Experimental Shock Decomposition of Siderite and the Origin of Magnetite in Martian Meteorite ALH84001

Shock recovery experiments to determine whether magnetite could be produced by the decomposition of iron-carbonate were initiated. Naturally occurring siderite was first characterized by electron microprobe (EMP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mossbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements to be sure that the starting material did not contain detectable magnetite. Samples were shocked in tungsten-alloy holders (W=90%, Ni=6%, Cu=4%) to further insure that any iron phases in the shock products were contributed by the siderite rather than the sample holder. Each sample was shocked to a specific pressure between 30 to 49 GPa. Previously reported results of TEM analyses on 49 GPa experiments indicated the presence of nano-phase spinel-structured iron oxide. Transformation of siderite to magnetite as characterized by TEM was found in the 49 GPa shock experiment. Compositions of most magnetites are greater than 50% Fe sup(+2) in the octahedral site of the inverse spinel structure. Magnetites produced in shock experiments display the same range of single-domain, superparamagnetic sizes (approx. 50 100 nm), compositions (100% magnetite to 80% magnetite-20% magnesioferrite), and morphologies (equant, elongated, euhedral to subhedral) as magnetites synthesized by Golden et al. (2001) or magnetites grown naturally by MV1 magnetotactic bacteria, and as the magnetites in Martian meteorite ALH84001. Fritz et al. (2005) previously concluded that ALH84001 experienced approx. 32 GPa pressure and a resultant thermal pulse of approx. 100 - 110 C. However, ALH84001 contains evidence of local temperature excursions high enough to 1 melt feldspar, pyroxene, and a silica-rich phase. This 49 GPa experiment demonstrates that magnetite can be produced by the shock decomposition of siderite as a result of local heating to greater than 470 C. Therefore, magnetite in the rims of carbonates in Martian meteorite ALH84001 could be a product of shock devolatilization of siderite as well

Mathematical models assessing the importance of disease on ecological invasions

A general understanding of the role that both shared disease and competition may play in ecological invasions is lacking. We develop a theoretical framework to determine the role of disease, in addition to competition, in invasions. We first investigate the e ect of disease characteristics on the replacement time of a native species by an invader. The outcome is critically dependent on the relative e ects that the disease has on the two species and less dependent on the basic epidemiological characteristics of the interaction. This framework is extended to investigate the e ect of disease on the spatial spread of an invader and indicates that a wave of disease spreads through a native population in advance of the replacement. A probabilistic simulation model is developed to examine the particular example of the replacement of red squirrels by grey squirrels in the United Kingdom. This model is used to examine conservation strategies employed within red squirrel refuges and compared to observations from Sefton Coast Red Squirrel Refuge. Our findings indicate that culling greys may be e ective at protecting red populations from replacement, but none of the conservation strategies currently employed can prevent periodic outbreaks of infection within red squirrel refuges.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC

Problems in Administration of Mount Zion School

The purpose of this study is to show how Mount Zion School has Helped to Solve the Problems of Mount Zion Community. The sources of data for this study came from the written records of Mount Zion Schools, records in County Superintendent\u27s Office of Houston County, and the writer\u27s own activities while working in the Mount Zion School and community. The following methods of procedure were used in collecting data: A review of records and activities in Mount Zion School and community, interviews with several of the citizens of Mount Zion Community, interviews with the County Superintendent of Houston County, and a critical review of the writer\u27s own activities as Principal of the Mount Zion School for the past thirteen (13) years

Use of very high resolution climate model data for hydrological modelling in southern Britain

Previous work driving hydrological models directly with data from regional climate models (RCMs) used data on an approximately 25x25km grid, which generally required some form of further downscaling before use by hydrological models. Recently, higher resolution data have become available from a NERC Changing Water Cycle project, CONVEX. As part of that project the Met Office Hadley Centre has run a very high resolution (1.5km) RCM, nested in a 12km RCM driven by ERA-Interim boundary conditions (1989-2008). They have also run baseline and future climate scenarios, nesting the RCMs in a global climate model. The 12km RCM runs cover Europe, while the 1.5km RCM runs only cover southern Britain

