A Measurement of the Ratio of the W + 1 Jet to Z + 1 Jet Cross Sections with ATLAS

The measurement of hadronic activity recoiling against W and Z vector bosons provides an important test of perturbative QCD, as well as a method of searching for new physics in a model independent fashion. We present a study of the cross-section ratio for the production of W and Z gauge bosons in association with exactly one jet Rjet = {\sigma}(W + 1jet)/{\sigma}(Z + 1jet), in pp collisions at \surds = 7 TeV. The study is performed in the electron and muon channels with data collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The ratio Rjet is studied as a function of the cumulative transverse momentum distribution of the jet. This result can be compared to NLO pQCD calculations and the prediction from LO matrix element + parton shower generators.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, conference proceedings for DPF 201

An Exploratory Investigation of a Flipped Classroom Model in Human Services Education

Human services education has unique needs due to the practical elements that are a part of preparing students for the field. One aspect is for students to graduate with a firm capacity to enact the skill detailed by the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS, n.d.). A blending of on-campus and on-line components has been found to encourage higher order thinking and offer experiential learning (Rehfuss, Kirk-Jenkins, & Milliken, 2015). The flipped classroom pedagogical model offers one potential way for educators to create an environment that facilitates the learning needed and recommended. This study altered a class to the flipped classroom model, and then used two type of data collection, a survey given twice during a semester and reflections written as a part of the class’ expectation. This was done to explore human services undergraduates’ reactions to the pedagogical model. Implications and lines of further enquiry are included

Introduction of a Comprehensive Modified Early Warning Scoring System in a Large Rural Hospital

PURPOSE: To develop and test a comprehensive modified early warning scoring (MEWS) system for use on two medical-surgical-telemetry units in a large rural hospital in northeastern Kentucky; to educate and train nursing staff in utilization of a new MEWS system and early identification and management of clinical deterioration; and to determine nursing satisfaction regarding education, training, and use of a new MEWS system. BACKGROUND: Adult medical-surgical patients are at risk for clinical deterioration. Rapid response systems and MEWS systems are strategies that have been employed to assist nursing staff in early identification and management of clinical deterioration. Testing of a newly proposed comprehensive MEWS system and an educational intervention is an essential first step in determining interventional effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, single center, mixed methods observational study. METHODS: In Phase I, retrospective chart reviews (RCRs) were conducted during a 6-month timeframe for patients meeting one of the following severe adverse event (SAE) criteria: in-hospital cardiac arrest, in-hospital death, unexpected transfer to the intensive care unit, and/or rapid response team utilization specifically pertaining to the medical-surgical-telemetry units of interest. Physiologic parameters (i.e., vital signs and level of consciousness) and nursing responses were recorded in the 24-hours leading up to SAEs; MEWS were retrospectively calculated at 24-hours (MEWS24), 16-hours (MEWS16), and 8-hours (MEWS8) to gauge utility of the MEWS tool. In Phase II, a 3-hour education and training workshop designed for nursing staff was developed, implemented, and evaluated. A focus was placed on use of a new MEWS system and early identification and management of clinical deterioration. RESULTS: In Phase I of RCRs, 81 patients met criteria during a study timeframe of September 2016 through February 2017. Demographic data yielded the following: 51.9% male, 76.5% sixty years of age or older, and 98.8% White. MEWS24 (n = 62) had a mean of 3.0, standard deviation (SD) of 1.6, and range of 1.0 – 7.0; MEWS16 (n = 76) had a mean of 3.3, SD of 1.3, and range of 1.0 – 7.0; and MEWS8 (n = 81) had a mean of 5.0, SD of 2.3, and range of 1.0 – 10.0. In Phase II, nine nursing staff participated in one of eight education and training workshops. Participants reported increased confidence in recognizing deterioration, responding to deterioration, and communicating concerns following an educational intervention. Nursing staff consistently reported respiratory effort, level of consciousness, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate as the most influential parameters in a nursing assessment for determining clinical deterioration. Satisfaction was high regarding the education, training, and use of a new MEWS system. CONCLUSION: RCRs indicated that a MEWS system would be feasible in identifying patients at risk for SAEs in this patient population. Introduction of a new comprehensive MEWS system with an educational intervention had a positive effect on nursing staff’s self-reported confidence, knowledge, and skill in recognizing and managing clinical deterioration. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Before full implementation, a prospective study is recommended to test a comprehensive MEWS system for all admissions through discharge over a defined time period and provide a mandatory educational intervention for interdisciplinary staff on the two medical-surgical-telemetry units of interest. Great insight could be learned regarding tool utility, resource utilization, and staff preparedness

Development of a Small Area Sniffer

The aim of this project is to develop and implement a sniffer that is capable of measuring the mass flow rate of air through a small area of pinholes whose diameters are on the magnitude of thousandths of an inch. The sniffer is used to scan a strip of a leading edge panel, which is being used in a hybrid laminar flow control experiment, in order to survey the variations in the amount of air that passes through the porous surface at different locations. Spanwise scans are taken at different chord locations by increasing the pressure in a control volume that is connected to the sniffer head, and recording the drop in pressure as the air is allowed to flow through the tiny holes. This information is used to obtain the mass flow through the structure. More importantly, the deviations from the mean flow rate are found and used to determine whether there are any significant variations in the flow rate from one area to the next. The preliminary results show little deviation in the spanwise direction. These results are important when dealing with the location and amount of suction that will be applied to the leading edge in the active laminar flow control experiment

The Peace Church and the Spirit of Liberation: A Pneumatological Critique of John Howard Yoder\u27s Political Ethics

