Review of Restoring Beauty: The Good, the True and the Beautiful in the Writings of C. S. Lewis

Review of Louis A. Markos, Restoring Beauty: The Good, the True and the Beautiful in the Writings of C. S. Lewis (Downers Grove, IL, 2010). 215 pages. $20.00. ISBN: 0830857451

Enforcing Civil Rights Obligations Through the False Claims Act

In August 2019, Westchester County, New York entered into a consent decree to settle a lawsuit brought against it pursuant to the federal False Claims Act. Serving as a qui tam relator on behalf of the United States government, a non-profit alleged that Westchester had falsely certified that it had complied with its obligations to affirmatively further fair housing in order to receive over $50 million in federal housing funds. According to the relators, Westchester had failed to undertake basic fair housing requirements such as considering race-based impediments to housing choice. The litigation was the first to employ the FCA as a method to enforce a locality’s obligation to affirmatively further fair housing and thus represents an innovative model for litigation aimed at reforming major social institutions. This Article situates the Westchester case in ongoing debates about the legitimacy and efficacy of institutional reform litigation and concludes that the public-private partnership model offered by the FCA addresses some common criticisms of litigation as a method of institutional change

Review of Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction: From C.S. Lewis to Left Behind

Stephen F. Hayes: Review of Nancy M. Tischler, Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction: From C. S. Lewis to Left Behind (Santa Barbara, 2009). 352 pages. $96. ISBN 9780313345685

A biomechanical investigation of seated balance and upright mobility with a robotic exoskeleton in individuals with a spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex medical condition with multiple sequelae. The level and severity of a lesion will determine the degree of disability and associated co- morbidities, the most obvious of which is paralysis. Other concomitant issues, such as muscle contractures, poor seated posture and fear of falling, can also lead to a reduced quality of life. Although there is currently no cure for SCI, many of the comorbidities can be managed or mitigated through technology and physical rehabilitation practices.The aim of this thesis was to inform spinal cord injury (SCI) mobility rehabilitation, focusing on postural control and upright stepping using robotic assisted gait training (RAGT). A systematic review investigating RAGT use in SCI concluded that although RAGT has the potential to benefit upright locomotion of SCI individuals, it should not replace other therapies but should be incorporated into a multi-modality rehabilitation approach.Seated postural control, upper-body posture and fear-of-falling in SCI individuals were also explored. Stability performance and control demand were compared between high- and low-level injury groups as was fear-of-falling. An individualised limit of stability boundary (LOS) facilitated the differentiation between high- and low-level injuries during static tasks; however, its use during dynamic tasks was limited and potentially influenced by fear-of-falling.Few studies have quantified the user’s motion inside a lower limb robotic exoskeleton (LEXO), and none have reported marker placement repeatability. Standard error of measurement was reported for three-dimensional trunk and pelvic orientations and hip, knee and ankle angles in the sagittal plane during level walking. This revealed the marker set and placement to produce good levels of agreement between visits, with most values falling between the accepted standard of 2-5o. These findings indicated that the marker placement was repeatable and could be used in the subsequent chapters involving motion capture of overground walking.Three-dimensional gait parameters of able-bodied individuals walking with and without a LEXO at two speeds (comfortable (CMBL) and speed-matched (SLOW) to the LEXO) were investigated. Statistical parametric mapping revealed significantly different waveforms at the ANOVA level for all kinematic variables, however minimal differences in sagittal plane lower limb kinematics were identified between LEXO and SLOW gait, suggesting LEXO gait resembled slow walking when speed-matched. Altered kinematics of the pelvis and trunk during LEXO use suggest that overground exoskeletons may provide a training environment benefiting postural control training.Finally, the biomechanical characteristics of able-bodied and SCI users walking in an overground LEXO were investigated. Variables associated with neuroplasticity in SCI (hip extension and lower limb un-loading) were not significantly different between groups, indicating that afferent stimuli to facilitate neuroplastic adaptations in individuals with a SCI can be generated during LEXO gait. Upper-body orientation facilitated stepping and maintained balance, thereby requiring the participant’s active involvement.This thesis has provided evidence that LEXOs can deliver appropriate stimuli for upright stepping and that upper-body engagement can facilitate postural control training, potentially leading to improved seated postural control

