Formulation & Thermophysical Analysis of a Beeswax Microemulsion & The Experimental Calculation of its Heat Transfer Coefficient

Experimentation and implementation of Phase Change Materials (PCM) as suitable Thermal Energy Storage (TES) mediums has garnered greater attention in recent decades. PCMs have the ability to not only store Sensible Heat (SH) within a given temperature range, but also store large amounts of Latent Heat (LH) as they undergo a phase change, whether it is from solid to liquid or liquid to gas. This investigation examines the preparation of a beeswax microemulsion, the analysis of its thermophysical properties, and the experimental method to calculate its heat transfer coefficient under laminar flow conditions. First, the beeswax microemulsion was formulated to possess both a low viscosity to enhance pumpability, as well as a high beeswax percentage by mass for greater Latent Heat Storage (LHS) capacity. A Beeswax/Water-Emulsion was developed wherein beeswax droplets were dispersed in water with the aid of surfactants; another term for this is a Phase Change Slurry (PCS). A sufficient quantity was created and implemented in the experimental setup which simulated uniform heat flux across the test section using an Ohmic Heating System (OHS) to determine the heat transfer coefficient. These results were then compared to water in order to verify the setup accuracy as well as the degree of success of the PCM in heat storage ability. In the case of the PCM, the temperature of the beeswax microemulsion increased as heat was applied around the test section which is expected during the Sensible Heat stage of the process. The temperature then remained constant as the beeswax particles began to melt, storing greater amounts of Latent Heat in the process. This investigation shows that a beeswax microemulsion PCM has greater heat storing abilities than water and can prove to be a much more efficient method for charging and discharging thermal energy during varying environmental conditions

AN ANALYSIS OF ENCLOTHED COGNITION AS RELATED TO PERSONALITY FACTORS AND ITS INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS

Researchers sought to establish a connection between Enclothed Cognition and multiple personality and cognitive factors. Enclothed Cognition has been addressed by previous researchers as having a measurable impact on selective qualities such as attentiveness (Adam & Galinsky, 2012) and problem solving (Van Stockum & DeCaro, 2014). Thus, the terminology Enclothed Cognition was introduced (Adam & Galinsky, 2012). Enclothed Cognition continues to be a newly evolving field of study and the current study measured a correlation between Enclothed Cognition, Machiavellianism, Resilience and Math scores. While researchers were not successful in finding a significant connection to resilience of math scores, the study revealed a significant correlation between Enclothed Cognition and Machiavellianism. The current research shows a significant positive correlation between Enclothed Cognition and Machiavellistic qualities in the experimental group wearing a white lab coat, simulating the Enclothed Cognition condition. Multiple implications exist. Among those discussed in detail are the impacts on the business world, politics and technology

Developing Soft Skills: Faculty and Employer Perspectives and Recommendations

Many employers are concerned that recent business graduates lack expertise in soft skills needed to be effective in their professional roles. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the urgent need for workers with soft skills competence in communication, flexibility, and resilience. Guided by Goleman’s conceptual framework of emotional intelligence, this qualitative study examined potential solutions to reduce this gap among business graduates. The research questions investigated faculty and employer perceptions of and experiences with soft skills development and their recommendations to improve graduates’ soft skill proficiency. Eight semistructured interviews were conducted after purposeful sampling. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding to identify themes and patterns. Results suggested that soft skills develop within a context of safety, empowerment, self-awareness, self-reflection, continuous reinforcement, targeted focus, accountability, and practical application. To promote these conditions, educational and business leaders should reorient institutional priorities and values, modify program design, and adapt pedagogical approaches to enable effective assessment, practice, and mastery of soft skills competencies. The findings provide university and business leaders with insights into functional changes needed within their institutions and classrooms to prioritize and improve the soft skills performance of business graduates

The Power of a Sound Mind: Exploring Meditation and Sound Therapies for Treating the Emotional Impact of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is described as a sound perceived by an individual that has no external source. Some individuals with tinnitus can habituate to this phantom sound, while others become emotionally disturbed by it. There are several theories which attempt to rationalize the cause of tinnitus, and various treatments which aim to eliminate, mask, or facilitate habituation to one’s tinnitus. Current common treatments include sound therapies and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), either in isolation or in combination with one another. However, not all these treatments aim to address the emotional impact of tinnitus. Novel treatments are emerging, with some attempting to reduce the emotional impact tinnitus may have on the individual by utilizing sound in a therapeutic manner and incorporating CBT or other mindfulness-based treatments. More research is required to confirm the efficacy of current and novel treatments. Based on the findings of this literature review, CBT and mindfulness-based treatments are most promising in their ability to reduce the emotional distress some individuals with tinnitus are facing

Experimental Study on Brucella abortus Strain RB51 Vaccinated Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Challenged with Virulent B. abortus Strain during Pregnancy

