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Advancing Strength-Based Inclusive Mental Health Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Get PDFPeer-Mediated Family Support Project: Evaluation of Changes in Family Quality of Life
Get PDFThe Family Quality of Life (FQOL) approach represents a paradigm shift from fixing to supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) by changing the focus from the individual to the family and highlighting strengths rather than deficiencies. Aging family caregivers of individuals with I/DD often encounter obstacles, including accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of services. Little is known about best practices to support aging families of adults with I/DD. Understanding how a state-wide peer-mediated family support project implemented in this study helped improve the FQOL of aging caregivers is important in broadening participation of other caregivers in these types of programs. To address these gaps in the literature, Michigan Older Caregivers of Emerging Adults with Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (MI-OCEAN), a peer-mediated state-wide family support project program, was implemented. The purpose of this study was to examine global and domain-level FQOL changes among aging caregivers of adults with I/DD after participating in MI-OCEAN. This study used a quasi-experimental research design grounded in the FQOL framework with pretest and posttest data gathered from 82 caregivers. Quantitative analyses were conducted to (a) identify changes in domain and global levels of FQOL after participating in MI-OCEAN and (b) how these changes influenced global FQOL. Results of the dependent sample t tests indicated statistically significant changes in eight of the nine domains and global FQOL. Correlation analysis indicated that five of the nine domains (family relationships, support from others [informal support], influence of values, leisure/ recreation, and community participation) were significantly associated with changes in global FQOL. Multiple regression analyses indicated that about 16% of the improvement in global FQOL could be explained by the FQOL domain of informal support. Results highlight the need to invest in improving informal social support for aging caregivers. This study adds to emerging evidence of the benefits of MI-OCEAN in improving the mental health and well-being of aging family caregivers. Peer-mediated family support programs can be an effective method of improving the mental health of aging caregivers of adults with I/DD
Exploring Application of the Coordinate Exchange to Generate Optimal Designs Robust to Data Loss
Get PDFThe primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the coordinate exchange (CEXCH) algorithm in the generation of robust optimal designs. The assessment involves a comparative analysis, wherein designs produced by the Point Exchange (PEXCH) Algorithm are employed as benchmarks for evaluating the efficiency of CEXCH designs. Three modified criteria, selected from the traditional alphabet criteria pool, are utilized to score each algorithm. To enhance the reliability of the comparative analysis, multiple rounds of validation are conducted, focusing on visual assessments, design scores, and criteria efficiencies. The findings from each round of validation contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the CEXCH algorithm.
Following the investigation into the effectiveness of CEXCH, the subsequent phase involves the implementation of the algorithm in generating screening designs. Screening experiments are used to extract insightful factors from an extensive list of potential variables.
Exploring insights into the generating designs robust to the loss of two observations, show that the application of the CEXCH algorithm, particularly with the integration of robust criteria, yields designs that compare favorably with alternative criteria and algorithms. These findings highlight the importance of considering the CEXCH algorithm during the preparatory stages of experimental design for researchers seeking robust and effective outcomes
Revegetation Strategies for Native Wetland Plant Restoration in the Face of \u3ci\u3ePhragmites australis\u3c/i\u3e Reinvasion and Hydrologic Extremes
Get PDFReestablishing native plant communities in degraded habitats through seeding or planting ( revegetation ) is a necessary step to restore ecosystems and their functions (e.g., supporting biodiversity, nutrient cycling, etc.). Globally, wetlands have suffered high rates of degradation and also experience numerous invasions. Invasive species are those that cause environmental, economic, or societal harm. Phragmites australis is a widespread invasive species that outcompetes native plants and reduces habitat diversity. Reestablishing native plant communities can limit P. australis invasion, yet effective methods to do so remain somewhat untested in wetlands. Additionally, stressful environmental conditions can increase plant mortality in revegetation efforts. In semi-arid wetlands, hydrology and salinity are two key environmental stressors that affect plant survival. However, their combined impacts on native and invasive plants are unclear. In field and controlled-setting (e.g., greenhouse) experiments, we tested the effectiveness of varied revegetation approaches in the context of P. australis reinvasion and environmental stressors to inform wetland restoration in the Great Salt Lake (GSL) Watershed. In GSL wetlands, we introduced two native mixes with distinct growth habits (grass-like vs. broad-leaved), varied