Alternatives

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/120407/1/Stankovich_Alternatives.pd

Increasing the Throughput of Liquid Chromatography

In this manuscript the ramifications of operating very high pressure chromatographic (VHPLC) instruments at high linear velocities is discussed. Operating at higher inlet pressures causes thermal conditions inside the column to change to an extent that can alter the reproducibility and accuracy of the chromatograms produced. The experiments discussed in this dissertation were focused on the manner in which the mobile phase is eluted through the column; by either constant flow, constant pressure, operator controlled or programmed constant pressure, and conditions which keep the heat loss at the columns wall constant. Additional experiments included other practical considerations in system performance such as void spaces created from improper column connections. The results of these experiments showed that void volumes can be the leading cause of band dispersion. The metric used for all measurements were based on moment analysis, which provides a more rigorous analysis of chromatographic performance than the metrics used by the majority of the community

Stable dispersions of polymer-coated graphitic nanoplatelets

A method of making a dispersion of reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets involves providing a dispersion of graphite oxide nanoplatelets and reducing the graphite oxide nanoplatelets in the dispersion in the presence of a reducing agent and a polymer. The reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets are reduced to an extent to provide a higher C/O ratio than graphite oxide. A stable dispersion having polymer-treated reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets dispersed in a dispersing medium, such as water or organic liquid is provided. The polymer-treated, reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets can be distributed in a polymer matrix to provide a composite material

Forecasting machine performance check output using Holt-Winters approach

Background: Machine Performance Check (MPC) is an automated TrueBeam quality control (QC) tool used to verify beam output, isocenter, and uniformity. The aim of this study was to build an MPC output variation time series modeled on the Holt-Winters method over thirty days. Methods: After AAPM TG-51 and baseline data were established for the Edge TrueBeam, daily MPC output data were gathered and analyzed through a Holt-Winters (additive and multiplicative) method. The model's performance was assessed via three standard error measures: the mean squared error (MSE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and the mean absolute deviation (MAE). The aim was achieved using a nonlinear multistart solver on the Excel platform. Results: The results showed that MPC output variation forecasting is energy and model dependent. Both additive and multiplicative Holt-Winters methods were suitable for the analysis. The performance metrics MSE, MAPE, and MAD were found to be well within acceptable limits. Conclusions: A Holt-Winters model was able to accurately forecast the MPC output variation

Statistical process control: machine performance check output variation

Background: The aim of this study was to illustrate and evaluate the use of different statistical process control (SPC) aspects to examine linear accelerator daily output variation through machine performance check (MPC) over a month. Methods: MPC daily output data were obtained over a month after AAPM TG-51 were performed. Baseline data were set, and subsequent data were conducted through SPC. The Shewhart chart was used to determine the upper and lower control limits, whereas CUSUM for subtle changes. Results: The upper and lower control limits obtained via SPC analysis of the MPC data were found to fall within AAPM Task Group 142 guidelines. MPC output variation data were within ±3% of their action limits values and were within 1% over thirty days of data. The process capability ratio and process acceptability ratio, Cp and Cpk values were ≥2 for all energies. Potential undetected deviations were captured by the CUSUM chart for photons and electrons beam energy. Conclusions: Control charts were found to be useful in terms of detecting changes in MPC output

The Success Model: A Student Athlete Educational Model Designed to Improve Academic Performance Through the Utilization of Athletic Transferable Skills

The Success Model was developed to assist educators and counselors improve the way they prepare student athletes for academic, athletic, and future career success. The Success Model is made up four interrelating components: (a) Seif-management, (b) Note-taking, (c) Test-taking, and (d) Career Resources. This article explored why the Success Model is needed and how athletic transferable skills can be used as the building blocks for teaching studenl athletes how to succeed in classroom as well as all areas of life

The Effect of Violent Video Game Play, Arousal, and Personality on Sleep Quality

Master's ThesisVideo games have become exponentially popular over the past few decades. Because they have become a societal staple, research has explored possible ways in which video games could affect one’s health. In particular, video games may impact sleep, leading to poor sleep quality (Adam, Snell, & Pendry, 2007), later sleep on-set (King et al., 2013), and increased daytime sleepiness (Van den Bulck, 2004b). Other factors, including type of video game, physiological arousal, personality, and game playing motivations may also affect overall sleep quality. In this study, 101 adult video game players wore a Fitbit for 48 hours and played console or PC video games as they normally would. A two-way ANOVA, a hierarchical regression, and correlation analyses were conducted and suggest some relationships may exist among these variables. Although some analyses were nonsignificant, that could suggest adults are not playing video games in such an unhealthy manner that their sleep quality is negatively affected. Future research could examine this further.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/143182/1/Stankovich - Effect of Violent Video Game Play, Arousal, and Personality on Sleep Quality.pdf13Description of Stankovich - Effect of Violent Video Game Play, Arousal, and Personality on Sleep Quality.pdf : Master's Thesi

Familial, structural, and environmental correlates of MRI-defined bone marrow lesions: a sibpair study

The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability and describe the correlates of bone marrow lesions in knee subchondral bone. A sibpair design was used. T2- and T1-weighted MRI scans were performed on the right knee to assess bone marrow lesions at lateral tibia and femora and medial tibia and femora, as well as chondral defects. A radiograph was taken on the same knee and scored for individual features of osteoarthritis (radiographic osteoarthritis; ROA) and alignment. Other variables measured included height, weight, knee pain, and lower-limb muscle strength. Heritability was estimated with the program SOLAR (Sequential Oligogenetic Linkage Analysis Routines). A total of 115 siblings (60 females and 55 males) from 48 families, representing 95 sib pairs, took part. The adjusted heritability estimates were 53 ± 28% (mean ± SEM; p = 0.03) and 65 ± 32% (p = 0.03) for severity of bone marrow lesions at lateral and medial compartments, respectively. The estimates were reduced by 8 to 9% after adjustment for chondral defects and ROA (but not alignment). The adjusted heritability estimate was 99% for prevalent bone marrow lesions at both lateral and medial compartments. Both lateral and medial bone marrow lesions were significantly correlated with age, chondral defects, and ROA of the knee (all p < 0.05). Medial bone marrow lesions were also more common in males and were correlated with body mass index (BMI). Thus, bone marrow lesions have a significant genetic component. They commonly coexist with chondral defects and ROA but only share common genetic mechanisms to a limited degree. They are also more common with increasing age, male sex, and increasing BMI

Ball State Alumni Ambassador Area Maps

Material created as part of Geographic Information Systems Design (GEOG 448/548), an Immersive Learning course taught by Dr. Adam Berland.Poster outlining a mapping project for Ball State's Alumni Engagement team in five metropolitan areas