The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of preparatory training for mentors and proteges with respect to relationship processes and outcomes. Specifically, it was proposed that training provided to mentors and their proteges should foster a high learning goal orientation and a low avoid goal orientation. The former is associated with learning for the sake of continuous improvement and the latter is associated with a willingness to be perceived by others as having failed at a task. It was hypothesized that mentors and proteges who received goal orientation training prior to beginning their formal mentoring sessions would engage in greater feedback-seeking and would be more willing to self-disclose potentially ego-threatening information. Moreover, it was expected that training would also lead participants to expect such behaviors from their partners and as a result respond more positively when the desired behaviors were demonstrated. Eighty (i.e., first and second semester freshmen) were paired with eighty mentors (i.e., college juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.0), resulting in a total of 160 study participants. All participants received one hour of preparatory training. A two by two factorial design was employed whereby mentors and proteges each received either goal orientation training or training simply designed to orient them to computer-mediated communication. After training, mentors and proteges met with one another using online chat for four, 30-minute weekly chat sessions. Results indicated that a) proteges in a high state of avoid goal orientation felt they received less psychosocial support the more their mentor disclosed his/her own personal downfalls, b) mentors who received goal orientation training felt they had provided greater career support the more their proteges sought feedback but the reverse was true for mentors who did not receive goal orientation training, c) mentor self-disclosure was more strongly related to their protege's self-disclosure if the protege had received goal orientation training, and finally d) mentor and protege perceptions of the psychosocial and career support that had been provided/received during online sessions were more strongly correlated if the two had received the same type of preparatory training (especially if both received goal orientation training).

The push to further the use of technology in learning has broadened the attempts of many to find innovated ways to aid the new, technologically savvy generation of learners, in acquiring the knowledge needed for their education and training. A critical component to the success of these initiatives is the proper application of the science of learning (Cannon-Bowers and Bowers, 2009). One technological initiative that can benefit from this application is the use of synthetic learning environments (SLEs). SLEs are instructional systems embedded within virtual worlds. These worlds can be simulations of some task, for instance a simulation that may be completed as part of a military training to mimic specific situations, or they could be in the form of a video game, for example, a game designed to maintain the attention of school children while teaching mathematics. The important components to SLEs are a connection to the underlying task being trained and a set of goals for which to strive toward. SLEs have many unique characteristics which separate them from other forms of education. Two of the most salient characteristics are the instructorless nature of SLEs (most of the learning from SLEs happens without instructor interaction) and the fact that in many cases SLEs are actually fun and engaging, thus motivating the learner to participate more and allowing them to experience a more immersive interaction. Incorporating the latter of these characteristics into a model originally introduced by Davis (1989) and adapted by Yi and Hwang (2003) for use with web applications, an expanded model to predict the effects of enjoyment, goal orientation, ease of use, and several other factors on the overall use of SLEs has been created. Adapting the Davis and Yi and Hwang models for the specific use of SLEs provides a basis understanding how each of the critical input variables effect the use and thus effectiveness of learning tools based on SLEs. In particular, performance goal orientation has been added to the existing models to more accurately reflect the performance characteristics present in games. Results of this study have shown that, in fact, performance goal orientation is a significant factor in the SLE Use and Learning model. However, within the model it is important to distinguish that the two varieties of performance goal orientation (prove and avoid) play different roles. Prove performance goal orientation has been shown to have significant relationships with several other critical factors while avoid performance goal orientation is only accounted for in its significant correlation with prove performance goal orientation. With this understanding, training developers can now have a better understanding of where their resources should be spent to promote more efficient and effective learning. The results of this study allow developers to move forward with confidence in the fact that their new learning environments will be effective in a number of realms, not only limited to classroom, business, or military training.

This study will present the Experimental, numerical and analytical characterizations of composite sandwich structures needed to optimize structure design. In this study, the effects of varying honeycomb core ribbon orientation and varying face sheet thickness’s have on the flexural behavior of honeycomb sandwich structures was investigated. Honeycomb sandwich panels were constructed using Hexcel 6367 A250-5H carbon fiber face sheets and Hexcel Nomex HRH-10-1/8-5 honeycomb cores. The mechanical properties of the constituent materials were discovered experimentally using ASTM standards and theoretical models using honeycomb mechanics and classical beam and plate theory are described. A failure mode map for loading under three point bending is developed from previous works by Triantafillou and Gibson26, showing the dependence of failure mode on face sheet to core thickness and honeycomb core ribbon orientation. Beam specimens are tested with the effects of Honeycomb core ribbon orientation and unequal face sheet thickness’s examined. Experimental data sufficiently agrees with theoretical predictions. A finite element model was developed in ABAQUS/CAE to validate experimental and analytical analysis and produced agreeable results. Optimal bending stiffness and strength with respect to minimum weight was analyzed. The results reveal an important role core ribbon orientation has in a sandwich beam’s bending behavior, and design of unequal ply count face sheets can produce higher stiffness to weight ratios than conventional symmetric sandwich structures of similar weight when subjected to a single static load.

