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Accent bias towards nonnative accented counseling trainees
No full textThe current study examined how accent affects people’s perception of counselors-intraining
in the United States. Broadly, research has consistently shown that people with
nonnative accents are viewed less favorably and evaluated less positively compared to those with
native accents (e.g., Dragojevic et al., 2021; Giles & Rakić, 2014; Gluszek & Dovidio, 2010a).
More importantly, accented speakers are often evaluated more harshly in formal settings (Fuertes
et al., 2012). For instance, research has demonstrated the people who speak with an accent are
viewed as less hireable based on job interviews (e.g., Hansen & Dovidio, 2016) and less
competent in a work setting (e.g., Nelson et al., 2016). In the Counseling Psychology field, few
studies have examined people’s perception of therapists with different accents. Thus, this
quantitative investigation of the effects of accent bias from a perceiver’s perspective fills an
important gap.
The results of the present study showed that native English speakers in the United States
perceive native and nonnative English-speaking counselors-in-training as equally qualified, but
they viewed nonnative accented trainees as less competent, skillful, warm, and likeable, and
more inferior (or less superior) than their native accented peers. Additionally, participants
expressed less willingness to work with these foreign accented trainee therapists. The perceived
comprehensibility of their speech and the speaker’s expected communication difficulty
independently explained the ratings of trainees' qualifications and competence based on their
accents, and the participants’ willingness to work with them. Specifically, higher ratings of
perceived comprehensibility predicted higher ratings of the outcome variables, and higher ratings
of expected communication difficulty predicted lower ratings of the outcome variables.
Furthermore, levels of Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and Patriotism significantly
impacted the aforementioned ratings of qualification, competence, and willingness: people with
higher SDO or Patriotism rated nonnative accented trainees lower on these variables than their
native accented peers.Ph. D
Exploration of mental health screening programs and readiness for change by school administrators and school-based mental health professionals
No full textWith rising concerns for the mental health of school-aged youth, screening tools can be
used to identify students who may be at-risk and in need of additional support. Despite the
literature that supports the use of mental health screeners in schools, most schools in the United
States are not doing so. There are several enabling and inhibiting factors associated with the
implementation of mental health screeners. Organizational change theory proposes that the
successful adoption of new innovations requires both an openness toward change, but also a
capacity to make the change happen. The current study explores the relationships between
school-based factors and implementation of mental health screeners to better understand the
challenges related to this organizational change. Consistent with organizational change theory,
the current study also explores readiness for change amongst key educational stakeholders
including school administrators and school-based mental health professionals.Ph. D
Refractions of the past The prisms of Mexico's (Bi) Centennial and the place of race in society
No full textThis thesis examines the modern discussion of the idea of “race” in Mexico and the place of Afromexicans in Mexican society. It details the ways in which Mexican history has been constructed to leave out discussions of people of African descent, while showing the changes that have occurred in Mexican society when it comes to how “race” is constructed and perceived. The thesis contains four chapters: the first sets the modern and historical context of Mexico, the second analyzes La raza cósmica, an influential text that shaped government racialist policy, the third looks at Mexico’s 2010 bicentennial and centennial celebrations and how they dealt with race, and the fourth focuses on the current discussions of “race” in Mexico, focusing on Afromexican groups and individuals, the historiography of race in Mexico, and Mexican newspapers. Much has been written about racialism and racism in places such as the United States and France. Little has been done on how Latin America differs from these places historically and presently, however. Mexico shares similarities with both the United States and France in how race has been constructed and used as an exclusionary categorization. This research fills an important gap and shows how marginalized groups in Mexico are treated and how history has
been used to exclude them. It also shows how these groups use the same methods to show their belonging in society.