New petrographic and trace element data on thermally metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites

Mineral grains and matrix of heated chondrites Yamato (Y)-82162,Belgica (B)-7904,Y-86720,and Asuka (A)-881655 were examined for major elements and, where appropriate, phyllosilicate and matrix samples were characterized by TEM. CM chondrites A-881655 and B-7904 were only partially aqueously altered before thermal metamorphism initiated dehydration and recrystallization. Tochilinite is absent in both A-881655 and B-7904 probably due to mild thermal metamorphism. Phyllosilicates in B-7904 are dehydrated but not completely recrystallized to olivine and pyroxene. Y-86720 experienced a history very different from other CM chondrites : its chondrules and other coarse-grained components were completely altered by aqueous fluids. Fine-grained olivine was subsequently replaced during an episode of thermal metamorphism producing compositions near Fo_ and complete destruction of serpentine occurred. Y-82162 comes from a CI parent and is characterized by complete destruction of preexisting anhydrous silicates during aqueous alteration. Subsequent heating at 600-700℃ resulted in dehydration of phyllosilicates. The matrix contains abundant fine-grained olivine which would not likely survive the original aqueous alteration and therefore must have been formed by phyllosilicate metamorphism. Alternating episodes of oxidation and sulfidization following aqueous alteration are evident in all but Y-86720. Either Y-86720 escaped an oxidizing event or effects of such an event were obliterated by later sulfidization. Based on RNAA data for thermally mobile trace elements in them and in Murchison CM2 samples heated for one week at 500°, 600°, and 700℃ under conditions reasonable for interiors of primitive parent bodies, the four thermally metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites can be ordered by the severity of open-system heating as 500°&le;A-881655<B-7904<Y-82162<Y-86720&le;700℃. Petrographic studies of these meteorites indicate that each bears the signature of a unique sequence of oxidation/reduction/hydration episodes followed by a late stage thermal metamorphic event which occurred in an asteroidal setting, on at least two separate asteroids (the CM and CI parent bodies). Thermal alterations in these meteorites can be used to identify other carbonaceous chondrites that experienced thermal metamorphism in their parent bodies. Interestingly, all thermally metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites identified to date were found in Antarctica, mainly in Queen Maud Land, and none are observed falls. Apparently, carbonaceous chondrite parent sources sampled in near-Earth space in the past, differ from those being sampled by the Earth today

Evidence-Based Nursing Practice in Local Public Health

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which public health nursing in Michigan local health departments (LHDs) has based services and programs on research and other evidence. Method: The study was conducted using a descriptive survey design. The sample was composed of the 45 chief administrators of public health nursing services in each of the 45 Michigan LHDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Narrative answers to open-ended items were examined to determine patterns. Findings: Thirty-six (80%) of the chief nursing administrators of the LHDs responded to the survey. Of these nursing administrators, 28 (77.8%) reported using evidence. Two administrators provided a specific process for incorporating evidence into practice, and six administrators reported that a person(s) was responsible for ensuring evidence-based practice (EBP). Conclusions: While a majority of chief nursing administrators in Michigan LHDs indicated that the agency used evidence to support at least some of the nursing services, and programs provided by the agency, the extent of EBP varied across health departments. Most LHDs appeared to be in Roger\u27s (1995) first stage of implementing EBP, indicating that there is a need in Michigan LHDs to advance from abstract acknowledgment (knowledge) of innovation to incorporation of the innovation into action plans that guide practice. Suggestions for translating evidence into public health nursing practice are provided

