Browsing by Subject "Recovery"
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Item Open Access Advanced Aerogel Composites for Oil Remediation and Recovery(2016) Karatum, OsmanOil spills in marine environments often damage marine and coastal life if not remediated rapidly and efficiently. In spite of the strict enforcement of environmental legislations (i.e., Oil Pollution Act 1990) following the Exxon Valdez oil spill (June 1989; the second biggest oil spill in U.S. history), the Macondo well blowout disaster (April 2010) released 18 times more oil. Strikingly, the response methods used to contain and capture spilled oil after both accidents were nearly identical, note that more than two decades separate Exxon Valdez (1989) and Macondo well (2010) accidents.
The goal of this dissertation was to investigate new advanced materials (mechanically strong aerogel composite blankets-Cabot® Thermal Wrap™ (TW) and Aspen Aerogels® Spaceloft® (SL)), and their applications for oil capture and recovery to overcome the current material limitations in oil spill response methods. First, uptake of different solvents and oils were studied to answer the following question: do these blanket aerogel composites have competitive oil uptake compared to state-of-the-art oil sorbents (i.e., polyurethane foam-PUF)? In addition to their competitive mechanical strength (766, 380, 92 kPa for Spaceloft, Thermal Wrap, and PUF, respectively), our results showed that aerogel composites have three critical advantages over PUF: rapid (3-5 min.) and high (more than two times of PUF’s uptake) oil uptake, reusability (over 10 cycles), and oil recoverability (up to 60%) via mechanical extraction. Chemical-specific sorption experiments showed that the dominant uptake mechanism of aerogels is adsorption to the internal surface, with some contribution of absorption into the pore space.
Second, we investigated the potential environmental impacts (energy and chemical burdens) associated with manufacturing, use, and disposal of SL aerogel and PUF to remove the oil (i.e., 1 m3 oil) from a location (i.e., Macondo well). Different use (single and multiple use) and end of life (landfill, incinerator, and waste-to-energy) scenarios were assessed, and our results demonstrated that multiple use, and waste-to-energy choices minimize the energy and material use of SL aerogel. Nevertheless, using SL once and disposing via landfill still offers environmental and cost savings benefits relative to PUF, and so these benefits are preserved irrespective of the oil-spill-response operator choices.
To inform future aerogel manufacture, we investigated the different laboratory-scale aerogel fabrication technologies (rapid supercritical extraction (RSCE), CO2 supercritical extraction (CSCE), alcohol supercritical extraction (ASCE)). Our results from anticipatory LCA for laboratory-scaled aerogel fabrication demonstrated that RSCE method offers lower cumulative energy and ecotoxicity impacts compared to conventional aerogel fabrication methods (CSCE and ASCE).
The final objective of this study was to investigate different surface coating techniques to enhance oil recovery by modifying the existing aerogel surface chemistries to develop chemically responsive materials (switchable hydrophobicity in response to a CO2 stimulus). Our results showed that studied surface coating methods (drop casting, dip coating, and physical vapor deposition) were partially successful to modify surface with CO2 switchable chemical (tributylpentanamidine), likely because of the heterogeneous fiber structure of the aerogel blankets. A possible solution to these non-uniform coatings would be to include switchable chemical as a precursor during the gel preparation to chemically attach the switchable chemical to the pores of the aerogel.
Taken as a whole, the implications of this work are that mechanical deployment and recovery of aerogel composite blankets is a viable oil spill response strategy that can be deployed today. This will ultimately enable better oil uptake without the uptake of water, potential reuse of the collected oil, reduced material and energy burdens compared to competitive sorbents (e.g., PUF), and reduced occupational exposure to oiled sorbents. In addition, sorbent blankets and booms could be deployed in coastal and open-ocean settings, respectively, which was previously impossible.
