Population persistence under advection-diffusion in river networks

An integro-differential equation on a tree graph is used to model the evolution and spatial distribution of a population of organisms in a river network. Individual organisms become mobile at a constant rate, and disperse according to an advection-diffusion process with coefficients that are constant on the edges of the graph. Appropriate boundary conditions are imposed at the outlet and upstream nodes of the river network. The local rates of population growth/decay and that by which the organisms become mobile, are assumed constant in time and space. Imminent extinction of the population is understood as the situation whereby the zero solution to the integro-differential equation is stable. Lower and upper bounds for the eigenvalues of the dispersion operator, and related Sturm-Liouville problems are found, and therefore sufficient conditions for imminent extinction are given in terms of the physical variables of the problem

Barriers to Mammograms Among Women Who are Homeless

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify barriers to mammogram screening among women who are homeless. Knowing the barriers to mammogram screening will be useful to advanced practice nurses for it provides insight to understanding the perceived susceptibility, benefits, and barriers of women potentially amendable to intervention. Data sources: A descriptive survey was used with a convenience sample of 41 women who were homeless, between the ages of 20-70 years, and agreed to participate in this study. The research was conducted at two homeless shelters in an urban county in Northern California. Findings: Findings reflected positive perceptions recognizing the benefits of mammogram screenings, and minimal concern about potential negative aspects of having mammogram screenings. Additional data indicated that the sample believed they were less likely to get breast cancer during their life. The majority had no fmancial resources for a mammogram and did not know how to obtain a mammogram. However, if a free mammogram was available, 95% responded that they would take advantage of this essential screening test. Conclusions: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for all racial and ethnic populations in the United States. Since 1991, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council has integrated a human rights viewpoint to assure healthcare for everyone (National Health Care for the Homeless Council, 2006). Therefore, it is up to the community and healthcare providers to make sure that everyone, including women who are homeless, have access to mammography screening by eliminating barriers that prevent access. Implication for practice: Advanced practice clinicians, with their vast knowledge of community resources, must advocate for everyone, including women who are homeless, to promote access to mammography screening. The goal is to eliminate barriers that prevent this population from having a valuable screening procedure

Ponte Las Pilas: Hidden Narratives and Latinidad at Macalester College

Latinxs in higher education, while numerous, still lag behind all major racial groups in terms of graduation. Why is that? It is society’s hope that education will provide equal opportunity and a path out of poverty, but are schools really providing equal opportunities for attainment or are they simply reproducing inequalities in society? To what extent does this idea, if at all, exist even at liberal and multiculturally focused institutions like Macalester? I ask first generation Latinx alumni to recount their college experiences at Mac in order understand how their narratives compared to those promoted in college advertisements on the official website and Youtube account. What emerges from interviews with alumni are intense feelings of isolation based on not only racial but also class differences. It seems that colleges and universities do a lot to bring racial and economic minorities onto their campuses but often lack a community to support them. Now the question is, what needs to change in order for higher education to become truly accessible

Improved table for cutting and welding

Welding table covered with parallel inverted steel angles improves metal torch cutting of various types and thicknesses