remain intravascular where they can be detected with high sensitivity and specificity. This qualifies them for intravascular molecular imaging. Many studies have been published reporting on the successful use of microbubbles conjugated to specific ligands for target identification in vivo. Among them, there are several promising examples on how to use molecular ultrasound for the imaging of integrin expression. This review provides an overview on the composition of ultrasound contrast agents that can be used for molecular imaging and their detection by ultrasound using destructive and non destructive methods. Furthermore, concrete examples are given on the use of molecular ultrasound to characterize integrin expression on vessels. These cover oncological applications where integrin targeted microbubbles were used to identify and characterize tumor angiogenesis and to assess tumor response to antiangiogenic drugs as well as to radiotherapy. In addition, increased accumulation of integrin targeted microbubbles was found during vascular reformation in ischemic tissues as well as in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. In summary, there is clear evidence from preclinical studies that integrin targeted ultrasound imaging is a valuable tool for the characterization of a broad spectrum of diseases. Thus, more efforts should be put into translating this promising technology into the clinics

El uso de la revisin mtica en Seora de la miel por Fanny Buitrago

This essay explores the use of the technique of revisionist mythmaking in the novel Seora de la miel by Colombian author Fanny Buitrago. It dissects the traditional ideals held out for women (that they be passive, pretty, innocent etc.) while also deconstructing the role of a rescuer or prince in the lives of women. In the novel, the protagonist, Teodara Vencejos, eventually discovers her own sexuality and the power of her body. Her liberation is at the heart of Buitrago\u27s message to all women. This essay looks specifically at how the author has rewritten and revised fairy tales in order to achieve feminist ends

Library Leadership Lessons Gleaned from WWII Submariners

Many aspects of good leadership have not changed over time. This article uses examples from World War II submarining, particularly Capt. Eugene Fluckey’s experiences, as a launching point for discussing modern academic library leadership. There are six points of leadership discussed which alternate between submarining and libraries: selecting team members, cross-training, respecting the individual, developing esprit de corps, communicating hard truths, and thinking big thoughts

Economic Optimizations of Phosphoric Acid Byproduct Rare Earth Element Recovery

This research seeks to develop and optimize technology for the recovery of rare earth elements from waste streams originating from phosphoric acid production processes. While the technical viability of such recovery processes has previously been examined, implementation has hinged on the economic viability. The integration of these considerations – a technoeconomic analysis – results in optimized operating conditions and suggests directions for future process design. This analysis ultimately highlights the need for a combination of higher rare earth element prices or development of more efficient technology as prerequisites for the economic viability of such processes