Potassium and Sodium Sensing ISFET Device and Array

The use of Ion-Sensitive Field Effect Transistors (ISFETs) as a means of testing a person’s potassium concentration in real-time has broad applications in the consumer space. An avid runner could use such a device to keep track of their hydration and salt levels. A hospital could use it for patients who require around-the-clock remote monitoring, and a variation of ISFETs are currently being used as continuous glucose monitors for diabetes patients. While ISFETs are not a new development in the field of microelectronics, their use as wearable devices has recently become relevant. The goal of this project is primarily to develop a working ISFET with a selectivity bias of potassium and sodium ions with a high level of sensitivity to allow for implementation of the device into a type of “Smart Wristband” someone can wear. In this particular application, the ISFET device will be fed ionic biomolecules via a reverse iontophoresis process, where it can then act as a sensor used to determine the potassium and sodium concentrations of the wearer. A device of this specific nature could be incredibly useful in the medical field as a more convenient means of patient monitoring, specifically for patients with chronic kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis [1]. In order to make a device effective enough in this sort of application, the sensitivity of the ISFETs must be very high, and the cost must be low. The following will be a detailed description and analysis of a proposed device design and the associated fabrication methodology used in realizing the proposed design. The following will contain a description and analysis of the designed ISFET device as well as the designed fabrication process and testing methodologies that will be used

An experimental investigation on the effects of freestream turbulence intensity on film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient for an anti-vortex hole

Film cooling is used to thermally protect combustor and turbine components by creating a layer of relatively cooler air than the freestream air to insulate the components from the hot freestream gases. This relatively cooler air is taken from upstream in the high-pressure compressor section at a loss to the engine efficiency, and therefore must be used as effectively as possible. The efficiency gained from increasing the turbine inlet temperature outweighs the loss due to extracting air from the compressor section if the cooling air is used effectively. A novel anti-vortex hole (AVH) geometry has been investigated experimentally through a transient infrared thermography technique to study the film cooling effectiveness and surface convective heat transfer coefficients for varying blowing ratio and freestream turbulence intensity. A major concern with the AVH will be how the secondary jets counteract the main counter rotating vortex (CRV) pair at increased freestream turbulence levels. This is the first experimental facility to study the effects of higher freestream turbulence levels on an AVH geometry. Furthermore, this is the first experimental investigation to report centerline film cooling effectiveness and the convective heat transfer coefficient that had not been reported in prior studies. The AVH geometry is designed with two secondary holes stemming from a main cooling hole; these holes attempt to diffuse the coolant jet and mitigate the vorticity produced by conventional straight holes. This geometry shows improved results at low turbulence intensities compared to conventional straight holes. Three freestream turbulence intensities of 1, 7.5, and 11.7% were investigated at blowing ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 to form a test matrix of twelve different test conditions. Results showed that the higher freestream turbulence conditions were beneficial in the performance of the AVH. Increasing the blowing ratio at all turbulence levels also improved film cooling effectiveness both span-averaged and on the centerline. The highest performing case was at a turbulence intensity of 7.5% and a blowing ratio of 2.0. The 11.7% cases outperformed the 1% cases, but it appears that at 11.7% cases that the higher freestream turbulence reduces the performance of the secondary holes compared to the 7.5% cases. Increasing the blowing ratio and turbulence intensity will result in a higher heat transfer coefficient, and thus must be taken into account for future designs

A quantitative study of the water quality and plankton of Upper Blue Lake, Lower Blue Lake, and the Oaks Arm of Clear Lake in Lake County, California

This study was undertaken to examine any possible associations between the measurements of water quality and lake conditions, and the quantity and composition of plankton present in Upper Blue Lake, Lower Blue Lake, and the Oaks Arm of Clear Lake during the sampling period. A secondary objective of this study was to provide a record of these measurements. These measurements, when taken collectively, are important indicators of the trophic state or nutrient condition of the waters of the three lakes from February through October 1972