John Howard Yoder’s Christocentric political ethics strongly maintain the church as the subject of a Christian peace witness to the world but, because of an underdeveloped pneumatology, is less effective at establishing the church as the ongoing recipient of revelation. A complementary pneumatological perspective that remains anchored in the work of God in Christ can maintain the distinctive witnessing role of the church while also allowing the discernment of the Holy Spirit’s activity in the world to call the church to a more faithful participation in the life of Jesus Christ. This pneumatology enables a synthesis with liberation theologies which emphasize the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity in and among poor and oppressed peoples toward the dismantling and redress of unjust and violent structures

Structural properties of laminated Douglas fir/epoxy composite material

This publication contains a compilation of static and fatigue strength data for laminated-wood material made from Douglas fir and epoxy. Results of tests conducted by several organizations are correlated to provide insight into the effects of variables such as moisture, size, lamina-to-lamina joint design, wood veneer grade, and the ratio of cyclic stress to steady stress during fatigue testing. These test data were originally obtained during development of wood rotor blades for large-scale wind turbines of the horizontal-axis (propeller) configuration. Most of the strength property data in this compilation are not found in the published literature. Test sections ranged from round cylinders 2.25 in. in diameter to rectangular slabs 6 by 24 in. in cross section and approximately 30 ft. long. All specimens were made from Douglas fir veneers 0.10 in. thick, bonded together with the WEST epoxy system developed for fabrication and repair of wood boats. Loading was usually parallel to the grain. Size effects (reduction in strength with increase in test volume) are observed in some of the test data, and a simple mathematical model is presented that includes the probability of failure. General characteristics of the wood/epoxy laminate are discussed, including features that make it useful for a wide variety of applications

Identifying Medication Management Smartphone App Features Suitable for Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities: Delphi Consensus Study

Background: Smartphone apps can be a tool to facilitate independent medication management among persons with developmental disabilities. At present, multiple medication management apps exist in the market, but only 1 has been specifically designed for persons with developmental disabilities. Before initiating further app development targeting this population, input from stakeholders including persons with developmental disabilities, caregivers, and professionals regarding the most preferred features should be obtained. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify medication management app features that are suitable to promote independence in the medication management process by young adults with developmental disabilities using a Delphi consensus method. Methods: A compilation of medication management app features was performed by searching the iTunes App Store, United States, in February 2016, using the following terms: adherence, medication, medication management, medication list, and medication reminder. After identifying features within the retrieved apps, a final list of 42 features grouped into 4 modules (medication list, medication reminder, medication administration record, and additional features) was included in a questionnaire for expert consensus rating. A total of 52 experts in developmental disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, caregivers, and professionals, were invited to participate in a 3-round Delphi technique. The purpose was to obtain consensus on features that are preferred and suitable to promote independence in the medication management process among persons with developmental disabilities. Consensus for the first, second, and third rounds was defined as ≥90%, ≥80%, and ≥75% agreement, respectively. Results: A total of 75 responses were received over the 3 Delphi rounds—30 in the first round, 24 in the second round, and 21 in the third round. At the end of the third round, cumulative consensus was achieved for 60% (12/20) items in the medication list module, 100% (3/3) in the medication reminder module, 67% (2/3) in the medication administration record module, and 63% (10/16) in the additional features module. In addition to the medication list, medication reminder, and medication administration record features, experts selected the following top 3 most important additional features: automatic refills through pharmacies; ability to share medication information from the app with providers; and ability to share medication information from the app with family, friends, and caregivers. The top 3 least important features included a link to an official drug information source, privacy settings and password protection, and prescription refill reminders. Conclusions: Although several mobile apps for medication management exist, few are specifically designed to support persons with developmental disabilities in the complex medication management process. Of the 42 different features assessed, 64% (27/42) achieved consensus for inclusion in a future medication management app. This study provides information on the features of a medication management app that are most important to persons with developmental disabilities, caregivers, and professionals

Development of the technology for the fabrication of reliable laminar from control panels

Materials were assessed and fabrication techniques were developed for use in the manufacture of wing surface materials compatible with the application of both aluminum alloys and nonmetallic composites. The concepts investigated included perforations and slots in the metallic test panels and microporosity and perforations in the composite test panels. Perforations were produced in the metallic test panels by the electron beam process and slots were developed by controlled gaps between the metal sheets. Microporosity was produced in the composite test panels by the resin bleed process, and perforations were produced by the fugitive fiber technique. Each of these concepts was fabricated into test panels, and air flow tests were conducted on the panels

Income Taxation of Distributions Made by Alaska Native Corporations: An Ambiguity in Need of Clarification

In 1971, Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( ANCSA ) to provide compensation for extinguishing Native land claims in Alaska. ANCSA created a system of village corporations that received money and land as compensation, and are to distribute the compensation to shareholders. The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ), despite legislative history to the contrary, is now asserting that corporate tax principles apply to the distributions because of ambiguous language contained in ANCSA. This assertion makes distributions to shareholders taxable as dividends to the extent of the corporations\u27 accumulated and current earnings and profits. The IRS stance will result in excessive taxation of the shareholders due to the unique manner in which ANCSA is set up, and due to poorer economic values of the Natives\u27 land bases. The authors argue that Congress should amend ANCSA to relieve the corporations and shareholders of the unintended taxation. They examine ANCSA and its legislative history, and contrast the IRS\u27s letter rulings to show how the IRS interpretation is contrary to the legislative intent. Finally, the authors propose two alternative amendments that would clarify the otherwise coherent ANCSA policy against imposing an income tax on compensation for extinguishing aboriginal land claims, and assure that individual Natives receive the full measure of compensation that Congress intended to convey