The methods used draw from anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and history. While this is a historical paper, dealing with the history of ideas requires a blending of different frameworks to understand how these ideas developed and how they affected society at different levels.M. A
Magnetic field effects in nicked DNA nanostructures
No full textCharge conduction through nanostructures, particularly DNA molecules, presents a promising avenue for advancing nanotechnology and nanodevices. This study investigates the impact of magnetic fields on the current-voltage properties of DNA nanostructures with structural modification (nicks), aiming to uncover fundamental insights crucial for future technological developments. We utilize a two-dimensional DNA model connected to semi-infinite electrodes to simulate the system. A tight-binding Hamiltonian approximation is employed to analyze charge transport behavior under varying magnetic field strengths. By observing Aharonov-Bohm oscillations, which are quantum interference effects, we can understand how different coupling behaviors and fixed magnetic flux influence charge transmission through the DNA. The semiconducting behavior of DNA is explored by introducing nicks (small breaks in the DNA backbone) and observing changes in current-voltage characteristics as the number of nicks varies. These changes highlight the dependence of charge transport on the integrity of the DNA backbone. Matrix calculations are performed to determine the total Hamiltonian for each connection between the DNA and the electrodes. These calculations, along with the evaluation of transmission coefficients using tight-binding Schrödinger equations, provide a detailed quantitative analysis of the charge transport properties. Furthermore, we evaluate spin polarization in double-stranded DNA, offering insights into the potential use of DNA in spintronics, where electron spin is utilized for data storage and transfer. The Landauer-Buttiker formula is applied to determine the current-voltage characteristics under different DNA structural configurations and magnetic field effects. This interdisciplinary investigation combines theoretical modeling and computational simulations to advance our understanding of charge transport phenomena in DNA nanostructures. The findings have significant implications for developing high-performance, energy-efficient nanodevices and contribute to the broader field of nanotechnology and spintronics.M. A
Pets are family, too: barriers to accessible veterinary care and solutions to explore
No full textAs pets and companion animals are becoming more and more like family members than possessions, being able to provide them with the health care that they need is becoming more essential. However, many barriers to accessible, affordable, and effective veterinary care exist, for both veterinarian and pet owner. Some barriers even overlap with barriers seen in human health care. While there are solutions currently in place to try to relieve this, those solutions should be revisited, and new solutions should be considered. Doing so would make effective and affordable veterinary care services more accessible to any pet owner, whether their pet is just a part of their family or their pet is their whole family.B. ?Honors Colleg
Instructional perspectives fitness instructors
No full textThis Mixed Method Case Research Study (MMCSR) investigated the application of andragogical principles by adult fitness instructors at the Greater Louisville YMCA’s. Utilizing the Modified Instructional Perspectives Inventory (MIPI) and a focus group, the study explored the instructional views of fitness instructors from an andragogical perspective. Specifically, the study aimed to: (a) determine the andragogical principles applied by instructors, (b) assess the impact of demographic factors, such as sex, years of experience, and certifications, on the application of these principles, and (c) document instructors' good teaching practices. The present study revealed no significant differences in andragogical principles application based on sex, years of experience, or certification status among the instructors. Overall, instructors placed significant value on trust, empathy, and member-centered learning methods, emphasizing the importance of accommodating the individual learning needs of adult learners. These findings underscore the pivotal role of personalized and empathetic teaching strategies in facilitating adult education in the fitness context. The study's implications for practice suggest that instructors should continue to cultivate trust and employ experience-based learning techniques, disregarding gender, and certification status as determinants of instructional quality. Future research directions are proposed to delve into mechanisms of fostering trust and sensitivity and exploring student-centered approaches over a more extended period to enhance adult fitness education. The study's limitations, including its small sample size and cross-sectional design, highlight the need for broader, longitudinal research to validate and expand upon these findings and recommendations.D. Ed
Perception of the neurological impact of texture within the built environment and evidence of tactile defensiveness in adults with sensory senitivities
No full textThis research studies the impact that characteristics of textiles within the built
environment have on tactile defensive behaviors for individuals with sensory sensitivities, and
the effect of perceived temperature on these behaviors. This study investigates the tactile sensory
response to six different textiles. Each textile contains various fibrous components, textures, and
construction mechanisms to identify characteristics that are likely to trigger behaviors of tactile
defensiveness. This data was collected through a three-part survey, concluding that textiles
containing natural fibers such as cotton and silk yielded the best results overall. Textiles
containing synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic, and rayon were perceived as least pleasant,
particularly in warm temperatures. There was no significance found in perceived tactile
defensiveness frequency between individuals with sensory sensitivities and individuals without.
