Grain Size Analysis of Massie’s Creek Near Flax Pond and Community Park

The goal of this research is to better understand the stream bed conditions at the confluence of North Fork and South Fork Massie’s Creek next to Community Park in downtown Cedarville, OH. Stream depth as well as sediment type where determined as a result of field work done for this project. The depth data was then used to create a contour map of the pool behind the low-head dam that defines the lower boundary of the confluence area. Sediment distribution is represented on this map based on laboratory particle size analysis and gross piratical size analysis done in the field. Field data was gathered in three separate trips in late 2017 and early 2018. Depth data was gathered during the first trip and sediment samples were gathered during the latter two trips. Each data point has a corresponding GPS coordinate. A total of 162 depth measurements and 27 sediment samples were taken. Only 9 of the sediment sample were eligible to do a course grain particle analysis by sieving. The goal of this process was to see how much sample was retained on the No. 40 sieve. No tests were run to characterize the fine material. The contour map was created using a program called Surfer 8 while the sediment distribution was manually placed on the map by hand. The data shows that a majority of the creek bottom is made up of carbonate mud with deeper areas consisting of boulders and cobble resting on bedrock. Leaf material makes up most of the bottom around the are by South Fork Massie’s Creek. This data gives authorities better insight that can be used to regarding decisions on how to maintain this area. In addition, the study gives a better understanding of how sediment is distributed where the two streams enter the study area

Amino Acids and Biosynthesis Byproducts As Nitrogen Sources for Corn Production

Byproducts resulting from the industrial synthesis of amino acids for feed-use might provide a significant supply of nutrients for crop production, particularly nitrogen (N). Iowa has a strong amino acid biosynthesis industry, resulting in a continuous supply of biosynthesis byproducts. Byproduct utilization as an N source for crop production may enhance revenues for amino acid producers and Iowa farmers. A field experiment was conducted in 2013 near Ames, IA, to evaluate corn (Zea mays L.) response to tryptophan (TRP) and lysine (LYS) biosynthesis byproducts as N sources. The objectives of this study were to determine corn response to isonitrogenous N fertilization treatments: 1) different levels of dry TRP when replacing NH4-N from ammonium nitrate, and 2) combinations of liquid TRP byproduct with different levels of LYS byproduct. All treatments were adjusted to 196 kg N ha-1 and arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Parameters measured included phenological development, leaf chlorophyll, leaf area Index, and normalized difference vegetative index. Grain yield and quality, and yield components were measured at physiological maturity. On average across all treatments, corn grain yield was 10.14 ± 2.92 Mg ha-1, stover yield was 8.74 ± 0.25 Mg ha-1 and harvest index was 0.54. First year results of this study indicate that the TRP and LYS biosynthesis byproducts can replace ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate without compromising corn growth and development, grain or stover yield. The field experiment is being repeated in 2014 to confirm the previous year’s results

Implementing a Human Resources Competency-Based Model: An Actor Network-Perspective

This paper draws on a qualitative study informed by Actor-Network Theory (ANT). A socio-technical perspective is presented to describe how humans and non-human actors are attempted to be enrolled during a Human Resources Competency-Based Model (HRCBM) Implementation in a multi-campus University System in Mexico. The Project Implementation (PI) is seen as continuous processes of negotiation with and enrollment of relevant actors during the project trajectory. It includes insights from 17 semi-structured interviews with actors involved in the project. The paper shows how an actor-network was created, expanded and maintained. To strengthen the network stability, different strategies were developed and implemented by the core implementation team. But other issues suggested by ANT contributed to slow down the implementation process: some omissions made by the core team during the problematization stage, the failure to fully enroll relevant actors and the existence of a competing network. This approach can help researchers to better understand how to apply ANT concepts to study socio-technical situations such as a Project Implementation

3D Heart Model for Mapping RF Ablation Sites

Electro-Cardiologists routinely insert radiofrequency probes into the heart and conduct targeted ablation procedures to correct irregular heartbeats. Current techniques are very experience and “touch” based, and require the novice cardiologist about 50 procedures to become proficient. There is a need for a functional heart model device that can be used to reduce the amount of procedures on human patients before cardiologist become proficient. Project constraints included limited software availability for segmenting accuracy, available 3D printing technology and materials, and cost to 3D print heart models due to the complex geometry. The team began with a CT scan, ITK SNAP and MIMICS segmenting software, but the heart models appeared inaccurate and were filled with holes after segmenting. The team then downloaded an accurate heart model from an open source site and printed the model in thermoplastic material using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. Metal nodes were placed throughout the heart model, which act as points the cardiologists can practice navigating the catheter to. Attached to these nodes is a circuit board which uses LEDs to display when the cardiologist correctly touches the desired node. There is not a model currently on the market that would help cardiologists become proficient with RF ablation; therefore this model will increase the safety of human patients during a RF ablation procedure.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/capstone/1123/thumbnail.jp

Evaluating parent comprehension of measurement error information presented in score reports

Individual-student score reports sometimes include information about precision of scores (i.e., measurement error). In this study, we specifically investigated if parents understand this information when presented. We conducted an online experimental study where 196 parents of middle school children, from various parts of the country, were randomly assigned to three conditions with different amounts of measurement error information. Parents in all conditions answered a series of comprehension questions about a student’s performance on a hypothetical test. Results indicate that when information about error was presented, parents showed a significantly better understanding of score variability. Moreover, when asked about their preference for such information, parents across all three conditions indicated that they would like such information to be included in their child’s report. Results from this study highlight the importance of clear communication of technical information to stakeholders, particularly parents, who are a diverse stakeholder group

Performance of Plate Type Heat Exchanger as Ammonia Condenser

In this study, I experimentally analyzed the performance of a commercial semi-welded plate type heat exchanger (PHE) for use with ammonia systems. I determined performance parameters such as overall heat transfer coefficient, capacity, and pressure drop of the semi-welded PHE. This was analyzed by varying different parameters which demonstrated changes in overall heat transfer coefficient, capacity, and pressure drop. Both water and ammonia flow rates to the semi-welded PHE were varied independently, and analyzed in order to understand how changes in flow rates affected performance. Inlet water temperature was also varied, in order to understand how raising condenser water inlet temperature would affect performance. Finally, pressure drop was monitored to better understand the performance limitations of the semi-welded PHE. Testing of the semi-welded will give insight as to the performance of the semi-welded PHE in a potential ocean thermal energy conversion system, and whether the semi-welded PHE is a viable choice for use as an ammonia condenser

COVID-19 Teaching and Learning Survey

This report presents descriptive results and open-ended comments from a survey of Ohio State faculty, undergraduate students, and graduate/professional students regarding their experiences with teaching and learning during the emergency transition to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020