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Newsletter, Center City, Memphis, 1974 December 11
Get PDFNewsletter, Center City, Vol. 1, No. 28, Memphis, TN, 1974 December 11. Contains a section discussing, Plays for Living and how Family Service of Memphis received a grant and planned to use the money to fund 50 free performances for the Plays for Living program. The Family Service of Memphis performed several plays and utilized theatre as a tool to assist with implementing social change and to address sensitive issues with members of the community.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-famservicememphis1/1033/thumbnail.jp
2024 Annual EQRO Technical Report
Get PDFhttps://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/govpubs-tn-dept-human-services-tenncare-additional-reports/1009/thumbnail.jp
Ebony and the Ivory Tower: An Endarkened Narrative Study on Black Women\u27s Code-Switching Experiences in Higher Education
Get PDFDespite obtaining leadership positions in higher education, Black women are not freed from the pressures that accompany their societal status. The adoption of code-switching as a communication strategy is not a new practice for Black women, but one that impacts their ascension within the ivory tower. Current literature neglects to focus on how Black women’s intersectionality informs their code-switching practices and their leadership journey. This study addressed this gap by melding storytelling, theory, and art to describe the code-switching narratives of Black women leaders and answer the following research questions: 1. What are the code-switching narratives of Black women leaders in higher education? a. How did they learn about code-switching? b. How did code-switching impact their journey to leadership positions? c. What internal conflicts do they experience when code-switching? 2. How are they upholding or dismantling the oppressive structures that lead marginalized communities to code-switch? a. What narratives have they created about other Black women in the workplace who practice or reject code-switching? Drawing on endarkened narrative inquiry and comic-based research, this study used illustrations to bring the storytellers’ narratives to life. Within the comics, the following findings were illuminated: •Code-switching is transgenerational and has roots in the Black church. •Black women face multifaceted challenges in higher education that shape their communication practices. •Code-switching results in judgment, exhaustion, and stress. Higher education institutions can use this study to tailor diversity and inclusion efforts to improve Black women’s experiences and well-being within the academy. Furthermore, this work can inspire Black women to move towards authenticity as an act of liberation
Progestogens as Modulators of Motor Behaviors and Microtubule Dynamics in Embryonic and Larval Stage Zebrafish
Get PDFProgestogens are steroid hormones based on progesterone (P4) that play many critical roles in early developmental stage and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). In addition to their functions in reproduction, they play important roles in the central nervous system (CNS). P4 and its metabolites are known to modulate the excitability of neurons and promote neural inhibition. This dissertation aims to elucidate the physiological and developmental effects of progestogens on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Through the use of motility assays, we report significant findings in this dissertation that suggests both the membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) and GABAA receptor facilitate the rapid deep anesthetic properties of progestogens in larval zebrafish. Exposure to P4, tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP), and the selective mPR agonist, ORG-OD-02-0 (ORG), and other modulators of target receptors revealed the particular mechanisms of the motility effects. Microscopy using polarized lenses to capture the birefringence of the zebrafish larvae show that early embryonic exposure to P4 does not alter the formation or structural organization of the sarcomeres within muscle cells. Confocal microscopy analysis of P4-exposed zebrafish embryos showed that microtubule formation in the brain is slightly altered, suggesting a role that P4 plays in neuron axogenesis and migration. Similarly, the antibody for zebrafish synaptotagmin (znp-1) revealed that motor neuron development may be modified from early P4 exposure. Finally, the ability of P4 and ORG to alter microtubule dynamics in developing zebrafish embryos and larvae was examined. Zebrafish embryos chronically exposed to P4 and ORG contained less acetylated α-tubulin and showed a downregulation of mPRα. Results from these experiments suggest that P4 may induce anesthetic responses through multiple pathways: by activating G-protein signaling associated with the mPR and acting as a PAM on the GABAA receptor. The effects on microtubules during development of the CNS may also impact neuronal development to influence the innervation of motor neurons to skeletal muscles, thereby affecting locomotor abilities and diminishing fitness in the wild
THE IMPACT OF ANTIDEPRESSANT USES ON COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN THE US
