University at Albany, State University of New York
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Evaluating the Impact of Instruction Mode and Experience on Meditation Intentions and Outcomes in Self-Taught Meditators and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Completers
No full textObjectives: The widespread availability of mindfulness-based practices has led to growing concern about the potential for misuse, namely the use of such practices as a control-based strategy rather than in an acceptance-based manner consistent with research. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate factors (e.g., mode of instruction, meditation experience, psychological [in]flexibility [PF/PI]) that may relate to intentions guiding meditation use. Methods: Self-taught (ST) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) meditators (N = 122, Mage = 46.54, SDage = 16.49, 65.6% Female) completed a battery of measures assessing meditation intentions (control- or acceptance-based), meditation experience (in months), PF/PI, psychological distress, and satisfaction with life. Results: Control-based intentions covaried with worse psychological outcomes while acceptance-based intentions covaried with better outcomes. Meditation intentions and outcomes did not discriminate between ST and MBSR groups. Yet, satisfaction with life was significantly greater in the MBSR group relative to the ST group. PF fully mediated relations between meditation experience and acceptance-based intentions, whereas PI fully mediated relations between meditation experience and control-based intentions. Conclusion: Meditation experience, rather than mode of instruction, appears to influence whether meditation is used in an acceptance- or control-based context. Mediational findings suggest that such relations work through PF/PI processes. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate whether meditation intentions change over time and the extent to which such changes influence the acceptability and utility of meditation itself
Assessment of Spatial Distribution Patterns and Infestation Risk Over Time of Spotted Lanterfly (Lycorma delicatula) in New York State
Get PDFSpotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive treehopper native to Asia. It was first introduced to Pennsylvania in 2014, and as of 2020 it has expanded to New York state. Their preferred host tree is the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but they will feed on over 173 different plants worldwide. Preferred host species in New York state include agricultural vegetation such as grape vines and fruit trees. Positive Spotted Lanternfly site data collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets and iMapInvasives were analyzed using ArcGIS Pro to assess spatial distribution patterns. Spotted Lanternfly egg masses can be unknowingly spread via transportation pathways such as highways and railroads. Using a multi-scale geographically weighted regression, proximity to these pathways and tree of heaven presence were shown to be significant factors in the location of spotted lanternfly sightings in New York state. Additionally, infestation risk was geographically categorized based on proximity to these transportation pathways and agricultural regions
Informational Principles and Structures in Quantum Theory
Get PDFThis thesis examines the concept of information within the realm of quantum physics, investigating the nuanced relationship between information and physical laws as applied to quantum systems. With no consensus on a single definition of information in the physical sciences, our exploration is partitioned into two significant studies, each addressing distinct aspects of information in quantum contexts.
In the first study, we concentrate on the information that can be obtained from measurement results on identical quantum systems. The traditional approach of using Shannon entropy is limited due to its applicability primarily to discrete probability distributions. By incorporating a Bayesian update framework, we redefine the process of information gain, which allows for a more nuanced understanding of information dynamics within quantum measurements. Key findings from this approach include a novel expression for quantifying information gain and a principle for the selection of appropriate priors, specifically employing Jeffreys’ prior for binomial distributions. The study also highlights the effectiveness of Jeffreys\u27 binomial prior in optimizing quantum communication scenarios, such as maximizing the information deciphered by a receiver (Bob) from a sender’s (Alice) message-encoded qubits.
The second study shifts focus to the foundational aspects of quantum theory itself, employing an informational approach to reconstruct the theory’s underlying structure. Here, quantum measurements are conceptualized as finite outcome questions linked through classical logical operations within systems extending beyond binary dimensions. By introducing intuitive informational postulates, we achieve a partial reconstruction of quantum theory, particularly within systems characterized by prime number dimensions. This reconstruction yields rich connections between classical logical gates, generalized Pauli matrices, and mutually unbiased bases, enhancing our comprehension of how information flows during measurements on maximally entangled systems
Studies in Three-Component Modification of Lysine, Investigating Reversible Potential of an Intricate Bicyclo [3.3.1] Nonane Scaffold
Get PDFSynthesis of small-molecule conjugates capable of selective attachment to a peptide/protein backbone paves way for new therapeutic applications of protein modification. Sufficient inhibition or installation of function requires extensive design so the compound may identify and attach to the intended site. The utility of such an approach has prompted a number of applicable strategies and has rendered the development of new modification scaffolds less necessary. On the other hand, covalent modification to the biologics with ability to remove the conjugate via stimulus is underdeveloped, amplifying a current need to investigate the reversible potential for conjugation and deconjugation techniques in regard to molecular scaffolds.
