Clarinet Studio Recital

Clarinet Studio RecitalDaniel Stipe, pianoWednesday, October 13, 2021 7pmSonia Vlahcevic Concert HallW.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts922 Park AvenueRichmond, Va

High Tunnel Strawberry Production for Early Spring Harvest

Utah State University Extension researchers have developed two systems for high tunnel strawberry production. This fact sheet details a fall-planted, spring-harvested system

High Tunnel Strawberry Production for Late Fall Harvest

Utah State University Extension researchers have developed two systems for high tunnel strawberry production. This fact sheet details an early spring-planted, fall-harvested system

Barefoot versus Shod Training: Effects on Navicular Drop and Foot Pressure Analysis

Background and Purpose: Running is a popular form of exercise around the world. The running population generally runs in a rear-foot strike pattern (RFSP), yet there is questioning on the possible benefits of running in a forefoot strike pattern (FFSP). The main goal of FFSP is the possible reduction of running related injuries by reducing the stress on the medial longitudinal arch. The purpose of this research study is to determine if a barefoot running retraining program will have an effect on navicular drop height, plantar pressure area, and peak plantar pressure of the medial aspect of the foot. Material/Methods: Eleven first and second year physical therapy students participated in this study. Each subject was randomly assigned to a barefoot running group (N = 6) and shod running group (N =5). Measurements of foot pronation were taken using the navicular drop test. Spatiotemporal foot pressures and area were evaluated through the GAITRite® system to measure plantar pressure area and peak plantar pressure. Each subject completed pre-testing a week prior to beginning a 5-week retraining program designed from relevant literature. Post-testing was completed one week following the retraining program to assess changes in arch dynamics. The data collected from the pre- and post-testing was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. An alpha (α) level \u3c0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Following the completion of the study, a post survey was used to determine subject’s perception of this study. Results: The statistically significant result came from the barefoot running group, in which peak plantar pressure decreased in foot division 6 from 0.70 to 0.2920 (p=0.035). There were no other statistically significant changes to note from the plantar pressure area or navicular drop examinations. The post survey results included the perceived adverse effects of pain along the heads of metatarsals, blisters and, muscle tightness. Discussion: There may be clinical relevance for barefoot running versus shod running despite the lack of statistically significant results from this study. Due to the one statistically significant result coming from a dynamic assessment, it may be possible that barefoot running has more of an effect on foot pronation during dynamic activities as opposed to static activities. This increase in dynamic stability may lead to a decrease in running related injuries thus possibly making barefoot running a clinically relevant intervention. Limitations of this study included: a small sample size, narrow population, too rapid of running progression, running on treadmills with socks on, researcher did not remain blinded to subject group, length of the study was too short, inability to directly measure dynamic navicular drop, and GAITRite® mapping system provided occasionally inconsistent measurements with additional running/walking trials needed. Future research could address these limitations through creation of an ongoing study and/or open it to the public to improve subject population

Reducing Disparities by way of a Cancer Disparities Research Training Program

Background: For minority populations, there is a continuing disparity in the burden of death and illness from cancer. Research to address this disparity should be conducted by investigators who can best understand and address the needs of culturally diverse communities. However, minorities are under-represented in health-related research. The goal of this project was to develop and evaluate an approach to motivating and preparing master’s degree students for careers dedicated to cancer disparities research. Method: A Cancer Disparities Research Training Program (CDRTP) was initiated in 2010. The program consists of coursework, practicum experiences, and research opportunities. Assessment of the curriculum is based on monitoring achievement of evaluation indicators and includes a quantitative assessment and qualitative approach. Results: In its first three years, the program graduated 20 trainees, all of whom were minorities (18 African Americans and two Asians). When asked about career goals, two-thirds of the trainees indicated interest in pursuing careers in research on cancer prevention and control. The trainees expressed high satisfaction with the courses, instructor, materials, and curriculum. Although trainees had suggestions about course details, evaluations overall were positive. Across focus groups, three recurrent themes emerged regarding activities to enhance the student experience: having a wider variety of topics, more guest speakers, and field trips. Conclusion: The CDRTP was intended to recruit students – primarily African Americans – into research on prevention and control of cancer disparities. Although final evaluation of the program’s overall outcome will not be available for several years, a preliminary evaluation indicates the program is being successful

Effect of Graphene Addition on Shape Memory Behavior of Epoxy Resins

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and composites are a special class of smart materials known for their ability to change size and shape upon exposure to an external stimulus (e.g. light, heat, pH, or magnetic field). These materials are commonly used for biomedical applications; however, recent attempts have been made towards developing SMPs and composites for use in aircraft and space applications. Implementing SMPs and composites to create a shape change effect in some aircraft structures could potentially reduce drag, decrease fuel consumption, and improve engine performance. This paper discusses the development of suitable materials to use in morphing aircraft structures. Thermally responsive epoxy SMPs and nanocomposites were developed and the shape memory behavior and thermo-mechanical properties were studied. Overall, preliminary results from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that thermally actuated shape memory epoxies and nanocomposites possessed Tgs near approximately 168 C. When graphene nanofiller was added, the storage modulus and crosslinking density decreased. On the other hand, the addition of graphene enhanced the recovery behavior of the shape memory nanocomposites. It was assumed that the addition of graphene improved shape memory recovery by reducing the crosslinking density and increasing the elasticity of the nanocomposites

What Happened with the Sexual Assaults Reports? Then Vs. Now

This report provides data describing how sexual assault reports from the unsubmitted sexual assault kits that were not previously indicted were initially processed through the system from the Reporting Phase, to the Initial Investigative Phase, and the Prosecution Phase. We then track what is currently happening with these cases as part of the Cuyahoga County Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Pilot Research Project.https://commons.case.edu/beguncenter-reports/1016/thumbnail.jp