Prediction of moisture and temperature changes in composites during atmospheric exposure

The effects of variations in diffusion coefficients, surface properties of the composite, panel tilt, ground reflection, and geographical location on the moisture concentration profiles and average moisture content of composite laminates were studied analytically. A heat balance which included heat input due to direct and sky diffuse solar radiation, ground reflection, and heat loss due to reradiation and convection was used to determine the temperature of composites during atmospheric exposure. The equilibrium moisture content was assumed proportional to the relative humidity of the air in the boundary layer of the composite. Condensation on the surface was neglected. Histograms of composite temperatures were determined and compared with those for the ambient environment

JUST OPEN A WINDOW: UNDERSTANDING THE VULNERABILITY TO SUMMER HEAT OF A MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES, MISSOULA, MT

How do we conceptualize vulnerability or resiliency to a natural hazard when it has not historically been understood as such? This study focuses on Missoula, located in mountains of western Montana, which has steadily grown by 1-2% per year to almost 75,000 residents. The formerly temperate quality of its winters and summers has also been changing. Projections from the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment estimate the state will experience a 2-5°F increase in mean annual air temperature over the next two decades, prompting city and county officials to plan for scenarios not formerly in their consideration. Of further concern is the increasing frequency of extensive summer wildfires and accompanying poor air quality that prevents the low cost venting of homes during cooler evenings. This study was facilitated by the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) collaboration between local (City of Missoula, Climate Smart Missoula), state (University of Montana), and national (TEX, University of Notre Dame) stakeholders seeking to create a climate change plan. Areal interpolation from U.S. Census American Community Survey block-group data to the block level, and dasymetric mapping were utilized to account for the unpopulated public lands that occupy substantial portions of many blocks. Socioeconomic variable layers (age, income, education, employment, living alone, multi-unit housing, mobile housing, insurance status, and disability) were combined in a Multi-Criteria Analysis to map sensitivity and exposure variables of land surface temperature and land-cover data to predict the populations most vulnerable to heat (and smoke) risks. The resulting maps will be utilized by Missoula city and county planners to allocate resources for mitigation, such as recommendations for the selection of building materials in new construction, installation of cooling shelters, and enhancement of urban forest. This study was designed to develop a methodology that could be readily replicated by other small communities to implement and update as needed

God\u27s Mission to the Nations and Hindus: Three Old Testament Narrative Models

Background to the Problem. The world’s religions outside of Christianity have still hardly been touched by the gospel. This is especially true of Hindus, which make up the third largest religious group in the world. The time for new understandings and approaches is long overdue. -- Problem. The challenge of understanding how to present the God of the Bible to Hindus in a meaningful and lasting way continues to perplex the mission-minded person. For centuries this challenge has been present, and yet the gap between Christians and Hindus in many ways appears to be increasing. This study looks at God’s mission in the Old Testament with a focus on the encounters between God and His people with people from the surrounding “nations” in order to develop a more biblical approach to the challenge. Three relevant narratives are analyzed in detail in order to gain working theologies that can be applied missiologically to the Hindu context. The first chapter gives an overview of God’s mission in the Old Testament and compares the “nations” with Hindus of today. The next three chapters are divided into three narratives that include cross-religious encounters: Naomi and Ruth, Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, Elisha and Naaman. These three narratives each highlight specific elements of God’s mission to the nations: Naomi’s attitude of hesed that leads to Ruth transforming her worldview to follow Yahweh; the widow of Zarephath’s experience of God’s power that leads her to a clearer understanding of who God is; and Elisha’s encouragement of Naaman to “go in peace” despite Naaman not having a fully accurate understanding of God. These three narratives provide a foundation for better missiological approaches to Hindus. At the same time they are an example of the potential that Old Testament narrative holds for missiology in general

The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm\u27s Son : Tolkien as a Modern Anglo-Saxon

Looks for evidence of the Anglo-Saxon influence on Tolkien’s writings in his verse play “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son,” both in style and worldview

