Strategic Neighboring and Beloved Community Development in West Atlanta Neighborhoods

This study investigates the phenomenon of faith-motivated actors in blighted inner-city neighborhoods on the west side of Atlanta, Georgia. In merging community development literature with a framework of place, this research explores the role of faith in neighborhood transformation efforts. In particular, it examines the motivations and values of these actors that shape how they conceptualize their neighborhoods and in turn how these values are then inscribed into place. Fewer than 40 strategic neighbors are known to be active in Atlanta’s west side; of these 32 participated in the research through in-depth interviews, surveys, diaries and other qualitative research methods. Through this extensive qualitative investigation, this thesis explores the middle-class identity struggles experienced by participants as they reconfigure the social and material spaces of their neighborhoods as they live out their faith

Constellations: A New Paradigm for Earth Observations

The last decade has seen a significant increase in the number and the capabilities of remote sensing satellites launched by the international community. A relatively new approach has been the launching of satellites into heterogeneous constellations. Constellations provide the scientists a capability to acquire science data, not only from specific instruments on a single satellite, but also from instruments on other satellites that fly in the same orbit. Initial results from the A-Train (especially following the CALIPSO/CloudSat launch) attest to the tremendous scientific value of constellation flying. This paper provides a history of the constellations (particularly the A-Train) and how the A-Train mission design was driven by science requirements. The A-Train has presented operational challenges which had not previously been encountered. Operations planning had to address not only how the satellites of each constellation operate safely together, but also how the two constellations fly in the same orbits without interfering with each other when commands are uplinked or data are downlinked to their respective ground stations. This paper discusses the benefits of joining an on-orbit constellation. When compared to a single, large satellite, a constellation infrastructure offers more than just the opportunities for coincidental science observations. For example, constellations reduce risks by distributing observing instruments among numerous satellites; in contrast, a failed launch or a system failure in a single satellite would lead to loss of all observations. Constellations allow for more focused, less complex satellites. Constellations distribute the development, testing, and operations costs among various agencies and organizations for example, the Morning and Afternoon Constellations involve several agencies within the U.S. and in other countries. Lastly, this paper addresses the need to plan for the long-term evolution of a constellation. Agencies need to have a replenishment strategy as some satellites age and eventually leave the constellation. This will ensure overlap of observations, thus providing continuous, calibrated science data over a much longer time period. Thoughts on the evolution of the A-Train will also be presented

Ghrelin is not Related to Hunger or Calories Consumed at Breakfast in Lean and Obese Women

poster abstractBackground: The mechanisms that result in greater caloric intake in obese individuals are incompletely understood. Ghrelin administration increases ad lib food intake in humans. We investigated the relationship of ghrelin to calorie consumption and hunger at breakfast on two separate occasions in lean and obese women. Methods: 23 lean (BMI 22.3±0.5 kg/m2, 26.5±1.0 yr) and 25 obese (BMI 36.9±0.7 kg/m2, 27.8±1.1 yr) women participated in a noncontiguous 2 day study. The minimum and maximum days between visits were 6 and 43 days. Participants were given the same breakfast on both days (turkey sausage, French toast with margarine/syrup, fruit cup, coffee, tea, diet soda, or water) with portions adjusted to provide 20% of the daily energy requirement for weight maintenance. Subjects were instructed to eat until full. Hunger was evaluated on a Satiety Labeled Intensity Magnitude Scale (SLIM) before and after the meal. Anchors were “greatest imaginable fullness” at 0 and “greatest imaginable hunger” at 100. Blood samples were collected over 120 minutes for measurement of active ghrelin. Results: Lean subjects consumed an equivalent number of calories on both days (380.0±14.6 vs 378.2±14.9 kcal), as did the obese (419.4±16.2 vs 428.8±15.4 kcal). On average for both days, obese consumed significantly more breakfast calories than lean (424.1±11.1 vs 379.1±10.3 kcal; P<0.01), but the same percentage of calories provided (85.7±1.8 vs 86.1±1.7 %kcal). Lean subjects rated hunger before breakfast the same on both days (69.2±1.6 vs 71.7±1.4), as did the obese (69.8±1.6 vs 69.6±1.8), and there was no difference between the groups. Lean subjects rated hunger after breakfast the same on both days (27.8±1.9 vs 30.3±2.4), as did the obese (25.0±1.7 vs 24.3±1.8). The reduction in hunger score following breakfast was significant for both groups (P<0.0001), with the obese reporting significantly less hunger/more fullness after breakfast than the lean (P=0.02). Fasting ghrelin was significantly greater in the lean than obese women (549.9±58.9 vs 231.0±29.1 pg/ml; P<0.0001). Ghrelin was significantly reduced at 60 min following breakfast in the lean (375.8±49.2 pg/ml; P=0.028) but not the obese (212.2±26.4 pg/ml). Ghrelin was not related to hunger score prior to breakfast, and there was no relationship between reduction in ghrelin and hunger score in the lean or obese. Conclusion: Caloric intake (as a percentage provided) and hunger scores before breakfast on two occasions were the same for both lean and obese women. Fasting ghrelin was significantly different between lean and obese women but did not predict hunger score or calories consumed. Our findings do not support a role for ghrelin in driving food intake at breakfast