Higher levels of allostatic load (AL), a composite measure of the impact of chronic stress on the body, are found among socially marginalized groups compared to privileged groups. AL is associated with premature aging and death, as well as a variety of chronic health conditions that impact quality of life. Effects of AL may be offset by physical activity (PA). Queer populations (including those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual) may be at risk for elevated AL due to repeated exposure to discrimination in the form of sexual minority stress. There is mixed literature on sexual orientation differences in PA and research on AL among queer populations is limited. This study describes sexual orientation differences in the 1) prevalence of PA and mean AL levels and 2) association between PA and AL. Data from the 2001-2015 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to fit sex-stratified linear regression models assessing sexual orientation (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual with same-sex experience) differences as well as sexual orientation-specific associations in PA and AL. AL was assessed using 8 biomarkers, while PA was assessed using metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours/week calculated from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Models were adjusted for race/ethnicity, income, education, relationship status, veteran status, and citizenship status. Overall, heterosexual adults reported more PA than their same-sex queer counterparts. Gay men had lower (0.8), while bisexual men had higher AL scores (1.9) than heterosexual men (1.2). Among women, AL score was similar across sexual orientation groups. Overall, more PA was associated with lower AL scores among men and women (badjusted = -0.00508, padjusted=-0.00505, punadjusted =-0.00934, punadjusted =-0.03269, p=0.04), and heterosexual women with same-sex experience (bunadjusted =-0.01059, p=0.02). After adjusting for covariates the association was no longer statistically significant. Consistent with previous work, PA was inversely associated with AL score. PA may be an important modifiable behavior to mitigate some sexual orientation disparities in health.

Background: Since the early 1960s, survival rates among cancer survivors have been increasing. Surviving cancer can be a stressful experience due to the multifaceted changes that come with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Therefore, studying the mental health of cancer survivors is vital for their well-being. Among queer groups (including those identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual), poor mental health is more prevalent than among heterosexuals. However, cancer survivorship among queer populations is not well studied. This study examines the association between cancer survivorship and poor mental health, focusing on potential sexual orientation differences. Methods: Data are from the 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey. Participants identified as straight (n=65,006), gay or lesbian (n=1,271), or bisexual (n=1,100). Diagnosis of anxiety and depression as well as the frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms were regressed on cancer survivorship (assessed based on cancer diagnosis) using logistic models. Using a subsample of 2019 rotating core participants, we assessed anxiety, using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and depression, using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) symptoms, to account for a potential lack of diagnosis. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic covariates and were stratified by sex. Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics there was no significant association between cancer diagnosis and mental health in the overall sample. However, when examining sexual identity-specific estimates, among bisexual males, cancer survivors had higher odds of “daily” anxiety [OR=8.07 CI (1.23,52.81)] and “weekly or monthly” depressive symptoms [OR=15.23 CI (3.17, 73.22)]. While among bisexual females, cancer survivors had significantly higher odds of anxiety diagnosis [OR=3.03 CI (1.37, 6.71)] than those who never had cancer. Moreover, bisexual male cancer survivors had higher GAD-7 [β =10.39 (4.03, 16.75)] and PHQ-8 [β =13.59 (6.03, 21.16)] scores than those who never had cancer. No other significant associations were found for other sexual identity groups. Our test for effect modification based on sexual identity on the association between cancer diagnosis and mental health outcomes suggested that the association between cancer diagnosis and mental health outcomes were similar across sexual identity groups. The p-values ranged from 0.11 to 0.92. Conclusion: Bisexual cancer survivors may experience poorer mental health than those who have not had cancer, suggesting a potential need for more targeted mental health intervention and cancer survivorship support. However, small sample sizes suggest that additional work with larger samples of cancer survivors is needed to corroborate these findings.