The Effect of Same-Sex Grouping Versus Mixed-Sex Grouping on Mathematics Achievement and Attitudes of Academically Gifted Fourth and Fifth Grade Females in the Urban Classroom

Reports of the neglect of gifted students in America\u27s schools and the inadequate mathematics involvement of females have made educators aware of a crisis in public education. Attitudes and opportunities are believed to be major influences in helping females become more involved with mathematics courses and careers. The research project examined the effect of same-sex groups versus mixed-sex groups on mathematics attitudes and achievement in fourth and fifth grade females in a mathematically gifted pilot program at a magnet center. The experimental study was analyzed with Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Regression Analysis, Post-Hoc tests, and Fishers Exact Test (a version of Chi-square). The General Linear Model was used because the groups were unbalanced (unequal). Achievement was measured in January and May with the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS). The Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales was used to assess mathematics attitude in December and in May. Females in the experimental classrooms were grouped with other females for all cooperative work for five months during the experiment. Females in the control group were grouped in traditionally mixed-sex groups for all cooperative group work. All other instruction, requirements, teaching styles, and other classroom activities remained the same. Two teachers, one at fourth and one at fifth grade, taught both the control and experimental groups. No statistically significant differences were found in attitude or achievement and no statistically significant relationships were found between attitudes and achievement. However, significant results were found in the frequency of student responses to the grouping arrangement. Students in the same-sex groups report significantly more positive comments and significantly less negative comments about the grouping arrangements. Students in the mixed-sex groups report significantly less positive comments and significantly more negative comments about the grouping arrangement. This finding is significant at the.005 level and supports the need to have same-sex grouping for females in mathematics classes. Boys do not have the same social problems and are more likely to accelerate themselves through course selection (Brody & Fox, 1980; Campbell, 1986; M. Sadker & D. Sadker 1994a). Problems do exist for minorities, immigrants, African-Americans, and females in science and mathematics fields (Ascher, 1987; Kamii, 1990; Gordon, 1993). Excelling in mathematics can be enhanced through same-sex groups for students. The mathematics program and the same-sex groups provide an environment in which females are challenged to actively participate and excel. The program provides females opportunities appropriate to their abilities, cognitive development, learning style, and achievement. Positive attitudes and high achievement scores provide evidence that the advanced mathematics program for mathematically gifted females has successfully addressed factors in the environment that can affect participation in mathematics, enjoyment of mathematics, and confidence in learning mathematics

Thermal expansion of graphite-epoxy between 116 K and 366 K

A Priest laser interferometer was developed to measure the thermal strain of composite laminates. The salient features of this interferometer are that: (1) it operates between 116 K and 366 K; (2) it is easy to operate; (3) minimum specimen preparation is required; (4) coefficients of thermal expansion in the range of 0-5 micro epsilon/K can be measured; and (5) the resolution of thermal strain is on the order of micro epsilon. The thermal response of quasi-isotropic, T300/5208, grahite-epoxy composite material was studied with this interferometer. The study showed that: (1) for the material tested, thermal cycling effects are negligible; (2) variability of thermal response from specimen to specimen may become significant at cryogenic temperatures; and (3) the thermal response of 0.6 cm and 2.5 cm wide specimens are the same above room temperature

Non-binary Living in a Binary World: The Unlabeled Experience

Both popular media and social science research suggest that gender/sexual identities and roles that have dominated western society are being challenged (Budgeon, 2014). Heteronormative assumptions and the gender binary are rapidly evolving to capture experiences that reflect greater diversity (Diamond, 2005; Nagoshi et al., 2012), including those that extend beyond labels. We surveyed 915 individuals regarding their gender identity, sexual orientation, and numerous psychological measures related to well-being, in order to understand the experience of those who choose to remain unlabeled. The data would suggest that those not ascribing to the gender binary have lower reported satisfaction with life across several axes when compared to cisgender participants. Explaining their ‘unlabeled’ status, participants described their primary identification as human, expressed discomfort with gender-based assumptions and rejected constrictions of the gender binary