The investigation reported therein involves a small molecule design capable of conjugation and facile deconjugation from peptide/protein structure. Taking advantage of special reactivity between aldehyde and thiol, we utilize a number of readily available mercapto-benzaldehyde derivatives that have been synthesized by simple procedure and characterized by NMR. These compounds chemoselectively bind to backbone amino by institution of distinctive [3.3.1] and [2.2.1] bicyclic scaffolds. This protocol enables amino modification in a multi-component fashion in aqueous buffer and mild conditions, characterized by combination of HPLC and LC-MS methods.
The various bicyclic modification derivatives were investigated for progression of the reversed reaction under mild condition, utilizing a commercially available amine reagent. In restoring the original protein motif, a full investigation of a heterocyclic derivative for reversible attachment to several linear peptides was subsequently performed. Upon completion, the effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated in the modification and quantifiable regeneration of insulin protein
Body Image Development and Eating Disorder Risk in Young Children: What Do Parents Want to Know?
Get PDFBackground: Body image concerns and other risk factors for disordered eating can emerge in early childhood, but no interventions specifically target these early risk factors to mitigate future eating disorder risk. This study sought to quantify parents\u27 knowledge of factors influencing eating disorder risk in young children, their concerns about their children’s eating behaviors, and perceived need and preferences for a parent education intervention addressing these topics. Methods: Parents (52 mothers, 55 fathers) of children aged 2-6 completed measures of parental eating disorder symptoms and internalized weight bias and child eating behaviors. Open-ended questions explored parents’ concerns about their children’s eating behaviors, their responses to hypothetical weight-related scenarios, and habits around child media exposure. Results: Mothers reported more elevated eating disorder symptoms and internalized weight bias than fathers. Parents frequently cited concerns about picky eating (46.3%) and unbalanced diets (43.9%) in their children. Content related to appearance and weight was ranked as least relevant when choosing media for their children. Parents expressed high confidence in addressing hypothetical weight-related scenarios, but coders categorized the quality of responses as mostly neutral or negative. Parents indicated interest in education about how to talk about weight, health, and appearance and manage picky eating. Most preferred self-paced, online interventions to access this information. Conclusion: Results highlight the need for targeted education on children\u27s body image and eating behaviors. Self-paced online interventions focusing on food and body talk, picky eating, and media literacy may effectively promote positive child development related to eating attitudes and behaviors
Enhancing a Computer Model to Evaluate Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse Strategies for Landscape Irrigation Under Current and Future Climate Conditions
Get PDFUrbanization and climate change have detrimental impacts on water quantity and quality. Rainwater harvesting/reuse for landscape irrigation with rain barrels/cisterns, which can assist urban hydrological/water quality restoration and provide a beneficial resource for irrigating landscape, holds significant potentials in urban areas under current and future climates. However, the impacts of rainwater harvesting/reuse strategies for landscape irrigation under a changing climate need to be comprehensively evaluated to assist decision-making. In addition, a comprehensive tool is needed to help stakeholders develop efficient strategies to harvest rainwater for landscape irrigation with rain barrels/cisterns.
