Alberta Academic Review
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Changes in the Mechanical Response of Dental Stone to Submersion in Saline
Full text linkPreviously, dental stone has been utilized in mechanical testing of the periodontal ligament, which connects the tooth to the alveolar bone. This was achieved by casting swine mandibles in dental stone for displacement controlled testing. The stone was used as a riding base to hold the mandible in place. However, this was done in dry, ex vivo conditions, failing to simulate the natural presence of vascular fluid in the periodontal ligament. While this can be simulated with submersion in saline, the mechanical response of dental stone to saline is currently unknown, and thus cannot yet be used to secure the mandible in saline. To identify differences in the strength of dental stone after submersion in saline, Coecal Type III Dental Stone samples were cast in a 3D printed mold, then submerged in 0.9% NaCl solution for varying time periods: 0 hours, 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours. Samples were then removed from the solutions, patted dry, and placed in an Instron ElectroPuls E3000 for compression tests. The Instron preloaded samples to 3 N, displaced them to 0.1 mm at 0.025 mm/s, held them for 10 s, then offloaded at 0.025 mm/s. This cycle was repeated five times per test, with each sample undergoing two tests. Results showed that the last three cycles of each test were most consistent, and were the only ones considered in further analysis of results. The average peak force and average force during the 10 s hold of each test were compared across submersion times, and, considering standard deviation, showed no consistent differences. A linear regression was completed to determine statistical differences between the force values. The p-values of the average peak force and average force were 0.624 and 0.892 respectively, approaching the required value of 1, and therefore failed to reject the null hypothesis, representing no significant difference in the average force across submersion times. As a result, it can be assumed that submersion in saline has no effect on the strength of dental stone. These results can be applied to further research on the periodontal ligament, involving submersion of the swine mandible in saline solutions
Changes in Alberta’s Grasslands Soil pH by Adopting the Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing System
Full text linkGrasslands account for a large percentage of earth’s terrestrial area. Soil is an important aspect of the global carbon cycle and plays a critical role in mitigating climate change. Due to poor land management, the grasslands have been greatly degraded, resulting in the grasslands becoming the most endangered ecosystem on the planet. Fortunately, there are several new techniques that can be implemented in order to help alleviate the negative impacts that the depleted grasslands have had on the earth. The Adaptive-Multi Paddock (AMP) grazing system is an innovative technique that has been introduced as a way to increase plant regrowth, improve animal performance, and increase soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. As SOC has been shown to be correlated to soil pH, there is potential for the AMP system to affect soil pH. To implement the AMP system, a rancher’s land would be divided into multiple small paddocks, and the cattle would be rotated between the paddocks more frequently. Non-AMP managed ranches include any ranch that uses traditional grazing techniques, such as low or high continuous grazing. The purpose of this project was to study the effects of the AMP grazing system on the pH of Alberta’s grassland soil. Soil samples were collected from AMP and Non-AMP managed ranches in Alberta. After the samples were separated into several layers, weighed, dried, and sieved, the pH of each soil section was recorded and analyzed. Using the data from the Albertan ranches, the AMP and Non-AMP managed ranches were compared. From this data, it appears that by using the AMP system, the pH was slightly lower across all soil depths. Soil also appeared to become more basic with each successive layer. Between Alberta’s four ecoregions, the average soil pH seemed to vary. In both AMP and Non-AMP managed ranches, the subsoil was more alkaline while the topsoil was more acidic, which could be a result of possible higher SOC concentrations. In future studies, the pH data from Alberta’s soils will be compared to the Saskatchewan and Manitoba data, which will represent all of Canada’s grassland soil. When the SOC data is collected, the pH and SOC concentration will be analyzed to establish a correlation. Ultimately, farmers might be reimbursed for the additional costs of adopting the AMP system because of the environmental benefits the system could have
Analyzing the Sentiment of MOOC Discussion Posts
Full text linkThe purpose of the project is to identify common difficulties that learners may face and to understand their emotions as they progress through MOOCs. MOOC is an abbreviation for the Massive Open Online Course and the research deals with the data from ten different courses from Coursera. The data is used to extract pieces of text that students have made. Then, those certain texts are required to be sent to Google Cloud Natural Language API. This app allows users to get a sentiment analysis of a text. The main goal is to assist instructors with monitoring MOOC to make it more efficient and easier for students to progress since it assists to improve the courses.
