Active Life and Contemplative Life: A Study of the Concepts from Plato to the Present

https://epublications.marquette.edu/mupress-book/1000/thumbnail.jp

Stabilization of DAPI in Base-Catalyzed Sol-Gels Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Sol-gels can be used as substrates for sensory materials in solutions. A fluorescent dye that binds to DNA, 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), could be used as a biosensor for a solution. Adsorption of DAPI onto silver nanoparticles causes rapid precipitation and loss of DAPI in solution. UV-vis and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) were performed to observe a solution of silver nanoparticles and DAPI. Over time, spectra of the solution greatly diminished and could no longer be accurately observed. To facilitate the stabilization of DAPI in the solution, sol-gels were synthesized via base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate while in the DAPI-silver solution. Sol-gels were successfully synthesized and DAPI precipitation was prevented as suggested by UV-vis and SERS

A Multidimensional Model: Assessing Space Needs in Healthcare Facilities in Response to COVID-19

The assessment of space needs in healthcare facilities has become a growing issue as a result of COVID-19 and its impact on the US healthcare system. Healthcare leaders and facility decision makers have a unique opportunity to evaluate space needs by rightsizing and adapting to reflect current and future pandemic-related events. This paper aims to support the decision-making process by presenting an integrative developmental model of a conceptual framework conceived through a synthesis of the existing literature. Three major dimensions have been identified in the Findings which serve as a foundational guide to addressing space needs: processes, people and the built environment. Processes: highlights operational-enablement activities and the need to redefine tasks across the spectrum of on-site to remote; the potential to reengineer directional flow of people through facilities and how people arrive and wait; infection and prevention controls (IPC) through proximity parameters and cleaning protocols. People: considers patient mix through evaluating degree of patient segmentation and desired utilization levels for healthcare services; worker engagement and how spaces will encourage productivity, collaboration and flexibility; visitor management through enhanced communication efforts and outlining accessibility and tracking needs. Built environment explores elements of space planning including agile design, spatial configuration and touchless functionality; the impact of technology through again, touchless functions, level of infrastructure and changing privacy and security implications; facility components through the intensified role of mechanical systems, signage to support major processes and reworking of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)