The Missing Link: Enhancing Mediation Success Using Neuro-Linguistic Programming

What is it that separates the best from the rest? Generally speaking, the highly coveted litigators and mediators draw people to them over and over again because of that something extra they possess. In Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), that something extra is often referred to as the difference that makes the difference. Outstanding performers in any field instinctively know the difference that makes the difference. Successful trial lawyers, for example, have a keen knack for connecting with the jury and persuading them to follow their lead in support of the client\u27s case. Similarly, parties prefer some mediators over others in large part because they are able to move people away from their entrenched positions and toward a more flexible mindset needed to settle cases. Although litigating and mediating require quite different skill sets, a review of those who demonstrate excellence in either of these fields will yield certain common denominators, which can be identified using NLP

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Date palm fibre filled recycled ternary polymer blend composites with enhanced flame retardancy

Flammability of recycled polypropylene (PP)/low density polyethylene (LDPE)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) ternary blends containing date palm fibres is investigated in this study. Melt blending is used for the composite preparation and the palm fibres induce good mechanical strength to the blend composites. The effect of flame retardant magnesium hydroxide, is studied through the limiting oxygen index analysis and cone calorimeter studies. Morphology of the palm fibres in presence of fire retardant reveals interesting facts of base hydrolysis. Since the polymers used are recycled ones and the fibres are obtained from the date palm leaves, the whole composite manufactured stands as low cost, less energy consuming and environmental friendly. Though the flame retardant reduced the mechanical properties, the palm fibres strengthened the whole composite thus helping to achieve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties simultaneously. Flame retardancy is correlated with the thermal degradation and thermal conductivity of the blend fibre composites as well.Scopu

Development of a Clinical Nursing Word List

Nursing students who study in a foreign language face significant barriers to success. In particular, reading and listening comprehension have been identified as challenges for English language learners. Several studies have examined language use in nursing and medical journals but there is a lack of focus on oral vocabulary. This study aimed to identify nursing-specific oral vocabulary that is used in clinical instruction. 63.6 hours of clinical instruction was recorded and analyzed. Over 40% of vocabulary was not contained in common English and Academic word lists used to guide foreign language vocabulary instruction. Current results suggest that a considerable technical vocabulary exists for the nursing profession. It is possible that identification of this vocabulary and its incorporation in pre-nursing studies may have benefits for foreign language nursing students. Comparison of results with similar studies reveals apparent differences in vocabulary use between medicine and nursing, and between oral vocabulary and vocabulary from nursing journal articles. These differences highlight the importance of incorporating a broad range of data sources to develop a comprehensive set of nursing-specific vocabulary