The research objectives were to determine (a) interrelationships among components of Korean apparel retail stores' management strategies, (b) effects of perceived environmental uncertainty on their management strategies, (c) effects of stores' management strategies on their performance, and (d) market-orientation strategies the stores have implemented. Four hundred top managers of Korean apparel stores in Seoul, Busan, Suwon, Daejeon, and Daegu completed a questionnaire. A structural equations model was used to test the hypotheses concerning relationships between the research variables. The exogenous variables include components of perceived environmental uncertainty (market turbulence, competitive intensity) and top management's willingness to adapt a changing market (top-management emphasis and risk aversion). The endogenous variables include components of market-orientation strategy (intelligence generation, intelligence dissemination, response design, response implementation), organicity of organizational structure (centralization, formalization, specialization), and satisfaction with store performance (relative to other Korean retail stores, relative to key competitors). Many of the hypotheses were supported. Perceived market turbulence positively affected stores' market-orientation strategies and functional specialization. Market orientation strategy positively affected stores' functional specialization and centralization of decision making. Intelligence generation positively affected satisfaction with store performance relative to other Korean retail stores and relative to key competitors, and response implementation positively affected satisfaction with store performance relative to other Korean retail stores. Some positive relationships were found between perceived environmental uncertainty and top management's willingness to adapt to a changing market. Also, seven of the eight tested relationships were significant and positive between market-orientation strategy and top management's willingness to adapt to a changing market. Top-management emphasis positively affected organicity of organizational structure. Formalization of store structure positively affected satisfaction with store performance relative to other Korean retail stores and relative to key competitors. A major conclusion is that Korean apparel stores' top managers did not view environmental conditions as important influences on their stores' performance, although their perceptions of environmental uncertainty affected their stores' strategic management in such terms as response design, intelligence generation, and intelligence dissemination.. In addition, despite the positive effects of perceived environmental uncertainty on stores' centralization and functional specialization, the top managers appeared reluctant to fundamentally change their stores' organizational structures. / Ph. D.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) manages wildlife management areas (WMAs) to provide wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing opportunities, along with opportunities for compatible wildlife-related recreation. Despite having responsibility for managing 39 WMAs, comprising more than 200,000 acres, VDGIF had only anecdotal information about who recreated on Virginia's WMAs, to what extent, and how they felt about management of the WMAs. My goals were to (1) determine the types and amount of recreational use WMAs receive, (2) describe and compare VDGIF managers' and WMA users' current attitudes and perceptions toward land management, and (3) determine if a methods bias existed between surveys administered online and through U.S. mail. I observed diverse recreational use totaling > 90,000 annual recreational user days on the 10 WMAs included in the study. Most visitors were satisfied with their visit, agreed with the use of most land management practices presented, and were willing to continue to visit a WMA if an annual fee was imposed. Co-orientation analysis revealed low agreement and low accuracy, suggesting a need to improve awareness and recognition of managers' and stakeholders' attitudes toward land management. Addressing areas where agreement already exists, but may not be recognized, should be a top priority. Areas of greater disparity will prove difficult to address, but attention is critical to successfully implement WMA management objectives. Wildlife value orientations differed between VDGIF managers and WMA users; VDGIF personnel were predominantly Utilitarian (54%, n=35), whereas WMA users were predominantly Pluralist (63%, n=381). Value orientations did not relate strongly to opinions of land management. Demographics differed between web and paper respondents, with slightly younger, more urban and more educated respondents electing to complete the web-based survey more often. Value orientations toward wildlife and attitudes toward land management did not differ between web and paper respondents, suggesting little influence of values and attitudes on the survey mode selected. Increasingly diverse stakeholders and limited funding sources continue to challenge state wildlife agencies. Specific engagement techniques should strengthen interpersonal relationships and collaboration between the agency and its stakeholders. / Ph. D.

The performance of the heart after a valve replacement operation will greatly depend on the flow character downstream the mitral valve thus a better understanding of the flow character is essential. Most in vitro studies of the flow downstream of a MHV have been conducted with the valve in the aortic position. Researchers reported detailed measurements most of which were obtained by Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) in rigid models of the aorta. Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) has also been utilized to reveal intricate patterns of interacting shed vortices downstream of the aortic valve. The orientation of the valves may considerably affect the flow development and slight difference may produce significant differences in the ventricular flow fields. Two orientations, respectively anatomical and anti-anatomical, of the St. Jude Medical (SJM) bileaflet valve are presented and compared with the SJM Biocor porcine valve, which served to more closely represent the natural valve. In this effort, we employ a powerful tool to monitor the velocity field in a flexible, transparent LV and study the evolution of large eddies and turbulence through a complete cardiovascular cycle. Both time average and instantaneous results of velocity, vorticity, and turbulent kinetic energy distributions are presented. The presence and location of vortical structures were deduced as well as the level of coherence of these structures. The presence of three distinct flow patterns were identified, by the location of vortical structures and level of coherence, for the three configurations corresponding to significant differences in the turbulence level distribution inside the LV. / Master of Science

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Yes / Highly-oriented poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) with fibrillar structure and micro-grooves was fabricated through solid hot drawing technology for further improving the mechanical properties and blood biocompatibility of PLLA as blood-contacting medical devices. In order to enhance the melt strength and thus obtain high orientation degree, PLLA was first chain extended with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE). The extending degree as high as 25.79 mol% can be obtained at 0.7 wt% EGDE content. The complex viscosity, storage and viscous modulus for chain extended PLLA were improved resulting from the enhancement of molecular entanglement, and consequently higher draw ratio can be achieved during the subsequent hot stretching. The tensile strength and modulus of PLLA were improved dramatically by stretching. The stress-induced crystallization of PLLA occurred during drawing. The interfacial tension (γs·blood) between PLLA surface and blood decreased by chain extension and molecular orientation, indicating the weakened interaction between bioactive substance in the blood and the surface of PLLA. Modification and orientation could significantly enhance the blood compatibility of PLLA by prolonging clotting time and decreasing hemolysis ratio, protein adsorption and platelet activation. The bionic character of oriented PLLA and its anti-coagulation mechanism were tried to be explored. / This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51303109)