Item Open Access DOES PROTECTION CULTIVATE MORE RESILIENT REEFS? : ASSESSNG THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BELIZE’S NO-TAKE MANAGEMENT ZONES ON THE POST-DISTURBANCE RECOVERY OF CORALS(2010-04-30T18:35:43Z) Fieseler, ClareCoral reefs have emerged as one of the ecosystems most vulnerable to climate variation and change. Under the current trends, disturbance events are likely to increase in rate and severity. It is critically important to create management strategies that enhance the ability of coral reefs to absorb shocks, resist phase-shifts, and regenerate after such perturbations. This project assesses the capacity of no-take management zones to foster coral resilience in Belize in the 10 years after a major disturbance. In 1998, the Belize Barrier Reef Complex (BBRC) experienced bleaching and hurricane events that effectively halved coral cover. Using video-based reef quantification, this project builds on a robust dataset describing benthic composition immediately before and at three sampling intervals after these major disturbances. The results of this Master’s Project reveal that protection offered by no-take zones (NTZ) has no detectable effect on changes to benthic composition. Coral assemblages show no long-term recovery on either NTZ or fished reefs. As a result, macroalgae cover increased significantly, perhaps past certain resiliency thresholds. Insufficient protection may be attributed to design factors related to size, proximity to other stressors, and isolation. The results make clear that Belize’s reefs are changing at an increasing rate away from desirable ecological baselines. Conservation and government leaders in Belize are thus urged to look beyond purely spatial options in crafting tools for reef resilience.Item Open Access Facilitation of Psychiatric Advance Directives by Peers and Clinicians on Assertive Community Treatment Teams.(Psychiatr Serv, 2017-04-03) Easter, Michele M; Swanson, Jeffrey W; Robertson, Allison G; Moser, Lorna L; Swartz, Marvin SOBJECTIVE: Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) provide a legal mechanism for competent adults to document care preferences and authorize a surrogate to make treatment decisions. In a controlled research setting, an evidence-based intervention, the facilitated psychiatric advance directive (FPAD), was previously shown to overcome most barriers to PAD completion. This study examined implementation of the FPAD intervention in usual care settings as delivered by peer support specialists and nonpeer clinicians on assertive community treatment (ACT) teams. METHODS: A total of 145 ACT consumers were randomly assigned, within teams, to FPAD with facilitation by either a peer (N=71) or a clinician (N=74). Completion rates and PAD quality were compared with the previous study's standard and across facilitator type. Logistic regression was used to estimate effects on the likelihood of PAD completion. RESULTS: The completion rate of 50% in the intent-to-treat sample (N=145) was somewhat inferior to the prior standard (61%), but the rate of 58% for the retained sample (those who completed a follow-up interview, N=116) was not significantly different from the standard. Rates for peers and clinicians did not differ significantly from each other for either sample. PAD quality was similar to that achieved in the prior study. Four consumer variables predicted completion: independent living status, problematic substance use, length of time served by the ACT team, and no perceived unmet need for hospitalization in crisis. CONCLUSIONS: Peers and clinicians can play a crucial role in increasing the number of consumers with PADs, an important step toward improving implementation of PADs in mental health care.Item Open Access Martin Bronfenbrenner and Japan's Post-WWII Economic Recovery(2012-04-16) Basandra, Nitish; Srinivas, ShreyasThis paper explores the economic recovery of post-World War II Japan through the eyes of the late Duke professor and American economist Martin Bronfenbrenner. Specifically, we address the period of US Occupation from 1947-1952, detailing how Bronfenbrenner sensitized America to Japanese economics. Along the way, Bronfenbrenner faced several obstacles as his loyalty to the US was questioned due to his growing attachment to the Japanese culture and passion for its crisis. Using a methodological approach, we begin with Bronfenbrenner’s initial encounter with a fallen Japan, and conclude with a thorough analysis of his vision for Japan’s reconstruction.Item Open Access Parenting After Stroke(2020) Harris, GabrielleStroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. Historically, stroke has been considered a condition limited to older adults. However, stroke is affecting an increasing number of young and middle-aged adults. Effects of stroke may be more profound for younger adults due to the disruption in their life course at a time focused on employment, family routines, and childcare responsibilities. Beyond paid employment, there is a paucity of research on resuming meaningful life roles such as parenting. Any impairment from stroke can make it difficult to be a parent to the same extent and level of engagement as before the stroke. As parenting is a critical life role with numerous responsibilities and challenges, the intersection of parenting and stroke recovery must be explored.
The purpose of this dissertation research was to develop a better understanding of how parenting both affects and is affected by the experience of having a stroke among younger stroke survivors. The research purpose was accomplished through a systematic review examining the state of the science on parenting after stroke (chapter 2), a qualitative study assessing the parenting experiences of 10 younger survivors following stroke (chapter 3), and a longitudinal concurrent convergent mixed methods study exploring the change in health-related quality of life and acute recovery experiences among 30 younger stroke survivors with targeted analyses to explore the role of parenting (chapter 4).
