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Modeling and Simulation of Particle-Particle Interaction in a Magnetophoretic Bio-Separation Chip
Get PDFA Lagrangian particle trajectory model is developed to predict the interaction between cell-bead particle complexes and to track their trajectories in a magnetophoretic bio-separation chip. Magnetic flux gradients are simulated in OpenFOAM CFD software and imported into MATLAB to obtain the trapping lengths and trajectories of the particles. A connector vector is introduced to calculate the interaction force between cell-bead complexes as they flow through a microfluidic device. The interaction force calculations are performed for cases where the connector vector is parallel, perpendicular, and at an angle of 45 degrees with the applied magnetic field. The trajectories of the particles are simulated by solving a system of eight ordinary differential equations using a fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The model is then used to study the effects of geometric positions and angles of the connector vector between the particles as well as the cell size, number of beads per cell, and flow rate on the interaction force and trajectories of the particles. The results show that the interaction forces may be attractive or repulsive, depending on the orientation of the connector vector distance between the particle complexes and the applied magnetic field. When the interaction force is attractive, the particles are observed to merge and trap sooner than a single particle whereas a repulsive interaction force has little or no effect on the trapping length
Removal of Acid Yellow 25 from Aqueous Solution by Chitin Prepared from Waste Snow Crab Legs
Get PDFAcid Yellow 25 (AY25) is used in the textile industry for dyeing of natural and synthetic fibers, and is also used as a coloring agent in paints, inks, plastics, and leathers. Effluents from such industries are major sources of water pollution. Hence, it is important to find simple, efficient, and inexpensive ways to remove these dyes from wastewater. Here, we determined the suitability of chitin extracted from waste crab legs as an adsorbent for removing AY25 dye. The adsorption kinetics was modeled using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion equations to determine the rate controlling step. Results showed that the pseudo-second order adsorption mechanism is predominant, and the overall rate of the dye adsorption process is therefore controlled by an adsorption reaction. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed by utilizing the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) and Temkin isotherm models at 23˚C, with data collected by using various initial dye concentrations with different chitin dosages. Our results show the highest correlation with the Langmuir model, consistent with the fact that chitin contains both a monolayer and homogeneous adsorption sites. Based on the D-R model, the adsorption of AY25 dye onto chitin is via chemisorption. Furthermore, we have concluded that the rate constants of both pseudo-second order adsorption and film diffusion are correlated to the initial dye concentrations and chitin dosages. In conclusion, chitin from waste crab legs is a very suitable adsorbent material that is capable of rapidly removing up to 95% of the initial concentration of AY25 dye at a pH of 2 and room temperature
Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Protocol for Hip Fracture
Get PDFFascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is a volume based block used to treat pain associated with hip fractures. An anesthesia group at a central Illinois hospital expressed interest in the creation of an evidenced-based protocol for FICB. After an extensive literature search an evidence-based protocol was designed. The initial implementation of the protocol was a presentation of an informational PowerPoint which discussed the aspects of the protocol presented to the anesthesia staff and the registered nursing staff who assist the anesthesia providers. The protocol was then evaluated with a Likert scale survey completed by the staff. The results from the survey were overwhelming positive about the FICB and the designed protocol. The facility plans to utilize the protocol for the treatment of acute pain experienced by patients with hip fractures in the emergency room once the hospital initiates an acute pain service. The FICB benefits hip fracture patients to decrease pain, increase patient satisfaction, and decrease narcotic requirements
Improving Perioperative Management of Patients Experiencing Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: An Assessment of a Staff Educational Program
Get PDFLocal anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare but life-threatening complication occurring after administration of local anesthetics. With the increasingly widespread use of local anesthetics (LAs), healthcare providers must be educated on safe administration, as well as recognition and treatment of LAST. This project involved the development of a computer-based learning (CBL) module for staff at a tertiary care center in central Illinois with a focus on the definition, characteristics, prevention, symptoms, and treatment of LAST.
