Response of long, flexible cantilever beams applied root motions

Results are presented for an analysis of the response of long, flexible cantilever beams to applied root rotational accelerations. Maximum values of deformation, slope, bending moment, and shear are found as a function of magnitude and duration of acceleration input. Effects of tip mass and its eccentricity and rotatory inertia on the response are also investigated. It is shown that flexible beams can withstand large root accelerations provided the period of applied acceleration can be kept small relative to the beam fundamental period

Flutter of buckled, simply supported, rectangular panels at supersonic speeds

Flutter analysis on buckled supported rectangular panels under supersonic surface flo

A Tension Shell Structure for Application to Entry Vehicles

The shape of a shell of revolution designed t o have only tensile stresses under axisymmetric aerodynamic loadings has been derived on the basis of linear membrane theory. values of circumferential tension is also given. The results of this paper indicate that the design of an entry vehicle based on the tension shell concept leads to desirable aerodynamic and structural characteristics, namely, high drag and low weight

Shaping the Health and Long-Term-Care Infrastructure Serving Older Adults: Historical Trends and Future Directions

Over the last few decades, federal and state policy have been driving a shift away from nursing facility-based long term services and supports (LTSS) toward home and community-based services (HCBS). As Maine’s aging demographics generate increasing demand for LTSS, the state faces a number of significant challenges as it tries to make living at home longer a viable option for more and more older adults who need assistance in order to do so. This article reviews the confluence of demographic and policy shifts that will shape the future of Maine’s LTSS system

Housing and Service Options for Older Adults in Maine

In order to allow older adults to live at home and in their community as independently as possible for as long as possible, it is crucial to identify the needs in regard to housing and services. Meeting the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia is particularly challenging due to the duration and complexity of the disease process. These aspects must be taken into consideration when evaluating the best location and services in a community. Housing should be affordable, accessible, and available to older adults in their communities. In Maine, almost one quarter of homeowners over the age of 65 pay at least 30 percent of their income to housing. Many various housing and service options are evaluated in this report in terms of best options for different situations. In order to allow for improvement in housing and services, it is crucial for individuals to become informed, for communities to provide information and create partnerships, and for policy makers to coordinate resources, support home modifications, assure availability, continue evidence-based care for people with dementia, and promote innovation

Experimental Investigation of Effects of Random Loading on the Fatigue Life of Notched Cantilever-Beam Specimens of 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Results of random-loading fatigue tests on 125 notched cantilever-beam specimens and constant-amplitude fatigue tests on 46 similar specimens are presented in terms of the root-mean-square value of peak stresses. The results from the two sets of tests are compared on the basis of time to failure, where the results from the constant-amplitude tests are expressed in terms of an equivalent time to failure based on the natural period of vibration. Compared on this basis, failure at the lower stress levels occurred in a shorter time for the random loading than for the constant-amplitude loading, whereas at the higher stress levels failure occurred in the reverse order. A theoretical result for random loading is also presented and compared with the experimental results. The theoretical result shows good agreement with experiment for low values of stress but underestimates the time to failure at the higher stresses

The Changing Nature of Long-Term Care in Maine

The increase in the proportion of older adults, many with one or more chronic medical conditions, will increase the demand for long-term care. Paul Saucier and Julie Fralich discuss the socio-demographic factors affecting long-term care policy, and describe various state and federal options for providing and financing long-term care. They note that Maine’s long-term care system has so far been able to absorb considerable growth in people by serving increasing numbers in lower-cost settings. Cost sharing has been introduced, and tax policy has been changed to provide incentives for long-term care insurance. Policymakers must now consider whether the current balance of public and private financing of long-term care is sustainable in the long run

Can Mainers Afford to Pay for Long-term Care as the Baby Boom Generation Ages?

Long-term care services for older adults represent a significant share of total health care spending and this share is expected to increase as the baby boom generation continues to age. Unlike the broad coverage provided for other kinds of health care services, private insurance policies and Medicare cover only a small portion of total long-term care services

Medicaid Managed Care: Background, Issues, and Options

Managed care is a fundamental shift from the historical fee-for-service payment systems. It provides opportunities for states to transform the delivery and financing of Medicaid financed services and promote and reward improved care outcomes. Implementation of such programs requires thoughtful planning, active stakeholder engagement and an effective administrative infrastructure to manage and operate in a value based purchasing environment

Housing and Service Options for Older Adults in Maine

Older adults want to live at home and in their community as independently as possible for as long as possible (Bayer & Harper L, 2000). The housing and service needs of older adults vary greatly by age, by condition, by setting, by geographic region, and over time. Some older adults do not require any supportive services; others need services that may range from assistance with shopping to extensive need for nursing care. Needs also fluctuate in response to acute events (often requiring hospitalizations), or other temporary changes in health status. The challenge is to have a mix of private and publicly funded housing and service options available that can meet the variety and changing needs of older adults. Certain groups have special needs. Meeting the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, for example, is particularly challenging due to the duration and complexity of the disease process. In some instances these needs can successfully be met at home, and in other instances the needs are best met in an alternate setting e.g. residential or nursing facility with specially trained staff. People at the end of life also have special needs such as pain management and emotional or spiritual support. In all instances, caregivers and family members are integral to successfully meeting the needs of older adults. Many factors influence the supply and the demand for housing, services, and supports. In the last decade, the demand for institutional long term care has remained stagnant as other community based options have developed (Kochera, Straight, & Guterbock, 2005). The supply of independent and assisted living options has grown significantly to meet the increased demand. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that older adults are healthier and have fewer disabilities than in prior decades (Spillman, 2004) (Waidmann & Liu, 2000). The implications of a healthier older population that lives longer and the impact on housing and services needs are not fully known