The size and polydispersity of silica nanoparticles under simulated hot spring conditions

The nucleation and growth of silica nanoparticles in supersaturated geothermal waters was simulated using a flow-through geothermal simulator system. The effect of silica concentration ([SiO2]), ionic strength (IS), temperature (T) and organic additives on the size and polydispersity of the forming silica nanoparticles was quantified. A decrease in temperature (58 to 33°C) and the addition of glucose restricted particle growth to sizes <20 nm, while varying [SiO2] or ISdid not affect the size (30-35 nm) and polydispersity (±9 nm) observed at 58°C. Conversely, the addition of xanthan gum induced the development of thin films that enhanced silica aggregation

The expatriate trailing partner’s experience: a sample from Honduras - an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

This dissertation project explores the experience of expatriate trailing partners during a particular stint abroad. The intent of this research is to examine the adjustment and lives of these individuals as they describe and reflect upon their experiences of accompanying their partners overseas and upon how they shape their identities and formulate a sense of meaning and purpose as they grapple with being thrown into a different culture away from the supports of home. Eight participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews focusing on their experiences of living overseas. The material was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes were identified: the first detailed the impact on the expatriate trailing partners’ sense of identity; the second highlighted the process of culture shock that the participants experienced; and the third pertained to the changes to the participants’ relational world. The fourth theme examined how the expatriates’ concept of time was altered. Existing literature on expatriate trailing partners and expatriates was employed to illuminate themes arising from the results. Existential philosophical concepts also elucidated the material. The results provide great insight into this group in the absence of published phenomenological studies in this subject area. The clinical significance of the study includes recommendations for increased awareness of the difficulties these expatriates face while living overseas, particularly in hardship postings, and the need for community-building; increased individual, couple, and family counselling; and career development support from professionals who understand the lifestyle and obstacles that this group faces. Further qualitative research on other expatriate trailing partner issues as well as studies that delve into more specific aspects of this phenomenon were called for

The Neurocognitive Process of Digital Radicalization: A Theoretical Model and Analytical Framework

Recent studies suggest that empathy induced by narrative messages can effectively facilitate persuasion and reduce psychological reactance. Although limited, emerging research on the etiology of radical political behavior has begun to explore the role of narratives in shaping an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and intentions that culminate in radicalization. The existing studies focus exclusively on the influence of narrative persuasion on an individual, but they overlook the necessity of empathy and that in the absence of empathy, persuasion is not salient. We argue that terrorist organizations are strategic in cultivating empathetic-persuasive messages using audiovisual materials, and disseminating their message within the digital medium. Therefore, in this paper we propose a theoretical model and analytical framework capable of helping us better understand the neurocognitive process of digital radicalization

Evaluation and test of xenon lamps, phase 4, volume 1 Final report

Anode configurations for xenon lamp

The metagenomics of biosilicification: causes and effects

In order to determine the links between geochemical parameters controlling the formation of silica sinter in hot springs and their associated microbial diversity, a detailed characterisation of the waters and of in situ-grown silica sinters was combined with molecular phylogenetic analyses of the bacterial communities in Icelandic geothermal environments. At all but one site, the microorganisms clearly affected, and in part controlled, the formation of the macroscopic textures and structures of silica sinter edifices. In addition, the class and genera level phylogenetic diversity and distribution appeared to be closely linked to variations in temperature, salinity and pH regimes

The Biodiversity and Geochemistry of Cryoconite Holes in Queen Maud Land, East Antarctica

Cryoconite holes are oases of microbial diversity on ice surfaces. In contrast to the Arctic, where during the summer most cryoconite holes are ‘open’, in Continental Antarctica they are most often ‘lidded’ or completely frozen year-round. Thus, they represent ideal systems for the study of microbial community assemblies as well as carbon accumulation, since individual cryoconite holes can be isolated from external inputs for years. Here, we use high-throughput sequencing of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes to describe the bacterial and eukaryotic community compositions in cryoconite holes and surrounding lake, snow, soil and rock samples in Queen Maud Land. We cross correlate our findings with a broad range of geochemical data including for the first time 13C and 14C analyses of Antarctic cryoconites. We show that the geographic location has a larger effect on the distribution of the bacterial community compared to the eukaryotic community. Cryoconite holes are distinct from the local soils in both 13C and 14C and their isotopic composition is different from similar samples from the Arctic. Carbon contents were generally low (≤0.2%) and older (6–10 ky) than the surrounding soils, suggesting that the cryoconite holes are much more isolated from the atmosphere than the soils

A Woman\u27s War: The Global Feminist Impact of the Reclamation and Emulation of Lysistrata

Sierra Benning Kennesaw State University [email protected] A Woman’s War: The Global Feminist Impact of the Reclamation and Emulation of Lysistrata Can one consider literature, art, film, or theatre created by men, despite the presence of empowered and intelligent female characters, as truly and accurately feminist? This presentation seeks to answer this question through calling forth the concept proposed by Sue-Ellen Case in her book Feminism and Theatre of the “male-produced” woman, and the unrealistic image that product has created for women through time. This presentation explores the idea that when these male-written female characters are reclaimed by female audiences, they can indeed become truly feminist despite the societal idea of women perpetuated through those characters. That those characters can even be used to inspire and empower women worldwide. The proof of this concept is demonstrated in the use of four examples of modern female organized and led movements in the past twenty-five years. Two of these examples are from 2003, one is the Lysistrata Project, an organized global reading of Lysistrata to protest the war in Iraq, and the second is the Liberian sex protests organized by Leymah Gbowee in response to civil war. These organizations followed the example of Aristophanes\u27 title character Lysistrata by withholding sex from partners to protest war and affect change in communities, countries, and the world. This study is presented for any scholar interested in understanding how art, and more specifically theatre, can spark revolution and desire for change in the audiences who read or watch it, and even more so how theatre can equip theatregoers with the tools and inspiration to stand for their beliefs

Consent in Conversation: Education of Sexual Violence in Maya Angelou\u27s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is just one of many titles challenged and banned in public schools for “sexually explicit” content. On page 71 of her 281 page autobiography, Angelou discloses that she was raped at 8 years old by her mother’s boyfriend, and despite it being followed with scenes that emphasize the value of healing through literature, public attention has been directed to the (non-consensual) intercourse itself as a reason for censorship. As censorship efforts have expanded in the past two decades, challengers have continued to add more ban-worthy qualities to the list as the book has been deemed “anti-white” for its description of Arkansas before the Civil Rights Movement, anti-religious for Angelou’s shift from Christianity to atheism, and homosexuality for her brief contemplation of her sexual orientation. The racism and rape culture that Angelou describes in her memoir continues to control American society as demonstrated by these challenges of her story, but by engaging in open and honest dialogue in the classroom, public schools can develop a community of citizens that can identify and navigate these unhealthy power dynamics at home, in school, and in the sociopolitical sphere