Knowles’ adult learning theory served as the primary foundation and theoretical framework for the development of the CBL. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed the most recent evidence on contributing factors, prevention, and treatment of LAST. The project study design utilized a non-experimental pretest-posttest evaluation method completed by 430 study participants and results were used to evaluate if knowledge was enhanced after CBL completion. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and an improvement in posttest vs pretest average scores was appreciated. Thus, the outcomes of this project suggested that the use of a CBL module for comprehensive education on a low incidence, high mortality event, such as LAST, was beneficial in enhancing healthcare provider knowledge with the potential to improve patient outcomes
Protocol Development in the OR: Lessons Learned
Get PDFThe management of pain in those undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is complex and challenging. There have been advances in the understanding of the physiology of pain and a wide variety of treatment options are now available. Establishing a preventative multi-modal protocol with different types of pain medications that work on a variety of receptors along the pain pathway is imperative. Through an exhaustive literature review, a preventative multi-modal approach was established and introduced at a small hospital in Central Illinois available for all laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients undergoing surgery over a 10 week implementation period. There was only one completed case using the proposed protocol therefore the project leader could not use data from the surveys to compare findings over a number of cases or to determine the efficacy of the protocol. Therefore, a review of barriers that surfaced during the pre-implementation and implementation phase of the project will be reviewed
Postoperative Delirium Education
Get PDFSurgical patients, aged 65 and older, comprise the largest surgical population. Increased age correlates with an increased incidence of postoperative delirium. Postoperative delirium (POD) can drastically increase healthcare costs, length of hospital stay, and overall morbidity and mortality. A clinical reference tool was created to have available for perioperative staff members at a 200-bed community hospital in the Midwest. The tool describes risk factors, prevention methods, and treatment options for POD. The initial implementation of the project was achieved with a PowerPoint presentation which was created to summarize the information found in the literature review and to instruct perioperative staff members how to properly utilize the clinical reference tool. The evaluation of the tool and implementation initiative consisted of a 5 question Likert scale survey which evaluated their effectiveness. The results of the evaluation revealed the information covered in the presentation and the Clinical Reference Tool were adequate; participants expressed that the presentation was very informative. All the objectives of the project were met. Participants were provided with a Clinical Reference Tool for POD, awareness was increased, and overall, participants felt that they would be capable of discussing the impact of cost in relation to postoperative delirium, describe pathology and associated risk factors, and relate assessment results with prevention methods
A 1600-year record of human impacts on a floodplain lake in the Mississippi River Valley
No full textIn North America, land use practices of the last two centuries have strongly influenced aquatic communities and freshwater quality, but the impacts of prehistoric land use on freshwater resources remain poorly documented. Here we investigate the influence of prehistoric and historical land use on Horseshoe Lake, Illinois, USA, an oxbow lake in a floodplain of the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Cahokia, the largest prehistoric indigenous population center north of Mexico. Diatom assemblages from Horseshoe Lake’s sedimentary record track shifts in aquatic environmental conditions over the last ca. 1600 years. During the period of prehistoric population growth and agricultural intensification associated with Cahokia’s emergence (ca. 600–1200 CE), the relative abundance of Aulacoseira granulata—a planktonic diatom associated with shallow eutrophic lakes—increased. Following the abandonment of Cahokia in the 14th century CE, the diatom flora of the lake shifted from planktonic Aulacoseira taxa to the epiphytic taxa Cocconeis and Gomphonema. This shift in diatom assemblages is consistent with a reduction of nutrient inputs to the lake and/or reduced fishing pressure as prehistoric populations abandoned the area. Following the intensification of historic settlement after 1800 CE, diatom assemblages shift to epipelic species of small Staurosira and Fragilaria, indicating a reduction in aquatic macrophytes and increased turbidity. Our results document prehistoric indigenous impacts on a freshwater system beginning nearly 1000 years before European colonization of the Americas and demonstrate the antiquity of human impacts on freshwater resources in North America
Applying Spatial Literacy to Transform Library Space: A Selected Literature Review
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The purpose of this paper is to review a selection of articles and books that highlight aspects of spatial theory and literacy from various disciplinary perspectives, along with a review of library space studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews library literature that uses spatial literacy and its related tools. The authors searched in two databases: Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, and SCOPUS. The paper records were analyzed to find primary research studies, published between 2010 and 2017, which study patron use of library space using various single and hybrid methodologies.
Findings
The findings of the literature reveal that of the 26 studies reviewed, 23 have a descriptive research question and three have a relational research question. Based on the analysis of the research methodologies used, there is more that can be done in support of a librarian’s research efforts as well as the arenas in which research is conducted.
Practical implications
These findings highlight ways in which library and information science researchers and those who educate them can broaden knowledge within the profession regarding spatial theory, literacy and applicable research methodologies for studying library space.
Originality/value
Current and best practices for designing library space studies that use spatial literacy to collect and analyze data are identified along with a discussion of future directions for researchers to better assess space and communicate the value of physical space in libraries
Improving Infection Management of the Institutionalized Elderly
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As the elderly population rapidly grows in the United States, the burden of managing infection in long-term care facilities (LTCF) escalates. The use of evidence-based infection identification algorithms for early recognition and treatment of pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTI) and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) was evaluated at a Midwest suburban 110-bed long-term care facility. Focus group sessions were conducted at the facility with four nurse practitioners, the medical director, eight nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) prior to an educational in-service which was provided to all staff at the facility. As criteria of infection were reported, nurses verified assessments and initiated algorithm use. The algorithm provided targeted intervention protocol in communicating to primary care providers, implementing, and documenting plan of care for the patient. During the 30 day use of algorithms, infection surveillance, complication, and hospital transfers improved. Further research is recommended on the effectiveness of the algorithm and long-term infection identification and management for implementation periods longer than 30 days