An investigation into the probabilistic combination of quasi-static and random accelerations

The development of design load factors are investigated for aerospace and aircraft components and experiment support structures, which are subject to a simultaneous vehicle dynamic vibration and acoustically generated random vibration. The characteristics of the combined acceleration probability density function is determined, and an appropriate percentile level for the combined acceleration is selected. This mechanism is developed and graphical data is provided to select combined accelerations for most popular percentile levels

SMOKING PREVALENCE AND MEDIA IMPACT ON SMOKING BEHAVIORS AMONG ADULT LGBT PERSONS

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the prevalence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) smoking prevalence and to identify possible associations between smoking behavior and depictions of smoking presented in visual media programming commonly viewed by these groups. Background: Recent studies have shown there is a higher prevalence of smoking in LGBT communities (Tang et al., 2004). Approximately 17.8% of adults age 18 or older in the U.S. smoke cigarettes; while, 26.6% - 36.0% of LGBT persons smoke. The Big Tobacco industry has been known to intentionally target sub-groups of the general population, particularly minorities such as African Americans, youth, and the LGBT Community (Washington, 2002). Methods: This thesis was implemented in two ways, a survey and media review analysis. The survey used gatekeepers to initiate a snowball technique to distribute the survey. The survey collected demographic information on sexual preference, behavioral habits, and knowledge of harms of smoking. The media analysis involved three research assistants who viewed eight movies and 24 TV shows produced in the last 5 years, tallying incidence and evidence of tobacco use. Results: A total of 78 surveys were completed and 63 met the qualifications, over 18 years of age and was a part of the LGBT community either through self-identification, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior. Of the qualified survey participants, 30.8% were lesbian or gay, 30.8% were bisexual, 21.2% were pansexual, and 15.4% were heterosexual. Approximately 20.6% of participants were current tobacco users and 68.3% of participants had ever used tobacco. Overall LGBT media demonstrated marginally significant higher averages of tobacco incidence than mainstream media (6.98 n = 45 and 2.40 n = 45 respectively; T-Test p = 0.074). There is little difference between tobacco incidence in movies versus TV shows (4.70 n = 23 and 4.69 n = 67 respectively). LGBT TV shows revealed a significantly higher average tobacco incidence than mainstream TV shows (8.71 n = 34 and 0.55 n = 33; Mann-Whitney = 0.003). However, surprisingly, the average tobacco incidence in LGBT movies was significantly lower than mainstream movies (1.64 n = 11 and 7.50 n= 12; Mann-Whitney = 0.011). Conclusion: There is a higher rate of tobacco use in the LGBT community. The exact cause for the higher rates are unknown; however, (1) higher stress may induce more tobacco use, and (2) tobacco use in LGBT films could contribute to the increased rates. I uncovered evidence of higher tobacco use in LGBT TV shows, but the opposite in movies. However, I did observe a general trend of higher tobacco use overall in LGBT media. This is further evidence that tobacco companies may target sub-populations, such as the LGBT community. Education on this type of advertising is likely an effective way to counter the subtle targeting and raise awareness of tobacco use in sexual and gender minority populations. Healthy stress management education may also benefit this population

Politics in the Classroom: A Survey on College Students’ Comfortability to Share Their Views

The following study used theories of belongingness and spiral of silence to investigate students’ comfortability when sharing their political views in class. This study employed a survey distributed to a convenience sample of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students. The survey contained multiple choice and free response questions that encompassed political affiliation, willingness to share political views in class, and demographics. The results of the survey were interpreted using SPSS statistics software, specifically ANOVA tests and Fisher’s LSD. The findings of this study ultimately indicated that liberal students feel more comfortable sharing their views than moderates and conservatives. Findings also showed that liberals felt the highest sense of belonging and the least amount of social stigma when sharing their views in class. This ultimately illuminated the fact that Cal Poly is home to a minority of conservative students that do not feel welcome voicing their views. This warrants concern because we all benefit from discussing politics in class

Islamic Approaches to Patient Care (Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications, 2011)

Reviewed by Kamal Abu-Shamsieh

Component response to random vibratory motion of the carrier vehicle

Two physical models of component plus supporting substructure are considered. Each model consists of a rigid body attached to a moving base by means of linear springs and viscous dampers. The second model differs from the first in that its dampers are elastically supported. The first model receives the more extensive treatment. Base motion, assumed a random translational motion parallel to a fixed axis, is prescribed only to the extent that the power spectral density (PSD) of its acceleration is given; and, as given, its plot on log-log graph paper is a series of straight line segments, each segment having an extremity in common with the adjacent segment. Closed expressions are given for the mean squares of base acceleration, base velocity, and base displacement. The component is restricted to planar motion and allowed two degrees of freedom, one translational and one rotational. Integral expressions are given for the mean squares of component response variables, the transfer functions essential to mean square computation being available via the equations of motion. Closed expressions are given for mean squares of certain of the response variables for the case wherein the base acceleration PSD is constant

Exploring Digital Health Promotion and Education in East Texas: Pathways to Improving Access

Purpose: Technology is an important part of healthcare in the United States. There are opportunities for a better understanding of how technology and digital health can improve health and healthcare. The purpose of this study was to answer two research questions. The first research question was, what is the understanding of digital health in the community? The second research question was, what is the knowledge of digital health in the community. These research questions may inform how health professionals address the issue of electronic health records, digital health, and the implications for technology. Methods: Using a convenience sample, participants were recruited to answer an online survey to identify knowledge and understanding of technology, digital health, and a better understanding of health. Participants were able to opt into or out of the survey. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and evaluated with descriptive statistics. Results: The sample size of 14 is small. Results identified that participants were not fully embracing of health technologies. The data indicated that participants were not fully accepting of technology and digital health. Conclusions: Further research should be conducted to obtain a larger sample size. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to plan interventions to educate the community about health and health technologies. Qualitative and mixed-method studies can add to what is known about health and healthcare technology and digital health resources. Recommendations: It is recommended that interventions be targeted to educate the East Texas population about electronic health resources, telehealth/telemedicine, and technologies that can support health. This article was published in Journal of Health Education Teaching, 2020; 11(1), 32-42. ISSN: 2333-4851. The article is Creative Commons licensed (CC-BY 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.https://openriver.winona.edu/educationeddfacultyworks/1019/thumbnail.jp

Where are the Women in School Administration? Issues of Access, Acculturation, Advancement, Advocacy

Despite widespread alarms about a growing shortage of school leaders, an obvious source of well-prepared talent continues to be overlooked. Women are still under-represented in school administration, particularly at the highest levels of responsibility. This paper presents findings of a study that examined issues for women in accessing administrative positions, acculturating into the organization, advancing on the hierarchical ladder, and advocating for other women who may follow. The results suggest that the administrative profession, including women themselves, would benefit from a more sophisticated understanding of the gender biases that still persist to keep women on the operational and cultural margins of school organizations

Where are the Women in School Administration? Issues of Access, Acculturation, Advancement, Advocacy

Despite widespread alarms about a growing shortage of school leaders, an obvious source of well-prepared talent continues to be overlooked. Women are still under-represented in school administration, particularly at the highest levels of responsibility. This paper presents findings of a study that examined issues for women in accessing administrative positions, acculturating into the organization, advancing on the hierarchical ladder, and advocating for other women who may follow. The results suggest that the administrative profession, including women themselves, would benefit from a more sophisticated understanding of the gender biases that still persist to keep women on the operational and cultural margins of school organizations