Analyzing Nuclear Power and its Present and Future Role as a Low Carbon Emissions Energy Source

This report takes look at nuclear power and its current use around the world and its potential as a key player in the current global climate crisis. Through the analysis of surveys, articles, and research papers, this essay explores how nuclear power plants compare to other low emission energies and how their use can lead to global reductions in carbon emissions. It examines the pros and cons of nuclear and its ultimate role in helping to reduce global carbon emissions. Paper prepared for the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar. Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Kitche

Biblioterapia: uma experiência com pacientes internados em clínica médica

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção, Florianópolis, 2000O presente estudo foi realizado no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - HU/UFSC, com o objetivo de experênciar a prática biblioterapêutica com pacientes internados em Clínica Médica, procurando mostrar um novo campo de atuação para o Bibliotecário e a possibilidade de aplicação da Biblioterapia. O foco central foi verificar o nível de aceitação da leitura como atividade de lazer por pacientes internados em Clínica Médica, através da prática biblioterapêutica. O estudo é do tipo descritivo exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. A amostra investigada constituiu-se de 47 sujeitos, os dados foram levantados através do uso de Entrevista/dirigida no período de junho a agosto de 2000, com dois encontros semanais, totalizando dezesseis encontros. Durante os encontros, procurou-se estabelecer a relação pessoa a pessoa ajudando os pacientes a enfrentarem a experiência da doença através da leitura. A prática biblioterapêutica com pacientes internados em Clínica Médica demonstrou ser útil no processo de hospitalização, como fonte de lazer e de informação, na interação biblioterapeuta/paciente/enfermagem e, no processo de sociabilização. Além, de proporcionar momentos de descontração e alegria aos pacientes, contribuindo para o bem estar mental dos mesmos. O estudo, aponta para o importante papel da leitura enquanto atividade de lazer para pacientes hospitalizados, humanizando o processo de hospitalização

Erro humano na saúde: o caso com medicamentos de alto risco por via intravenosa

Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção, Florianópolis, 2015.O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo propor diretrizes para impedir ocorrência do erro no preparo, administração e monitoramento de Medicamentos Potencialmente Perigosos (MPPs) por via intravenosa em um Serviço de Emergência Adulto num hospital escola, com ênfase na ergonomia, visando à segurança do paciente e trabalhadores. O estudo é classificado como um estudo de caso de natureza aplicada, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, embasado em pesquisa exploratória de desenho transversal, em razão da intencionalidade da escolha da população. A população investigada constituiu-se de 34 técnicos e 06 auxiliares de enfermagem. Os dados foram levantados em dois momentos. O primeiro, no período de 15 a 21 de novembro de 2013, quando foi aplicado o questionário e o segundo, no período de 15 a 26 de janeiro de 2014, com a observação. Nesta fase, foram observados e identificados os erros ocorridos durante o preparo, a administração e o monitoramento de 23 doses de MPPs com o uso do Checklist. Os dados do questionário indicaram, dentre outros, que dos 40 sujeitos da pesquisa 27 (67,5%) não fizeram a leitura da bula do cloreto de potássio, 32 (80,0%) não fizeram a leitura da bula do sulfato de magnésio e 45,0% (n=18) não fizeram a leitura da bula da glicose. Os resultados da observação permitiram identificar que, dos 54 itens do Checklist, em 43 (79,6%) ocorreram erros. Nenhum dos erros causou impactos para o paciente, um causou dano material e todos foram classificados como violação. Propõe-se, como medidas para impedir a ocorrência dos erros nessa instituição, a elaboração de protocolos de preparo e administração de medicamentos; a promoção de educação continuada e permanente para os profissionais sobre o tema; e a formação de um grupo multiprofissional com a finalidade de discutir e estabelecer estratégias que possam promover a segurança do paciente.Abstract : This study was developed with the objective of offerring guidelines to stop errors in preparing, managing and monitoring Potencially Dangerous Drugs (MPPs) pushed through intravenous via at an Adult Emergency Service, with ergonomic emphasis, aiming pacient?s and workers safety. The study is classified as an apllied nature case study, with qualitative and quantitative approach, based on exploratory research of transversal design, because the choice of the population was intentional. This population was constituted of 34 technicians and 06 nursing helpers. The data was raised in two moments. The first, during november 15th and 21st of 2013, when a questionnaire was applied; the second moment took place during january 15th and 26th of 2014, with observation. At this point, the errors occurred during preparation, managing and monitoring of 23 doses of MPPs with the use of checklist. The questionnaire data indicated, along with other facts, that 27 of the 40 people interviewed (67,5%) did not read the potassium chloride bull; 32 (80,0%) did not read the magnesium sulfate bull and 45,0% (18 people) did not read the glucose bull. The results allowed to identify that errors occurred in 43 of the 54 items of the checklist (79,6%). None of the errors caused impacts on the patient; one caused material damage and all errors were classified as violation. Within the major errors identified during preparation of the 23 doses, 23 (100,0%) of the professionals did not verify prescription before iniciating the process; 23 (100,0%) did not verify the expiration date, particle presence and solution turbidity; 23 (100,0%) of the professionals didn?t do the second and third label readings. In the managing section, 23 (100,0%) did not use the tray to transport medication; 23 (100,0%) didn?t wash their hands before iniciating drug administration; 21 (91,3%) did not identify the paciente by their name; 17 (74,0%) didn?t check the drug?s name; the dose was not checked by 23 (100,0%) professionals before it was managed and 11 individuals (47,8%) did not test the venous permeability. Besides, all 23 people didn?t do the pacient?s monitoring. It can be concluded that facts like work conditions of technicians and nursing helpers, overcrowding, reduced number of professionals, work organization, double bond and the extensive working hours, beyond others, are factors that favor the errors incidence in medication, and are present in the SEA of the studied institution. It is proposed, as measures to stop errors incidence in this institution, the elaboration of preparation and managing drugs protocols, the promotion of continued andpermanent education for professionals and the criation of a multiprofissional group with the objective of discussing and establishing strategies to promote pacient?s safety

