Community-Engaged Research on Social Capital and Older Adults’ Health: Lessons Learned

Most adults in the United States prefer to age in their own homes and communities. However, many ageing-in-place models rely on expensive external services, negatively affecting access by lower socioeconomic status (SES) and other vulnerable groups. This article documents two pilot projects conducted by a community-academic partnership that examined associations between social capital, ageing in community, and health among older adults. The first project explored the association between social capital and health across community SES levels. The second project explored one type of social capital, timebanking, and its association with health. We highlight here our lessons learned from these community-engaged research (CER) projects: (1) Our partnership needed to improve our study design and data collection by enhancing our recruitment strategies, community site partnerships, survey instrument and data matching, and research team workload allocation issues. (2) We should have validated our instruments for use with older adults who had mild cognitive and visual impairments, acknowledged how community SES differences influenced our data collection, and included more research assistant support during our community meetings. (3) We would have benefited from protocol development for recording and responding to issues raised by participants. Our projects also led us to relational insights, such as reinforcing the need to foster clear communication across team members, involving community advisory boards earlier in the CER process, seeking network input on research strategies to meet older adults’ needs, and developing plans to sustain long-term relationships. We hope these lessons learned are useful to other community-engaged researchers

Entry Abort Determination Using Non-Adaptive Neural Networks for Mars Precision Landers

The 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) will attempt the first precision landing on Mars using a modified version of the Apollo Earth entry guidance program. The guidance routine, Entry Terminal Point Controller (ETPC), commands the deployment of a supersonic parachute after converging the range to the landing target. For very dispersed cases, ETPC may not converge the range to the target and safely command parachute deployment within Mach number and dynamic pressure constraints. A full-lift up abort can save 85% of these failed trajectories while abandoning the precision landing objective. Though current MSL requirements do not call for an abort capability, an autonomous abort capability may be desired, for this mission or future Mars precision landers, to make the vehicle more robust. The application of artificial neural networks (NNs) as an abort determination technique was evaluated by personnel at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC). In order to implement an abort, a failed trajectory needs to be recognized in real time. Abort determination is dependent upon several trajectory parameters whose relationships to vehicle survival are not well understood, and yet the lander must be trained to recognize unsafe situations. Artificial neural networks (NNs) provide a way to model these parameters and can provide MSL with the artificial intelligence necessary to independently declare an abort. Using the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission as a case study, a non-adaptive NN was designed, trained and tested using Monte Carlo simulations of MSL descent and incorporated into ETPC. Neural network theory, the development history of the MSL NN, and initial testing with severe dust storm entry trajectory cases are discussed in Reference 1 and will not be repeated here. That analysis demonstrated that NNs are capable of recognizing failed descent trajectories and can significantly increase the survivability of MSL for very dispersed cases. NN testing was then broadened to evaluate fully dispersed entry trajectories. The NN correctly classified 99.7% of descent trajectories as abort or nonabort and reduced the probability of an unsafe parachute deployment by 83%. This second, broader testing phase is discussed in this paper

Emerging Evidence of the Relationship Between Fat-Free Mass and Ghrelin, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, and Peptide-YY

Historically, fat mass has been considered to have significant influence on human body energy homeostasis through its indirect relationship with appetite control. However, over the past decade, there has been a surge of evidence supporting the potential role of fat-free mass (FFM) in appetite control, and thus the regulatory involvement of FFM in appetite-related measures. Yet, the underlying biological mechanisms that explain the role of FFM in tonic/episodic appetite regulation remain unclear. Available evidence points to a biological link between FFM and peripheral appetite hormones; however, these relationships may be appetite hormone specific. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to present the potential relationship between FFM and appetite hormones, while also emphasizing that further research is needed to elucidate potential cause-effect. Overall, available evidence suggests the appetite stimulating hormone, ghrelin, has an inverse relationship with FFM. The relationship between FFM and the appetite suppression hormones, peptide tyrosine-tyrosine and glucagon-like peptide-1, has been relatively unexplored. The evidence presented in this review should encourage researchers, clinicians, and health professionals to consider investigating FFM maintenance as a suitable strategy during weight loss for improvements in appetite control

Technique [Volume 86, Issue 19]

