University at Albany, State University of New York
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Exploring Intersectional Differences In Employment And Desistance
Get PDFEmployment is critically important to the re-entry process for most recordholders, as a standard condition of their community supervision agreement, as a turning point, and as a way to solidify new prosocial identities in the desistance process. However, seeking and maintaining gainful employment is easier for some recordholders than others. Prior research suggests that applicant race and gender impacts employment opportunities and outcomes. It is also the case that desistance may look different based on the race and gender of the recordholder. Thus, it may be the case that the relationship between desistance and employment varies for recordholders of different races and genders. This research aims to illuminate intersectional differences in the relationship between employment and desistance in order to better understand the employment challenges women and people of color face when re-entering the community. To examine intersectional differences in the desistance-employment nexus, I use qualitative methods to analyze interview transcripts of a diverse sample of recordholders in the ROADS I data, part of the seven-wave longitudinal ROADS dataset (N = 1,247). ROADS is the largest and longest proscriptive desistance study of a diverse contemporary sample of serious drug-involved offenders released from prison in the state of Delaware in the 1990s. Findings inform policy decisions as policy makers consider how best to support recordholders of different races and genders in the desistance process and their quest for employment
Assimilating New York State Mesonet observations for a summertime convective event
Get PDFIn New York State (NYS), the prediction of high-impact severe weather event has presented a challenging forecasting problem. The NYS Mesonet (NYSM) has the potential to improve the severe weather forecasting through its continuous in situ and remote sensing measurements on the lower troposphere. The dense observing network can capture the evolution of mesoscale motions with high temporal and spatial resolution. The objectives of this dissertation are (1) to assess whether the assimilation of NYSM observations into numerical weather prediction models could improve model analysis and short-term weather forecasting, and (2) to figure out the important key factor and physical process, which could be complemented by observations, in the prediction of targeted weather system. A severe weather system that is specifically aimed for this study is a convective event on 21 June 2021, especially its phase of the convection re-intensification triggered by the southerly Mohawk-Hudson Convergence (MHC).In the first part of the dissertation, several data assimilation (DA) experiments are conducted to investigate the impact of NYSM data using operational DA system Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation with rapid update cycles. The assimilated datasets include National Centers for Environmental Prediction Automated Data Processing global upper-air and surface observations, NYSM surface observations, Doppler lidar wind profiles, and microwave radiometer (MWR) temperature and specific humidity profiles at NYSM profiler sites. In comparison with the control experiment that assimilates only conventional data, the timing and location of the convection re-intensification was significantly improved by assimilating NYSM data, especially the Doppler lidar wind profiles. Our analysis indicate that the improvement could be attributed to improved simulation of the southerly MHC. However, the MWR DA resulted in degraded forecasts, likely due to large errors in the MWR temperature retrievals. Overall, the results suggest the positive impact of assimilating NYSM surface and profiler data on forecasting summertime severe weather. In the second part of the dissertation, three experiments are conducted by using Mellor-Yamada-Janjic (MYJ), Yonsei University (YSU), and Mellor-Yamada Nakanishi Niino (MYNN) level 3 PBL schemes in the Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The results show that the onset of MHC-triggered convection is primarily affected by the development of its antecedent convective system which is sensitive to the choice of PBL schemes. Among the experiments, MYJ (MYNN) predicted earlier (later but accurate) onset of MHC-triggered convection due to shallow (weak) vertical mixing and higher (lower) convective available potential energy (CAPE). YSU predicted a deepest and strongest vertical mixing with the onset time between MYJ and MYNN. The reason for weak vertical mixing in MYNN is that higher low-level cloud cover inhibited the incoming solar radiation. Overall, the boundary layer moisture distribution, turbulent mixing, and cloud cover in the pre-convective environment play a key role in the prediction of MHC-triggered convection, which could be beneficial from high-resolution moisture profiling measurements
The Effect Of Autonomic Nervous System Functioning And Childhood Maltreatment On Empathy In Early Adulthood
Get PDFChildhood maltreatment has a well-established link to both physical and psychological detriments later in life. Specifically, maltreatment has been found to be associated with changes in physiological functioning and increased aggressive behavior. Despite the well understood link with aggressive behavior, few studies have focused on the effects childhood maltreatment has on empathetic and prosocial behavior. Experienced adversity is theorized to increase one’s tendencies to adopt perspective and to feel a sense of responsibility for another’s welfare (Lim & DeSento, 2016). This study aims to examine how baseline autonomic functioning of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system moderate the relationship between early childhood maltreatment and trait empathy in early adulthood. Participants were 94 undergraduate students at a large state university. Participants completed questionnaires examining trait-empathy and instances of childhood maltreatment. We monitored baseline sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activation via skin conductance levels and respiratory sinus arrythmia, respectively. Regression analysis suggests that baseline parasympathetic nervous system activation moderates the relationship between childhood physical maltreatment and trait empathy. Higher levels of baseline parasympathetic activation are associated with higher levels of trait empathy in those who experienced physical maltreatment. High baseline parasympathetic activation may act as a protective factor in those who experienced physical maltreatment during childhood, specifically regarding empathetic behavior