the method of introduction (seed vs. seedling), and varied the order of seed and seedling introduction. However, treatments had no effect on total native or invasive cover due to extreme drought followed by prolonged flooding. As environmental conditions shifted from drought to flooding, there were community shifts from drought-tolerant to flood-tolerant species, highlighting the importance of including native species with differing environmental tolerances in revegetation mixes. In a 6-week greenhouse and 7-week mesocosm experiment, we tested the effects of seed mix, water level, salinity, and P. australis presence on plant community outcomes. We found that forbs (i.e., broad-leaved species) were generally resistant to P. australis presence and reduced invasion. Additionally, mixes created with diverging species\u27 environmental tolerances were negatively affected by stressful environmental conditions but still limited P. australis growth in all conditions. Overall, our findings support designing revegetation mixes with diverging environmental tolerances to withstand broad environmental conditions and incorporating high-performing forbs to maximize invasion resistance. However, additional strategies will still be necessary to achieve restoration goals due to increasing environmental extremes
Impacts of Lake Elevation Decline on Tui Chub, A Critical Forage Species for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake, Nevada, USA
Get PDFLake level decline affects lakes worldwide, changing the availability and character of nearshore habitat used by fish to spawn, and increasing total dissolved solids (TDS), similar to salinity, a factor that negatively impacts fish health. Lake level decline can affect different lakes in different ways, but typically when lake level declines significantly, there is less nearshore habitat overall, and what nearshore habitat remains has less diverse habitat for fish. We investigated whether both impacts of lake level decline may be causing declines of Tui Chub Siphateles bicolor, a large minnow native to Pyramid Lake that spawns in nearshore habitat. Tui Chub are the main food source for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, a sought after, and vulnerable, sportfish also native to the lake. Pyramid Lake declined 98 feet from 1891 to 1967 because of human water use and remains low today. We used nets to capture Tui Chub during their spawning season to determine their preferred spawning habitat. We then used topographic data of the Pyramid Lake basin to understand the amount of spawning habitat at historical, and potentially future, lake levels if lake levels continue to decline in Pyramid Lake. We tested the response of Tui Chub eggs and larvae to TDS by spawning Tui Chub at a range of TDS levels. Based on our results, Tui Chub spawn in some of the warmest water found in Pyramid Lake during the summer and seek rocky areas to deposit their eggs, habitat features that may be reduced in Pyramid Lake with further lake level decline. With an additional 26 feet of lake level decline, Pyramid Lake will have less nearshore habitat than all other historical and contemporary lake elevations we investigated, potentially seriously restricting habitat available for Tui Chub spawning. Tui Chub eggs and larvae in our experiment were unable to hatch at TDS levels greater than those already found in Pyramid Lake. However, we experienced artificially high levels of toxic ammonia in most replicates such that all egg deaths could not be attributed to the TDS treatments. Our results have important implications for water demand for Pyramid Lake to make sure there are enough Tui Chub to support the population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in the lake
Storytelling in Interior Design: A Hospitality Case Study Based On Avatar: The Last Airbender
Get PDFStorytelling can function as a crucial element in interior design, offering a powerful means to captivate and engage individuals within a space. The allure of storytelling lies in its ability to evoke emotions, convey messages, and create memorable experiences. Humans are naturally drawn to narratives that transport them to different worlds, evoke nostalgia, or inspire. This fascination with storytelling has led to a notable increase in themed spaces across various industries, from amusement parks and hotels to restaurants and retail spaces. The integration of storytelling into interior design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space but also serves as a means to convey the brand\u27s identity, values, and purpose, fostering deeper connections with the audience.
Building upon the significance of storytelling in interior design, this research aims to explore and practice the integration of narrative elements into spatial design. Recognizing the need for interior designers to embrace storytelling as a fundamental aspect of their practice, this project seeks to practice developing an immersive environment from the basis of a compelling story. The project deliverables born from this research are the conceptualization and design of a hotel inspired by the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. By drawing inspiration from the rich mythology, characters, and landscapes of the show, each space within the hotel serves as a representation of moments or ideas from the show. From the lobby adorned with elements reminiscent of the four nations to themed suites reflecting the distinctive cultures and elements of bending, every detail is meticulously curated to convey the journey undertaken in the world of Avatar.
