University at Albany, State University of New York
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The Role Of Self-Determination Theory In Explaining The Relationship Of Challenge Demands With Engagement And Burnout
Get PDFThis dissertation sought to provide a more cohesive theoretical basis for the appraisal of challenge demands and demonstrate that engagement manifests through authentic self-expression in addition to the employment of personal energetic resources. Research has substantiated that employees can appraise the same job demands differently. However, the factors influencing the appraisal process has garnered limited focus to this point. Using self-determination theory as a basis, it was hypothesized that employees’ perceptions of challenge demands would be based on the aspirations (i.e., life goals) they valued and the level of autonomy they were afforded in their job. Employees who made greater challenge appraisals were thought to experience greater engagement, and those who made greater hindrance appraisals would experience greater burnout. Results from a survey-based study of 497 full-time employees did not support this overall process. While employees did vary in their appraisals of the challenge demands measured, and the two appraisal types predicted engagement and burnout, neither the relative importance of intrinsic aspirations or autonomy support moderated the relationship between challenge demands and the appraisal types. Further study is needed to understand how job demands are appraised as challenges or hindrances. As a supplementary finding, Kahn’s (1990) theory of engagement, which includes both self-employment and self-expression, was analyzed and supported. This is the first known study to quantitatively test the full factor structure of this engagement theory, and it is recommended that future studies consider implementing measures based on this concept of engagement instead of the burnout-engagement antithesis theory
Advancing Learning Models For High-Dimensional Data: From Molecular Modeling To Motion Planning
Get PDFProcessing and analyzing high-dimensional data, particularly in domains like protein research and robotics, introduces unique challenges. In protein analysis, high-dimensional data often arises from complex molecular structures and their interactions. Analyzing protein data involves intricate computational models and algorithms that must deal with the large size of molecular datasets and the need to extract biologically relevant information. This makes it challenging to discern significant protein structure-activity relationships, understand complex biological interactions, or predict protein behavior accurately. Similarly, in robotics, high-dimensional data is prevalent when dealing with sensory inputs, the dimensionality of the robot, or the complexity of the operational environments. High-dimensional motion planning is notoriously computationally intensive and presents challenges related to path optimization, collision avoidance, and real-time decision-making. In this research, we address these problems by introducing machine learning approaches that are able to process high dimensional data and feature analyzing techniques to extract underlying relationships within the data to solve protein interaction and motion planning problems
Prop-Oriented Make-Believe In Metaphor And Morality
Get PDF“Bill is such a bulldozer.” How does this metaphor mean what it does? How are we to understand how metaphors work with respect to meaning. In this work, there is an exploration of both of the answers that have already been given to these questions, as well as some reasons to think that those answers are insufficient. Importantly, Kendal Walton has put forward a prop-oriented make-believe account of meaning in metaphor. This account succeeds where others fail, though it is not without its own detractors. Elisabeth Camp and Catherine Wearing both object to Walton’s accounts and their objections require responses. I offer a defense of Walton against Camp and Wearing. In addition, I provide an outline of the theoretical space of moral fictionalism and show how a fictionalism inspired by Walton is stronger than the existing options. I will conclude then that if we are inclined to be moral fictionalists, as we should be so inclined, we ought to be Waltonian Moral Fictionalists
“I Felt From That Place”: A Qualitative Case Study Of Emerging Practices To Build Youth Peer Supports In Residential Care
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Effectively responding to children and youth who experienced trauma and enter the foster care system is an ongoing challenge in child welfare. In response to the poor outcomes for children and youth in foster care, and the growing understanding of the effects of complex trauma, the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was enacted in 2018 by Congress to overhaul the child welfare system. Among many required changes, states were required to establish guidance and processes for residential agencies to become qualified residential treatment programs (QRTPs) consistent with federal guidelines, which prioritized becoming trauma informed
Diurnal To Seasonal Hurricane Variability And Predictability
