New Variables for Classical and Quantum Gravity in all Dimensions IV. Matter Coupling

We employ the techniques introduced in the companion papers to derive a connection formulation of Lorentzian General Relativity coupled to Dirac fermions in dimensions D+1 > 2 with compact gauge group. The technique that accomplishes that is similar to the one that has been introduced in 3+1 dimensions already: First one performs a canonical analysis of Lorentzian General Relativity using the time gauge and then introduces an extension of the phase space analogous to the one employed in the first paper of this series to obtain a connection theory with SO(D+1) as the internal gauge group subject to additional constraints. The success of this method rests heavily on the strong similarity of the Lorentzian and Euclidean Clifford algebras. A quantisation of the Hamiltonian constraint is provided.Comment: 13 pages. v2: Journal version. Minor clarification

Small scale lateral superlattices in two-dimensional electron gases prepared by diblock copolymer masks

A poly(styrene-block-methylmethacrylate) diblock copolymer in the hexagonal cylindrical phase has been used as a mask for preparing a periodic gate on top of a Ga[Al]As-heterostructure. A superlattice period of 43 nm could be imposed onto the two-dimensional electron gas. Transport measurements show a characteristic positive magnetoresistance around zero magnetic field which we interpret as a signature of electron motion guided by the superlattice potential.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figure

Evaluation of Non-Chemical Re-Grassing Methods to Transition Lawns to Low Maintenance Turfgrass Species and Reduce Weed Populations

Lawns comprise the greatest single land use other than forests in New York State.  While lawns are clearly valued for their visual appeal as well as their function in urban areas, many now desire a lawn that takes less time and money, and uses less fertilizer and pesticides.  The most effective means of achieving this shift to lower maintenance strategies is to re-grass a lawn with lower input turf species.  This project compared chemical and non-chemical methods of doing so with equipment and materials that are reasonable, affordable, and readily available in the consumer market.  In this study, the most effective method of re-grassing was to seed in early September, following treatment with Round-Up to kill existing vegetation.  Establishment was equally effective whether seed was introduced by slit seeding or broadcasting, which suggests specialized equipment is not necessary for successful establishment.  Scalping did not provide adequate weed control, most likely because it was not severe enough.  The clove oil product was not effective against perennial weeds present in the study area, and weeds returned before grass could establish.  Multiple applications may be necessary for adequate control

Massive transfusion in relation to obstetric hemorrhage : with special attention to placenta accreta

The overall purpose of this thesis was to assess risk factors, incidences, and complications of massive blood transfusions in relation to obstetric hemorrhage postpartum. Obstetric hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion postpartum has recently shown an increasing trend in many high resource countries. Massive transfusion, defined as more than 10 units of RBC within 24 hours is well described in surgery and trauma care, however little is known about its occurrence and risk factors in obstetric patients. Most blood transfusions are safe and necessary, but there are potential complications, including transfusion reactions, transfusion transmitted infections, and post transfusion thrombosis, which have to be taken into consideration when choosing between blood transfusion and other alternatives. The increasing rate of cesarean deliveries since the 1970’s, has contributed to complications in sequential pregnancies. One of the more severe complications is abnormally invasive placenta, a condition with a high risk of requiring massive blood transfusion and peripartum hysterectomy. In Study 1, the incidence, risk factors, and rate of antenatal detection of abnormally invasive placenta in the Nordic countries were investigated. The study was conducted as a Nordic collaboration from 2009 to 2012, and included 605,000 deliveries. Cases of abnormally invasive placenta were reported on a monthly basis directly from maternity wards, and were complemented with data from the National Health Registries to confirm or to identify missing cases. In total, 205 cases of invasive placentas associated with a laparotomy were identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.4 per 10,000 deliveries. Major risk factors were placenta previa (OR = 290) and prior cesarean section (OR = 7). Only one third of the cases identified as invasive placentas were detected antenatally, and among those cases not detected, more than one third had had a prior cesarean section. Study 2 was a retrospective population-based cohort study investigating risk factors, incidence, and trends over time for massive blood transfusion in women who gave birth in the County of Stockholm between 1990 and 2011. Data from the Medical Birth Registry was cross-linked to the Stockholm Transfusion Database. Massive transfusion was defined as transfusion of >10 units of red blood cells from time of partus through the next day. Altogether 517,874 pregnancies were included. The study found the incidence of massive transfusion to be 5.3 per 10,000 deliveries and showed an increasing trend over time. Major antenatal risk factors were abnormal placentation (OR = 41) and prior cesarean section (OR = 4). Study 3 was a retrospective cohort study investigating whether postpartum hemorrhage and red blood transfusion are significant and independent major risk factors for venous thromboembolism postpartum. Women who gave birth between 1999 and 2002 in the Stockholm region were included in the study. A time period before the implementation of national thromboprophylaxis guidelines was chosen. Data from the Medical Birth Registry was linked to the transfusion database and to the National Discharge Registry. Among 82,376 deliveries 56 cases of venous thromboembolism were identified. The study found transfusion of red blood cells postpartum (OR = 5) - but not postpartum hemorrhage without blood transfusion - to be a significant major risk factor for venous thromboembolism postpartum. In Study 4 the aim was to assess the risk of transfusion reactions in women receiving postpartum blood transfusion. This populations based cohort study is based on the same cohort as Study 2. Data on pregnancies from the Medical Birth Registry was linked to the Stockholm Transfusion Database. Women with postpartum blood transfusion and a transfusion reaction within seven days from partus were identified. The study found a twofold increased risk (OR = 2.0) of a transfusion reaction in women postpartum compared to non-pregnant women receiving a blood transfusion. Among all women who had a blood transfusion postpartum, women with preeclampsia were twice as likely to have a transfusion reaction. In summary, abnormally invasive placenta occurs in 3.4 out of 10,000 deliveries and is the major risk factor for massive blood transfusion postpartum. A reduction in the rate of cesarean deliveries might be the best way to lower the incidence of both invasive placenta and massive blood transfusion postpartum. A focused ultrasound in pregnant women with a placenta previa or a low-lying placenta covering the scar of a previous cesarean section might improve antenatal detection of abnormally invasive placentas and allow better planning for delivery, thereby reducing maternal morbidity in those complicated pregnancies. Postpartum blood transfusion and especially massive blood transfusion are independent major risk factors for postpartum thromboembolism. As such, they should be implemented in the Swedish thromboprophylactic guidelines during pregnancy. The risk of transfusion reactions in women during pregnancy seems to be increased, especially in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Therefore, a heightened attention is recommended to women with preeclampsia when a blood transfusion is to be administrated