Academic Affairs group proposes Student Bill of RightsACL won't be Godsey's first comebackBaseball No. 1 in preseason; all nine starters returnClub Sports Spotlight: RugbyCornbread serves up new platter of treatsCurie science showcasedDelta Sig seeks new charterDuke stops in Atlanta en route to NCAAFaces at Georgia TechFOCUS survey finds top concernsFreshman communites built through programFreshman Retreat plan haltedF-S-U should spell W-I-N for Yellow Jacket squadLady Jackets need strong finish to make it to the NCAANeed more Crowe? 'Gladiator' DVD sizzles with extrasParking takes steps to curb deck vandalism'Planner' offers standard bridal laughsPoe's album anything but 'Haunted'Recent Green Day show rocks AthensShowing this week on the Georgia Tech Cable NetworkSTAFF EDITORIAL: Atlanta's transportation problem not something to envySTAFF EDITORIAL: Imagine having to wonder, "Dude, where's my car?"Tech tops Tigers at Clemson, ends streak of away lossesUndergrads announce Clough's plan to dine at Student Center, finalize calendar for elections'Useful Music' 2.0: More of a good thing'Wayfinding' project makes campus easier to navigat

Technique [Volume 86, Issue 31]

Alternative Break invades New York City-to helpBaseball pounces on Tigers; drops 2 of 3 to WakeCollege of Computing turns tenDirty Dozen Brass Band takes it to (and from) the streetsFaces at Georgia TechGT SMART trying to change alcohol environment; takes time and moneyIEEE society stays current on latest technologiesIt's hot, it's loud, it's nuts, it's Music Midtown 2001Music demands dominate bookstore townhall forumNorth deck to receive inspectionOne on one with AD David BraineParking hits the Web with updatesSinomatic sizzles with debut releaseSoftball loses pair to Chattanooga, ends losing streak against TerpsSouthall released from letter-of-intentSTAFF EDITORIAL: Que será, será: don?t try to change a good thing, folksSTAFF EDITORIAL: Thirty-one papers and I still can?t fill this damned spaceStudent board seeks to reform Psych 1000The Spirit of '76 is alive and well Down Under with The Living EndUHR ends session with actionUndergrads face tuition increase for fallWhistle blows for fallen Jacket

Seismic Observations Following the July 2017 Pasco County, West Florida, Sinkhole Collapse

A sinkhole collapse on 14 July 2017 destroyed two homes and required evacuation of 9 additional residences in Land O’Lakes, Florida. The sinkhole formed rapidly and within 10 hours reached most of its final size of approximately 40 by 50 m and a maximum depth of about 15 m. According to Pasco County officials, this is the largest sinkhole to have formed in the county during the last 30 years. The site is located near two natural lakes and occurs within an area of well-developed karst. The county allowed USF geoscientists to study the sinkhole resulting in an extensive collection of LiDAR, GPR, and lake-bottom profiling data. The seismology group installed one broadband 3-component seismometer on 25 July ~20 m W of the sinkhole edge and a second one on 27 September about 10 m E of the sinkhole edge. Data are recorded continuously at 200 Hz. Drilling to understand soil structure integrity and remediation work to stabilize the sinkhole led to extreme noise levels during daytime operations through most of August 2017. Nighttime noise is lower, but due to nearby houses, sensors pick up strong 60 Hz noise caused by AC units. The only signal unequivocally attributable to the sinkhole occurred on 5 August just after stabilization work, consisting of partial backfilling with limestone rocks, began that caused the sinkhole to widen by about 3 m along its entire western edge. After completion of stabilization work, no further signals have been detected from the sinkhole. Besides sinkhole monitoring, we recorded several large global earthquakes, e.g., the Mw=8.2 and Mw=7.1 Mexico earthquakes on September 8 and 17, respectively, as well as Hurricane Irma as it passed within 20 miles as a quickly weakening category 1 hurricane. In addition to outreach and sinkhole documentation as part of a multi-sensor approach, we use the site to train seismology graduate students in field practices and conducted a class field trip

Technique [Volume 86, Issue 19]

Academic Senate plans for 'dead' Dead Week in Fall 2001Akins, Jones combine for 30 in Jackets' 69-54 win over WolfpackBlack history programsBlueprint earns laurels with Gold Crown AwardBreak-ins result in vandalism, thefts at Student Services'Café Del Mar' painfully dull, uninspiringChurchills keep you on your toesCivEs make concrete idea floatCouncil Clippings Undergraduate House of RepresentativesCrime is King on the way to 'Graceland'Faces at Georgia TechGTSBE helps black engineers find the tools they need for successHewitt's first year performance exceeds every expectationLacrosse defeats 13th-ranked EmoryMatthew Kahler: Nowhere near the middle of the roadMen are like peacocks: using their cell phone for styleNews Feature Fake IDs on CampusNo. 1 Baseball rallies in final two to top rival GeorgiaNo. 4 Duke dominates Jackets in away contestOld McDonald's to be office spaceOscar faces lackluster year in filmPotter zooms into theaters late this fallRuling far from being Napster's deathSTAFF EDITORIAL: Lack of student-friendly events hinders Ferst CenterSTAFF EDITORIAL: Make campus a happier place with a little politenessThis week on GTC