Learning from hierarchical and noisy labels
Get PDFOne branch of machine learning algorithms is supervised learning, where the label is crucial for the learning model. Numerous algorithms have been proposed for supervised learning with different classification tasks. However, fewer works question the quality of the training labels. Training a learning model with noisy labels leads to decreased or untruthful performance. On the other hand, hierarchical multi-label classification (HMC) is one of the most challenging problems in machine learning because the classes in HMC tasks are hierarchically structured, and data instances are associated with multiple labels residing in a path of the hierarchy. Treating hierarchical tasks as flat and ignoring the hierarchical relationship between labels can degrade the model\u27s performance. Therefore, in this thesis, we focus on learning from two types of difficult labels: noisy labels and hierarchical labels
Biomimetic synthesis of hitorins A and B and discovery of porous metallopolymers
Get PDFThis work focuses on two research directions: the total synthesis of natural products hitorins A and B and the synthesis of porous metallopolymers/ metallooligomers and study of their properties. Nature has a good understanding and makes good use of cascade reactions to generate complex natural structures. The synthesis of hitorins A and B employed a radical cascade starting from a rare intermolecular alkoxy radical-olefin coupling reaction in our biomimetic synthetic strategy. A radical clock experiment was designed to reveal the mechanism for the key alkoxy radical-olefin coupling cascade. Microporous materials have many applications in diverse areas including gas separation, electronic devices, and energy storage. In this work, a series of porous, linear (non-network) metallopolymers termed “metallopolymers of intrinsic microporosity” (MPIMs) were discovered. These polymers exhibit intrinsic microporosity stemming from backbone contortion introduced by the polymers’ main-chain metal ions. Spectroscopic analysis provided evidence for mixed valency between neighboring ferrocenyl units. However, direct measurement of electronic characteristics was hindered by the poor solubility of this class of MPIMs, although copolymers with pendant groups affixed to the phenyldiacetylene units were synthesized to simultaneously maintain porosity and introduce adequate solubility. Ferrocene-containing metalloligomers were obtained with precise degrees of polymerization, which are expected to have even better solubility compared to the analogous MPIMs. Further exploration of porosity provided a better understanding of factors leading to porosity by comparing monomers, short oligomers, long oligomers, and polymers between gas sorption analysis and computation. More exploration of optical and electronic properties is ongoing
Perceptions of organizational entitativity : justice as the basis for identification and social exchange
Get PDFEntitativity is a perception concerning groups that distinguishes between perceiving groups as merely a collection of individuals and viewing them as a unified whole. The extent that groups are perceived to be entitative has been demonstrated to be related to greater attention to the moral conduct of the group as a whole. Drawing on both social identity perspectives and social exchange theory, I proposed a model arguing that organizational justice can result in employees viewing their organization as more entitative. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model, along with two theory-based alternative models (all random-intercepts cross-lagged panel models; RI-CLPMs). These models were fit to longitudinal data gathered in three waves from 488 full-time employees within the U.S. Results were mixed regarding the hypothesized model as a whole, however, evidence was observed for a causal relationship between prior reports of being treated fairly by the organization and subsequent increases in perceived organizational entitativity. Further, in line with a theory-based alternative model, it appears that entitativity likely moderates, rather than mediates, the relationship between justice and a high-quality social exchange relationship with the organization
Program Evaluation On Employment Outcomes For Women With Disabilities
Get PDFThis study consisted of an evaluation of a post-secondary education program for young adults with developmental disabilities focusing on the employment outcomes for women. The program offers services to support young adults between the ages of 17 and 27 with disabilities who have seek support with employment, college/career choices, and developing an independent life. This study involved a mixed-methods approach gathering qualitative and quantitative data. Participants in the program who participated in the study (N=24) completed an online anonymous survey and a semi-structured interview. 5 of the participants identified as women. 19 of the participants identified as men. A T-test was conducted on the responses of the anonymous online survey According to the independent sample t test, when equal variance was assumed, only one item in the survey had a statistically significant result (p \u3c .05): “This program has taught me the skills that I need to succeed in the workforce.” The average response of women to this statement was “strongly agree.” The average response of men to this statement was “agree.” The interview responses were assessed using thematic analysis. A theme that arose from the semi-structured interviews was equality in regards to gender. Participants expressed that the program supported them with college education and job applications as well. The responses to the interviews also indicated that the program allowed them to develop social skills, self-advocacy skills, independence and professionalism. The results from this study suggested that the post-secondary program provides non-discriminating services and support for men and women with developmental disabilities. Women received job and internship opportunities as often as men. This researcher recommends that additional studies are conducted with larger samples of participants who identify as women with disabilities
The Role Of Community-Based Organizations In The Mental Health Or Wellbeing And The Media Use In Receiving Social Support Among Asian International Students