The Language of Movies: Using Film to Teach Visual Literacy in the EFL Classroom

Movies are an authentic and motivating resource for language instruction. They are also often viewed as a pacifier or a piece of candy in the classroom. This capstone aims to address the best practices for incorporating film into the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom in order to teach critical 21st century skills such as visual literacy. A series of content-based lessons have been designed to promote critical thinking skills while simultaneously developing film and media literacy. This five-unit curriculum contains a series of edited film clips, PowerPoint slides, and supporting documents for EFL professionals who are looking to incorporate new literacies into their classrooms

The Broadband Impact: Asymmetric Regulations Restrict Growth

Though the growth of broadband has increased dramatically in the last decade, asymmetric government regulations are impeding its continued growth. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has placed additional regulations on advanced telecommunications capability services (broadband). This report will show that asymmetric government regulations have limited the future growth of broadband by local exchange carriers (LECs1). Broadband technology has had a significant impact on today\u27s Internet culture because it has changed the way that we work and use the Internet as a means for communicating. Most of the broadband regulations only apply to the telephone incumbents as compared to cable, satellite, and wireless. The contrasting (asymmetric) regulatory treatment of these services harms consumers, contributing to higher prices, and in many cases denying them a choice of provider. It is the intention of this thesis to show how asymmetric regulation has slowed further broadband growth with regards to incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) last mile 2 connectivity to consumers. There are changes needed to current policies that would encourage growth. These guidelines will stimulate competition, promote capital spending on new broadband technologies, and allow for additional capital expenditure by the ILECs within broadband. Congress and the FCC should equalize the regulation of broadband service providers so consumers can obtain the benefits of free and open competition

Late Season Fertility to Reduce Incidence and Severity of Snow Mold and Improve Spring Turfgrass Performance

This two-year study has confirmed some initial observations associated with increased potassium fertilization from previous potassium research at Cornell University

Using Evidence to Address Psychosocial Impairments Post-Stroke: A Guide for Occupational Therapy

Introduction: Following a stroke, individuals experience a wide variety of physical and psychosocial impairments. While physical impairments are commonly given attention by medical practitioners, psychosocial impairments are often overlooked or undiagnosed. (Hildebrand, 2015). Unfortunately, the same is true in occupational therapy, where physical and psychosocial issues have not been receiving the same amount of attention, physical issues being addressed far more than psychosocial issues (Gillen, 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide occupational therapists a guide to use of current evidence-based assessments and interventions to address psychosocial impairments following stroke. The guide focuses on evidence-based assessments, and interventions appropriate to a wide variety of occupational therapy settings. Methodology: The review of the literature supported the need for a therapy guide translating current research literature for occupational therapists to address interventions and assessments specific to psychosocial impairments post-stroke. The Model of Human Occupation’s six steps of therapeutic reasoning were selected to structure the guide and emphasize the need to consider the individual as a collaborator in the intervention process. Results: The product includes assessments and evidence based interventions that therapists can use throughout the therapeutic reasoning process. The guide focuses on evidence based assessments that can be used by occupational therapists to assess common psychosocial issues that occur after a patient experiences a stroke. The interventions included in this guide have been published in the Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults with Stroke (Wolf & Nilsen, 2015). These interventions came from the work of Mary Hildebrand’s (2014), Effectiveness of Interventions for Adults With Psychosocial or Emotional Impairment After Stroke: An Evidence-Based Review. This guide, including assessment and interventions, is guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), specifically, MOHO’s 6 steps of therapeutic reasoning. Conclusions & Significance: A product has been created to guide occupational therapists through the therapeutic process in order to encourage treatment of not only physical but also psychosocial impairments that accompany a stroke. A potential limitation for this product is that the interventions included are evidence based and have been tested by researchers in the past outside of the profession of occupational therapy. The product does not offer interventions that may be effective but just have not yet been tested in research. Future improvements to this product could include testing the specific evidence-based interventions in the profession of occupational therapy. Further, other intervention options that are not yet considered evidence-based can be tested and added to the product in order to increase options for clients and therapists