The purpose of this project was to develop a method to characterize polymers using size exclusion chromatography. Specifically, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a refractive index detector (RID) was used. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used a standard for this method. The mobile phase used was dimethylformamide (DMF). Three different mixtures of PEG polymers with known molecular weights were analyzed to characterize the molecular weight of polyacrylic acid (PAA). After running all polymers, retention times were taken and plotted on the x-axis along with LogMp (molecular weight) on the y-axis. A calibration curve was created and plugged in the retention time of PAA to the line equation. We then, took 10 to the power of that number and calculated a molecular weight of 52292.97 g/mol. This method was shown to be an effective way to characterize polymers using PEG as a standard. Poly (methyl methacrylate), otherwise known as P(MMA), was also tested using the same method. The known weight of the polymer was 60,500 g/mol. After running the polymer, 23,000 g/mol was calculated to be the molecular weight. This molecular weight shows that certain parameters like polarity needs to be considered when running samples on the HPLC.
In the field of information technology, virtual reality and simulation learning have become huge trends, not only in gaming and entertainment, but also in academic fields such as medicine. In the past, medical training has always been costly in providing tools and resources for entry-level medical students to acquire proper training. Medical training conducted in a virtual environment has not only yielded higher success rates, but has also reduced resource costs overall. However, with no standardized guidelines for conducting certain training regimens and learning skills, there are still studies that show some medical training programs do not produce the best results. This research focuses on analyzing the usage of virtual reality in current medical training programs to design a medical, virtual reality, training program. This program will revolve around entry-level medical students who will be attending the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine. This research proposal will not only examine previous research on the utilization of virtual reality in various types of medical training, but also discuss the potential benefits of developing this training program at UC.
Habitat: beech maple forest, in pine broomsedge area on SW corner of big woods; soil
Locality: Hueston Woods State Park, Hueston Woods Interpretive Area, along S shore of Acton Lake
Habitat: sandstone gorges and ravines with healock/hardwood coves, upland hardwood stands, floodplain, pine stands; soil at base of maple tree
Locality: Crane Hollow Nature Preserve (crane Hollow) S of Gibisonville and N of Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, bordered on the E by OH 374 and W by Cream Ridge Rd.
Habitat: narrow sandstone box canyon with floodplain, upland woods, hemlock/hardwood coves; wet sandstone outcrop
Locality: Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, Big Pine Rd. E of OH 374 between OH 678 and 664 Hocking Hills state Park