Library Space Assessment Poster

Objective: How are students using our library spaces? Collect evidence to inform future space planning and renovations What works? What does not work? What is needed? Physical spaces must meet the needs of a 21st century student

Superconducting High Pressure Phases Composed of Hydrogen and Iodine

Evolutionary structure searches predict three new phases of iodine polyhydrides stable under pressure. Insulating P1-H5I, consisting of zigzag chains of HI (delta+)and H2(delta-) molecules, is stable between 30-90 GPa. Cmcm-H2I and P6/mmm-H4I are found on the 100, 150 and 200 GPa convex hulls. These two phases are good metals, even at 1 atm, because they consist of monoatomic lattices of iodine. At 100 GPa the Tc of H2I and H4I are estimated to be 7.8 and 17.5 K, respectively. The increase in Tc relative to elemental iodine results from a larger omega-log from the light mass of hydrogen, and an enhanced lambda from modes containing H/I and H/H vibrations.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Scheduling Strategies for Construction Project Managers Toward On Time Delivery

Construction management projects involve complex, dynamic environments resulting in uncertainty and risk, compounded by demanding time constraints. Research indicated project managers have struggled to identify best practices for scheduling construction projects via critical path methodologies while searching for tools to increase timely job completions and budget profits. The purpose of this single case study was to explore the strategies that construction project managers used to manage scheduled construction project delivery on time. The constructivist philosophical worldview was used as the framework for this study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews from 7 project managers from 5 different construction companies selected via purposive sampling throughout Florida. All project managers had at least 15 years of experience and multiple construction projects with managing scheduled project deliveries. Three themes emerged through thematic analysis: project, time delay, and cost. A construction project can have many variables that project managers cannot control such as the issue of on-time scheduling. Project managers identified that a project could be within the budget or cost set for the project and still be on time and go over budget or be within budget and not meet schedule. No broad support was found for agile project management, and no confirmation could be made that principles of philosophical theories were critical for project success. Implications for a positive social change result in creating new jobs during and after construction, bringing new individuals to neighborhoods, schools, and area businesses

Recalling Subject Centered Enthusiasm: The Essence of Great Teaching

This phenomenological study took place at a Christian liberal arts university in Missouri. Specifically, the study assesses ten undergraduate students’ perspectives regarding the characteristics of the best teacher of their academic lives. Ultimately, 17 characteristics emerged as standards for great teaching. The results indicate that the most powerful learning environment is one in which the teacher is dynamically connected to the subject. Our results strongly support Parker Palmer’s (1998) argument that the subject matter itself is “the great thing” (p. 117) that focuses the authentic teacher in the community of truth. Consideration of these characteristics in relation to how teachers honor their subject matter may serve to enhance the learning experience for everyone

Library Space Assessment

Presented research and data findings of Library Space Assessment to librarians and library staff on how students use the Lavery Library

Building Currency: Crafting New Channels for Undergraduate Communication Programs

University professional development funds, generally present for faculty, and often available for graduate students through grants or stipends, are seldom available to undergraduates. In this study, we assessed Giddens and Pierson’s (1998) structuration theory in terms of how a professional development fund for undergraduates can impact the lives of students, create new structures within the culture to foster scholarship, and celebrate role models. Specifically, we used action research to trace seven steps involved in one program’s effort to establish a direct funding channel for those wanting to contribute to the lives of undergrads. We demonstrated how the new funding channel influenced the academic culture. Ultimately, our findings highlight the value gained when faculty members encourage community mentorship to advance student inquiry

A prospective comparison of three argatroban treatment regimens during hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease

A prospective comparison of three argatroban treatment regimens during hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease.BackgroundWe prospectively evaluated 3 treatment regimens of argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, for providing adequate, safe anticoagulation in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during hemodialysis.MethodsIn this randomized, 3-way crossover study, ESRD patients underwent hemodialysis sessions of 3- or 4-hour duration using high-flux membranes and each of 3 argatroban treatment regimens (A: 250-μg/kg bolus, with an additional 250-μg/kg bolus allowed; B: 250-μg/kg bolus followed by 2-μg/kg/min infusion; C: steady-state, 2-μg/kg/min infusion initiated 4 hours before dialysis). Pharmacodynamic effects including activated clotting times (ACTs); hemodialysis efficacy including single-pool Kt/V, urea reduction ratio (URR), and circuit flow; and safety through a 3-day follow-up were monitored. Argatroban pharmacokinetic parameters including dialytic clearance were evaluated during regimen C.ResultsThirteen patients completed 38 hemodialysis sessions (1 patient withdrew consent after 2 sessions). Mean ± SD ACTs increased from 131 ± 14 seconds at baseline to 153 ± 24, 200 ± 30, and 197 ± 33 seconds, respectively, after 60 minutes of hemodialysis using regimens A, B, and C. Across regimens, mean Kt/Vs (1.5–1.6) and URRs (70%-73%) were comparable. No dialyzer was changed; 1 session was shortened 15 minutes because of circuit clot formation. Systemic argatroban clearance increased ∼20% during hemodialysis, without clinically significantly affecting ACTs. Upon argatroban discontinuation, ACTs and plasma argatroban decreased concurrently (elimination half-life, 35 ± 6 min). No thrombosis, bleeding, serious adverse events, or clinically significant changes in vital signs or routine laboratory measures occurred.ConclusionArgatroban, administered by each treatment regimen, provides safe, adequate anticoagulation to enable successful hemodialysis in ESRD patients. Argatroban dialytic clearance by high-flux membranes is clinically insignificant