To address the needs, the simulation of the sub-daily hydrological impacts of rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation with rain barrels/cisterns in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was improved, including the simulation of rainwater harvesting with rain barrels/cisterns, rainwater reuse for auto landscape irrigation, evapotranspiration, initial abstraction, impervious area, soil profile, and lawn management operation. The improved SWAT was applied in the urbanized Brentwood watershed (Austin, TX) to evaluate its applicability and investigate the impacts of rainwater harvesting and reuse strategies on the reductions and reduction efficiencies (reductions per volume of rain barrels/cisterns implemented) of field scale runoff (peak and depth) and watershed scale streamflow (peak and volume) for two storm events. Scenarios explored included different sizes of rain barrels/cisterns, percentages of rooftop areas with rain barrels/cisterns implemented, auto landscape irrigation rates, and landscape irrigation starting times. The performance of rainwater harvesting and reuse strategies, which is determined by features of fields, watersheds, and storm events, varied for different reduction goals (streamflow or runoff, and peak or depth/volume). To achieve sustainable urban stormwater management, the improved SWAT model has enhanced capability to help stakeholders create efficient rainwater harvesting and reuse strategies to reduce field scale runoff and watershed scale streamflow.
Then, the simulation of urban drainage networks in the SWAT was further improved by coupling the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)’s closed pipe drainage network (CPDN) simulation methods with the SWAT model that was previously improved for simulating the impacts of rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation with rain barrels/cisterns. The newly improved SWAT or SWAT-CPDN was applied to simulate the urban hydrology of the Brentwood watershed (Austin, TX) and evaluate the long-term effects of rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation with rain barrels/cisterns at the field and watershed scales. The results indicated that the SWAT-CPDN could improve the prediction accuracy of urban hydrology with good performance in simulating discharges (15 min, daily, and monthly), evapotranspiration (monthly), and leaf area index (monthly). The impacts of different scenarios of rainwater harvesting and reuse strategies (rain barrel/cistern sizes, percentages of suitable areas with rain barrels/cisterns implemented, auto landscape irrigation rates, and landscape irrigation starting times) on each indicator (runoff depth, discharge volume, peak runoff, peak discharge, combined sewer overflow—CSO, freshwater demand, and plant growth) at the field or watershed scale varied, providing insights for the long-term multi-functional impacts (stormwater management and rainwater harvesting/reuse) of rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation with rain barrels/cisterns. The varied rankings of scenarios found for achieving each goal at the field or watershed scale indicated that tradeoffs in rainwater harvesting and reuse strategies exist for various goals, and the strategies should be evaluated individually for different goals to optimize the strategies. Efficient rainwater harvesting and reuse strategies at the field or watershed scale can be created by stakeholders with the assist of the SWAT-CPDN to reduce runoff depth, discharge volume, peak runoff, peak discharge, CSO, and freshwater demand, as well as improve plant growth.
Finally, this study assessed the changes in climate parameters (precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed) considering four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways [SSPs] (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) over historical period (2000-2014) and future modeling periods (MP1: 2040-2059, MP2: 2060-2079, and MP3: 2080-2099) in the Brentwood watershed (Austin, Texas); and evaluated the impacts of rainwater harvesting/reuse strategies for landscape irrigation on discharge volume, peak discharge, CSO, freshwater demand, and plant growth under historical and future climates (SSPs and periods) using the SWAT-CPDN. Compared to the ensemble mean of climate parameters for historical climate, under future climates, precipitation (-5.57% to 0.01% changes), maximum temperature (6.99% to 18.65% changes), minimum temperature (17.55% to 35.13% changes), wind speed (-0.20% to 19.02% changes), and relative humidity (-8.35% to -0.07% changes) varied greatly; however, solar radiation (-0.01% to -0.02% changes) only varied slightly. Compared to the baselines (without rain barrels/cisterns), rainwater harvesting/reuse strategies with the most benefits under historical and future climates could reduce 8.43% to 8.89% of discharge volume, 4.74% to 5.76% of peak discharge, 5.00% to 6.20% of CSO, and 22.91% to 24.97% of freshwater demand; and retain plant biomass. No single rainwater harvesting/reuse strategy can maximize benefits across all indicators under varying climate conditions. The most beneficial rainwater harvesting/reuse strategies need to be obtained by evaluating their impacts on individual goals under each climate condition
The GUILD House: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of Game-Utilizing Information/Learning Design for Autonomy-Supportive Instruction in an Asynchronous Online Course
Get PDFGamification has emerged over the past ~10-12 years as a popular design approach to problems of motivation in online or blended learning, with a particular emphasis on distinguishing between extrinsic motivation driven by points, grades, class rank, etc, vs. intrinsic motivation driven by personal values and interest in the curriculum. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) forms the theoretical basis of much of this literature, yet the mediating constructs of learner self-regulation and autonomous vs. controlled regulatory styles, which describe the processes by which extrinsic motivators like game rewards or curriculum requirements are integrated with intrinsic goals, are under-addressed. This has led to a disconnect between extrinsic design interventions proposed by teacher/researchers and motivational outcomes for learners.
