Northampton Community College

About: Northampton Community College is a education organization based out in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 3410 authors who have published 4582 publications receiving 130398 citations. The organization is also known as: Northampton County Area Community College.

Label-free slot-waveguide biosensor for the detection of DNA hybridization

Abstract: A finite element method based on the full-vectorial H-field formulation has been employed to achieve the maximum field penetration in the sensing medium of the slot-waveguide-based ring resonator biosensor. The use of nanometer scale guiding structure where optical mode is confined in a low-index region permits a very compact sensor with high optical intensity in the region, which makes it possible to detect minimum refractive index change, and offers higher sensitivities. We analyze the change in effective refractive index of mode, sensitivity, and power confinement of the proposed slot-waveguide-based ring resonator biosensor for the detection of DNA hybridization. The biosensor exhibited theoretical sensitivity of 856 nm per refractive index unit (RIU) and a detection limit of 1.43×10−6 RIU.

Experimental assessment of the functional morphology of inflorescences of Daucus carota (Apiaceae): testing the 'fly catcher effect'

Abstract: 1. The functional significance of inflorescence morphology of Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae) was tested using an inflorescence manipulation experiment. Specifically, we sought to explain the role (if any) in pollination of the dark central floret of this species. 2. In central England, D. carota was found to be pollinated by a taxonomically wide range of insects that varied in their inflorescence visitation rates and in their pollen loads. There was also variation in abundance of some taxa between the 2 years of this study. 3. By removing the dark central floret and adding false florets we sought to affect pollinator visitation rates and seed set in a manner consistent with the ‘fly catcher effect’ hypothesis of Eisikowitch (1980). Taxa responded to these manipulations but not in ways that shed light on the adaptive role of the dark central floret. Seed set was likewise unaffected in any consistent way. 4. The role of the dark central floret remains an enigma. We speculate, following Darwin (1888), that the dark central floret may now be functionless and possibly represents a trait that has persisted long after its original function has been lost.

Baby or beauty: a Q study into post pregnancy body image

Abstract: The idea that women, particularly new mothers, are overly concerned with weight and body shape has much currency in our culture. The literature in this area is contradictory, some arguing, for example, that body image is integral to women's narratives of early motherhood, others that it is of peripheral concern. This paper presents the results of research conducted into women's body image after pregnancy. The study used Q methodology to explore the manifold understandings of women who had recently given birth. Research and piloting produced 60 statements identified as relevant to the concerns of new mothers. Twenty participants, who had given birth in the previous 3 years, were asked to sort these statements into quasi‐normal distributions. These sorts were then factor analysed to identify six dominant narratives: ‘family centred’, ‘stressed’, ‘happy mothers’, ‘missing personal space’, ‘supportive family’ and ‘mother/child oriented’. By focusing on the complexity of these narratives, rather than isolating...

Assessing information needs: a case study of journalists

Abstract: A structure for analysing information needs is outlined. The purpose of the structure is to enable data on users to be collected in a systematic and routine manner. The form of analysis is demonstrated through a consideration of the information needs of newspaper journalists — a group for which user surveys are lacking. The aspects of information need considered are: subject, nature, function, viewpoint, authority, quantity, quality, place of origin, speed of delivery, and processing/packaging. Considered as well are the barriers to meeting information needs — training, time, resources, access and information overload. The library's role in meeting information needs is also assessed. The data used to illustrate the structure are taken from interviews with journalists. Journalists have a need for large volumes of information, for very current and authoritative information, and they require their information very quickly. They are generally very well provided for in terms of information systems, sources and channels; the key problem they face is a shortage of time. Shifts in newspaper coverage, the harsh economic climate newspapers find themselves in and the information flood unleashed by IT, are changing journalists' information requirements and information seeking behaviour.