Parenting tasks were severely limited following stroke, though the specific duties impacted were dependent upon the age of the child. Stroke impairments disrupted survivors’ identities, relationships, and roles as parents as well as those of their families. Parents’ heightened concern for their children and an inability to consistently meet their needs may have affected their recovery. Support from family, friends, and extended networks was vital to survivors during the recovery process. However, difficulty in accepting dependence and variation in survivors’ relationship dynamics likely influenced the role of social support. Insurance and finances, often related to employment and income changes, were determinants of access to care following hospital discharge. Accessing care allowed survivors to engage with healthcare providers who helped them to improve and manage their impairments. Coping strategies influenced survivors’ adaptation post-stroke while their level of determination contributed to their engagement in rehabilitation activities. Finally, being of younger age influenced survivors’ experiences with stroke recognition, diagnosis, and recovery. Findings from this dissertation will be used to inform future studies seeking to improve the lives, well-being, and health of younger stroke survivors living with minor children.
Item Open Access Recovery and survival from aging-associated diseases.(Exp Gerontol, 2013-08) Akushevich, Igor; Kravchenko, Julia; Ukraintseva, Svetlana; Arbeev, Konstantin; Yashin, Anatoliy IOBJECTIVES: Considering disease incidence to be a main contributor to healthy lifespan of the US elderly population may lead to erroneous conclusions when recovery/long-term remission factors are underestimated. Using two Medicare-based population datasets, we investigated the properties of recovery from eleven age-related diseases. METHODS: Cohorts of patients who stopped visiting doctors during a five-year follow-up since disease onset were analyzed non-parametrically and using the Cox proportional hazard model resulted in estimated recovery and survival rates and evaluated the health state of recovered individuals by comparing their survival with non-recovered patients and the general population. RESULTS: Recovered individuals had lower death rates than non-recovered patients, therefore, patients who stopped visiting doctors are a healthier subcohort. However, they had higher death rates than in general population for all considered diseases, therefore the complete recovery does not occur. CONCLUSION: Properties of recovery/long-term remission among the US population of older adults with chronic diseases were uncovered and evaluated. The results allow for a better quantifiable contribution of age-related diseases to healthy life expectancy and improving forecasts of health and mortality.Item Open Access Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Coal Combustion Ash: Survey, Extraction, and Speciation(2018) Taggart, RossThis research explores the beneficial reuse of coal combustion fly ash as a source of rare earth elements (REE). We characterized fly ashes of varied geological origin, tested several extraction methods and parameters, and investigated REE location and speciation in fly ash. Total REE content in a broad sample of U.S. fly ashes were quantified using HF/HNO3 digestion, Na2O2 sintering, and HNO3 digestion. If was found that Appalachian Basin coal ashes had significantly higher total REE content than Illinois Basin or Powder River Basin ashes. However, Powder River Basin ashes had higher HNO3-extractable REE content. Sinter-based extraction methods were tested for REE recovery from fly ash. Optimal sintering conditions were found to be a 1:1 NaOH-ash ratio and 1-2 M HNO3 leaching solution. Bulk and microscale Y speciation in fly ash were compared using sequential selective extractions and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Bulk speciation suggested Y entrained in the aluminosilicate glass phase while microscale speciation resembled trace yttrium minerals.
Item Open Access Restoration: An Wesleyan Model of Recovery(2018) Miskelly, Elizabeth RaiganAbstract
Wesley’s systemic model of discipleship through Societies, Bands, and Classes provides the foundation for a uniquely Wesleyan model of recovery. John Wesley’s early methods of psyches therapeia, “a spiritually-based psychotherapeutic method for healing the human soul and producing real soul-change” is still relevant today and is a proven method for transformation as is evidenced in both the Holy Club, the Oxford Group, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Addiction is known to cross all ethnic, gender, and socio-economic lines. Addiction permeates and affects every segment of society. Today addiction extends beyond drugs and alcohol and can include many other deeds, actions, and conduct. Despite the widespread proliferation of addiction, it has traditionally been relegated to the shadows as a topic of conversation. What is conspicuously absent in most conversations involving addiction is any mention of the church and its role in the process of rehabilitation and recovery.
