Alternative Power Floating Microbial Fuel Cell Biofilter

The invention is designed to enhance the degradation of waste in standing waters, e.g. agricultural waste lagoons, harbors, retention ponds, etc.  Waste reduction in such places is a growing concern.  Primarily, aerators are used to stimulate degradation.  Such aeration requires power and most of these sites are remote.  Expensive power generators, batteries or power lines must be supplied.  An alternative approach that is being commercialized is to use solar power cells or windmills (fitted on the aerators) to supply power, however this requires wind or sunshine, which are not available 24/7.

The invention disclosed here is a floating MFC biofilter that will operate 24/7.  It will stimulate biodegradation and generate power.  The power can be used to further stimulate biodegradation or it can be used for other purposes.  For example, the floating MFC biofilter can be used to power sensors, lighting, battery chargers, etc. at remote locations.  Highway and neighborhood retention ponds could be a good location to use the filter for remote power.

Prevention fo Post-Rape Psychopathology

The prevention of post-rape psychopathology videotape features four modules, the first of which is intended to reduce anxiety surrounding emergency and forensic exam room procedures and increase medical clinic follow-up attendance. This module is entitled Forensic Exam Anxiety Reduction Module. The latter three modules contain preventive information and exercises designed to address the risk areas of psychopathology outlined above. As mentioned, attention and concentration abilities of rape victims are expected to be negatively affected by the trauma. Therefore, this preventive intervention imparts information in an extremely clear, concise, and relatively straightforward manner. Additionally, because rape victims are frequently in extreme distress during emergency room procedures, the videotape intervention features non-threatening, racially and gender sensitive actors to reduce anxiety and engage victims.

The intervention has been specifically formulated to ameliorate, rather than exacerbate anxiety of rape victims during forensic exam procedures. As such, the videotape intervention complements crisis counseling currently provided by volunteers. As mentioned, the first module of the tape informs women of what is going to happen during the exam. That is, they are prepared for and given some sense of control and insight over procedures. This is achieved by introducing victims to individuals similar to those with whom they will interact during the exam, followed by general descriptions of forthcoming procedures. Next, actual depictions of the procedures occur, accompanied by rationales for each action, and description of victim options regarding each procedure. Finally, a follow up clinic is described and advantages of attendance are outlined.

Following the introductory section of the tape in which hospital staff and procedures are featured, information designed to allay concerns regarding novel and frightening symptomatology (e.g., panic) that rape victims often experience will be offered, combined with strategies that increase victims' expectations that they are capable of coping with emotional and physical distress that they might experience in the ensuing days. Next, PTSD/Panic, Depression, and Substance Abuse prevention modules are provided. Specific treatment modalities include modeling by culturally relevant actors, role-play and rehearsal, education, and self-assignment of therapeutic homework. Specific treatment techniques featured in the video include imaginal and in vivo exposure instructions and examples, cognitive restructuring and discussion of common cognitive distortions following rape, activity scheduling, urge identification, prevention and control, and cognitive coping skills training.

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