Denning ecology of two black bear populations in the Arkansas highlands

The denning ecology of one adult male and 29 adult females in the Arkansas Highlands was studied using radiotelemetry from fall 1988 through spring 1990. Research was conducted on the White Rock and Dry Creek study areas, in the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. Denning chronology was defined; physical, vegetative, and site parameters were measured at each den. Canonical discriminant analysis was used to determine den habitat utilization and delineate important denning habitat components. Effects of roads on den selection were examined with the aid of a Geographic Information System and repeated measures analysis. Den and ambient temperatures were recorded in week~long intervals using circular thermographs. Den availability was estimated from searches made along random transects. In 1989, pregnant females on both areas denned significantly earlier (p=0.0005) than females with yearlings and barren females. Barren females emerged from dens first, followed by females with yearlings, then females with newborn cubs. Significant differences (p=0.0001) in length of denning period were detected among all reproductive groups. During 1988 on Dry Creek, a year of high food availability, pregnant females denned later (p=0.0183) than in 1989, a year of low food availability. Differences in entrance dates between years were not observed among females with yearlings or barren females. Bears on both areas utilized rock cavity dens (67.3%) most often. Excavation dens (18.4%), clearcuts (6.1%), tree cavities (4.1%), and open nests (4.1%) also were utilized. Rock dens occurred in creek bottoms (rock creek) and along bluffs (rock bluff). Rock creek and excavation dens were prone to flooding during winter dormancy. Bears that occupied dens prone to flooding were significantly younger (p=0.0444) than bears in dens secure from flooding. Roads did not affect den selection because road densities were low and traffic volumes were light during winter. Rock dens maintained a constant temperature that was cooler than day ambient temperatures but warmer than night ambient temperatures (p=0.0230). A gradient of high structural security and inaccessibility existed from rock dens, to excavations, to dens in clearcuts. Security of excavation and clearcut dens was compensated by increased cover and higher understory stem densities. Differences in components of denning habitat did not exist between reproductive classes but were detected between study areas. Twenty-two potential dens were located on White Rock and none on Dry Creek. This discrepancy was related to the sampling technique and the scarcity of rock bluff dens on Dry Creek. Rock dens are available on both areas and utilized at the highest rates. These dens provide the most structural security and persist for many years. Location of improved gravel roads may be related to rock den habitat on Dry Creek. Proximity of roads to rock outcroppings should be given consideration on both areas in future management plans

Phylogenetics of Asian Hornbill Based on Mitochrondrial Cytochrome B DNA Sequences.

This study was conducted to test the utility of mitochondrial genes, specifically cytochrome-b, to show phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships among Southeast Asian hornbills. An interesting fact about mitochondria is that it composed of 37 genes of which 22 are tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 structural genes. Furthermore I have studied the phylogenetics of cytochrome-b in order to retrieve a confident evolutionary conclusion. My goal was to test the hypothesis suggesting that multiple invasion of the Philippine islands by the ancestral hornbills from mainland Asia, or the Sunda Shelf. The alternative hypothesis is that the diversity of hornbills within the Philippines was initiated by a single colonization event, followed by diversification. DNA isolation, followed by the application of the polymerase chain reaction was conducted. In addition, I ran a gel electrophoresis assay to separate on basis of size. Moreover, I underwent sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony, distance method and maximum likelihood supported the hypothesis that the Philippine islands were colonized at least two times independently from mainland Sunda Shelf island of Borneo in the geological past; by Aceros and Buceros. One surprising result of this study is the revelation that the genus Penelopides might have evolved and diversified de novo within the Philippines

Algal Proteins: Extraction, Application, and Challenges Concerning Production

Stephen Bleakley is in receipt of a Teagasc Walsh Fellowship (Grant No. 2016073). This work forms part of the BioAlgae project funded by the Teagasc (Grant No. NFNY6889-142).peer-reviewedPopulation growth combined with increasingly limited resources of arable land and fresh water has resulted in a need for alternative protein sources. Macroalgae (seaweed) and microalgae are examples of under-exploited “crops”. Algae do not compete with traditional food crops for space and resources. This review details the characteristics of commonly consumed algae, as well as their potential for use as a protein source based on their protein quality, amino acid composition, and digestibility. Protein extraction methods applied to algae to date, including enzymatic hydrolysis, physical processes, and chemical extraction and novel methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field, and microwave-assisted extraction are discussed. Moreover, existing protein enrichment methods used in the dairy industry and the potential of these methods to generate high value ingredients from algae, such as bioactive peptides and functional ingredients are discussed. Applications of algae in human nutrition, animal feed, and aquaculture are examine