Awareness, use and willingness to self-test for HIV: An analysis of cross-sectional population-based surveys in Malawi and Zimbabwe

Abstract Background Many southern African countries are nearing the global goal to diagnose 90% of people with HIV by 2020. In 2016, 84% and 86% of people with HIV knew their status in Malawi and Zimbabwe respectively. Despite this progress, gaps remain, particularly among men (≥25 years). We investigated awareness, use and willingness to HIV self-test (HIVST) prior to large scale implementation and explored sociodemographic associations.Methods We pooled responses from two of the first cross-sectional Demographic Health Surveys to include HIVST questions: Malawi and Zimbabwe in 2015-16. Sociodemographic factors and sexual risk behaviours associated with never testing for HIV, and awareness, past use and future willingness to self-test were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for the sample design and limiting analysis to participants with completed questionnaire and a valid HIV result. Analysis of willingness to self-test was restricted to Zimbabwean men as Malawians and women were not asked this question.Results Of 31 385 individuals, the proportion never-tested was higher for men (31.2%) than women (16.5%), p&lt;0.001. For men, having ever tested increased with age. Past use and awareness of HIVST was very low, 1.2% and 12.6% respectively. Awareness was lower among women than men (9.1% vs 15.3%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-1.75), and at younger age, and lower education and literacy levels. Willingness to self-test among Zimbabwean men was high (84.5%), with having previously tested for HIV, high sexual risk, and being older (≥25 years) associated with greater willingness. Wealthy men had greater awareness of HIVST than poorer men (p&lt;0.001). Men at higher sexual risk, compared to men at lower risk, had the greatest willingness to self-test (aOR=3.74; 95%CI: 1.39-10.03, p&lt;0.009).Conclusions In 2015-16 many Malawian and Zimbabwean men had never tested for HIV. Despite low awareness and minimal HIVST experience at that time, willingness to self-test was high, especially in older men with moderate to high sexual risk. These data provide a valuable baseline against which to investigate population-level uptake of HIVST as programmes scale-up. Programmes introducing, or planning to introduce HIVST, should consider including questions in population-based surveys.</jats:p

Use, awareness and willingness to self-test for HIV: An analysis of cross-sectional population-based surveys in Malawi and Zimbabwe

Abstract Background Many southern African countries are nearing the global goal to diagnose 90% of people with HIV by 2020. In 2016, 84% and 86% of people with HIV knew their status in Malawi and Zimbabwe respectively. Despite this progress, gaps remain, particularly among men (≥25 years). We investigated awareness, use and willingness to HIV self-test (HIVST) prior to large scale implementation and explored sociodemographic associations. Methods We pooled responses from two of the first cross-sectional Demographic Health Surveys to include HIVST questions: Malawi and Zimbabwe in 2015-16. Sociodemographic factors and sexual risk behaviours associated with previously testing for HIV, and awareness, past use and future willingness to self-test were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for the sample design and limiting analysis to participants with completed questionnaire and a valid HIV result. Analysis of willingness to self-test was restricted to Zimbabwean men, as Malawians and women were not asked this question. Results Of 31 385 individuals, the proportion never-tested was higher for men (31.2%) than women (16.5%), p&lt;0.001. For men, having ever tested increased with age. Past use and awareness of HIVST was very low, 1.2% and 12.6% respectively. Awareness was lower among women than men (9.1% vs 15.3%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-1.75), and at younger ages, and lower education and literacy levels. Willingness to self-test among Zimbabwean men was high (84.5%), with having previously tested for HIV, high sexual risk, and being ≥25 years associated with greater willingness. Wealthier men had greater awareness of HIVST than poorer men (p&lt;0.001). Men at higher HIV-related sexual risk, compared to men at lower HIV-related sexual risk, had the greatest willingness to self-test (aOR=3.74; 95%CI: 1.39-10.03, p&lt;0.009).Conclusions In 2015-16 many Malawian and Zimbabwean men had never tested for HIV. Despite low awareness and minimal HIVST experience at that time, willingness to self-test was high among Zimbabwean men, especially in older men with moderate to high HIV-related sexual risk. These data provide a valuable baseline against which to investigate population-level uptake of HIVST as programmes scale-up. Programmes introducing, or planning to introduce HIVST, should consider including questions in population-based surveys.</jats:p