Technique [Volume 86, Issue 29]

45 years of wind at their backs makes GTSC specialApril Fool's housing jokeBaseball tops State, takes two from CavsChildress shares GSS plansCoaches still at odds over bat changes in college gameCouncil Clippings Undergraduate House of RepresentativesDon't 'Blow' chance to see DeppDramaTech's 'Forum' paves the way with lots of laughsEDITOR'S VIEWS Staff Opinions: Don't read this; no one will remember it in a year anywayEDITOR'S VIEWS Staff Opinions: Follow MIT example and put all course material onlineFaces at Georgia TechGreek events make strange things happen in Burger BowlJudd is searching for 'Someone'Lady Jackets split doubleheaders with Southern and FSUOIT to discontinue dial-inReps disqualified for forgetting expense reports'SmartPark' offers pay-per-entry deal for spaces in State St. DeckSpring scrimmage highlights new QBs, strong defenseTech tennis takes two ACC wins on roadTech tennis twins share more than their birthdayThis week on GTCNTiptoe through the big ol' trees...'Tomcats': Avoid this messy kit and kaboodleU2 brings new kind of concertUltimate clubs take Terminus II tourneyUndergrad Student Body Executive Vice PresidentNate WatsonUndergrad Student Body President Chris Kavanaug

Technique [Volume 86, Issue 30]

2001 Spique awards highlight golf, basketballAparo highlights Phat VideosAparo's 'Spaceship' is ready for blast offBaseball sweeps Southern, takes two from Blue DevilsBreak out your pastel earplugs!Campus briefsCelebration planned for end of $712 million campaignClub sport spotlight: GT Cycling takes 4th overall in SECCCCouncil Clippings Undergraduate House of RepresentativesDavid Spade hits the big screen-and misses-as Joe DirtDogs sweep Lady JacketsDouglas announces resignationDrug use during study abroad can carry harsh consequencesFaces at Georgia TechGreek 'party foul' forces Douglas to shut down band partyGreek Week events include games and funGrisham paints a different HouseHere's one model you may not find in the showroom...If you're not dating, act now before you graduateJackets reach new heights at InvitationalJanet Reno helps College of Computing celebrate birthdayJay Mohr causes comedic uproar'Jones's Diary' should've stuck to pagesMen's tennis shoots for two in the ACCMotorola Foundation donates$1.5 million to Electrical Engineering programNews briefsOUR VIEWS Consensus OpinionOUR VIEWS Staff Editorials: Dummy's guide to apartments and what to look forOUR VIEWS Staff Editorials: Years measured in waffles, hashbrowns, coffee, friendsOutkast thrills crowd with cutting-edge rap and flamboyanceRunning naked through campusScholarship winners inspire classmatesSPORTS COMMENTARYSpriggle plans for football shirts to promote school spirit, fan unityTech Golf crosses border to take third place in US CollegiateUJC upholds disqualificationsWomen's Tennis splits ACC matchesYOUR VIEWS Letters to the Edito

Phylogenetic relationships among seed plants: Persistent questions and the limits of molecular data

Trees inferred from DNA sequence data provide only limited insight into the phylogeny of seed plants because the living lineages (cycads, Ginkgo, conifers, gnetophytes, and angiosperms) represent fewer than half of the major lineages that have been detected in the fossil record. Nevertheless, phylogenetic trees of living seed plants inferred from sequence data can provide a test of relationships inferred in analyses that include fossils. So far, however, significant uncertainty persists because nucleotide data support several conflicting hypotheses. It is likely that improved sampling of gymnosperm diversity in nucleotide data sets will help alleviate some of the analytical issues encountered in the estimation of seed plant phylogeny, providing a more definitive test of morphological trees. Still, rigorous morphological analyses will be required to answer certain fundamental questions, such as the identity of the angiosperm sister group and the rooting of crown seed plants. Moreover, it will be important to identify approaches for incorporating insights from data that may be accurate but less likely than sequence data to generate results supported by high bootstrap values. How best to weigh evidence and distinguish among hypotheses when some types of data give high support values and others do not remains an important problem