Get PDFMental health is a vital component of the overall well-being across the lifespan and is the third leading cause of disability globally. One in seven US adults aged 65 or older reported some anxiety and/or depression symptoms, but one in four older adults use some antidepressants and the prescriptions were steadily increasing. This study investigated the impact of antidepressant uses focusing on discontinuation of antidepressants and the risk of medication resumption, inconsistency of antidepressant prescription, and increased healthcare uses by self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in the US. Our study conducted a longitudinal study using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) data from 2015 to 2019. We included beneficiaries aged 65 years or older with information of anxiety, depression, and part D prescription drug benefits. Anxiety and depression symptoms were self-reported with Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-2) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Survival analysis, logistic regression, and zero-inflated Poisson regression were used for the analysis. We identified 18,567 older adults in our cohort with at least one year follow-up. The median duration of continuous medication was 90 days. However, about 30% of patients had a treatment duration of 30 days or shorter and 30% for 181 days or more. Older adults with less than 30 days of continuous treatment were half as likely to resume the medications compared to those with 91-180 days of treatment. On the other hand, 1,837 (11.2%) of older adults reported any anxiety symptoms, 1,405 (8.6%) reported either depression or loss of interest. Older adults with at-risk anxiety received 41% and at-risk depression received 51% more antidepressant prescriptions. The overall hospitalization rate was 11% and the emergency department (ED) visit rate was 13%. Older adults reporting loss of interest had a 27% higher hospitalization rate and 29% higher risk of ED visits. Who took antidepressants for \u3e90 days had a 17% lower hospitalization rate than those with a duration of ≤ 90 days. Symptoms and treatment of anxiety and depression are varied among older adults. Healthcare providers should give careful consideration for screening and treating older adults for anxiety and depression
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN FAMILY HISTORY OF ALCOHOL MISUSE, DRINKING RISK, AND ALCOHOL DEMAND AMONG EMERGING ADULTS
Get PDFPurpose: Individuals with a positive family history of alcohol misuse (FH+) are at an increased lifetime risk for alcohol use disorder compared to those without such a history (FH-). Risk associated with family history may manifest during emerging adulthood, given that alcohol consumption often increases during this period. However, the behavioral mechanisms underlying these risks remain less clear. This study aimed to examine FH status differences in alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences, and behavioral economic mechanisms (i.e., alcohol demand) in a sample of emerging adults who reported recent heavy drinking. Method: Emerging adults (N = 569; 29% FH+, 71% FH-; Mage = 22.63; 46% White; 39% Black; 58% Female) reporting at least one past-month heavy episodic drinking episode completed the Daily Drinking Questionnaire, Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), and the Alcohol Purchase Task (APT). Participants scoring 2 or higher on the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test Short-form (CAST) were classified as FH+. Results: A MANOVA assessing drinking outcomes was significant (p \u3c .001, η² = .05). Univariate tests revealed that FH+ individuals reported significantly more heavy drinking days (p \u3c .001, η² = .02), greater drinks per week (p = .007, η² = .01), and higher alcohol-related consequences (YAACQ scores; p \u3c .001, η² = .04) compared to FH- participants. There were no statistically significant FH differences on any of the primary alcohol demand indices (intensity, Omax, elasticity, breakpoint; all ps \u3e .01). However, an exploratory analysis revealed small elevations in demand at several specific price points (e.g., 10). Conclusions: Emerging adults with a positive family history reported greater alcohol consumption and related consequences compared to their FH- counterparts, but, consistent with previous research, the absence of significant differences in the primary demand curve metrics suggests no FH effects on overall alcohol reinforcing efficacy. Future research should continue to explore behavioral economic and other mechanisms that might contribute to increased alcohol-related risk during emerging adulthood
Filter Relative Notions Of Size With Applications To Semigroup Ramsey Theory
Get PDFThere are many branches of problems in Ramsey theory which each belong to at least one of a number of subjects: graph theory, number theory and set theory. The successful methods of solution are also varied. Methods of solution have been found relying on probability theory, ergodic theory, dynamical systems theory, algebra and topology. We take the pigeonhole principle as a foundation for the problems in Ramsey theory that we consider. Pigeonhole Principle. Let A be a set with |A| \u3e n for some n ∈ N. Let A = Sn i=1 Ci be a finite partition of A. There is an i ∈ [n] such that |Ci| ≥ 2. We can generalize the pigeonhole principle in number theoretic directions. In such cases, one would like to find a large, complex and sparse algebraic configuration in some cell of any finite partition of N or a more general semigroup. There are two historically noteworthy examples. The first is van der Waerden’s theorem which is one of the earliest results in Ramsey theory. The algebraic configuration which is sought are arbitrarily long arithmetic progressions – affine images of discrete intervals. Van der Waerden’s Theorem. [32] Let N = Sn i=1 Ci be a finite partition. Then there exists an i ∈ [n] such that for all k ∈ N there exist a, b ∈ N such that {a, a + b, a + 2b, . . . , a + (k − 1) b} ⊂ Ci. A second noteworthy example is Hindman’s theorem. Here the algebraic configuration are finite sums over a sequence. There is a stronger