Vertical flow wetlands for tertiary wastewater treatment

Due to increasing focus on improving water quality within surface waters, it is anticipated that stringent ammonia discharge consents will be introduced to small wastewater treatment works in the coming years, with potential discharge consents of as low as 1mgNH₄-N/L. This is likely to require upgrading of secondary treatment works to include a polishing treatment stage. Vertical flow wetlands (VFWs) are aerobic treatment processes, making them the ideal solution for achieving nitrification to within the proposed discharge consent, however current uses are limited to treatment of raw water and primary effluents. The potential for VFWs under tertiary application has not previously been identified. This study aims at addressing this knowledge gap by determining performance capabilities and hydraulic behaviours at both full and pilot scale, and defining the optimal operational strategies in terms of hydraulic loading, dosing frequency and resting periods using pilot plant trials. Findings from the study have shown VFWs to achieve effluent ammonia concentrations of as low as 0.002mgNH₄-N/L from influent concentrations of up to 7.4mgNH₄-N/L, with almost complete nitrification observed in most cases. Additional onsite sampling provided a performance comparison against existing tertiary treatments, showing potential for the VFWs to outperform in terms of solids organics and nutrient removal. Pilot plant operational trials revealed application of prolonged resting periods and frequency of daily dosing to have no significant impact on either the hydraulic stability or treatment performance for VFWs in tertiary application. Pilot plant trials determined an initial stabilisation period of between 2 to 3 years is required during the start up of a VFW system, with hydraulic loading rates being increased gradually over time to avoid occurrence of clogging. An economic assessment determined the feasibility of tertiary VFWs to be comparable to existing conventional tertiary treatments

A survey of collegiate voice students with asthma and allergies and their perceived impact on singer health and performance experiences – A pilot study

An increasing body of research evidence indicates that college students of all majors with asthma and/or allergies represent a vulnerable population due to their inability to experience a consistent and dependable quality of life compared with their healthy collegiate peers. Further, in terms of their impact specifically on collegiate singers, the intricate network of co-morbid conditions associated with asthma and allergies, including pain, wheezing, and discomfort combined with physical symptoms of stress, disturbed sleep, fatigue, diminished concentration, depression, and high-risk behaviors, cannot be underestimated. As such, this study aims to identify and analyze the health impediments caused by asthma and/or allergies for developing singers during their collegiate vocal studies and to ameliorate their negative impact on vocal performance success. This study was guided by four overarching research questions: two on the impact of asthma and allergies on singing and two on the impact of COVID-19 on existing asthma and/or allergy conditions. A seventy-question survey was shared with voice faculty at 285 U.S. conservatories and universities for dissemination to their voice majors in either undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs. Quantitative data were collected and reported by percentages, while qualitative data were collected and analyzed through axial coding for keywords and phrases. In terms of results, throughout both data sets, allergies were identified as causal for triggering multiple respiratory illnesses, including asthma, thus underscoring the need for allergy diagnosis and treatment in the earliest possible stages of a performance career. Through the qualitative free response data, participants expressed their need for specific information on managing asthma and allergies both in and outside their voice studios and their need to understand best behavioral practices for managing respiratory conditions for a successful singing career. Recommendations for further research, as well as resources for institutions, teachers of singing, and singers with asthma and/or allergies, are included in this document

Conscientious Communities: The Question of the Government Legislation of Morality

Clearly, the issue of government legislation of morality is a relevant issue in American society today. It is a complicated issue, to be sure, but it is a question that is deserving of time and contemplation. In this paper, I will argue that not only should the government be allowed to legislate morality, but that it is imperative that it does. Additionally, I will refute common disputes against this stance, as well as delve into the intricacies of the implementation of this policy. Finally, I will paint a picture of how a modem United States would function while allowing the government legislation of morality

Contours of Inclusion: Inclusive Arts Teaching and Learning

The purpose of this publication is to share models and case examples of the process of inclusive arts curriculum design and evaluation. The first section explains the conceptual and curriculum frameworks that were used in the analysis and generation of the featured case studies (i.e. Understanding by Design, Differentiated Instruction, and Universal Design for Learning). Data for the cases studies was collected from three urban sites (i.e. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston) and included participant observations, student and teacher interviews, curriculum documentation, digital documentation of student learning, and transcripts from discussion forum and teleconference discussions from a professional learning community.The initial case studies by Glass and Barnum use the curricular frameworks to analyze and understand what inclusive practices look like in two case studies of arts-in-education programs that included students with disabilities. The second set of precedent case studies by Kronenberg and Blair, and Jenkins and Agois Hurel uses the frameworks to explain their process of including students by providing flexible arts learning options to support student learning of content standards. Both sets of case studies illuminate curricular design decisions and instructional strategies that supported the active engagement and learning of students with disabilities in educational settings shared with their peers. The second set of cases also illustrate the reflective process of using frameworks like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to guide curricular design, responsive instructional differentiation, and the use of the arts as a rich, meaningful, and engaging option to support learning. Appended are curriculum design and evaluation tools. (Individual chapters contain references.

