1,105 research outputs found
The Theoretical Application and Comparison of the Olfactory Sensory Organs in Swine vs Canines for Accelerant and Explosives Detection
Swine may be able to work alongside scent detection canines, or replace them completely, in the scent detection field. Miniature pigs are the focus of this study since their larger counterparts can cause damage to potential evidence and to the scene itself. Ignitable Liquid Residues (ILRs) are searched for in post-fire conditions, and unconsumed explosives are searched for in major transportation hubs. Swine have more functional olfactory genes and less pseudogenes than humans, canines, and mice. Swine also have a highly functioning and exceedingly organized olfactory system. Swine are social creatures, which allows them to bond with a distinct handler. Their memorization skills show they can follow basic commands and learn tasks quickly. Swine can be trained in much the same way as canines are currently being trained for scent detection of accelerants and unconsumed explosives. Swine are receptive to play rewards, but work much harder for a sweet treat, like apples and other fruit. Much of the research done with swine was for barnyard/livestock application. Due to this, there was not enough pre-existing research to conclusively state whether or not swine have more superior odorant detection capabilities over canines in a working capacity, although both systems far surpass that of a human
Eastern Kentucky University\u27s Program of Distinction: Highlighting Research within the Colege of Justice and Safety
Posters at the Capitol 2016-2017 Abstract
University: Eastern Kentucky University – College of Justice & Safety
Program: Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation
Student Presenters: Kayla Tunajek and Naomi Sigler
Faculty Mentor: Paul Grant
Title: Eastern Kentucky University’s Program of Distinction: Highlighting Research within the College of Justice and Safety
Keywords: Program of Distinction; Eastern Kentucky University; fire programs; research projects; student opportunities.
ABSTRACT
This project is intended to represent the Program of Distinction at EKU. The fire program at Eastern provides students several unique majors and encourages students to do research within their respective fields. This research is then presented at numerous conferences throughout the United States. Some of the hosts include, but are not limited to, the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) and the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). By presenting research at these and other fire related forums, students are showcased to potential employers, the heads of various committees, and given countless networking opportunities.
This research highlights each of the three fire programs offered at EKU and elaborates on what type of careers the students will have once they graduate. This poster will then give examples of previous, and current, students’ individual research projects. Topics which have been covered include fire pattern analysis, the use of 3D modelling, using pigs for accelerant/explosion detection, and how to rule out an outlet as the cause of a fire. Cutting edge research distinguishes the College of Justice and Safety as an invaluable asset to higher education in Kentucky
Gaseous elemental and reactive mercury in Southern New Hampshire
We conducted measurements of Hg<sup>0</sup> and RGM at two inland sites, Thompson Farm (TF) and Pac Monadnock (PM), and a marine site (Appledore Island (AI)) from the UNH AIRMAP observing network in New Hampshire in 2007. Measurements of other important trace gases and meteorological variables were used to help understand influences on the atmospheric Hg budget in New England. Seasonal variation in both species observed at TF and PM is attributable to such factors as seasonal variation in deposition strength, meteorological conditions and biogenic emissions. Hg<sup>0</sup> and RGM varied diurnally at TF, particularly in spring, following the trend in air temperature and <i>j</i>NO<sub>2</sub> and suggesting photochemical production of RGM. The diurnal patterns of Hg<sup>0</sup> and RGM at AI during summer were nearly opposite in phase, with Hg<sup>0</sup> decreasing through late afternoon, suggesting more significant photochemical oxidation of Hg<sup>0</sup> to RGM in the marine environment, likely due to the presence of marine halogen compounds. A significant relationship of RGM with SO<sub>2</sub> at TF suggests a strong contribution of RGM from anthropogenic sources. Significant levels of halogen compounds measured at TF in previous studies, as well as similar Hg<sup>0</sup> levels and Hg<sup>0</sup>-CO ratios at TF and AI may suggest that similar air masses are prevalent at these sites
Transvenous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale: Preliminary Results with a New Self-Expanding Nitinol Wire Mesh in a Swine Model
Objectives. The transvascular closure of patent
foramen ovale (PFO) with self-expanding devices carries the risk
of left atrial thrombus formation related to material protruding
into the left atrium. Thus, we developed a novel device with flat
left atrial disc geometry. We evaluated feasibility, handling, and
biocompatibility in a porcine animal model.
Methods. Implantation of an Occlutech Figulla PFO
device was performed in 10 mini pigs using fluoroscopy and
intra-cardiac ultrasound after transseptal puncture of the
interatrial septum. Angiographic follow-up was performed after six
and twelve weeks. Results. Implantation was
successful in 100%. There were no further implant related
complications. One procedure related death occurred, as one animal
died of ventricular tachycardia due to mispunture of the
interatrial septum. Angiographic studies showed no residual shunt
during follow-up. Histopathological evaluation could demonstrate
partial neoendothelialization after 6 weeks with completion after
12 weeks. The devices were incorporated into connective tissue
containing fibro muscular cells. An only mild inflammatory
reaction was detected locally related to the polyester fibers.
