Foley Catheter Priming Device

A lack of a pressure gradient throughout the catheter prevents urine flow from the bladder and through catheter system in a condition referred to as “air-lock.” The purpose of this project was to design a device that could be utilized by person with a catheter faced with the problem of air-lock to restore urine flow and normal functioning of the catheter system. After a prototype was created, the device was put through a series of tests to insure proper functioning, absence of leakage, and durability. The device created can be added in-line with the catheter system, inconspicuously under the user’s clothing, as a primer that the catheter user can push to create a pressure gradient in the system and initiate urine flow. Overall, the device functions as its intended design and has the potential to solve the problem of air-lock for many catheter users

Gambling problems, traumatic life events and the perpetration of violence

There have been suggestions that violence and victimisation are associated with gambling problems. However, despite the global expansion of the gambling industry, there have been very few studies investigating this phenomenon in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between gambling problems and violence (as a victim and perpetrator), including IPV (Intimate partner violence) and traumatic life events in a nationally representative sample of men. Regression analysis revealed that problem/pathological gambling was associated with increased odds of the perpetration of violence, using a weapon, hitting a child and being injured in a violent incident. Moreover, pathological gambling was associated with increased odds of the perpetration of IPV and fighting whilst intoxicated. A comorbid alcohol dependence diagnosis further increased the likelihood of IPV perpetration. The findings also indicated that there was a significant relationship between problem gambling and victimisation including direct and indirect IPV, and other childhood and adulthood traumatic episodes (e.g. assault, injury, homelessness and relationship breakdown). The links between violence and gambling are not fully established, but it is possible that the strain and tension associated with problem gambling (exacerbated by a traumatic history and alcohol use in some cases) can lead to antagonism that is directed towards others, particularly those in immediate surroundings including spouses, partners and children. The current findings highlight the need for problem gambling treatment services to undertake routine screening for alcohol, violence, IPV and traumatic life events and to tailor treatment for clients who present with such issues

Data-driven methods for diffusivity prediction in nuclear fuels

The growth rate of structural defects in nuclear fuels under irradiation is intrinsically related to the diffusion rates of the defects in the fuel lattice. The generation and growth of atomistic structural defects can significantly alter the performance characteristics of the fuel. This alteration of functionality must be accurately captured to qualify a nuclear fuel for use in reactors. Predicting the diffusion coefficients of defects and how they impact macroscale properties such as swelling, gas release, and creep is therefore of significant importance in both the design of new nuclear fuels and the assessment of current fuel types. In this article, we apply data-driven methods focusing on machine learning (ML) to determine various diffusion properties of two nuclear fuels, uranium oxide and uranium nitride. We show that using ML can increase, often significantly, the accuracy of predicting diffusivity in nuclear fuels in comparison to current analytical models. We also illustrate how ML can be used to quickly develop fuel models with parameter dependencies that are more complex and robust than what is currently available in the literature. These results suggest there is potential for ML to accelerate the design, qualification, and implementation of nuclear fuels

On the feasibility of in-venue observations of EGM gamblers and game characteristics

Detailed observational studies of undisturbed gambler behaviour in venues are rare, especially if the focus is on continuous gambling such as electronic gaming machines (EGMs). EGMs are the main source of harmful gambling in New Zealand and all EGMs in New Zealand now include a mandatory pop-up message feature. The present study reports on 48 hours of in-situ observations of EGM gamblers in casino and non-casino (pub) venues in New Zealand and sought to establish whether relatively detailed observations of EGM features and gambler behaviour in venues were possible. Pop-up messages were the EGM feature focused on given their harm-minimisation potential, and the relative ease with which they can be observed. However, other EGM features were also documented along with descriptive accounts of associated gambler behaviour. The results establish that relatively detailed (quantitative or qualitative) observational data can be collected in venues using smart phones. The data showed pop-up messages were generally attended to but had little observable effect on gambler behaviour in venues. Direct in-situ observation of gamblers can provide ecologically valid information to compliment more common experimental and survey-based approaches. Some suggestions for developing the procedure are discussed

Intimate Partner Violence in Treatment Seeking Problem Gamblers

The co-occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and gambling disorder is an emerging area of research but no studies, as yet, have examined these within a gambling treatment-seeking population from the UK. In a sample of 204 patients, the study utilised routine clinical data and the Jellinek–Inventory for assessing Partner Violence (J-IPV) to determine the prevalence of IPV perpetration and victimisation. 20.1% of participants reported any IPV in the past year; 12.3% reported perpetration and 14.1% reported victimisation in the past year. Clinical scores were greater among patients disclosing IPV; higher anxiety and depression scores coupled with victimisation, alongside greater problem gambling severity; age, anxiety, depression and debt scores among those reporting IPV perpetration. There is need for enhanced vigilance and first-line responses to IPV in problem gambling treatment services. There is also a need for professional support for the clinicians working with these clients

Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Application Strategies in Corn–Soybean Rotations

To determine if current university fertilizer rate and timing recommendations pose a limitation to high-yield corn (Zea mays subsp. mays) and soybean (Glycine max) production, this study compared annual Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizer applications to biennial fertilizer applications, applied at 1× and 2× recommended rates in corn–soybean rotations located in Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), Michigan (MI), Arkansas (AR), and Louisiana (LA). At locations with either soil test P or K in the sub-optimal range, corn grain yield was significantly increased with fertilizer application at five of sixteen site years, while soybean seed yield was significantly increased with fertilizer application at one of sixteen site years. At locations with both soil test P and K at optimal or greater levels, corn grain yield was significantly increased at three of thirteen site years and soybean seed yield significantly increased at one of fourteen site years when fertilizer was applied. Site soil test values were generally inversely related to the likelihood of a yield response from fertilizer application, which is consistent with yield response frequencies outlined in state fertilizer recommendations. Soybean yields were similar regardless if fertilizer was applied in the year of crop production or before the preceding corn crop. Based on the results of this work across the US and various yield potentials, it was confirmed that the practice of applying P and K fertilizers at recommended rates biennially prior to first year corn production in a corn–soybean rotation does not appear to be a yield limiting factor in modern, high management production systems

Gambling and negative life events in a nationally representative sample of UK men

Abstract Introduction: The links between gambling problems, trauma and life stressors are known to exist but understanding the extent of these relationships will allow for greater efficacy in early intervention and treatment. We investigated these relationships among men and sought to determine whether links were attenuated by alcohol and drug use problems. Methods: A cross-sectional UK representative general population survey was conducted in 2009 with 3025 men aged 18-64 years. Measurements included self-reported gambling behaviours, as measured by the South Oaks Gambling Scale (SOGS) and traumatic or stressful life events. Covariates included alcohol and drug dependence and socio-demographics. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine associations. Results: Problem gambling (SOGS 3-4) and probable pathological gambling (SOGS 5+) were associated with increased odds of trauma in childhood (e.g. violence in the home (Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) 3.0 (CI =1.8-5.0) and 2.6 (CI =1.7-4.1) respectively), and life stressors in adulthood (e.g. intimate partner violence (AORs 4.5 (CI =2.0-10.3) and 4.7 (CI =2.3-9.7) and homelessness (AORs 2.2 (CI 1.1-4.6) and 3.2 (CI =1.9-5.5)). Results were attenuated when adjusted for probable alcohol and drug dependence with the latter having largest effects. Conclusions: Among men in the United Kingdom, disordered gambling remains uniquely associated with trauma and life stressors in childhood and adulthood after adjusting for alcohol and drug dependence. The results support a need for disordered gambling treatment services to undertake routine screening for alcohol, drugs, IPV and traumatic life events and to tailor treatment that specifically targets the effects of stress for clients who present with such a cluster of issues

Volume 07

Introduction from Interim Dean Dr. Jennifer Apperson Spatial Analysis of Potential Risk Factors Associated with Addition of Atlantic Coast Pipeline Through Virginia by Rachel C. Lombardi Delicate Matters with No Speaking, Hope and Nothing, Mono Duality by Ben Osterhout Connect Graphic Design Senior Project by Lindsay Graybill Phenolic Acids in Brassicaceae Plants: Ovipositional Stimulants or Deterrents for Cabbage White Butterfly, Pieris Rapae? by Rebecca E. Dey And Skyler T. Carpenter Abecedarian Cards by Emma Beckett, Jason Ware, And Mollie Andrews Helvetica: A Type Specimen Book by James Bates, Landon Cooper, Tiffani Jeffries, And Maria Wheaton “Things Left Behind” by Dallas Price Heretic Adornment by Laura Kahler Photography by Sarah Charlton Revisiting Longfellow: Expressing Universality through Accessibility by Anna Bultrowicz Magazine Spreads from “What Dreams May Come: Marriage Across Cultures” by Emily Spittle Magazine Spreads From “Live on The Street: A Naked Look at Human Sex Trafficking” by Erin Godwin Lasting Light by Eamon Brokenbroug

Oxygen Production System for Refueling Human Landing System Elements

Current NASA plans for lunar exploration include a human lunar landing system, comprised of separate descent andascent modules, with the eventual goal of reusability. Different oxygen production processes were studied to evaluatethe feasibility of producing 10 tons of oxygen per year assuming a high latitude landing location. The study includesconsideration of packaging the ISRU components on the descent module, methods to transfer the regolith from theexcavators to the processing plant which may be mounted well above the lunar surface, and general concept ofoperations for excavation, oxygen production, and liquefaction and storage. A solar-based power system was alsodesigned and packaged on the lander, including the use of direct solar thermal energy where appropriate