Combination of GNSS and SLR observations using satellite co-locations

Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) observations to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites may be used for several purposes. On one hand, the range measurement may be used as an independent validation for satellite orbits derived solely from GNSS microwave observations. On the other hand, both observation types may be analyzed together to generate a combined orbit. The latter procedure implies that one common set of orbit parameters is estimated from GNSS and SLR data. We performed such a combined processing of GNSS and SLR using the data of the year 2008. During this period, two GPS and four GLONASS satellites could be used as satellite co-locations. We focus on the general procedure for this type of combined processing and the impact on the terrestrial reference frame (including scale and geocenter), the GNSS satellite antenna offsets (SAO) and the SLR range biases. We show that the combination using only satellite co-locations as connection between GNSS and SLR is possible and allows the estimation of SLR station coordinates at the level of 1-2cm. The SLR observations to GNSS satellites provide the scale allowing the estimation of GNSS SAO without relying on the scale of any a priori terrestrial reference frame. We show that the necessity to estimate SLR range biases does not prohibit the estimation of GNSS SAO. A good distribution of SLR observations allows a common estimation of the two parameter types. The estimated corrections for the GNSS SAO are 119mm and −13mm on average for the GPS and GLONASS satellites, respectively. The resulting SLR range biases suggest that it might be sufficient to estimate one parameter per station representing a range bias common to all GNSS satellites. The estimated biases are in the range of a few centimeters up to 5cm. Scale differences of 0.9ppb are seen between GNSS and SL

Operationalizing the role of trust for student wellbeing, learning and achievement

Abstract:  This paper provides an argument regarding the importance of relational trust between students and teachers during the learning process. Establishing this trust is expected to foster student wellbeing and lead to openness to learn and increased innovativeness. However, there is a relative dearth of theoretical and empirical literature on behaviors to establish relational trust (Bryk & Schneider, 2002; Tschannen-Moran & Hoy, 1997), and how these behaviors can be expected to lead to wellbeing and academic achievement. The Learning Errors and Formative Feedback (LEAFF) model is proposed to organize key aspects of the theoretical literature as they might relate to measurable ways in which trust can be promoted with specific words and actions in the classroom to enhance learning. Based on the LEAFF model, a framework is designed to operationalize facets of trust to help teachers develop trusting relationships with their students. However, the potential effects of these facets need to be empirically tested in future studies to secure optimal learning outcomes.