HIV self-testing services for female sex workers, Malawi and Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVE: To present findings from implementation and scale-up of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing programmes for female sex workers in Malawi and Zimbabwe, 2013-2018. METHODS: In Zimbabwe, we carried out formative research to assess the acceptability and accuracy of HIV self-testing. During implementation we evaluated sex workers' preferences for, and feasibility of, distribution of test kits before the programme was scaled-up. In Malawi, we conducted a rapid ethnographic assessment to explore the context and needs of female sex workers and resources available, leading to a workshop to define the distribution approach for test kits. Once distribution was implemented, we conducted a process evaluation and established a system for monitoring social harm. FINDINGS: In Zimbabwe, female sex workers were able to accurately self-test. The preference study helped to refine systems for national scale-up through existing services for female sex workers. The qualitative data helped to identify additional distribution strategies and mediate potential social harm to women. In Malawi, peer distribution of test kits was the preferred strategy. We identified some incidents of social harm among peer distributors and female sex workers, as well as supply-side barriers to implementation which hindered uptake of testing. CONCLUSION: Involving female sex workers in planning and ongoing implementation of HIV self-testing is essential, along with strategies to mitigate potential harm. Optimal strategies for distribution and post-test support are context-specific and need to consider existing support for female sex workers and levels of trust and cohesion within their communities

The Lantern Vol. 36, No. 2, Spring 1970

• On a Plane From Here to There • The Earth • A Cry • Starry-Eyed • Day • Ticking Clocks • Nadir • To---- • Mood • Frost • Island of Life • A Non-Poem • Cooky - Stillborn Like Mother Used to Make • Solar • Come Back • The Hand • Now • Free • Vision of the Action Scene • Potpourri • Confusions of a Stranger • In the Darknesshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/lantern/1097/thumbnail.jp

The apéritif effect: Alcohol's effects on the brain's response to food aromas in women

OBJECTIVE: Consuming alcohol prior to a meal (an apéritif) increases food consumption. This greater food consumption may result from increased activity in brain regions that mediate reward and regulate feeding behavior. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response to the food aromas of either roast beef or Italian meat sauce following pharmacokinetically controlled intravenous infusion of alcohol. METHODS: BOLD activation to food aromas in non-obese women (n = 35) was evaluated once during intravenous infusion of 6% v/v EtOH, clamped at a steady-state breath alcohol concentration of 50 mg%, and once during infusion of saline using matching pump rates. Ad libitum intake of roast beef with noodles or Italian meat sauce with pasta following imaging was recorded. RESULTS: BOLD activation to food relative to non-food odors in the hypothalamic area was increased during alcohol pre-load when compared to saline. Food consumption was significantly greater, and levels of ghrelin were reduced, following alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: An alcohol pre-load increased food consumption and potentiated differences between food and non-food BOLD responses in the region of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus may mediate the interplay of alcohol and responses to food cues, thus playing a role in the apéritif phenomenon

Usability and acceptability of self-testing for hepatitis C virus infection among the general population in the Nile Delta region of Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Self-testing for hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCVST) may be an additional strategy to expand access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and support elimination efforts. We conducted a study to assess the usability and acceptability of HCVST among the general population in a semi-rural, high-HCV prevalence region in Egypt. METHODS: An observational study was conducted in two hospitals in the Nile Delta region. A trained provider gave an in-person demonstration on how to use the oral fluid HCVST followed by observation of the participant performing the test. Usability was assessed by observing errors made and difficulties faced by participants. Acceptability of HCV self-testing was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 116 participants enrolled, 17 (14.6%) had received no formal education. The majority (72%) of participants completed all testing steps without any assistance and interpreted the test results correctly. Agreement between participant-reported HCVST results and interpretation by a trained user was 86%, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.6. Agreement between participant-reported HCVST results and provider-administered oral fluid HCV rapid test results was 97.2%, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.75. The majority of participants rated the HCVST process as easy (53%) or very easy (44%), and 96% indicated they would be willing to use HCVST again and recommend it to their family and friends. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the high usability and acceptability of oral fluid HCVST in a general population. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal positioning of self-testing alongside facility-based testing to expand access to HCV diagnosis in both general and high-risk populations