Development and Evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy delivered by Psychologists and Non-Psychologists in an NHS Community Adult Mental Health Service: A Preliminary Analysis.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective for depression and may be useful for complex transdiagnostic clients. Aims: To conduct a preliminary evaluation whether ACT is feasible and effective when delivered by psychologists and non-psychologists for complex clients in a National Health Service (NHS) community mental health service for adults. Method: Staff were trained in ACT and conducted one-to-one therapy with clients. Measures on general mental health, depression, fusion and values were given pre-therapy post-therapy and at three month follow-up. Results: Standardised measures showed significant improvements post-therapy for global mental health, depression, cognitive fusion and values post-treatment. These were partially maintained at follow-up and remained after an intent-to-treat analysis. There were no differences in outcomes between psychologists and non-psychologists, Conclusions: ACT may be delivered effectively with limited training for complex cases in secondary care, though further research is needed

Technology enhanced learning environments in higher education: A cross-discipline study on teacher and student perceptions

Teacher and student perceptions of using technology enhanced learning (TEL) in higher education have received growing attention, particularly during COVID-19, however existing studies are mainly discipline-specific. This study adopts a holistic cross-disciplinary approach. It compares teacher and student perceptions on defining TEL, promotors and barriers for its use, and solutions offered for better use of TEL in the future. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from an Australian university. A total of 75 teachers and 48 students completed an online survey, and of these participants, 24 teachers and 29 students participated in follow-up focus group interviews that included Kahoot! surveys. Quantitative results show that teacher and student perceptions on TEL were generally aligned except that self-reported technology savviness and confidence was rated higher than how students and staff rated each other. Qualitative analyses reveal that both teachers and students identified the main promoters for TEL as being: modern and expected in higher education, while being equalising, efficient, engaging, authentic, collaborative and flexible. The common barriers for using TEL were identified as fear, time, organisational culture, knowledge and technical/support issues, along with the perceived pitfalls of distraction, and superficial student learning. Solutions offered for TEL in the future from staff focused on the institution and a desire for strategic, pedagogical and holistic approaches, while students focussed on the accessibility, flexibility and collaborative potential of TEL. This cross-discipline pre-COVID-19 study of TEL perceptions offered by teachers and students has contributed to knowledge in this area by identifying barriers and solutions for TEL common to all disciplines that have the potential to be applied to whole of institution strategic approaches for the more effective use of TEL in teaching and learning in higher education. Student accessibility to TEL and the development of pedagogically sound digital learning resources bringing together educational developers and discipline experts are of particular relevance during and post-COVID-19

Current practices in spatial analysis of cancer data: mapping health statistics to inform policymakers and the public

BACKGROUND: To communicate population-based cancer statistics, cancer researchers have a long tradition of presenting data in a spatial representation, or map. Historically, health data were presented in printed atlases in which the map producer selected the content and format. The availability of geographic information systems (GIS) with comprehensive mapping and spatial analysis capability for desktop and Internet mapping has greatly expanded the number of producers and consumers of health maps, including policymakers and the public. Because health maps, particularly ones that show elevated cancer rates, historically have raised public concerns, it is essential that these maps be designed to be accurate, clear, and interpretable for the broad range of users who may view them. This article focuses on designing maps to communicate effectively. It is based on years of research into the use of health maps for communicating among public health researchers. RESULTS: The basics for designing maps that communicate effectively are similar to the basics for any mode of communication. Tasks include deciding on the purpose, knowing the audience and its characteristics, choosing a media suitable for both the purpose and the audience, and finally testing the map design to ensure that it suits the purpose with the intended audience, and communicates accurately and effectively. Special considerations for health maps include ensuring confidentiality and reflecting the uncertainty of small area statistics. Statistical maps need to be based on sound practices and principles developed by the statistical and cartographic communities. CONCLUSION: The biggest challenge is to ensure that maps of health statistics inform without misinforming. Advances in the sciences of cartography, statistics, and visualization of spatial data are constantly expanding the toolkit available to mapmakers to meet this challenge. Asking potential users to answer questions or to talk about what they see is still the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific map design