Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
Not a member yet
6167 research outputs found
Sort by
Youth Fitness Programming: A Pilot Youth Fitness and Life Skill Program Implementation for At-Risk Youth
No full textThe aim of this project was to collaborate with community service agencies to develop and implement a program designed to enhance both the physical and psychosocial health of at-risk youth. A total of 26 youth (ages 12-17; 23 males and three females) were recruited. The intervention consisted of an eight-week physical activity and life skills program that involved three fitness sessions per week, one life skills session per week and three one-on-one counseling sessions throughout the program. Fitness tests were conducted pre- and post-intervention and results revealed that youth showed increases in fitness and really enjoyed their experience in the program. Overall the evaluation indicated that it is possible to implement effective community programs focusing on youth fitness and life skills while removing a number of barriers to participation in physical activity for at-risk youth. However, implementation of the program led to insights into the challenges present when conducting community-based programs. These challenges and possible solutions are discussed
Early Engineering in Young Children’s Exploratory Play with Tangible Materials
No full textThe developmental importance of play in early childhood is well documented. However, little research exists to date to describe how child play relates to engineering thinking. The goal of this study is to determine whether spontaneously occurring classroom play and involvement with open, semi-structured and structured artifacts such as sandboxes, water tables, and puzzles, may reveal precursors to engineering thinking and acting. To gather such evidence we conducted a series of naturalistic field observations of preschool children engaged in free play with these artifacts. This study describes ways this play activity enables children’s involvement with engineering ideas and engineering activities. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of how play environments can become vehicles for enhancement of early engineering knowledge and action
Introduction to the 61st John Arthur Wilson Lecture
Get PDFIntroduction to the 61st John Arthur Wilson Lectur
Objective Review: Advanced Testing and Toxicity of Restricted Substances for Sustainable Leather Industry
Get PDFLeather industry uses a great number of processing chemicals to make leather from animal hides. The toxicity, health and environmental impacts of many of these chemicals have been established leading to significant regulatory certifications and programs helping in trade and policy making. The focus of this review are the hazardous chemicals and auxiliaries relevant to leather industry, their categories, possible origins, analysis and toxicity with respect to humans and the environment and the regulatory mechanisms suggested for them through manufacturing restricted substance list (MRSL) 2.0.** Informative guidelines are provided about the most probable leather processing stage for the origin of these chemicals. Some alternative technologies, chemicals and ideas gaining popularity are also suggested as probable remedies. Recommended test methods are stated for the adequate monitoring of the hazardous chemicals. The nature and severity of chemical toxicity and corresponding limits set for their allowed use in formulations are graphically expressed for clarity and ease of understanding. The maximum number of compounds / isomers belong to classes comprising chlorinated paraffins, perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonates (PFOS) and banned aromatic amines. Similarly, most of the restricted chemicals are used during the finishing stage and may be considered for eco-friendly alternatives. Likewise, the analytical equipment covering most testing requirements is GC-MS among other hyphenated techniques. Additionally, most critical chemicals from toxicity point of view are arsenic, cadmium and chromium (VI), whereas navy blue colorants and chlorinated aromatic compounds may be considered as less toxic among the restricted chemicals under the current scope. Surprisingly, the latest UV absorbents and polymeric fatliquors are comparatively non-toxic. Similarly, the most relaxed formulation limits are given for UV absorbers and 2-methoxypropylacetate whereas strict limits have been set for PFOA, PFOS, mercury, triclosan permethrin, sensitizing dyes etc. in MRSL 2.0
Application of Acid Protease for Eco-friendly Pre-treatment of Goat Skin to Improve Antimicrobial Finish Using Herbal Natural Extracts