The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Brucella abortus strain RB51 (RB51) vaccine in preventing abortion in pregnant water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) experimentally challenged using the intravenous route, with a local pathogenic strain of B. abortus biovar 1 (Trinidad 1). Thirty-two female water buffalo calves aged 6-10 months were randomly divided into three groups for the vaccination trial using the subcutaneous route: Group I animals received recommended dose (RD) vaccine twice 4 weeks apart, Group II was vaccinated twice 18 weeks apart and Group III (control) received saline once. At approximately 6 months of pregnancy following natural breeding, the animals were challenged by the intravenous route with 2.5 x 108 to 4.4 x 108 colony forming units of a local strain of B. abortus, Trinidad 1. Blood samples were collected, pre-challenge and post-challenge, for serological assay using the BPAT and the animals were monitored for clinical signs. The bacteriological study was also performed on tissues of the dams and their calves. The frequency of abortion/stillbirths/early neonatal deaths was 55.6% (5/9), 42.9% (3/7) and 40.0% (2/5) for Groups I, II and III dams respectively (P>0.05; ?2). For calves from infected dams, the frequency of isolation of B. abortus Trinidad 1 from the abomasal and rectal swabs was 100.0%, 80.0% and 100.0% for Groups I, II and III animals respectively (P>0.05). It was concluded that vaccination of water buffalo with the RB51 vaccine using the recommended dose was ineffective in preventing infection, abortion, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths

The diet and presence of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) on private land in the Waterberg region, South Africa

African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) populations and their geographic distributions have been greatly reduced due to direct human persecution and habitat reduction; however, remnant groups still manage to persist on private reserves and farmland. Farmland, especially game farming areas, can potentially be suitable for wild dog conservation. However, little is known about them in these areas. To increase our understanding regarding the presence and general ecology of wild dogs on private land we used a camera trapping picture database initially used to census leopards (Panthera pardus) to report on wild dog presence on private farmland and reserves within the Waterberg Biosphere, South Africa. We identified nine different wild dogs from the camera trap images and all wild dog signs were restricted to Lapalala. We further supplemented the data set with opportunistically collected scats to report on wild dog prey use. Only three species could be identified in the scats, namely bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), impala (Aepyceros melampus) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), with bushbuck the most important prey species. Our results show that some wild dogs still persist on private land in the Waterberg, confirming that private land can play an important role in wild dog conservation. We suggest that conservation efforts focussing on mitigation actions to improve local tolerance towards wild dogs would be the most efficient action to secure a viable wild dog population.Funding for the initial camera trapping project was received from IFS grant nr. D/4984-1, Wild Foundation grant no. 2008-011, Wilson Foundation and the University of Pretoria. L.H.S. was supported by National Research Foundation (NRF) grant no. 74819. R.R. and M.J.S. were supported by the University of Pretoria and M.J.S. also by the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence Centre for Invasion Biology.http://www.sawma.co.za/am201

Définir les compétences procédurales essentielles dans la formation médicale canadienne de premier cycle

Introduction: We conducted a national survey to characterize current Canadian procedural skills training in Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME). The goals were to identify the most important procedures students should know upon graduation and assess clinician-educator perceptions regarding implementation of a pre-clerkship procedural program. Methods: We distributed the survey to physician-educators across Canada’s 17 medical schools. Respondents were directed to an individualized survey that collected demographic data, physician-educator responses on essential procedural skills, as well as physician-educator opinions on the value of a pre-clerkship procedural training program. Results: The response rate for this survey was 21% (42 out of 201 distributed surveys were completed). The top 10 most important procedures identified by physician-educators included IV Access, Airway Management, Local anesthesia/field block, Casting, Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery, Testing for STIs, Phlebotomy, Suturing of Lacerations, Nasogastric Tube Insertion, and Venipuncture. Physician-educators supported a pre-clerkship procedural program. Conclusions: Identifying the most crucial procedural skills is the first step in implementing a competency-based procedural skills training program for Canadian medical students. With the list of essential skills, and the support for physician-educators in developing a pre-clerkship procedural skills curriculum, hopefully there can be future development of formalized curricula.Contexte: Nous avons mené un sondage à l’échelle nationale pour caractériser les compétences procédurales canadiennes dans la formation médicale de premier cycle. L’objectif était de reconnaître les plus importantes procédures que les étudiants devaient connaître à la fin de leur formation et d’évaluer les perceptions des cliniciens éducateurs au sujet de la mise en œuvre de leur programme procédural avant les stages. Méthodes : Nous avons distribué le sondage à des médecins éducateurs dans les 17 écoles de médecine du Canada. Les répondants ont été dirigés vers un sondage individualisé qui recueillait les données démographiques, les réponses des médecins éducateurs sur les compétences procédurales essentielles, ainsi que les opinions des médecins éducateurs sur la valeur du programme de formation procédurale avant les stages. Résultats : Le taux de réponse à ce sondage a été de 21 % (42 des 201 sondages distribués ont été remplis). Les dix plus importantes procédures recensées par les médecins éducateurs comprenaient l’accès IV, l’assistance respiratoire, le bloc anesthésie locale/champ, le moulage de plâtre, l’accouchement spontané par voie vaginale, les tests d’ITS, la phlébotomie, la suture des lacérations, l’insertion d’une sonde nasogastrique et la ponction veineuse. Les médecins éducateurs soutenaient un programme procédural avant les stages. Conclusions : Établir les compétences procédurales les plus essentielles représente la première étape dans la mise en œuvre d’un programme de formation dans les compétences procédurales fondé sur les compétences pour les étudiants canadiens en médecine. Avec la liste de compétences essentielles et le soutien des médecins éducateurs dans le développement d’un programme de compétences procédurales avant les stages, nous espérons qu’un programme structuré sera élaboré