version for arbitrary semigroups which can be seen in [24, Corollary 5.9] or in Chapter 1 here as Theorem 1.60. Hindman’s Theorem. [20] Let N = Sn i=1 Ci be a finite partition. Then there exists an iv i ∈ [n] and a sequence (xj )∞ j=1 such that FS ? (xj )∞ j=1 ? ⊆ Ci. The approaches to such problems which appear here rely on ergodic theory, topological dynamics, general combinatorial methods, and especially the algebraic structure of the Stone- ˇCech compactification of a discrete semigroup. The first chapter introduces the Stone- ˇCech compactification of a discrete semigroup as a topological semigroup of ultrafilters. That the Stone- ˇCech compactification of a discrete space, X, is homeomorphic to a topological space of all ultrafilters on X is established in greater generality through the Wallman compactification. The necessary details about the semigroup structure of the Stone- ˇCech compactification is then discussed. Also in this chapter is the basic ergodic theoretric material needed in chapter four. We close out the introduction with a survey of combinatorial results which provide context for the results in chapters two through four. The second chapter is an in-depth analysis of filter relative notions of size in a semigroup. Research interest in this direction was initiated by Shuungula, Zelenyuk, and Zelenyuk in [31]. Combinatorial applications of these broad notions are demonstrated in [17, 25, 2, 4, 22, 29]. The last four predate the paper of Shuungula, Zelenyuk, and Zelenyuk. As a result of this analysis, a new perspective of several notions of size is introduced. This new perspective is then used to establish a characterization of filter relative piecewise syndetic sets. In the third chapter, filter relative notions of size are successfully applied to some com- binatorial problems. This includes a combinatorial characterization of filter relative central sets. In addition filter relative central sets are used to prove an infinitary nilpotent polyno- mial Hales-Jewett theorem from the finitary nilpotent polynomial Hales-Jewett theorem of Johnson and Richter [25]. The fourth chapter contains some partial progress towards a multidimensional Szemer´edi v theorem for the finitely generated free semigroup. This work is based on the methods of Bulinski and Fish in [7
Assessing Relationship Type, Weapon Use, Weapon Type, and Injury in Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Data
Get PDFThis paper explores the familial and stranger relationship dynamics between victims and suspects/offenders in sexual assault cases. It assesses the likelihood of weapon use and identifies the specific types of weapons involved. This analysis addresses gaps in existing research by examining the relationship between weapon type, weapon use, and relationship type. The study focuses on three key aspects: (1) the types of weapons used during an assault, (2) the nature of victim-suspect/offender relationships, and (3) the presence of any injuries. By analyzing these data, the research aims to identify trends in weapon use and determine whether certain relationships correlate with a higher risk of weapon involvement. Additionally, it will evaluate the impact of weapon use on injury severity and victim outcomes. Findings from this study can inform prevention strategies, victim support services, and policy development to enhance responses to sexual assault cases
Of Plural Worlds
Get PDFOf Plural Worlds employs installation, soft sculpture, and drawing to visually demonstrate white colonial narratives in Mormonism (The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints) since the mid-1800s. The work uses a museum context as a way “into” the work and to talk about whiteness embedded in institutions. The museum installation however is funny; fabric sculptures won\u27t fool anyone as real museum displays. The whole show traffics in obvious theatrical role play. The research is grounded in art theory, performance theory, Institutional Critique and scientific reports to create a space where viewers (especially white viewers) might experience the colonial tendency toward creating false narratives. Materially, Of Plural Worlds uses installation to create a museum exhibit that exposes false narratives and points to the artist’s desire to build a false narrative to situate her ancestry in a progressive, feminist history. Here American Mormonism stands in as a niche, white, subculture. The conclusion of the work points to the false narratives of white neutrality present throughout institutions and the ways white performance builds identity
Acoustic Sensing With Phased Arrays Using Beamforming And Principal Component Analysis
Get PDFThe work presented in this thesis explores the key design parameters of microphone sensing systems for beamforming, specifically for a stationary uniform rectangular array (URA) and a drone mounted uniform line array (ULA). It explains the development of a custom audio recorder using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with Hard Processor System (HPS), using a unique distribution of Linux called NixOS. It details experiments conducted to characterize these systems in controlled environments like a wind tunnel and an anechoic chamber, as well as in the field for real-world testing. It also investigates methods for the autonomous detection of sound sources of interest, including drones and ground vehicles such as tanks and large diesel trucks. The novel detection method monitors the mean and standard deviation of the principal components from an audio spectrogram in real-time. The results of this analysis are presented and discussed, demonstrating how acoustics can enhance various sensing modalities and improve environmental awareness