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Building a Sustainable Future: Energy Benefits of Native Grass Green Roofs
No full textUrbanization results in pressing economic and environmental issues related to energy use, the urban heat island effect, and stormwater. Green roofs have emerged as a sustainable urban design concept to combat these economic and environmental problems, but little research has investigated the effects of native plants on the energy and water storage related benefits of green roofs. This study evaluated the effects of native grasses and forbs and their management on green roof thermal dynamics. To evaluate these effects, we monitored 28 green roof plots consisting of seven different treatments, including (1) native grasses with no management, native grasses accompanied by aboveground dead grass removal in the (2) fall or (3) spring, (4) native grasses and forbs with no management, native forb and grass treatments accompanied by aboveground dead plant material removal in the (5) fall or (6) spring, and (7) unplanted plots. Each plot was monitored using temperature and moisture probes that collected measurements every 5 and 15 minutes, respectively. Early results beginning in October 2024 and running through January 2025 indicate that green roofs planted with native grasses can increase roof surface temperature by at least 2 degrees Celsius. However, these benefits appear to result from the insulative properties of the green roof soil, with additional thermal benefits expected during the growing season due to evaporative cooling from plant transpiration. The insulative benefits observed thus far suggest the addition of grass-based green roofs on new and existing buildings could help urban areas transition towards a more sustainable future
Comparing Burke and Paine on Constitutional Change
No full textThomas Paine and Edmund Burke represent two opposing sides on how governments can change. For Paine, governments should be overthrown if they are infringing on the God-given rights of their people. However, when a written constitution is ratified—such as the one in the United States—Paine is in agreement with Thomas Jefferson. That is to say, they are both in favor of each generation having a say on how to change the constitution or not. Burke, on the other hand, presents a more conservative skeptical outlook on governmental change. He advocates for slow change, when needed, given a country’s history and tradition. That is why he opposed the radical change conducted during the French Revolution that led to the Reign of Terror. Instead, Burke agrees with the American Revolution years earlier as the Colonists were not tied to British land. The upshot of comparing Paine to Burke on constitutional change is that constitutional theories such as living constitutionalism and originalism seem to follow this trend of how we can function if time and attitudes progress. Can a constitution change with each generation or through gradual and particular reforms? Thus, through looking at Paine and Burke, we can see how their ideas have influenced modern day constitutional theories, especially when read in light of recent constitutional decisions in the American court system
Graduate Research Symposium 2025
Get PDFStudent abstracts for the Graduate Student Research Symposium sponsored by the College of Professional Sciences.https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/cps_symposium/1004/thumbnail.jp
Enhancing Education at a Pediatric Critical Care Transition to Practice Program
Get PDFEnhancing Educational Content in a Critical Care Transition to Practice Program
Kate Altenburger, BSN RN
Abstract
Transition to practice programs have become well known methods for closing the practice gap experienced by new graduate nurses as they transition from nursing school to clinical practice. One such program at an urban pediatric hospital in the midwest identified two gaps in content. One gap was found in the skills station for blood gas interpretation. While the station did provide an opportunity for learners to practice interpretation, it did not relate the information to patient specific diagnoses or corrective interventions. Failure to intervene with changing assessment data is a current concern for novice nurses that can be addressed in transition to practice programs. Additionally, all the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) that participate in this program utilize the Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) and epidural pumps as pain management techniques. There was no opportunity for new nurses to practice with these pieces of equipment throughout the program, which was identified as a second gap. In addressing these two gaps, an education plan was developed to redesign the blood gas station and create a station for PCA and epidural pumps. In implementing a hands-on learning station for both content areas, learners are expected to demonstrate increases in self-reported confidence after each session. The project will also be evaluated by increased accuracy in completing the PEDS-BKAT blood gas test questions and completion of a skills competency checklist for PCA pumps
Emerging Practice in Focus: Enhancing OT Knowledge in Amputations and Prosthetics
No full textBackground. Upper extremity amputations require individuals to relearn and adapt their daily occupations, including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), work, leisure, and social participation (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020).
Problem. Although upper extremity evaluation and intervention fall within the scope of occupational therapy, these services are more frequently provided by physical therapists. One contributing factor to the limited involvement of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in upper-extremity amputations and prosthetic management is a lack of confidence and foundational knowledge in these areas.
Participants. OTPs and occupational therapy students enrolled in a three-module synchronous virtual training, Emerging Practice in Focus: Enhancing OT Knowledge in Amputations and Prosthetics.
Methodology. Participants completed a pre- and post-assessment designed to measure changes in knowledge and confidence related to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with amputations and prosthetic devices.
Findings. Both OTPs and students demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence following the training.
Implications. Additional education and training opportunities are recommended to enhance practitioners’ competence and confidence further when working with individuals with upper extremity amputations and prosthetics.https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/ot_capstone/1015/thumbnail.jp
