Kaelin Rapport - Histological Techniques for the Sex Determination of Skeletonized Human Remains

Determining the sex of skeletons is problematic in forensic and bio-archaeological research. Past studies demonstrate that bone cells can sometimes contain preserved sex chromosomal material in ancient samples. The sex chromosomes in skeletal remains may allow determination of sex in non-adults. The problem is explored by making 20μ thin sections stained with hematoxylin eosin. The dye highlights inactive X chromosomes (Barr Bodies) of females. The presence of the Barr Body is an indicator of female with an accuracy of greater than 99.9. This approach to identification of sex in unknown skeletons has been demonstrated with remains of individuals deceased as long as 25 years. Intact bone cells have also been observed in Neanderthal and Sauropod fossils and likely contain sex chromosomes. The degree to which bone cells preserve in archaeologically derived skeletal remains is explored here. A sample of 22 thin sections was created and examined for intact bone cells. The survivorship rate of bone cells in this sample is .12. Exposure to moisture facilitates bacterial activity and this is noted to be the single most important variable in determining the degree of preservation of histological structure. This technique has the potential of providing an accurate means of determining sex in non-adult skeletons. This will greatly assist forensic investigators and open new research trajectories into life-ways and life experiences in past populations.https://epublications.marquette.edu/mcnair_2014/1008/thumbnail.jp

Assessment of the Localized Flow and Tidal Energy Conversion System at an Estuarine Bridge

As part of the Living Bridge Project, a cross-flow tidal turbine and estuarine instrumentation have been deployed in the Piscataqua River at the Memorial Bridge connecting Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. At the turbine location, flow measurements were taken and are compared to a previous, nearby tidal energy resource assessment. A higher mean kinetic power density was observed for the most recent acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) survey conducted. Acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) data was collected in order to study the spatial distribution of the currents around the turbine. Differences along the turbine deployment platform were determined to be caused by structural interactions with the bridge. Off-grid testing of the turbine produced a power curve that was used to calculate updated predictions of energy production. Compared to the initial design calculations, lower energy production can be expected based on the as-built system. The operation and maintenance procedures for the turbine deployment system are discussed. Valuable information has been gained about the turbine system, instrument integration and installation, and environmental factors. With additional testing of the turbine and instrument systems, the tidal energy conversion system at the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, NH will continue to produce local renewable energy and enhance public awareness of ocean renewable energy technology

WKU Greeks Go Green: Mobilizing Community for a Cause

Sustainability, or meeting the needs of current generations without sacrificing the needs of future generations, has become an increasingly pressing issue as more and more people realize that humanity is living far beyond its means. Greeks Go Green was a new competition on campus seeking to address this issue, by harnessing the power of the Greek competitive spirit and pitting organizations against each other to have the most sustainable chapter. Its goal was to not only have a tangible impact as a community, but to also show members of the Greek community how easy it is to make a difference and thereby change the culture surrounding sustainability. Greeks Go Green sought to encourage concrete, long-lasting change, and, in many ways, it accomplished this goal by helping students save single-use disposable items, lower their personal greenhouse gas emissions, and reflect on their own effects on the environment. While there are certainly areas for improvement, the competition was quite successful for its first year in operation

Habermas, the Jesuits and Religion: Notes on a Discussion about the Role of Religion in Society

In 2007, a public panel discussion took place between Jürgen Habermas and professors of the Jesuit University in Munich about the place and importance of religion in and for the (post-) secular society. Habermas there explained that the relation between society and religion has its counterpart on a personal level as the relation between reason and faith. Habermas points out that practical reason can only understand itself, if it clarifies its relation to the religious consciousness. This paper attempts to articulate and clarify the form of this twofold relation