Get PDFPrediction of tropical cyclone (TC) impact extends across a range of forecast lead times. At shorter timescales, radially outward-propagating, diurnal pulses in TCs are associated with TC intensity and structure changes. At weekly periods, synoptic-scale Rossby waves influence the direction of TC tracks. At seasonal timescales, climate modes affect the overall (in)favorability of TC activity. The research shown in this dissertation seeks to improve the understanding and predictability of TC variability across these scales using numerical weather prediction, reanalysis fields, and storm track observations.Diurnal pulses associated with cloud-top cooling, so-called cooling pulses (CPs), pose a risk for hazardous weather because they often assume characteristics of tropical squall lines. The first part of the dissertation evaluated the characteristics and origins of simulated CPs using various Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) simulations of observed TCs that featured several pulses over the Atlantic Ocean. CP evolution was tested against choice of microphysics parameterization, whereby the Thompson and Morrison schemes presented distinct mechanisms for CP creation and propagation. Specifically, the Thompson CP was convectively coupled and propagated outward with a rainband. The Morrison CP was restricted to the cirrus canopy and propagated radially outward in the upper-level outflow layer, unassociated with any rainband. The Thompson simulation better represented the observations of the particular event, but it was speculated that CPs in nature can resemble characteristics from either scheme. It is therefore necessary to evaluate pulses beyond solely brightness temperature when possible (e.g., reflectivity, rain rate). Next, a series of sensitivity tests were conducted to identify how radiation affects the timing and structure of diurnal pulses. Interestingly, pulses still occurred after removing the diurnal cycle of shortwave radiation to produce “night-only” and “day-only” simulations. Shortwave cloud-radiative forcing (CRF) largely controlled the timing of pulses, whereas longwave CRF was required for pulses to propagate radially outward. Lastly, High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model output was analyzed to determine the extent to which diurnal pulses within a real-time forecast model could be resolved. While CPs were accurately depicted within HRRR analyses (0-h forecasts), only unnatural, CP-like features that were consequences of model spin-up emerged within the forecasts. Thus, while other forecast models and leads times should be tested, the results suggest that diurnal pulse forecasts are poor. The second part of the dissertation investigated three ways in which estimations of TC activity and steering can be applied in real-time. First, TC activity and steering were quantified over 1950–2021 warm seasons using metrics introduced in recent literature. The Activity Index (Titus et al. 2021), corresponded well with the annual number of TCs and accumulated cyclone energy; however, the relationships varied in different phases of El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. Second, large-scale environments were compared for main development region (MDR)-originating TCs that either made landfall in the U.S. or recurved away from land. Landfall patterns featured an elongated mid-level anticyclone across the North Atlantic and enhanced easterly winds; in contrast, recurving storms were associated with a trough over North America. Landfall and recurve TCs on average had significantly different values of Steering Index (Titus et al. 2021). Third, it was shown that the environments of MDR-originating TCs that either made landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast or East Coast largely contrasted over the Caribbean Islands. In particular, Gulf landfalls were associated with relatively higher heights and pressures over the region, steering TCs westward. To quantify the likelihood of TCs making landfall in either of the two regions, a new metric was introduced
Mergers And Acquisitions In The Us Nursing Home Industry
Get PDFThis dissertation provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategic formation and outcomes of horizontal Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) in the US nursing home industry. We delve into two central themes that underpin the strategic decisions and implications of M&A activities in the U.S. nursing home industry
Communities Of Autonomous Language Learners: Participation Spaces In Social Media (Three Articles Dissertation)
Get PDFThe field of autonomous language learning in second language acquisition has experienced significant growth since its introduction by Holec in the 1980s. Several studies have explored how to promote learning autonomy in various spaces, including online learning environments. However, research related to autonomous language learning in online informal spaces is still ongoing. This dissertation aims to fill this gap by examining the role of online informal learning in promoting autonomous language learning, specifically focusing on how communities of autonomous language learners (CoALLs) empower and support their members to improve their learning autonomy and language proficiency. Additionally, it explores how fully autonomous language learners (FALLs) seek interaction online to enhance their second language proficiency. The dissertation consists of three studies: a literature review and two empirical studies.The literature review synthesizes research on autonomous language learning in online social spaces, analyzing articles published between 2010 and 2023. It identifies four major themes: language learning activities, learners\u27 proficiency, anatomy of interaction, and learner affect, suggesting that informal online learning spaces benefit learner autonomy and language acquisition. The first empirical study explores CoALL dynamics, focusing on discussion topics, activities, and interactions. Findings suggest that CoALLs offer opportunities for instructional activities, peer collaboration, translanguage practice, competition, and professional development, motivating FALLs to participate actively. The second empirical study investigates FALLs\u27 activities in digital spaces, using the individual network of practice (INoP) framework. It explores how FALLs use social media to seek interactions and facilitate language learning