Grain Size Analysis of Massie’s Creek Near Flax Pond and Community Park

The goal of this research is to better understand the stream bed conditions at the confluence of North Fork and South Fork Massie’s Creek next to Community Park in downtown Cedarville, OH. Stream depth as well as sediment type where determined as a result of field work done for this project. The depth data was then used to create a contour map of the pool behind the low-head dam that defines the lower boundary of the confluence area. Sediment distribution is represented on this map based on laboratory particle size analysis and gross piratical size analysis done in the field. Field data was gathered in three separate trips in late 2017 and early 2018. Depth data was gathered during the first trip and sediment samples were gathered during the latter two trips. Each data point has a corresponding GPS coordinate. A total of 162 depth measurements and 27 sediment samples were taken. Only 9 of the sediment sample were eligible to do a course grain particle analysis by sieving. The goal of this process was to see how much sample was retained on the No. 40 sieve. No tests were run to characterize the fine material. The contour map was created using a program called Surfer 8 while the sediment distribution was manually placed on the map by hand. The data shows that a majority of the creek bottom is made up of carbonate mud with deeper areas consisting of boulders and cobble resting on bedrock. Leaf material makes up most of the bottom around the are by South Fork Massie’s Creek. This data gives authorities better insight that can be used to regarding decisions on how to maintain this area. In addition, the study gives a better understanding of how sediment is distributed where the two streams enter the study area

Implementing a Human Resources Competency-Based Model: An Actor Network-Perspective

This paper draws on a qualitative study informed by Actor-Network Theory (ANT). A socio-technical perspective is presented to describe how humans and non-human actors are attempted to be enrolled during a Human Resources Competency-Based Model (HRCBM) Implementation in a multi-campus University System in Mexico. The Project Implementation (PI) is seen as continuous processes of negotiation with and enrollment of relevant actors during the project trajectory. It includes insights from 17 semi-structured interviews with actors involved in the project. The paper shows how an actor-network was created, expanded and maintained. To strengthen the network stability, different strategies were developed and implemented by the core implementation team. But other issues suggested by ANT contributed to slow down the implementation process: some omissions made by the core team during the problematization stage, the failure to fully enroll relevant actors and the existence of a competing network. This approach can help researchers to better understand how to apply ANT concepts to study socio-technical situations such as a Project Implementation

3D Heart Model for Mapping RF Ablation Sites

Electro-Cardiologists routinely insert radiofrequency probes into the heart and conduct targeted ablation procedures to correct irregular heartbeats. Current techniques are very experience and “touch” based, and require the novice cardiologist about 50 procedures to become proficient. There is a need for a functional heart model device that can be used to reduce the amount of procedures on human patients before cardiologist become proficient. Project constraints included limited software availability for segmenting accuracy, available 3D printing technology and materials, and cost to 3D print heart models due to the complex geometry. The team began with a CT scan, ITK SNAP and MIMICS segmenting software, but the heart models appeared inaccurate and were filled with holes after segmenting. The team then downloaded an accurate heart model from an open source site and printed the model in thermoplastic material using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. Metal nodes were placed throughout the heart model, which act as points the cardiologists can practice navigating the catheter to. Attached to these nodes is a circuit board which uses LEDs to display when the cardiologist correctly touches the desired node. There is not a model currently on the market that would help cardiologists become proficient with RF ablation; therefore this model will increase the safety of human patients during a RF ablation procedure.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/capstone/1123/thumbnail.jp

Evaluating parent comprehension of measurement error information presented in score reports

Individual-student score reports sometimes include information about precision of scores (i.e., measurement error). In this study, we specifically investigated if parents understand this information when presented. We conducted an online experimental study where 196 parents of middle school children, from various parts of the country, were randomly assigned to three conditions with different amounts of measurement error information. Parents in all conditions answered a series of comprehension questions about a student’s performance on a hypothetical test. Results indicate that when information about error was presented, parents showed a significantly better understanding of score variability. Moreover, when asked about their preference for such information, parents across all three conditions indicated that they would like such information to be included in their child’s report. Results from this study highlight the importance of clear communication of technical information to stakeholders, particularly parents, who are a diverse stakeholder group

Performance of Plate Type Heat Exchanger as Ammonia Condenser

In this study, I experimentally analyzed the performance of a commercial semi-welded plate type heat exchanger (PHE) for use with ammonia systems. I determined performance parameters such as overall heat transfer coefficient, capacity, and pressure drop of the semi-welded PHE. This was analyzed by varying different parameters which demonstrated changes in overall heat transfer coefficient, capacity, and pressure drop. Both water and ammonia flow rates to the semi-welded PHE were varied independently, and analyzed in order to understand how changes in flow rates affected performance. Inlet water temperature was also varied, in order to understand how raising condenser water inlet temperature would affect performance. Finally, pressure drop was monitored to better understand the performance limitations of the semi-welded PHE. Testing of the semi-welded will give insight as to the performance of the semi-welded PHE in a potential ocean thermal energy conversion system, and whether the semi-welded PHE is a viable choice for use as an ammonia condenser

COVID-19 Teaching and Learning Survey

This report presents descriptive results and open-ended comments from a survey of Ohio State faculty, undergraduate students, and graduate/professional students regarding their experiences with teaching and learning during the emergency transition to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020

Alcohol Intake and Risk of Incident Melanoma

Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of numerous cancers, but has not been definitively associated with risk of melanoma. We used prospectively gathered data from three large cohorts to investigate whether alcohol intake is associated with risk of invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model to calculate multivariate-adjusted risk ratios. 1,496 cases of invasive melanoma and 870 cases of melanoma in situ were documented during 4,236,166 person-years of follow-up. Pooled analysis of all cohorts demonstrated an association between total alcohol intake and incidence of both invasive melanoma (RR 1.14†, 95% CI: 1.02-1.27, p trend =0.02) and melanoma in situ (RR 1.40†, 95% CI: 1.19-1.64, p trend <0.01). White wine consumption was associated with an additional increase in risk of invasive melanoma (RR 1.14†, 95% CI: 1.05- 1.25, p trend <0.01) and melanoma in situ (RR 1.17†, 95% CI: 1.03-1.33, p trend =0.02) even after adjusting for total alcohol consumption. Our findings indicate that overall alcohol intake is associated with a modest increase in the risk of incident melanoma, and that white wine may be associated with additional increased risk independent of its ethanol content. †Per drink per da