Significance in the change of tactile defensiveness frequency under “warm” and “cold”
temperatures revealed that small fibers or woven components were favorable characteristics of
textiles in cold temperatures, providing stimulating textured components to compensate for
reduced hand-feel receptor function in this condition. Individuals without sensory sensitivities
showed more variability in perceived frequency of tactile defensiveness behavior, while
individuals with sensory sensitivities had more regular responses, even within variations of
temperature perception. Comfortable temperature conditions yielded the lowest frequency of
perceived tactile defensiveness, while warm temperature conditions resulted in the highest levels
of perceived tactile defensiveness, and cold temperatures following close behind. These results
conclude that small synthetic fibers are more prone to eliciting negative tactile defensive
responses in warm, humid climates, while natural fibers and non-distinct fibers are least likely to
produce a tactile defensiveness response for cold temperature conditions. This research defines physical characteristics of textiles that are associated with tactile defensiveness behavior,
furthering the knowledge of the neurological impact that textiles within the built environment
have on individuals with sensory sensitivities.M. S
Structural validity of the BFI-44: impact of using CFA VS. ESEM and reverse-worded items
No full textThe Big Five Inventory (BFI-44; John, Donahue, & Kentle, 1991) is a commonly used measure
of individual differences in personality, but previous research has largely failed to show strong
evidence of its structural validity. This study takes into consideration recommendations by
Hopwood and Donnellan (2010) and Sellbom and Tellegen (2019) for how to better assess and
interpret personality assessment structure: carefully choosing CFA estimation method,
comparing CFA to ESEM results, and interpreting model fit in context with theory and external
criterion validity. In addition, this study also examines whether reverse-worded items could
explain previous evidence of poor model fit. Using BFI-44 data collected from university
students, best model fit was found using ESEM when reverse-worded items were removed;
however, removing the reverse-worded items did not result in improved prediction compared to
the original measure. This study supports previous work suggesting CFA with default estimation
methods may not be the best assessment of personality measure model fit and reverse-worded
items may be impacting model fit, though more research into the impact of removing the reverseworded
BFI-44 items on criterion validity is needed
Case studies on the impact biophilic patterns have on the post-pandemic workplace
No full textIn the past two years since the pandemic, the workplace environment has faced its share of challenges, including the balance between working from home. Throughout 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 has swept our lives and brought drastic changes to how we live and work. The constant use of media platforms and experiences emphasized the fragility of our planet and made us stop and consider our core values. (Digital,2023.)
Employees now returning to the office, workplace, and businesses are designing office spaces that help the employees' mental and physical health, including biophilic design. According to research from the Mental Health Foundation, mental health was one of the significant factors affected during the pandemic. Coming back to the office can be overwhelming and stressful for employers due to the factor that the pandemic is still occurring. According to Oliver Heath, director at Oliver Heath design firm, "There has been a surge in awareness that nature plays a fundamental role in helping to maintain one's physical and mental well-being." (Hendershot,2021).
The research will examine the impact of biophilia design in the workplace to help with employees' mental and physical health during the pandemic. The research will analyze five cases that show the use of biophilic patterns in the workplace. This study aims to discover how employees can return to the workplace by designing spaces with biophilic elements. Discussions 5
and keeping within the research will allow for investigating current strategies to incorporate biophilia patterns in the workplace to improve employees' health and strategies for finding how biophilia can help create a valuable work environment. (Ayazullah,2021). In addition to answering the key questions, they have limited studies, including whether biophilic patterns are a Standard design method for a post-pandemic workplace. Can biophilia help the workplace come back after COVID-19? Do biophilic patterns help employees' mental and physical health at the workplace?
The best use of biophilic patterns incorporated into the interior design of office spaces could significantly improve employee workplaces. Biophilic patterns could improve workplace productivity and the overall well-being of an employee's health and lessen stress. A collection of case studies and a literature review investigate the critical design aspect of improving workplaces for employees and conclude that they should be the standard design strategies to use in a post-pandemic workplace.M. S
Quantitative metric density and applications
No full textWe begin by discussing the Lebesgue Density Theorem. Then, we show why a possible
statement of a “Quantitative Lebesgue Density Theorem” is false, by providing a
counterexample using dyadic intervals. Finally, we prove a “Quantitative Metric Density
Theorem” on doubling metric measure spaces and provide applications. The first application
uses the Quantitative Metric Density and the Hausdorff distance to show that
if one moves a closed ball, there won’t be many large gaps that the balls has to skip
over. The second application is using the Quantitative Metric Density and applying it
on Dyadic Cubes in Rn to show that one may form a path between two points by making
small jumps onto points in a measurable set.M. S