Evaluation of a Sepsis Teaching Rounds Simulation for Pharmacy Students

Background and purpose The goal of this prospective, observational cohort study was to determine if simulated interdisciplinary teaching rounds improved student perceptions of confidence and attitudes towards working as part of a team. The secondary objective of this study was to investigate changes in student knowledge of the management of sepsis. Educational activity and setting Students participated in a traditional sepsis lecture followed by a simulated interdisciplinary rounding experience. Confidence and collaborative attitudes were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Changes in knowledge were measured using multiple choice questions. Students completed these tools at three points in time: pre-lecture, post-lecture, and post-simulation. Findings Student confidence and attitudes related to interdisciplinary rounds improved following the simulation (2 of 4 items, p = 0.003; 2 of 5 items, p \u3c 0.05). Also, most students agreed or strongly-agreed that the simulation reinforced knowledge gained from lecture (94.7%), that lecture followed by a simulation was the most effective way to learn about sepsis (94.7%), and that the simulation helped reinforce critical-thinking skills (94.7%). Knowledge improved between the didactic lecture and the simulation, but these differences were not found to be statistically significant. Summary A simulated interdisciplinary rounding experience may increase student confidence during teaching rounds and improve attitudes towards working alongside other healthcare professionals. Incorporating rounding simulations into pharmacy curricula may be beneficial towards student success on rounds

Chapman Faculty Perceptions of Hiring Practices to Increase Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Historically, universities have been institutions primarily consisting of White males. While there have been significant improvements in racially and ethnically diversifying undergraduate student populations, faculty demographics have been slower to change. Researchers pose several explanations for this occurrence, including low numbers of qualified Ph.D. candidates from racially and ethnically underrepresented backgrounds as well as feelings of isolation that racial and ethnic minority faculty often face due to lack of available mentorship. This low representation of racially and ethnically underrepresented minorities is concerning as extensive research suggests that diversity among faculty appointments enhances the overall quality of a university, and, specifically, has a strong, positive impact on undergraduate education. In recognition of numerous benefits of a racially and ethnically diverse faculty body, this study draws particularly from research which suggests the hiring process is a viable mechanism through which to address the lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Taking into consideration various resource guides that esteemed other universities have created detailing suggested best hiring practices, we created a survey that includes a variety of hiring strategies and invited Chapman faculty and/or individuals who served on search committees at Chapman University to complete it. Participants were given short, open-ended questions in addition to statements which they were asked to rate. The survey encompassed several aspects of the hiring process including preparing the search, writing the job description, recruiting candidates, interviewing, evaluating candidates, as well as retention and inclusion strategies. The results of this study lend themselves to offering empirically based recommendations that can be utilized and potentially implemented at Chapman University to increase the likelihood of racially and ethnically diversifying faculty demographics

Psychosocial outcomes in siblings of pediatric cancer patients

Research in pediatric psychology has scarcely begun to investigate the psychosocial needs of siblings of pediatric cancer patients. The purpose of this literature review was to discuss the articles that have investigated the psychosocial needs of pediatric cancer patients as well as the articles that suggest promising intervention strategies to help these young individuals. The articles discussed investigated the effects on healthy-siblings during the cancer treatment, the outside factors that influence the amount of distress a sibling may suffer with, the differences in reactions and adjustment between nonbereaved and bereaved siblings, and the possible intervention strategies including increased social support, family-oriented rehabilitation programs, psychological interventions, educational interventions, and experiences in camp environments designed specifically for siblings of pediatric cancer. Much progress has been made in this domain of pediatric psychology; however, further research should be conducted to provide the maximum amount of support for siblings of pediatric cancer patients

Investigation of curved composite panels under high-g loading

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (p. 129-133).Numerical and experimental work was conducted to investigate the use of composites within the Wide Area Surveillance Projectile (WASP) wing system by specifically studying the buckling behavior of curved composite panels under high-g loading. A finite element model was developed as a design tool to model the original WASP wing as a constant thickness curved panel and to predict the buckling response of the panels. The model predicted the critical buckling loads and mode shapes of the composite panels. Experimentally, controlled axial compression tests and high-g tests were performed to determine the buckling response of the panels. The buckling response, including critical loads and mode shapes, was obtained for the controlled axial compression tests. The high-g tests demonstrated that composite panels are a viable option for structures in a high-g environment. All of the samples tested showed no signs of damage and no loss in load carrying capability. The results were used to study the effect of lay-up, curvature, aspect ratio (width to height), and height on the buckling response. The results of the finite element model and the controlled axial compression tests showed good agreement. However, they do not accurately capture the buckling response of the composite panels in the high-g environment.by Staci Nicole Jenkins.S.M