progression, revealing insights into their activities and INoP. The PRISMA framework guided the systematic literature review, comprising four stages: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, to consolidate findings from various sources. Database searches were conducted using specific keywords to cover a 2010-2023 timeframe, yielding 945 studies. After screening titles, abstracts, and keywords, 57 articles were selected for full-text review, and 40 articles were ultimately included in the review based on established criteria. Meanwhile, for the empirical studies, the data were collected through interviews with members of the Facebook group Polyglot Indonesia, supplemented by analysis of group documents and artifacts. This study extends understanding of CoALLs and FALLs, highlighting how community-led regulations in informal spaces can create productive learning environments for FALLs. It also explores how individual choices in navigating online spaces influence autonomous language learning. The research underscores the value of informal online spaces for language learning, suggesting ways for educators and policymakers to integrate these aspects into formal education through peer collaboration, translanguage practice, and professional development. Policymakers could support online language learning communities by providing resources and incentives
Relating Perception And Memory For A Novel Set Of Reconfigurable Auditory Stimuli
Get PDFAlthough real-life events are complex and temporally extended, most memory research employs discrete, static stimuli presented in the visual modality. We begin to bridge this gap using a novel set of auditory stimuli constructed by adjusting the distribution of power across upper frequency bands. Across three experiments, participants rated similarity between pairs of sounds and engaged in a recognition memory task. We applied non-metric multidimensional scaling to similarity ratings to obtain a three-dimensional psychological representation of the stimuli. The representation inferred from the similarity ratings predicted recognition memory performance for single probe sounds following sequential presentation of two sounds. Recognition false alarms increased with subjective similarity between the probe and the first memory item but not the second, suggesting that the most recent sound was represented in a form less susceptible to incidental similarity. We also observed a list homogeneity effect: hits and false alarms decreased with similarity between studied sounds. There were also individual differences in memory sensitivity and criterion setting as function of traits like self-rated hearing ability and motivation. We discuss implications for the development of an integrative theory of perceptual similarity and recognition memory in the auditory domain
The Potential For Enhancing Tumour Detection In Medical Imaging With Coherent Scatter
Get PDFA number of medical disorders may only be diagnosed with the use of medical imaging, and X-rays are commonly used to detect fractures, abnormal masses, and cavities. The penetration power of X-rays enables them to effectively see these structures inside the body. However, since background structures like fat or fibrous glandular tissue have similar absorption coefficients, X-ray radiography often face challenges when imaging soft tissues for cancer/tumour diagnosis. Research has shown the theoretical potential for X-ray phase imaging to increase contrast factors by a factor of 100 or more, which theoretically could result in enhanced visualization of tumours. In addition to that, coherent scatter imaging has the potential to detect tumours by recognising the distinct scatter signal of carcinoma compared to normal soft tissue. This work has the eventual aim to develop a system to combine the two techniques. The work in this thesis is primarily to characterize the coherent scatter technique. The experiment utilised a lead shielding slot to create a narrow X-ray beam of rectangular cross section, which was then used for coherent scatter imaging. Different diffraction angles were used to acquire images of fat and graphite, which were used as stand-ins for breast tissue and cancer, respectively. Raw images obtained from the experiment were modified with specialised code to improve the coherent scatter ring visualisation. The results of this study hold significant potential to improve medical imaging techniques for tumour detection, thereby reducing false positive rates and improving the overall accuracy of diagnoses
Discovering Innovative Library Spaces and Services through Virtual Field Trips
Get PDFThis study introduces an innovative methodology for assessing and redesigning library spaces through structured virtual field trips. Researchers from the University at Albany developed a systematic approach using design thinking principles to conduct remote visits of leading academic libraries across the United States. The investigation identified significant trends in academic library design, which researchers then used to survey their student population. The subsequent campus survey revealed that UAlbany students\u27 top preferences were: 25% prioritized quiet study spaces, 22% valued diverse seating options, 18% emphasized accessible power infrastructure, and 15% desired outdoor study areas. This two-phase approach demonstrates how virtual field trip findings can be contextualized for local implementation. The methodology provides resource-constrained institutions with a cost-effective alternative to physical site visits. This research addresses post-pandemic challenges in reimagining library spaces and services to meet the evolving needs of users. Implementation of virtual field trip techniques can help academic libraries develop evidence-based redesign strategies that balance national trends with local user needs