Jovian magnetic fields is complex, Pioneer 11 shows

An analysis of the magnetic field of the planet Jupiter is presented. The data are based on the information returned by Pioneer 11 space probe. It was determined that the magnetic field stretches across 9 million miles of space at some times and shrinks in volume by three-fourths or more at other times. It was also determined that electrons trapped in the magnetic field of Jupiter are 10,000 times more intense than those in the Van Allen radiation belts which circle the earth. Additional data were obtained on the polar regions, atmospheric circulation, and the nature of the moons

Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Cryogenically Treated Music Wire

It has been reported that treating music wire (high carbon steel wire) by cooling to cryogenic temperatures can enhance its mechanical properties with particular reference to those properties important for musical performance. We use such wire for suspending many of the optics in Advanced LIGO, the upgrade to LIGO - the Laser Interferometric Gravitational-Wave Observatory. Two properties that particularly interest us are mechanical loss and breaking strength. A decrease in mechanical loss would directly reduce the thermal noise associated with the suspension, thus enhancing the noise performance of mirror suspensions within the detector. An increase in strength could allow thinner wire to be safely used, which would enhance the dilution factor of the suspension, again leading to lower suspension thermal noise. In this article we describe the results of an investigation into some of the mechanical properties of music wire, comparing untreated wire with the same wire which has been cryogenically treated. For the samples we studied we conclude that there is no significant difference in the properties of interest for application in gravitational wave detectors

Factors Associated with African American Women’s Sexual Health and Risk Behavior: A Mixed Methods Study

Introduction: When looking at the health status of our nation, an examination of sexual and reproductive health reveals that there are multiple conditions related to sexual behavior posing a burden on the health of African American women (AAW). Disproportionate rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended/teen pregnancy, and sexual violence in this group reveal the need to integrate a broader construct to address the multiple factors known to contribute to disparities in sexual and reproductive health affecting AAW. Current health promotion efforts including the encouragement of abstinence and condom use fail to address the multiple components involved in sexual health and/or risk behavior and have been unsuccessful in curtailing disparities in this population. Recently, the concept of sexual health has increasingly been recognized for its potential to improve population health for various groups by addressing pertinent emotional, relational, and sexual aspects involved in individuals’ sexual behavior, decision making, and negotiation. The Sexual Health Model is used in this study, to identify multiple dimensions involved in AAW’s sexual health and participation in behaviors known to increase their sexual risk. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used in this study to better understand AAW’s sexual health and risk behavior. Quantitative (QUAN) methods using questionnaires were carried out on the full study sample (N=50) to describe associations between selected emotional and relational factors (spirituality/religiosity, depressive symptomology, and gender inequality) and AAWs sexual health and risk behavior. In addition, qualitative (QUAL) methods, which included the completion of focus group interviews, were conducted for a subsample (n=19) of study participants to examine AAWs perceptions of sexual health. Respondent validation procedures were also carried out on a subset of the QUAL study sample to ensure the accuracy of thematic content analysis. Analysis for QUAN data was conducted using SAS 9.4 and for QUAL data using NVivo 10. Individual analyses were integrated to corroborate findings for a mixed methods interpretation. Results: Study participants (mean age = 38.5) reported having good overall sexual health and low sexual risk. Significant associations were identified among specified emotional and relational factors and both outcome variables. Sexual health was negatively correlated with depressive symptomology (r = -.19, p \u3c .20) and gender inequality (r=-.25, p \u3c .10). Additionally, lower depressive symptomology and gender inequality demonstrate predictive properties for AAWs sexual health (R2 = .12, p \u3c 0.05). Examination of sexual risk behavior reveal a positive association with gender inequality (r = .19, p \u3c .20). Spirituality/religiosity were not correlated with either outcome variable. QUAL study results reveal five organizing themes that emerged from focus group data, including: 1) “The new normal”; 2) having to compromise; 3) taking responsibility; 4) securing an attachment; and 5) resolving ambiguity. Discussion/conclusion: By taking a holistic approach to better understand AAW’s sexual behavior, this study provided important insights into the multiple factors involved in achieving an optimal level of sexual health for these women. In this study, women’s personal accounts acknowledged participation in risky sexual behavior that was motivated by their intuitive feelings or the existing dynamic within their intimate relationships. Additionally, for women having the ability to make decisions within relationships, did not consistently translate to making sexually healthy decisions. Taking a broader approach toward sexual health may significantly contribute to the improvement of disparate health outcomes among AAW. Pertinent emotional, relational, and sexual factors involved in women’s sexual health and behavior must be addressed in strategies to reduce AAWs sexual risk and yield sustainable behavior change

Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust : Observations on HumanSkeletal Taphonomy at Two Historic Cemeteries in NorthernRhode Island

This paper reports on a study of human bone taphonomy at two historic period cemeteries in northern Rhode Island. The analyses demonstrate that various local factors contributed to the degradation of human bone at the two cemeteries under investigation. Factors investigated as part of this study include soil pH, soil texture, time elapsed since burial, and the age of the deceased at the time of death. The . study concludes that soil texture and soil permeability were more correlated with bone deterioration at the two historic cemeteries than soil acidity, which is commonly assumed to cause rapid bone deterioration in southern New England soils