This case study describes the development of a gamified course designed to support autonomous self-regulation for online students. Introduction to Games for Learning was an elective topic survey offered through a fully online graduate education program. IGL was gamified to emulate a choose-your-own-path style adventure game, with students choosing between multiple alternative assessments within each topic area and earning recognition and game rewards for completing extra work within a preferred assessment ‘guild(s)’ or content ‘level(s).’ Game mechanics were designed to embody a mix of autonomy-supportive and controlling teaching practices that have been identified in prior SDT research.
Students were surveyed to measure individual regulatory styles and relative preference for autonomous or controlled choices, then those results were compared against final ‘player profiles’ which described individual goals and choices that emerged through interacting with the gamified course mechanics. Although no significant relationship was found between regulatory style and course outcomes, clearly distinct patterns of engagement did appear in the player profiles. Feedback surveys and follow-up interviews with participants indicated a strong perception of autonomy-support, which facilitates the integration of extrinsic course requirements with intrinsic learning goals and leads to improved learning motivation and self-regulation
Investigating the Uncertainties of Forecasting NE Cold Season Precipitation in Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Get PDFA major winter storm on March 2, 2018, posed significant challenges in predicting precipitation type (P-type) in the northeast U.S., particularly the Hudson Valley. While National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts predicted a mix of rain and snow, observations showed predominantly snow, with errors in snow depth forecasts of 8-12 inches near Albany.
This study used the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to investigate how model physics (microphysics, cumulus, boundary layer, and radiation schemes) and domain configuration influenced snow depth predictions. Results revealed significant sensitivities to cumulus and radiation schemes, as well as the vertical resolution in the middle troposphere. Observations from NWS snowfall analysis, the New York State Mesonet (NYSM), and public information statements (PNS) were used for verification.
Experiments were designed to explore how cloud-radiative forcing (CRF) and hydrometeor interactions affect snowfall and P-type. Removing or reactivating hydrometeor species (e.g., cloud water, cloud ice, snow and rain) in simulations demonstrated their varying impacts on atmospheric temperature, stability, and precipitation type. Shortwave CRF experiments showed warming near planetary boundary layer (PBL) compared to the simulation with all hydrometeors activated, leading to increased rain and reduced snow accumulation. In contrast, longwave CRF experiments caused cooling near PBL compared to the simulation with all hydrometeors activated, which promoted greater snow accumulation. Among hydrometeors, cloud water and snow have the most pronounced influence, while rain has the least impact, and cloud ice has a moderate influence
Cloud Water and Precipitation Chemistry in the Northeast United States: A New Chemical Regime under Changing Emissions
Get PDFThis dissertation explores the changing chemical regime in cloud water collected at the summit of Whiteface Mountain (WFM), and more broadly the Northeast U.S. A long-term trend analysis of WFM cloud water indicates that annual median concentrations of SO42 and NO3- have decreased by factors of 4 and 2 since 1994, respectively, which has led median cloud water pH to increase by up to 2 pH units. Warm season median total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations have doubled since measurements began in 2009. In addition to this increasing TOC trend, the average measured cation/anion ratio has been steadily increasing, which strongly correlates with TOC, suggesting that organic compounds (hypothesized to be organic acids) represent an increasingly important fraction of unmeasured anions. A new inferred “top down” pH (pHTD) was introduced to properly represent the pH of the vast majority of cloud droplets as they exist in the atmosphere by accounting for the mixing state of ions like calcium and magnesium that typically exist primarily within coarse particles. pHTD closely tracked measured pH in the first decade of cloud water monitoring but the discrepancy grew in the second half of the record as pHTD has remained essentially flat for the past decade. Monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic organic acid measurements conducted on WFM cloud water from 2018 - 2022 showed that formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH3COOH) and oxalic acid (OxAc) were the most abundant organic acids on average, though limited measurements suggest malonic acid may also be important. While