The successful execution of the Avatar-themed hotel serves as a testament to the future opportunities for interior designers to explore innovative and narrative-driven design frameworks. This case study not only showcases the effectiveness of storytelling in creating memorable and immersive environments but also highlights the demand for unique and experiential spaces that resonate with contemporary audiences. Moving forward, interior designers have the opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional design practices by embracing storytelling as a central pillar of their work. Whether through themed hospitality experiences, branded environments, or experiential retail spaces, the integration of storytelling offers a dynamic avenue for designers to engage with clients, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on those who inhabit their creations. As the demand for immersive and narrative-driven experiences continues to grow, interior designers stand poised to innovate and redefine the boundaries of spatial design, opening doors to a world of endless creative possibilities
The Function of Humility in St. Teresa of Avila\u27s Autobiography: A Literature Review
Get PDFIn the Carmelite nun St. Teresa of Ávila’s (1515-1582) autobiography, The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila by Herself (1588), the author repeatedly asserts her unworthiness. Contemporary scholarship has explored the function of Teresa’s rhetoric of humility in this text. Scholars from the 1990s have largely argued that Teresa’s humility is a carefully crafted, defensive method to meet the demands of the patriarchal culture in which she wrote. Twenty-first-century scholars take a (slightly) different approach. To them, Teresa’s humility is not solely rhetorical; they suggest that Teresa’s humility is also a consequence and tool of her spiritual journey. In this thesis, I review scholarship published in the last 35 years that addresses the function of humility in Teresa’s autobiography. I begin with Alison Weber, Carole Slade, and Gillian Ahlgren from the 1990s. These scholars focus on the cultural period in which Teresa wrote to suggest that it was the primary influence on her rhetoric of humility. In the early twenty-first century, Elena Carrera opens the door to a spiritual understanding of Teresa’s humility, showing how her self-deprecation represents more than a persona adopted for survival—it is also her manifestation of humility and an example of this religious virtue to her readers. Within the last 10 years, Lisa Fullam, Noelia Bueno-Gómez, and A. F. Davis Abdallah argue that, though Teresa may use a rhetoric of humility to dispose her audience to receive her text, her humility is also a consequence of her spiritual path and empowers her to fulfill the mission she believes God has given her. The trajectory of the scholarship is significant because it gradually reconsiders Teresa’s voice, suggesting that her humility was more than a consequence of her rhetorical situation. No longer merely defensive, humility has a powerful function in her autobiography: Teresa demonstrates humility’s importance to spiritual development and its ability to give one courage to persist on one’s spiritual path, setting aside personal interests to serve God
Creating Sustainable School and Home Gardens: Vertical Gardening
Get PDFThis fact sheet is part of a series about creating sustainable school and home gardens. It provides information and resources on vertical gardening, which can maximize space, increase food production, and improve plant health
A Comprehensive Uncertainty Quantification Methodology for Metrology Calibration and Method Comparison Problems Via Numeric Solutions to Maximum Likelihood Estimation and Parametric Bootstrapping
Get PDFIn metrology, the science of measurements, straight line calibration models are frequently employed. These models help understand the instrumental response to an analyte, whose chemical constituents are unknown, and predict the analyte’s concentration in a sample. Techniques such as ordinary least squares and generalized least squares are commonly used to fit these calibration curves. However, these methods may yield biased estimates of slope and intercept when the calibrant, substance used to calibrate an analytical procedure with known chemical constituents (x-values), carries uncertainty. To address this, Ripley and Thompson (1987) proposed functional relationship estimation by maximum likelihood (FREML), which considers uncertainties in both x and y variables, providing unbiased estimates of slope and intercept. This project aims to develop a robust mechanism for calculating uncertainty in final measurement quantities, integrating international standard guidelines such as GUM and parametric bootstrapping to handle uncertainties in both x and y calibration points. Initial validation follows Ripley and Thompson’s assumptions of known population standard deviations. Subsequently, the model is extended to accommodate cases where calibration input uncertainties are estimated, incorporating their degrees-of-freedom and propagating these uncertainties into parameter estimates
Quantifying the Role of Karst Groundwater on Mountain River Discharge
Get PDFA primary objective of hydrological research is to anticipate the shifts in water supply due to climate change. These shifts are difficult to predict in karst areas like Logan Canyon because much of the water moves through large fractures and cave networks that transport groundwater quickly, but there are some groundwater fractions which move very slowly. Many studies in karst regions use spring dynamics to assess aquifer condition, but overlook other influences such as exchanges between a river and the underlying aquifer. In this study, we calculated the quantity and chemical makeup of these groundwater and surface water exchanges by measuring the flow and chemistry of all surface inputs (tributaries and springs) and losses (diversions) from the river. Based on this sampling and calculations that track all the ins and outs that occur over small river segments, groundwater exchanges were found to vary significantly throughout the river system. In some cases, groundwater inflows occurred in one segment and adjacent segments showed significant losses to the aquifer. Using the calculated chemistry of groundwater inflows to the river, we determined they are mostly comparable to springs sourced from fast-transporting karst networks. These findings suggest water supply in karst regions may be less resilient to extended periods of drought and multiple years of low snowpack relative to other groundwater aquifers because river discharge is mainly sourced from fracture and cave networks which drain quickly