To achieve this, the first step is to gather all the data from each of the courses. Then use programming to dump all that data into one big database. The program that is used here is called Pycharm and user is required to use python and sql to aid him in dumping the data in the database. Once the database is created, coding is done to only select out the pieces of information that are needed. These texts should be where students make comments or ask questions. Next, the data is queried to send these texts to Google Cloud Natural Language API. Here, the program breaks down all the sentences to only be just words. Then the program is going to categorize each word according to whether its connotation is positive, negative or neutral. Next, all the words are sorted according to their connotations. The overall sentiment depends on the emotion that has the highest number. If positives and negatives are all balanced out then the sentiment is neutral. Sentiment scores range from -1 to 1, where -1 is the most negative, 1 is the most positive and anywhere near 0 is neutral.
Positive sentiment scores indicate instructors that students are doing well on their course and neutral sentiment scores indicate that the course is balanced out with difficulties and easy tasks. However, negative sentiment is the most important to instructors since it indicates them that students are struggling and they need to improve the course
Flying Spiders: A Reconfigurable Spider Drone For Education
Full text linkUnmanned Aerial Vehicles, most commonly known as drones are the raging fire of this generation. Attracting a vast age ranges from children to adults. Not only can drones be used for fun, but they can inspect dangerous places for humans which reduces health risks. These facts helped create the curiosity to research how a drone works and different designs. The reason for which, the main purpose of this research was to come up with a design that will have all the components necessary for a drone to function. Additionally, a safe design that will protect the body (the brain too) of the drone. That is the most expensive and important, whereas the arms and propellers are easy to repair and cheaper. Therefore, the first step of the methodology was the idea generation. This research was inspired by things seen around from day-to-day. In particular, spiders, shuriken (Japanese throwing knife) and step stools. The incorporation of the two led to the next step of the methodology of mechanical engineering design known as task classification. The main objective being safety and efficiency. Moving on to the third step being concept design, where three drones needed to be designed, later choosing the safest and efficient one. The final and fourth step being detailed design. Where the best design, being the upside-down spider, is chosen for LEGO Digital Design. This step was the most important one for future research purposes. For example, the correct components and pieces had to be present for the drone to be used as a step by step assembly station for third and fourth-year mechanical engineers. To conclude, the spider drone was the best design because its arms which are like spider legs gave more lift to the drone which made it perform before and protecting the body, also known as the brain. That is the most expensive part of the drone, and the arms are the inexpensive part that can be easily replaced. Additionally using legos as the main building material let the parts be used for other things such as cars and planes. For that reason, the upside-down spider was the best choice
Formation of Metal Oxides Based Surface Nanolenses and Their Optical Properties
Full text linkAn emerging resource in the production of renewable energy are nanolenses, due to their unique optical properties. Their ability to refract light makes it possible for them to focus light and convert it into other forms of energy; which reduces the need for burning fossil fuels.
nanolens, nanodroplets, optical properties, fluid cell, surface nanolens
The formation of nanolenses occurs due to the process of solvent exchange. In this process, different concentrations of a ternary mixture comprising of oleic acid, water, and ethanol are used to create an ideal formation of nanodroplets. A mixture of iron (IV) chloride and manganese chloride is then washed over the droplets to create the droplet’s shell. The droplets are then annealed at 300°C in order to remove all excess liquid, leaving behind the hollow nanolenses. This process was carried out on two different substrates, silicon wafer and glass with similar results transpiring on both.
After various trials, it can be concluded that the ideal concentration ratio of oleic acid/water/ethanol is 4.25/30/70, as the lenses are homogeneous in size, volume, and distribution. Allowing them to remain intact through the annealing process. These findings can be applied to further studies in the use of nanolenses concerning light refraction, and the consequential production of renewable energy
Can the Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing System Increase Carbon Sequestration in Alberta\u27s Grassland Soils?
