Essays on Environmental and Health Economics

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

A Comparative Analysis of Two Slug Test Methods in Puget Lowland Glacio-Fluvial Sediments near Coupeville, WA

Two different slug test field methods are conducted in wells completed in a Puget Lowland aquifer and are examined for systematic error resulting from water column displacement techniques. Slug tests using the standard slug rod and the pneumatic method were repeated on the same wells and hydraulic conductivity estimates were calculated according to Bouwer & Rice and Hvorslev before using a non-parametric statistical test for analysis. Practical considerations of performing the tests in real life settings are also considered in the method comparison. Statistical analysis indicates that the slug rod method results in up to 90% larger hydraulic conductivity values than the pneumatic method, with at least a 95% certainty that the error is method related. This confirms the existence of a slug-rod bias in a real world scenario which has previously been demonstrated by others in synthetic aquifers. In addition to more accurate values, the pneumatic method requires less field labor, less decontamination, and provides the ability to control the magnitudes of the initial displacement, making it the superior slug test procedure.

Influence of household remittance on childhood stunting in Nepal

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-08

Coupled diusion and mechanics in battery electrodes

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-08

Differences in analgesia in opioid naïve and tolerant patients with sciatic nerve blockade following elective foot and ankle surgery

1.1 Introduction and Purpose: Adequate postoperative analgesia in the opioid tolerant with chronic non-malignant pain is challenging. Multimodal pain relief regimens include regional anesthesia but opioid tolerant patients report increased postoperative pain and opioid consumption. This study compared analgesia in opioid naïve and tolerant patients receiving postoperative sciatic nerve blockade for foot and ankle surgery. 1.2 Method: Preoperative pain scores, trauma, maintenance and intraoperative opioid doses and following postoperative sciatic nerve blockade, patient self-reported pain scores and opioid consumption at discharge from the post-anesthesia unit and 24 hours were recorded. 1.3 Results: 191 patients enrolled. 40.3% were opioid tolerant and 33% had lower extremity trauma. Preoperative, immediate and delayed postoperative pain scores and intraoperative, immediate and 24 hour postoperative consumption of opioids were increased in opioid tolerant patients. Trauma and continuous infusion in opioid naïve and tolerant groups did not result in differences in 24 hour opioid consumption. 1.4 Limitations: Small subgroups and use of the pain score limited the accuracy of results. 1.5 Conclusion: Opioid tolerant patients require greater analgesic doses following sciatic nerve blockade for foot and ankle surgery. 24 hour opioid consumption for opioid naïve and tolerant patients is neither influenced by lower extremity injury nor continuous infusion.