This is surprising given the clarity of Jesus’ mission as defined in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” Rather than live out the messy incarnate mission and message of Jesus Christ “to seek and to save the least and the lost,” the church has remarkably outsourced recovery to drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. The church, for the most part, has relinquished any role it might play in recovery to secular players, and in doing so, a much-needed voice on the topic of recovery has been silenced. In remaining silent and abdicating it’s calling, the church has forced persons to rely on mere behavioral modification programs. As a result, recovery programs advocate sobriety from a substance or behavior without addressing the real need for change and transformation of the soul itself. Consequently, one’s current addiction is frequently exchanged for a different one. Programs that do not treat addiction at a spiritual level will continue to graduate participants that simply trade one addiction for another, and this will continue until the underlying issues of sin, brokenness, attachment, and denial are appropriately and thoroughly addressed.
The United Methodist Church and its congregations do not know how to effectively address issues of addiction and recovery within a Wesleyan framework. Consequently, the United Methodist family is left to use recovery materials developed by other denominations that simply do not match the ethos, culture, and theology of the United Methodist Church. Restoration: A Wesleyan Model of Recovery seeks to rectify this and offer a unique Methodist resource, to be used as a means of salvation and healing based upon the rich culture and heritage of the people called Methodist. The text is supported by an abundance of resources including videos, sermons, and a daily workbook.
Item Open Access Shattered Moments: The Fall From My 30-Foot Pedestal(2015-05-19) Sroufe, BrookePart One of my final project consists of a series of creative non-fiction stories detailing a traumatic accident I experienced in 2009. The stories examine my physical recovery and reflect on my emotional recovery process. I have also written stories about my strongest memories from my childhood as a way to uncover the events that helped shape the 20-year-old girl I was at the time of my accident. The stories are not linear, but span from my childhood to the three years following my accident. Through these stories, I hope to contribute to greater conversations about trauma, emerging adulthood, and identity—particularly among young people. Part Two of the project analyzes the question of trauma and the necessity of narrative following trauma. I break this section of the project into three short essays addressing different aspects of trauma and narrative: a history of trauma, the need for memoir, and posttraumatic growth. I reference three larger works for these essays and relate the arguments and theories the authors make to my own traumatic experience and the process of writing my own stories. In addition to these written parts of my final project, I also include personal photographs throughout the project. These pictures, like my stories, are not linear. They are visual pieces of my shattered life puzzle, showing meme before and after my fall from the 30-foot pedestal I’d created for myself. By connecting these pieces, I was able to find new meaning in my experience, allowing me to move forward in the recovery of my body and mind.Item Open Access Tailoring nutrition therapy to illness and recovery.(Crit Care, 2017-12-28) Wischmeyer, Paul EWithout doubt, in medicine as in life, one size does not fit all. We do not administer the same drug or dose to every patient at all times, so why then would we live under the illusion that we should give the same nutrition at all times in the continuum of critical illness? We have long lived under the assumption that critical illness and trauma lead to a consistent early increase in metabolic/caloric need, the so-called "hypermetabolism" of critical illness. What if this is incorrect? Recent data indicate that early underfeeding of calories (trophic feeding) may have benefits and may require consideration in well-nourished patients. However, we must confront the reality that currently ICU nutrition delivery worldwide is actually leading to "starvation" of our patients and is likely a major contributor to poor long-term quality of life outcomes. To begin to ascertain the actual calorie and protein delivery required for optimal ICU recovery, an understanding of "starvation" and recovery from starvation and lean body mass (LBM) loss is needed. To begin to answer this question, we must look to the landmark Minnesota Starvation Study from 1945. This trial defines much of the world's knowledge about starvation, and most importantly what is required for recovery from starvation and massive LBM loss as occurs in the ICU. Recent and historic data indicate that critical illness is characterized by early massive catabolism, LBM loss, and escalating hypermetabolism that can persist for months or years. Early enteral nutrition during the acute phase should attempt to correct micronutrient/vitamin deficiencies, deliver adequate protein, and moderate nonprotein calories in well-nourished patients, as in the acute phase they are capable of generating significant endogenous energy. Post resuscitation, increasing protein (1.5-2.0 g/kg/day) and calories are needed to attenuate LBM loss and promote recovery. Malnutrition screening is essential and parenteral nutrition can be safely added following resuscitation when enteral nutrition is failing based on pre-illness malnutrition and LBM status. Following the ICU stay, significant protein/calorie delivery for months or years is required to facilitate functional and LBM recovery, with high-protein oral supplements being essential to achieve adequate nutrition.