Analog simulation of mass transfer in droplets with turbulent internal circulation

The object of this thesis is to simulate the Handlos and Baron Model for mass transfer into droplets by using an iterative analog computer in order to obtain eigenvalue and other parameters in a series solution. The eigenvalues λn calculated in this work are compared with the results obtained by Wellek-Skelland using a variational technique and by Patel using numerical approaches on the digital computer. From the analytical series solution, one can calculate the fraction of solute extracted in the droplets as a function of droplet contact time. PACTOLUS, a digital-analog simulator, provides a check on the validity of analog simulation. The PACTOLUS simulation confirmed the results obtained from the analog simulation --Abstract, page i

Ginzburg-Landau theory of crystalline anisotropy for bcc-liquid interfaces

The weak anisotropy of the interfacial free-energy $\gamma$ is a crucial parameter influencing dendritic crystal growth morphologies in systems with atomically rough solid-liquid interfaces. The physical origin and quantitative prediction of this anisotropy are investigated for body-centered-cubic (bcc) forming systems using a Ginzburg-Landau theory where the order parameters are the amplitudes of density waves corresponding to principal reciprocal lattice vectors. We find that this theory predicts the correct sign, $\gamma_{100}>\gamma_{110}$, and magnitude, $(\gamma_{100}-\gamma_{110}) / (\gamma_{100}+\gamma_{110})\approx 1$, of this anisotropy in good agreement with the results of MD simulations for Fe. The results show that the directional dependence of the rate of spatial decay of solid density waves into the liquid, imposed by the crystal structure, is a main determinant of anisotropy. This directional dependence is validated by MD computations of density wave profiles for different reciprocal lattice vectors for $\{110\}$ crystal faces. Our results are contrasted with the prediction of the reverse ordering $\gamma_{100}<\gamma_{110}$ from an earlier formulation of Ginzburg-Landau theory [Shih \emph{et al.}, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 35}, 2611 (1987)].Comment: 9 pages, 5 figure

Peer Observation and Evaluation Tool (POET): A Formative Peer Review Supporting Scholarly Teaching

The Peer Observation and Evaluation Tool (POET) is a valid and reliable measure developed for formative peer evaluation of pharmacy faculty. The authors replicated a study conducted on the POET in pharmacy in order to report the instrument’s validity and reliability in occupational therapy and to explore its potential as a formative teaching evaluation for occupational therapy educators. To verify item importance, seven participants from the faculty in an occupational therapy department rated each item. To establish inter-rater reliability, the participants evaluated one videotaped 55 min lecture. The POET was reliable with ICC at 0.93. There were high levels of agreement with the importance ratings among the participants with all scales. The POET appears to be a valid and reliable formative measure of teaching. At a time of significant change in the level of occupational therapy education, this measure may be an important support for scholarly teaching in two ways: First, this measure offers several opportunities to document the instructor’s strengths and, second, it offers the instructor suggestions about ways to improve teaching quality. Finally, the POET may facilitate faculty professional growth and development through systematic, strategic, and constructive peer review feedback

Nutri One-on-One: Improving Patients’ Metabolic Profile with One-on-One Nutritional Coaching

Introduction: More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. Some of the leading causes of death are due to complications of chronic conditions related to metabolic disorders and obesity. One on one health coaching will assist people in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors that prevent and control diseases through phases of effective goal setting, motivational interviewing, and collaboration with health care providers. Objectives: This study’s aim was to positively influence patients’ nutritional habits and lifestyle through a brief one on one coaching session. The effects of one on one nutritional education are analyzed through goal setting, motivational lessons, and follow-up to improve lifestyle. Methodology: Patients were interviewed to gain insight into their daily nutritional routines and patients’ anthropometric histories were obtained. Patients were then encouraged to set a primary health goal. A personalized nutritional lesson was administered to address the health goal and current nutritional behaviors. The patient and health coach then arrived at three simple and obtainable lifestyle modifications to reach the initial goal. Obstacles were addressed and a follow-up phone call was scheduled to obtain self-reported results and insure accountability and support. Results: The study included 57 adult patients (39 female, 18 male) with metabolic disorders and demonstrated an overwhelming success with nutritional fact recollection, progress on the readiness scale, goal achievement, and in office experience satisfaction. A majority of patients showed willingness and motivation to continue implementing a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Personalized one on one nutritional coaching tailored to patient’s goal proved to be successful. Tailored education on healthy living, nutrition, and motivational techniques continued to create positive behavior modification. The follow-up sessions provided reinforcement in sustaining success

The volume of the moduli space of flat connections on a nonorientable 2-manifold

We compute the Riemannian volume on the moduli space of flat connections on a nonorientable 2-manifold, for a natural class of metrics. We also show that Witten's volume formula for these moduli spaces may be derived using Haar measure, and we give a new proof of Witten's volume formula for the moduli space of flat connections on an orientable surface using Haar measure.Comment: 31 pages, LaTeX, manuscript substantially revised. To appear in Communications in Mathematical Physic