Full text linkNatural grasslands cover around 40% of the Earth’s surface and play an important role as a source of ecological goods and services. By sequestering around 30% of terrestrial global carbon, grasslands play a critical part in the alleviation of climate change. Despite their ecological significance, grasslands have been reduced to a fraction of their original extent. In Canada, up to 70% of grasslands have been destroyed, making it the most endangered ecosystem in North America. What remains is often intensely grazed and a diverse ecosystem of wild animals is replaced by domestic livestock. The continuous application of poor grazing management by ranchers is one of the main causes for the depletion of natural grasslands, resulting in the release of stored soil carbon back into the atmosphere. Fortunately, 60-70% of the depleted carbon can be re-sequestered through the adoption of improved grazing management, thus improving grassland ecosystems. The Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing system is an example of improved grazing management. AMP grazing is a system in which livestock is frequently rotated between multiple fenced paddocks. Compared to conventional grazing practices (Non-AMP), the AMP system is a favorable solution which can improve carbon sequestration in world wide grasslands soils– and in turn, contribute to the mitigation of climate change. By regenerating grassland ecosystems, AMP grazing could potentially aid in creating a more sustainable, resilient agroecosystem. Our goal is to study the effect of AMP grazing on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in Canadian grasslands. First, we collected soil cores from 30 study sites located throughout the grassland ecoregions in Canada. Each site consisted of a pair of ranches: one AMP and one Non-AMP. Second, we analyzed the soil cores for total carbon using an elemental analyzer. There does not seem to be any substantial difference in total carbon between AMP and Non-AMP systems, however we have yet to differentiate between soil organic carbon and soil inorganic carbon. Once we distinguish the two variables we will be able to confirm the effectiveness of the AMP grazing system in increasing carbon sequestration in Canadian grasslands.
Literature Cited:
Derner, J. D., & Schuman, G. E. (2007). Carbon sequestration and rangelands: a synthesis of land management and precipitation effects. Journal of soil and water conservation, 62(2), 77-85.
Gauthier, D. A., & Wiken, E. B. (2003). Monitoring the conservation of grassland habitats, Prairie Ecozone, Canada. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 88(1-3), 343-364.
Samson, F., & Knopf, F. (1994). Roundtable: prairie conservation in North America. BioScience, 44(6), 418-421
Kraus, D. (2016). Why Canada’s Prairies are the World’s Most Endangered Ecosystem. Retrieved from: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/blog/archive/grasslands-the-most.html#.XUnsE-hKi70
Lal, R. (2002). Soil carbon dynamics in cropland and rangeland. Environmental pollution, 116(3), 353-362
Teague, W. R. (2018). Forages and pastures symposium: Cover crops in livestock production: Whole-system approach: Managing grazing to restore soil health and farm livelihoods. Journal of animal science, 96(4), 1519-1530
ICD-data collection features: an international survey
Full text linkBackground: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is globally used for coding morbidity and mortality statistics, however, its use, as well as the data collection features vary greatly across countries.
Objective: To characterize hospital ICD-coded data collection worldwide.
Methods: After an in-depth grey and academic literature review, an online survey was created to poll the 194 World Health Organization (WHO) member countries. Questions focused on hospital data collection systems and ICD-coded data features. The survey was distributed, using different methods, to potential participants that met the specific criteria, as well as organizations specialized in the topic, such as WHO Collaborating Centers (WHO-CC) or International Federation of Health Information Management Association (IFHIMA), to be forwarded to their representatives. Answers were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Data from 48 respondents from 26 different countries has been collected. Results reveal worldwide use of ICD, with variations in the maximum allowable coding fields for diagnoses and interventions. For instance, in some countries there is an unlimited number of coding fields (Netherlands, Thailand and Iran), as opposed to others with only 1-6 available (Guatemala or Mauritius). Disparities also exist in the definition of a main condition, as 60% of the countries use “reason for admission” and 40% utilize “resource use”. Additionally, the mandatory type of data fields in the hospital morbidity database (e.g. patient demographics, admission type, discharge disposition, diagnoses, …) differ among countries, with diagnosis timing and physician information being the least frequently required.