Get PDFDue to its moisture retention capacity and huge surface area, leather is highly prone to microbial proliferation and biodeterioration; hence, leather products desired have an antimicrobial finish. In this study, acid protease enzyme pre-treatment of goat skin was utilized as an eco-friendly substitute for conventional wet-chemical processing. The treatment can impart the desired surface properties to improve the antimicrobial finish with natural extracts obtained from leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree), Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi), and Camellia sinensis (Green Tea). The procedure was optimized for different process parameters, including enzyme concentration, pH, material to liquor ratio (MLR), treatment time, and temperature. The effect of the treatment on bulk and surface properties of the skin was characterized by weight loss analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Water contact angle measurement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively. The effect of the enzymatic treatment on organoleptic properties and the mechanical strength of the skin was also studied. The enzymatic treatment resulted in weight loss, and removal of non-collagen components, thus opening the fibrous collagen matrix of the skin. Hence, the skin treated with acid protease enzyme provides better affinity and accessibility for phytoactive compounds from the natural extracts and better attachment by electrostatic attachment due to an increase in surface functional groups after the enzymatic treatment compared to untreated skin. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial finish was measured as a zone of inhibition and with a modified Hohenstein test against test microorganisms E. coli and S. aureus.Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) extract showed the highest inhibitory activity (97%) against E. coli, while the Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi) extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (95%) against S. aureus
Letter from the ALCA President
Get PDFLetter from the ALCA President
Introducing the New ALCA Executive Secretar
Use of Long-Chain Synthetic Phenolic Antioxidants to Produce Chromium-Tanned Leather without Risk of Hexavalent Chromium Formation
Get PDFChromium tanned leather is the widest form of leather tanning across the world, but it might involve a risk of hexavalent chromium formation, which is restricted in leather products above 3 mg/ kg. Among other conditions, certain processes might lead to the oxidation of natural fats or fatliquoring agents with unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, thus generating free radical molecules that can contribute to the Cr(III) oxidation to Cr(VI). The autooxidation of unsaturated lipids is promoted by exposure to high temperatures and light, specifically UV radiation. Among other relevant manufacturing practices, the addition of synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) during the synthesis of fatliquoring agents or during leather manufacturing can be a relevant tool for preventing lipid auto-oxidation.
The efficiency of the long-chain synthetic antioxidant 1135 (AO1135, CAS RN® 125643-61-0) has been assessed for Cr(VI) prevention. The performance of AO1135 has been tested in two different skin types (sheepskin, woolly sheepskin), with two different fatliquoring agents (unprotected and protected against oxidation). The protected fatliquoring agent was formulated with AO1135. Also, two commercial products that contain the AO1135 in its formulation have been applied to leathers. Upon completion of the post-tanning process, the leathers have undergone two different thermal ageing processes.
AO1135 has been verified an effective SPA for Cr(VI) prevention and its application during the post-tanning process does not alter the visual aspect of the leathers. Otherwise, if the post-tanning recipe does not contain well-sourced raw materials or Cr(VI) prevention tools, unsaturated fatliquoring agents or natural fats present in the skins can be a cause for Cr(VI) formation
Council Meeting Minutes
Get PDFAMERICAN LEATHER CHEMISTS ASSOCIATIONGrand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WIJune 20, 2023
Officers: Joseph Hoefler, John RoddenCouncilors: Shawn Brown, Myron Hooks, Steve Lange, Lee Lehman, and Roger A. PintoExecutive Secretary: Carol Adcock; Kristina HallConvention Chair: Sarah Drayn
THE TACIT EXHIBITION
No full textThis article presents an exhibition that formed the final part of a PhD thesis in graphic design, defended in June 2022. Developing on the thesis’ theme of knowledge externalisation in graphic design, the exhibition was an experimental approach towards knowledge dissemination; an attempt to engage an audience otherwise not exposed to research within the field and to explore alternative ways of sharing research outcomes. The exhibition was a design study in itself and could be defined as a participatory study, as the author was present throughout the exhibition, interacting with visitors while at the same time gathering material on the experience of the exhibition. The article presents the methodology behind the exhibition, its contents and the outcomes of the project. 
Simple Solutions to Complex Problems: Hidden Disabilities in the College Music Classroom
Get PDFThe word simple is defined by Merriam-Webster as “having few parts: not complex.” The word complex is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a group of things that are connected in complicated ways.” Although there is nothing simple about hidden disabilities, there are simple solutions that college music instructors can implement to make a complex classroom environment more inclusive and accessible. I argue that the solutions proposed in this article can aid students with documented hidden disabilities, students who have non-disclosed hidden disabilities, and through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), will optimize growth, further equity, and increase accessibility for the entire classroom