Conclusion. In terms of feasibility and handling,
the new device does not seem to be inferior to other presently
used implantation systems. Good biocompatibility was demonstrated
with rapid and complete neoendothelialization
Oceanic influence on atmospheric mercury at coastal and inland sites: a springtime noreaster in New England
Continuous measurements of elemental (Hg<sup>0</sup>) and reactive mercury were conducted at two sites in New Hampshire during a powerful April 2007 noreaster. During the most intense period of the storm, enhancements of ~30–50 ppqv in Hg<sup>0</sup> were observed at a coastal and a high elevation inland site. This enhancement occurred simultaneously with elevated mixing ratios of three marine tracers, CH<sub>3</sub>I, CH<sub>2</sub>Br<sub>2</sub> and CHBr<sub>3</sub>. These observations suggest a marine source of Hg<sup>0</sup>, possibly outgassing from the ocean surface during strong turbulence. The Hg<sup>0</sup> enhancement observed 100 km inland suggests that the impact of coastal storms on terrestrial Hg cycling may not be limited to near-shore environments. Combining Hg<sup>0</sup> and marine tracer measurements during the storm with estimates of oceanic tracer fluxes during previous strong storms yields an order-of-magnitude estimate of the oceanic source of Hg<sup>0</sup> during the storm (~7 ppqv h<sup>&minus;1</sup>) which can account for the observed enhancement at the field sites
The Theoretical Application and Comparison of the Olfactory Sensory Organs in Swine vs Canines for Accelerant and Explosives Detection
Swine may be able to work alongside scent detection canines, or replace them completely, in the scent detection field. Miniature pigs are the focus of this study since their larger counterparts can cause damage to potential evidence and to the scene itself. Ignitable Liquid Residues (ILRs) are searched for in post-fire conditions, and unconsumed explosives are searched for in major transportation hubs. Swine have more functional olfactory genes and less pseudogenes than humans, canines, and mice. Swine also have a highly functioning and exceedingly organized olfactory system. Swine are social creatures, which allows them to bond with a distinct handler. Their memorization skills show they can follow basic commands and learn tasks quickly. Swine can be trained in much the same way as canines are currently being trained for scent detection of accelerants and unconsumed explosives. Swine are receptive to play rewards, but work much harder for a sweet treat, like apples and other fruit. Much of the research done with swine was for barnyard/livestock application. Due to this, there was not enough pre-existing research to conclusively state whether or not swine have more superior odorant detection capabilities over canines in a working capacity, although both systems far surpass that of a human
Consumer Bankruptcy Panel: Bringing Relevance Back to Consumer Bankruptcy
Conversations on the consumer panel centered around the relevance of bankruptcy for the average consumer and how the system could be improved. The bulk of this panel discussed the notion that the Bankruptcy Code, when drafted, did not effectively cover many of issues faced by the average consumer today. The astronomical increases in student loan debt, credit card debt, mortgages, and car payments are some of the key issues discussed
Stenting of native right ventricular outflow tract obstructions in symptomatic infants: histological work-up of explanted specimen
BACKGROUND
Stenting of stenotic right ventricular outflow tract is a palliative measure for severely impaired small babies with Tetralogy of Fallot or similar pathologies. Little is known about the histopathological fate of the stents in the right ventricular outflow tract.
METHODS
Eight samples of surgically removed right ventricular outflow tract stents were histologically analysed according to a predefined protocol.
RESULTS
The most frequent diagnosis was Tetralogy of Fallot in four patients, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect in two patients, double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary obstruction in one patient, and muscular obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract in one patient with a syndromic disease with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Stents mean implantation duration was 444 days ranging from 105 to 1117 days (median 305.5 days). Histology revealed a variable degree of pseudointima formation consisting of fibromuscular cells surrounded by extracellular matrix. Four of the specimen contained adjacent myocardial tissue fragments, which showed regressive changes. Neither myocardium nor pseudointima tissue or tissue parts locally related to stent struts were infiltrated by inflammatory cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Histological analysis after explantation of early-in-life implanted right ventricular outflow tract stents revealed predominantly pronounced neo-intimal proliferation with a visible endothelial layer, no signs of inflammation, and no prolapse of muscular tissue through the stent struts. Thus, implantation of stents in early life seems to interfere little with the hosts' immune system and might help to open up the right ventricular outflow tract by mechanical forces and regressive changes in adjacent muscular tissue
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