Conclusion: These survey data will establish the current state of ICD use internationally, which will ultimately be valuable to the WHO for the promotion of ICD and the rollout of ICD-11. Additionally, it will improve international comparisons of health data, and encourage further research on how to improve ICD coding
The effect of maternal nutritional restriction on fetal development and performance of offspring in beef cattle
No full textHealth, growth efficiency and carcass quality are major considerations in beef production. The foundation for this is thought to be linked to fetal development. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is one factor that can influence fetal development and offspring growth. However, its specific effects on postnatal growth of castrated calves (steers) raised for meat are not well understood. This review considers the nutritional requirements of pregnant cows and summarizes the effect of maternal nutritional restriction throughout gestation on calf growth. It also evaluates the different developmental stage at which nutritional restriction will have the greatest impact. It is found that even though early gestation is a critical period for the formation of the placenta and the initial organ development, the fetus has the ability to compensate for developmental restrictions resulting from maternal malnutrition during this period. Meanwhile, during mid-to late gestation maternal nutritional restriction has the greatest impact on offspring performance. Maternal malnutrition during this key period can reduce birth weight, which is strongly correlated to the lifetime performance of steers in terms of health and growth efficiency. Proper nutritional management of cows is essential throughout gestation, but additional attention should be given to the mid-to-late gestational period to ensure calves are born at optimal birth weight. Further, it is suggested that maternal nutrition does not appear to have a consistent effect on carcass quality, instead, external factors near the time of slaughter may be the major determinants
Effect of production factors on muscle fiber type and dimensions in the m. semimembranosus of crossbred steer carcasses
Full text linkThe muscle fibers that have been examined in the study were affected by three different controlled factors: steroids, ractopamine and residual feed intake (RFI). By examining the effects of the controlled factors on cattle’s muscle fibers, it can be determined if they affect different meat properties, such as meat toughness, collagen solubility and muscle fiber quality. The research had been done specifically with m. semimembranosus (SM) of crossbred steers. Although some may be concerned with the health effects of steroids and other materials, no negative effects to the health of the cattle were observed after the use of steroids. This is because the hormones being introduced into the cattle’s body already exist in the animal. In addition, the same concept applies to humans who consume the meat, preventing harm the people who consume it. For this study, 48 crossbred angus steers were used, 12 for each of the different treatment groups. The control group consisted of no steroids and no ractopamine. The second group was not treated with steroid but with ractopamine. The third group was treated with steroids but no ractopamine. Finally, the fourth group was treated with both, the steroids and the ractopamine. For each SM muscle, 1-inch thick steaks were cut and from those steaks, 1cm3 cubes were cut. These cubes were frozen in dry ice acetone until they are ready to be sectioned. Cubes are placed in the cryostat and sliced into serial sections of 10µm. These serial sections are then mounted onto dry slide glass and stored in a freezer at -80ºC until they are to be stained. The staining process helps to identify the different types of muscle fibers in the samples. From the muscle fiber types, the average sizes of each muscle fiber is calculated to identify inconsistencies among the different treatment groups. Conclusions will be drawn based on the inconsistencies found (if any)
Sickle cell disease in African immigrant children: A scoping review
Full text linkDespite the research on African-America parents, children and families who suffer from sickle cell disease (SCD), less is known about African immigrant children who migrated outside of Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to assess the extent, range, and nature of the existing index of research on African immigrant children with SCD living outside of Africa, to map out research activity and to identify gaps in the existing literature. This review followed the scoping review methodology of Arksey & O’Malley. A comprehensive search in ten electronic databases was conducted. The search strategy combined the keywords “sickle cell” and “African immigrant children”. Inclusion criteria focused on research published between 2000 and 2019, reporting on the health of African immigrant children aged 0 to 18 years. Systematic & literature review reviews, conferences, case studies, viewpoint articles, & epidemiology studies were excluded. Also, studies in which findings were based on mixed populations containing less than 80% African immigrant children, were excluded from the review.
This review was guided by the five-step approach to scoping reviews of Arksey & O’Malley. Articles were included if they focused on African immigrant children living abroad. Two independent reviewers screened and selected articles. We analyzed and synthesized data using thematic analysis for qualitative data. The search yielded 6,602 records. After removing duplicates and titles, and abstracts were screened, 1,675 articles were included for full-text screening; 6 met inclusion criteria. Chain searching generated 10 articles, 1 met the inclusion criteria. Seven articles were included for analysis. The studies were all quantitative in design and none mentioned a theoretical framework. Even though all the studies were quantitative the usage of clinical assessment of the only means of attaining data, and the usage of insufficient sample size made the studies found, inconclusive in making generalizations. There are significant research gaps regarding African immigrant children with SCD living outside of Africa. A major limitation of the studies use is they were all conducted in Italy even though there are many other countries known to host immigrants from the African continent. Furthermore, most of the studies only state the disadvantages this population faces and only two studies took the initiative in addressing these issues. Overall, this review underlines the need for future research on the impact of migration on the health outcomes of African immigrant children with SCD living outside of Africa