MEDTalks: a student-driven program to enhance undergraduate student understanding and interest in medical schools in Canada

Given the lack of programs geared towards educating undergraduate students about medical school, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a medical student–driven initiative program, MEDTalks, enhanced undergraduate students’ understanding of medical school in Canada and stimulated their interest in pursuing medicine. The MEDTalks program, which ran between January and April 2018 at the University of Ottawa, consisted of 5 teaching sessions, each including large-group lectures, small-group case-based learning, physical skills tutorials, and anatomy lab demonstrations, to mimic the typical medical school curriculum. At the end of the program, undergraduate student learners were invited to complete a feedback questionnaire. Twenty-nine participants provided feedback, of whom 25 reported that MEDTalks allowed them to gain exposure to the University of Ottawa medical program; 27 said that it gave them a greater understanding of the teaching structure; and 25 responded that it increased their interest in attending medical school. The MEDTalks program successfully developed a greater understanding of medical school and helped stimulate interest in pursuing medical studies among undergraduate students

Brucellosis in domestic water bufallo (Bubalus bubalis) of Trinidad and Tobago with comparative epidemiology to cattle

The water buffalo is an important domestic animal worldwide and the local Buffalypso variety was developed in Trinidad to have improved beef qualities. Brucellosis was diagnosed in Trinidad and Tobago during 1998 in both cattle and domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) populations. Brucellosis in the latter species is caused by infection with Brucella abortus, similar to bovine brucellosis. Control of brucellosis is of paramount importance to preservation of the genetic diversity of these animals in Trinidad, and this has been complicated by differences in the epidemiology of water buffalo and bovine brucellosis. Some diagnostic tests do not have comparable accuracy between the two species, and the RB51 vaccine does not adequately protect against infection in water buffalo. The water buffalo in Trinidad may also be more resistant to infection than cattle. Development of effective vaccination protocols is key to control disease in Buffalypso in Trinidad, and prohibitions on import of virulent B. abortus strains for vaccine efficacy studies has impeded progress in this area. These Trinidadian strains are of variable virulence; some might be effective for challenge in vaccine efficacy studies, while other, of lower virulence, may be vaccine candidates for use in water buffalo.The Campus Research Funds Committee, St. Augustine.http://www.springerlink.com/content/0049-4747ab201

Hepatic glucose uptake and disposition during short-term high-fat vs. high-fructose feeding

In dogs consuming a high-fat and -fructose diet (52 and 17% of total energy, respectively) for 4 wk, hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) in response to hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and portal glucose delivery is markedly blunted with reduction in glucokinase (GK) protein and glycogen synthase (GS) activity. The present study compared the impact of selective increases in dietary fat and fructose on liver glucose metabolism. Dogs consumed weight-maintaining chow (CTR) or hypercaloric high-fat (HFA) or high-fructose (HFR) diets diet for 4 wk before undergoing clamp studies with infusion of somatostatin and intraportal insulin (3–4 times basal) and glucagon (basal). The hepatic glucose load (HGL) was doubled during the clamp using peripheral vein (Pe) glucose infusion in the first 90 min (P1) and portal vein (4 mg·kg−1·min−1) plus Pe glucose infusion during the final 90 min (P2). During P2, HGU was 2.8 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.2, and 0.8 ± 0.2 mg·kg−1·min−1 in CTR, HFA, and HFR, respectively (P < 0.05 for HFA and HFR vs. CTR). Compared with CTR, hepatic GK protein and catalytic activity were reduced (P < 0.05) 35 and 56%, respectively, in HFA, and 53 and 74%, respectively, in HFR. Liver glycogen concentrations were 20 and 38% lower in HFA and HFR than CTR (P < 0.05). Hepatic Akt phosphorylation was decreased (P < 0.05) in HFA (21%) but not HFR. Thus, HFR impaired hepatic GK and glycogen more than HFA, whereas HFA reduced insulin signaling more than HFR. HFA and HFR effects were not additive, suggesting that they act via the same mechanism or their effects converge at a saturable step