Kent State University

About: Kent State University is a education organization based out in Kent, Ohio, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Liquid crystal & Population. The organization has 10897 authors who have published 24607 publications receiving 720309 citations. The organization is also known as: Kent State & KSU.

Liquid crystal light modulating materials with selectable viewing angles

Abstract: A light modulating material comprising phase-separated microdroplets of liquid crystal in a light transmissive, synthetic resin matrix wherein the index of refraction n p of the matrix is matched or mismatched to an index of refraction N o of the liquid crystal optical axis of the microdroplets so that when the microdroplet director is aligned relative to a surface of the material, maximum transmission of light occurs at a selected oblique angle relative to the surface of the material or at a selected narrow angle about the perpendicular to the surface of the material. Such matching or mismatching of indices of refraction may be accompanied by phase separation in an external magnetic or electric field, or by shaping the liquid crystal microdroplet into an ovoid or the like during or after phase separation to align the microdroplet directors thereby endowing the material with a permanent and movable viewing angle. One or more sheets of the improved light modulating material may be incorporated into a window or an electrooptic display device to provide angularly discriminating windows or displays that are transparent or visible only at selected angles of view and that are opague at other angles of view.

The aging voice

Abstract: A number of studies have found that listeners are often able to differentiate the voices of young and old speakers accurately. Following an overview of structural and functional changes found in studies of aging larynges, this article examines current findings on maximum phonation duration, voice quality, vocal jitter/shimmer, spectral noise, and fundamental frequency. Aging can affect vocal pitch, loudness, and quality, but such effects are highly variable across the aging population. Therefore, a thorough voice and medical examination is needed to isolate voice problems caused by vocal abuse or pathology from those due to normal aging. Pushing exercises may be a viable treatment option for those with age-related voice problems.

Knowledge, attitudes, and fear of COVID-19 during the Rapid Rise Period in Bangladesh

Abstract: The study aims to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) related to COVID-19 preventive health habits and perception of fear towards COVID-19 in subjects living in Bangladesh. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey of (n = 2157) male and female subjects, 13–88 years of age, living in Bangladesh. Methods: Ethical approval and trial registration were obtained before the commencement of the study. Subjects who volunteered to participate and signed the informed consent were enrolled in the study and completed the structured questionnaire on KAP and Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). Results: Twenty-eight percent (28.69%) of subjects reported one or more COVID-19 symptoms, and 21.4% of subjects reported one or more co-morbidities. Knowledge scores were slightly higher in males (8.75± 1.58) than females (8.66± 1.70). Knowledge was significantly correlated with age (p < .005), an education level (p < .001), attitude (p < .001), and urban location (p < .001). Knowledge scores showed an inverse correlation with fear scores (p < .001). Eighty-three percent (83.7%) of subjects with COVID-19 symptoms reported wearing a mask in public, and 75.4% of subjects reported staying away from crowded places. Subjects with one or more symptoms reported higher fear compared to subjects without (18.73± 4.6; 18.45± 5.1). Conclusion: Bangladeshis reported a high prevalence of self-isolation, positive preventive health behaviors related to COVID-19, and moderate to high fear levels. Higher knowledge and Practice were found in males, higher education levels, older age, and urban location. Fear of COVID-19 was more prevalent in female and elderly subjects. A positive attitude was reported for the majority of subjects, reflecting the belief that COVID-19 was controllable and containable.

Global patterns and drivers of ecosystem functioning in rivers and riparian zones

Abstract: River ecosystems receive and process vast quantities of terrestrial organic carbon, the fate of which depends strongly on microbial activity. Variation in and controls of processing rates, however, are poorly characterized at the global scale. In response, we used a peer-sourced research network and a highly standardized carbon processing assay to conduct a global-scale field experiment in greater than 1000 river and riparian sites. We found that Earth’s biomes have distinct carbon processing signatures. Slow processing is evident across latitudes, whereas rapid rates are restricted to lower latitudes. Both the mean rate and variability decline with latitude, suggesting temperature constraints toward the poles and greater roles for other environmental drivers (e.g., nutrient loading) toward the equator. These results and data set the stage for unprecedented “next-generation biomonitoring” by establishing baselines to help quantify environmental impacts to the functioning of ecosystems at a global scale.