Leisure in the Life of the 21st Century Black Church: Re-Thinking the Gift

Scholarship devoted to examining the role that leisure plays in the life of the Black Church is lacking. Leisure is an important facet of congregational life in African American churches and permeates congregational dynamics on multiple levels. The purpose of this essay is to examine leisure in the life of the Black Church and posit how a healthy, theologically accurate understanding of the value of leisure can help with health and wellness promotion, community-economic development and church growth. The Black Church is defined as the eight historically Black denominations: African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Church of God in Christ, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., National Baptist Convention of America, National Missionary Baptist Convention, and Progressive National Baptist Convention. How the Black Church defines leisure philosophically and theologically continues to evolve. The focal points of discussion in this paper include: (1) the tension between religious tradition, leisure and the Black Church; (2) the value of leisure to the 21st century Black Church; (3) leisure as a catalyst for promoting physical activity in Black churches; and (4) social leisure as an important facet of congregational life and church growth. among African American churches. This essay also provides examples of how progressive Black churches across the United States have utilized leisure to develop health promotion programs, and to spur church growth. Finally, this paper calls for additional research specific to leisure and the Black Church along with the espousal of a meaningful theology of leisure by Black churches

Enhancing Nurses\u27 Self-Efficacy in Smoking Cessation Counseling to Improve Patient- Centered Care at a Federally Funded Urgent Care Center: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Background: It is well documented that there is a high prevalence of Veteran tobacco use in the United States. Additionally, providing smoking cessation counseling in an emergency setting is beneficial. The broader Veteran Affairs (VA) macrosystem has a plethora of smoking cessation resources available for Veterans. Within a VA Urgent Care Center (UCC) a quality improvement initiative was conducted that focused on increasing registered nurses (RNs) self-efficacy in providing smoking cessation counseling. Prior to this quality improvement (QI) project, smoking cessation did not occur in this UCC. If RNs have higher self-efficacy more smoking cessation counseling will occur. Methods: A pre-assessment was administered to RNs in the UCC (n=8) to assess their self- efficacy in providing smoking cessation counseling. Following the pre-assessment an educational PowerPoint was delivered to staff via their institutional email, that covered best practice and a review of the VAs resources. Following the educational PowerPoint, participants completed a post-assessment. Educational materials were made easily accessible for RN distribution following the intervention. Results: There was a 20% increase in RNs self-reported efficacy in providing smoking cessation following the intervention. RNs reported via free-text answers that they believed the educational handouts were beneficial and that smoking cessation is important. Conclusion: This QI project increased RNs self-efficacy in providing smoking cessation and increased the availability of smoking cessation resources for Veterans. Future, Plan-Do-Study- Act (PDSA) cycles are necessary to further understand the benefit of providing smoking cessation for this population in this type of unit. Conclusion: This QI project increased RNs self-efficacy in providing smoking cessation and increased the availability of smoking cessation resources for Veterans. Future, Plan-Do-Study- Act (PDSA) cycles are necessary to further understand the benefit of providing smoking cessation for this population in this type of unit

Leisure in the Life of the 21st Century Black Church: Re-Thinking the Gift

Scholarship devoted to examining the role that leisure plays in the life of the Black Church is lacking. Leisure is an important facet of congregational life in African American churches and permeates congregational dynamics on multiple levels. The purpose of this essay is to examine leisure in the life of the Black Church and posit how a healthy, theologically accurate understanding of the value of leisure can help with health and wellness promotion, community-economic development and church growth. The Black Church is defined as the eight historically Black denominations: African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Church of God in Christ, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., National Baptist Convention of America, National Missionary Baptist Convention, and Progressive National Baptist Convention. How the Black Church defines leisure philosophically and theologically continues to evolve. The focal points of discussion in this paper include: (1) the tension between religious tradition, leisure and the Black Church; (2) the value of leisure to the 21st century Black Church; (3) leisure as a catalyst for promoting physical activity in Black churches; and (4) social leisure as an important facet of congregational life and church growth. among African American churches. This essay also provides examples of how progressive Black churches across the United States have utilized leisure to develop health promotion programs, and to spur church growth. Finally, this paper calls for additional research specific to leisure and the Black Church along with the espousal of a meaningful theology of leisure by Black churches

The Complexities of De-Constructing the Constraints to African American Female Participation in Swimming: A Rejoinder to Irwin et al.

This rejoinder to Irwin et al. is written to address several concerns regarding “Myth #4: Personal Appearance Limitations” in their recent article. Constraints to leisure are complex and become more complicated when race, culture, family socialization, and hair are combined. Despite the data-driven evidence which they argue refutes “Myth 4” there are several practical concerns that are raised toward better understanding the responses of African American females in the study. We posit that a heightened understanding of the interaction between culture, race, and gender in the case of African American females is vital to the interpretation of the data associated with “Myth 4.