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Get PDFKayla O’Neal is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art with an emphasis in drawing and illustration at Louisiana Tech University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Kayla interned as a photographer through the Disney College Program. Her photographs have also been displayed in several galleries, including the LoosenArts Gallery based in Rome, Italy
ANS Day 2021 Abstract Book
Get PDFhttps://digitalcommons.latech.edu/ans-day-abstract-book/1000/thumbnail.jp
Novel Methods for Determining Polymer Content and Polymer Degradation in Asphalt Binder
Get PDFStyrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is the most common modifier used in asphalt binder modification because of its superior performance compared to some others that are used. SBS modified asphalt binder increases the rutting resistance and decreases the fatigue and thermal cracking susceptibility of asphalt pavement. However, SBS modified asphalt binder tends to separate and is subjected to thermal degradation during construction and aging degradation during its service life. As a result, quality control of SBS modified asphalt binder is needed, although no standard test method is available to quantify SBS degradation due to aging. In this study, two methods for quantifying SBS polymer in asphalt binder were investigated: by mechanical and by chemical analysis. For mechanical analysis, a novel dynamic shear rheometer (DSR)-based extensional deformation test was developed using Sentmanat extensional rheometer (SER). From the second peak elongation force parameter, different polymers can be identified as elastomeric and plastomeric. Finally, the second peak elongation force was proposed as a parameter to quantify elastomeric polymer in asphalt binder with a calibration curve. For chemical analysis, the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) was used to collect the absorbance intensity of the SBS modified asphalt binder. No significant effect of the difference in PG binders, the types of SBS polymer, and the presence of crosslinking agent were observed on polybutadiene (PB) and polystyrene (PS) functional groups. Therefore, PB and PS end blocks were analyzed to establish a universal regression model for SBS polymer quantification in asphalt binder. The PS model was found to be the best fit model (R2 = 0.97) for SBS quantification after verifying with refinery supplied SBS modified binders with initially unknown SBS contents. The extensional deformation test parameters were investigated to determine SBS degradation due to aging during construction and service life. Laboratory aging such as rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) were performed for SBS modified asphalt binder and mixture. Two parameters (F2 and F2/F1) were proposed to evaluate the SBS degradation directly after oxidative aging. Both values reduced after RTFO aging and further reduced after PAV aging, which indicated SBS polymer degradation. Finally, the FT-IR spectrometer was used to understand the change in different functional groups of the unmodified and modified asphalt binder after oxidative aging. SBS content in the asphalt binder decreased after RTFO and PAV aging. Based on the findings of this study, an extensional deformation test was recommended to be used for SBS polymer content determination and aging related SBS degradation. The FT-IR based universal calibration curve developed in this study can predict SBS content in about 30-min using ten samples in the asphalt plant. Therefore, the findings of this study will contribute significantly to the quality control of the asphalt binders
02. Knowing from Within: Using Autoethnography as a Lens to Examine Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Get PDFIt is unlikely that anyone living in the United States has escaped untouched by COVID-19 pandemic. The novel coronavirus upended U.S. social life in 2020, and its impact continues to be felt across the nation and the globe. The pandemic has not, however, affected all individuals or social groups in an identical manner, and therefore, social scientists are actively working to uncover the diversity of lived experiences during COVID-19. This study aims to contribute to that developing body of knowledge. This research is an autoethnography, a first-hand narrative of the author’s lived experiences, that draws on feminist theory, specifically Dorothy E. Smith’s conceptualization of standpoint theory and the validity of subjective knowledge, to examine life during the pandemic. The autoethnography is structured around original photographs that convey the author’s standpoint, serving to reveal and analyze challenges faced by a female undergraduate navigating life in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Together, the written and visual elements create a nine-month narrative of the knowledge acquired through the self-examination of one’s experiences using a sociological lens. This study adds to our understanding of life during a pandemic, exploring issues such as gender inequality, feelings of inadequacy, and pressures felt by undergraduates, and showcases the relevance and validity of making space for subjective narrative in sociological research, or, as Smith indicates, the importance of focusing on personal experiences and sharing knowledge from within. In doing so, this study provides a model for future qualitative research about life during the COVID-19 pandemic
12. College Students’ Grocery Shopping Food Safety Practices During the Covid-19 Experience
Get PDFBackground
Grocery shopping behaviors that support food safety among college students is not well documented. COVID-19 pandemic efforts related to hygiene practices may have improved these by increasing hand sanitizing, grocery cart cleansing, and altering food packaging and storage. Differences in practices have been identified among urban, suburban, and rural consumers, but not specifically in college-age students.
Purpose
To assess grocery shopping behaviors of college students during the COVID-19 experience.
Method
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Spring 2020 using network sampling of university students ≥ 18 years of age. A subset of the 89 questions was used for this study. Forty-six questions were scored to yield a total food safety practice score.
Results
There were 282 respondents: 21.4% urban, 52.4% suburban, and 26.1% from rural areas. Approximately 55% indicated responsibility for household grocery shopping. The majority purchased groceries from a supercenter with location, price, and quality of products identified as primary reasons for this choice. Chi-square tests revealed no significant difference in total food safety practice scores among residential areas, however, differences (p \u3c 0.05) were found for individual behaviors related to poultry and meat selection, cart placement, and storage; produce selection and storage; and use of cooling bags. Cloth bags were used by 25% of students, with 3% following laundering recommendations.
Conclusions
College students report inadequate frequency of grocery shopping food safety practices despite the public emphasis on hygiene practices. Differences in specific behaviors among urban, suburban and rural college students may guide intervention efforts
To False Promises, and Failed Healing
Get PDFJackson Floyd is a senior, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. He is from Bossier City
Oh Pinnochio, Call Me When You\u27re a Real Boy
Get PDFLaura Cason is currently enrolled part time in the creative writing program at Louisiana Tech. In 2018, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in biology from Tech before deciding to pursue a career in a field she actually enjoys. In her free time, Laura enjoys watching anything that could be labelled as ‘oddly satisfying’, perfecting her skin care routine, and educating her coworkers in the CoLA office on 21st century slang. She is survived by the spawn of Satan himself, her cat Zorra
I Used to Call It Home
Get PDFAnnie Gremillion is a senior majoring in speech-language pathology at Louisiana Tech University. Since Annie was young, she has made a hobby out of writing. Whenever she has the opportunity, she enjoys practicing prose and occasionally dabbling in poetry