ion balance was partially improved by the addition of these organic acids, a substantial fraction of unmeasured anions remain uncharacterized, which still correlate with TOC and represent a growing fraction of cloud water acidity. A combination of WRF-Chem and chemical box modeling simulations suggest that biogenic emissions of isoprene represent the major sources of HCOOH, CH3COOH, and OxAc. Gas phase box modeling greatly underestimates HCOOH and CH3COOH mixing ratios measured in WFM cloud water and while the inclusion of aqueous chemistry exacerbates the model error of HCOOH, does not change CH3COOH, it can explain measured OxAc concentrations. pH sensitivity tests with the gas+aqueous box model indicate for pH values \u3e 6 the aqueous production of OxAc increases but HCOOH, CH3COOH, and OxAc are rapidly removed, indicating that using bulk pH measurements without proper representation of aerosol mixing state and organic acidity can greatly change model predictions and is currently not well constrained. A regional trend analysis of 4 other sites that measure TOC or DOC in cloud water or precipitation indicates a positive regional trend of atmospheric aqueous organic carbon (AAqOC) in the Northeast U.S. The two bulk deposition sites that collect precipitation during both wet and dry periods exhibited AAqOC growth rates that are 3-7x greater during the growing season vs the non-growing season. Several hypotheses that may explain the AAqOC trend were briefly explored. Increased emissions of biogenic VOCs are thought to be the most likely explanation, though increased wildfire influence could contribute further to this trend if frequency or strength of wildfire smoke increase under anthropogenic climate change. However, the lack of observational data makes it challenging to investigate the controlling mechanisms in detail. Increased observational data of organic carbon in the gas, particle, and aqueous phases are required to better constrain the atmospheric organic carbon budget
The (Dis)Obedience Politics Of Victorian Literature
Get PDFThe (Dis)Obedience Politics of Victorian Literature argues that Victorian children learned thesocial valuation of themselves and others through the figure of the animal, and while this learning was often hegemonic, some Victorian authors subverted this form of didacticism, creating alternative pedagogies that extended subjecthood to those who were often excluded. While it is well-known that animals have historically been enlisted as teaching symbols, I contend that literary animals in Victorian fiction were used to critique, expose, and otherwise provide commentary and context for the potentially widespread disciplinary practice of childrearing as these practices defined and qualified subjectivity and objectivity. To trace this vast array of didacticism and pedagogy, as well as various authors’ views and reactions towards these cultural trends, I use my concepts obedience and disobedience politics. Obedience politics conveys the child’s vulnerability through literary descriptions of trauma, pain, damage, and/or discomfort after being made to witness violent animal treatment, by being asked to slaughter animal bodies, and in being pushed to consider themselves and other humans as “animalistic.” While the lessons of objectification across literary texts I examine are varied, they all ask children to uphold a normative conception of so-called “proper” Victorian subjecthood by devaluing the animal in relation to the human. Disobedience politics, on the other hand, is a way to categorize literary depictions that subvert such a didactic epistemology in looking to children as full subjects who recognize both the subjectivity of themselves and others, often teaching these values to adult characters. (For example, I find disobedience politics in scenes where a child teaches an adult to protect and value an animal’s life. Such a scene not only exposes obedience politics by showing the child eschewing their training in human exceptionalism and anthropocentrism, but the child teaching the adult about humaneness also overtly asks readers to consider the child’s value and subjecthood through their valuation of animal subjectivity.) By imaginatively exploring disobedience politics in their narratives, I find, that in the process, certain Victorian authors could radically call for a view of the nonhuman-animal as subject, as opposed to a mere objectified symbol at work for a human cultural imagination. My project outlines different versions of obedience and disobedience politics using examples from children’s literature and novels including: Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure (1895) and Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1891); Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1847); Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), Through the Looking-Glass (1871), Sylvie & Bruno (1889), and Sylvie & Bruno Concluded (1893); and Maggie Browne’s Wanted a King—or How Merle set the Nursery Rhymes to Rights (1890)