Get PDFOne of the prominent barriers which hinder international students’ integration into their new communities is acculturative stress. Social support is one of the resources which people can utilize to cope with stress. Community-based organizations (CBOs) can be used as sources of social support for international students who do not have strong social ties near them. In this study, how CBOs can play a role as sources of social support and as a resource to cope with stress among Asian international students was investigated. In addition, media use in receiving social support was explored. The present study used mixed methods with exploratory design which is quantitative method emphasized. The qualitative research, the formative step of the study used individual interviews and the quantitative research utilized a survey. The formative research confirmed that international students experienced a certain amount of stress and depression; and that the CBOs were regarded as important organizations for international students, which provided kinds of social support with them. The results of repeated measures ANOVA tests showed: job/economic status is the highest scored stressor of acculturative stress; international students are satisfied the most with physical support received; and there is a statistically significant difference in frequency between media use receiving all kinds of social support. The result of correlation test showed that social network sites were not very effective in terms of providing all kinds of social support and in-personal communication was the most effective in the aspect of satisfaction of the receiver. The analysis of SEM explained: Asian international students who experience more acculturative stress have more depression; more acculturative stress leads to more involvement in CBOs; more involvement in CBOs leads to more perceived social support; more social support leads to less depressed and more satisfied with life. In addition, a multi-group analysis using Chi-square difference test showed that international students perceive more social support when they are involved in faith-based organizations than when they engage only in general secular CBOs. The results of the study imply that there is a huge role of CBOs as a resource of social support in the mental health or well-being of Asian international students. Social support buffers the negative effect of acculturative stress on depression and life satisfaction. Moreover, appropriate choice of media use and types of CBOs can be considered for the effectiveness of the mechanism. Based on these findings, the present study can suggest that further research on the role of CBOs and FBOs should be done in future research. However, the limitations of the present study should be taken into consideration in future study. Weaknesses of the recruitment of the participants, a limitation of cross-sectional data and weaknesses of measurements were discussed in the section of limitations and future directions. Alternative models can be plausible based on different study designs and stress buffering hypothesis should be examined more for clarifying the mechanism and conflicting results of the previous studies
Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Functioning Among 5Th Grade Students: An Evaluation Of A Pilot Screening Assessment Protocol
Get PDFSocial, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) functioning within schools has historically been considered in the context of educational impact. Currently, traditional models in education do not readily take into account changing ecological considerations for students, as they experience heightened population-wide academic and SEB concerns, increasing inequity for certain groups, and unique temporal factors like COVID-19. As a response, state and national initiatives are pushing toward earlier identification and prevention to better capture emerging ecological impacts. Prevention models utilize a Public Health Model (PHM) in schools like Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in promoting regular forms of assessment and linkages to leveled supports before special education referrals. The current evaluation explored the pilot implementation of the Behavior Assessment System for Children – Third Edition, Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS) for a fifth-grade population in a large suburban district. The district primarily utilized the self-report of the BESS in Fall 2021 following the first year of COVID-19. Demographic, academic, and attendance data were analyzed with the BESS results for 318 students. Results of the BESS captured unique trends that would not be known without screening, as 25% were flagged with an elevated concern overall and 39% had an elevated score for internalizing concerns (e.g., anxiety, social isolation). Investigating demographics revealed some disproportionality for students of color, as they had higher scores for SEB concerns overall. Further visual analyses highlighted different SEB trends for not only race but also special education status, attendance, and gender. The BESS results were also used as a predictor for New York State test outcomes. The BESS contributed to the proposed models, though not to the same degree as demographics or grades; however, students were performing below expectations further reinforcing the integrated approach of prevention models. The evaluation used an improvement science lens in offering recommendations to the district that highlighted the importance of integrating various assessment types to inform leveled supports, attending to the increased population needs around SEB health, and the unique opportunity within prevention models to attend to inequity and temporal considerations through staff promotion of justice
Solubility, Reactivity And Diffusion In Polymeric Bilayer Thin Films
Get PDFMicroelectronics manufacturing of modern devices has required the use of polymer photoresists in several essential steps. The traditional limitation in device capability has been dependent on the minimum feature size attainable by the wavelength of light and materials used in photolithography. In this thesis the study of polymer thin films in single and bilayer stacks is described. Three scientific concepts are fundamental to this study: (1) the diffusion and (2) reaction of acid and small molecules that change polymer (3) solubility. In this thesis, two chemical systems are designed and used to study these three scientific concepts