Early evaluation of corneal collagen crosslinking in ex-vivo human corneas using two-photon imaging

The clinical outcome of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is typically evaluated several weeks after treatment. An earlier assessment of its outcome could lead to an optimization of the treatment, including an immediate re-intervention in case of failure, thereby, avoiding additional discomfort and pain to the patient. In this study, we propose two-photon imaging (TPI) as an earlier evaluation method. CXL was performed in human corneas by application of riboflavin followed by UVA irradiation. Autofluorescence (AF) intensity and lifetime images were acquired using a commercial clinically certified multiphoton tomograph prior to CXL and after 2h, 24h, 72h, and 144h storage in culture medium. The first monitoring point was determined as the minimum time required for riboflavin clearance from the cornea. As control, untreated samples and samples treated only with riboflavin (without UVA irradiation) were monitored at the same time points. Significant increases in the stroma AF intensity and lifetime were observed as soon as 2h after treatment. A depth-dependent TPI analysis showed higher AF lifetimes anteriorly corresponding to areas were CXL was most effective. No alterations were observed in the control groups. Using TPI, the outcome of CXL can be assessed non-invasively and label-free much sooner than with conventional clinical devices.European Union Horizon 2020 (LASER-HISTO); European project FLIMVERTIC

Human impact changes hydrological connectivity in a Patagonian fluvial basin

Study region: The Cronómetro Lake basin situated east of the Andes in Argentina's Patagonian Andean pre-range environment. Study focus: We analyzed the interannual fluctuation in the surface area of Cronómetro Lake (January 2000 to January 2021). We also studied the periods of humidity and drought and the anthropogenic activities in the lake basin to understand their impact on water availability within the basin. New hydrological insights for the region: The area of Cronómetro Lake decreased by 34% in the last ten years. The lake's area reduction started in 2012, which coincides with the construction of fourteen channels perpendicular to one of its main tributaries (the SN1 Stream). The channelization of the SN1 Stream in its upper basin prevents its water from reaching the Cronómetro Lake. From 2012–2021, we have not observed a decrease in local rainfall or an increase in periods of drought. Therefore, we suggest the channelization of the SN1 Stream is the cause of the lake shrinkage. The reduction of the lake's surface generated the disconnection of the lake from its outflow, which dried. Currently, the Cronómetro Lake basin has become endorheic. The reduction in water availability in the Cronómetro Lake basin causes loss of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem services, with negative implications for local economic activities.Fil: Scordo, Facundo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geografía y Turismo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Seitz, Carina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Fiorenza, Juan Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información; ArgentinaFil: Piccolo, Maria Cintia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geografía y Turismo; ArgentinaFil: Perillo, Gerardo Miguel E.. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentin

Direct electron irradiation of DNA in a fully aqueous environment. Damage determination in combination with Monte Carlo simulations

We report on a study in which plasmid DNA in water was irradiated with 30 keV electrons generated by a scanning electron microscope and passed through a 100 nm thick Si3N4 membrane. The corresponding Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the kinetic energy spectrum of the electrons throughout the water is dominated by low energy electrons (<100 eV). The DNA radiation damage, single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs), was determined by gel electrophoresis. The median lethal dose of D1/2 = 1.7 ± 0.3 Gy was found to be much smaller as compared to partially or fully hydrated DNA irradiated under vacuum conditions. The ratio of the DSBs to SSBs was found to be 1 : 12 as compared to 1 : 88 found for hydrated DNA. Our method enables quantitative measurements of radiation damage to biomolecules (DNA, proteins) in solutions under varying conditions (pH, salinity, co-solutes) for an electron energy range which is difficult to probe by standard methods