Factors that Influence Persistence of Biology Majors at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

To promote diversity within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, we must identify factors that influence or hinder historically underrepresented minority (URM) students’ persistence to degrees in STEM. We documented potential factors that influence students’ persistence in an undergraduate biology program and created a 14-item, Likert-scale instrument. We recruited 137 undergraduate biology majors at a Hispanic-serving institution in Texas to report which factors they found influential in their decision to remain enrolled in their degree programs. We used a modified social cognitive career theory model of career choice to guide interpretation of the reported influences and identify patterns in responses. We documented three highly influential factors for all students: personal motivation, potential learning experiences, and job opportunities with the job opportunities showing a significant difference (P=0.036) between White and URM student groups. We also found a trend (P=0.056) indicating White students were more influenced by role models and mentors than URM students. Our findings suggest that personal motivation and potential job opportunities are the most influential factors driving students to seek educational opportunities that could lead to STEM careers. However, access to a diverse pool of role models also has the potential to provide positive impacts on student persistence in STEM

Interest in web-based treatments for postpartum anxiety: an exploratory survey

Objective: This study aimed to explore women’s interest in web-based treatments for postpartum anxiety and determine the feasibility of reaching women with postpartum anxiety online. Background: Anxiety in the postpartum period is common and often untreated. One innovative approach of offering treatment during this period is through web-based self-help. Assessing women’s interest in new treatments, such as a web-based self-help, is an important step prior to development efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was created and promoted for 4 months via unpaid social media posts (Facebook and Twitter). To be eligible, women had to be over the age of 18, live in England, fluent in English, be within 12 months postpartum and self-report at least mild levels of anxiety. Results: A sample of 114 eligible women were recruited. The majority were Caucasian, well-educated, middle-class women. Seventy percent reported moderate or severe anxiety. Sixty-one percent of women expressed interest in web-based postpartum anxiety treatments. Women preferred treatment in a smartphone/tablet application format, presented in brief modules and supported by a therapist via email or chat/instant messaging. Conclusions: Based on the stated preferences of participating women it is recommended that postpartum anxiety web-based treatments include different forms of therapist support and use a flexibly accessible smartphone/tablet application format with content split into short sections. The findings also suggest that unpaid social media can be feasible in reaching women with postpartum anxiety, but additional efforts are needed to reach a more diverse population

Supporting women with postpartum anxiety: exploring views and experiences of specialist community public health nurses in the UK

Anxiety is common among postpartum women and can have adverse effects on mother's and child's somatic and psychological health if left untreated. In the UK, nurses or midwifes with a specialisation in community public health nursing, also called health visitors (HVs), work with families who have children younger than 5 years of age and are therefore in a key position to identify and support women with postpartum mental health issues. Until recently, postpartum mental health support provided by HVs mainly focused on identifying and managing depression, but the updated clinical guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also includes guidance regarding screening and psychological interventions for perinatal anxiety. This study therefore aimed to explore HVs' experiences of supporting women with postpartum anxiety and their views on currently available care. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 HVs from the UK between May and October 2015. Participants were interviewed in person at their workplace or on the phone/Skype. Using thematic analysis, four main themes emerged: identification and screening issues; importance of training; service usage; and status of current service provision. Women with postpartum anxiety were commonly encountered by HVs in their clinical practice and described as often heavily using their or other related healthcare services, which puts additional strain on HVs' already heavy workload. Issues with identifying and screening for postpartum anxiety were raised and the current lack of perinatal mental health training for HVs was highlighted. In addition, HVs described a current lack of good perinatal mental health services in general and specifically for anxiety. The study highlights the need for HV perinatal mental health training in general and postpartum anxiety specifically, as well as better coverage of specialist mental health services and the need for development of interventions targeted at postpartum anxiety

Development of space stable thermal control coatings for use on large space vehicles

The evaluation and environmental testing of zinc orthotitanate pigments for use as space stable thermal control coatings on large space vehicles are discussed. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the pigments and their precursor compounds are examined. A continuing study of the spectral intensity of mercury-argon and mercury-xenon sources in reported. Results of long term environmental testing of commercially available, strippable, protective coatings are discussed

Development of a space stable thermal control coatings for use in large space vehicles

The preparation and evaluation of zinc orthotitanate and of several new pigments and the environmental testing and evaluation of these pigments and of coatings made from them constitute the bulk of the work accomplished. New pigments were prepared and EPR spectra of pigments and their precursor compounds studied. Results of extensive testing of commercially-available, strippable, protective coatings are reported; Owens-Illinois 650 glass resin has been stabilized against progressive mechanical failures; and definite improvements have been noted. A zinc oxide pigmented lithium silicate paint has demonstrated very good ultraviolet stability

Exploiting Opportunities for Pollution Prevention in EPA Enforcement Agreements

Two relatively new EPA policies encourage the inclusion of pollution prevention in regulatory enforcement settlements. The advantages to a firm include reduction or elimination of environmental problems at the source (thus decreasing reliance on end-of-pipe controls), enhanced prospects for future compliance, and a potential for a reduction in the assessed penalty. We discuss the factors that influence both EPA and firms to include pollution prevention in enforcement settlements, characterize the process in a few exemplary cases, and recommend ways to enhance and expand these activities. The research presented focused on case study analysis of 10 recent EPA-negotiated enforcement settlements that included chemical substitutions, process changes, or closed-loop recyclin

Great black-headed gulls Larus Ichythaetus and renecked Phalaropes Phalaropus Lobatus inland Ethiopia

Volume: 3