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Factors Associated with Discrimination-Related Distress Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals: A Predictive Analysis
No full textSexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face disparate rates of mental health outcomes, such as psychological distress, which contributes to suicidality. This may be attributable to minority stress, which posits that health inequities impacting this community are driven by increased exposure to stigma- and discrimination-related stressors. The negative physical and psychological health impacts of psychological distress and discrimination are well-documented in the literature. Structural stigma – in the form of harmful anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and policies – is associated with increased suicidality. However, little is known about factors associated with perceived discrimination occurrences and discrimination-related distress. First, a systematic review was conducted to understand the usage of the Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire as a dependent variable given its usage in our study to measure the outcomes of perceived discrimination occurrences and discrimination-related distress. This yielded a final sample size of ten eligible articles included for data extraction and quality assessment. This review informed the present study, which was a cross-sectional, web-based survey of 1,033 SGM participants in the United States. Using the DHEQ to measure perceived discrimination occurrences and related distress, this study was grounded within the social-ecological model, which considers the multifaceted interactions between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors on health outcomes. This study evaluated various psychosocial variables as potential predictors of, and protectors against, experiencing perceived discrimination occurrences and related distress. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis identified models that explained approximately 22.30% and 82.90% of the variance in experiencing perceived discrimination occurrences (Adjusted R² = .223, F(25, 671) = 7.694, p \u3c .001) and discrimination-related distress (Adjusted R² = .829, F(26, 670) = 130.987, p \u3c .001), respectively. Additionally, this study applied an intersectional analysis to examine factors associated with experiencing perceived discrimination occurrences and discrimination-related distress at the intersections of SGM identity, being an individual from a racial or ethnic minority background, and having a diagnosed disability. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis identified models that explained approximately 14.30% and 14.60% of the variance in experiencing perceived discrimination occurrences (Adjusted R² = .143, F(15, 691) = 8.829, p \u3c .001) and discrimination-related distress (Adjusted R² = .146, F(15, 691) = 7.873, p \u3c .001), respectively. Significant factors associated with experiencing discrimination occurrences and discrimination-related distress emerged, with trends observed across each of the four models. Impacts of harmful rhetoric, the role of laws and policies, and areas for intervention are critical points of focus to reduce discrimination and related distress within the SGM community
From Paper to Podium: AI Proof Delivery
No full textOutcomes of evaluating, analyzing, applying, explaining, discussing, defining, supporting, critiquing can all be done verbally in a speech rather than a paper. Learn how to create a speech assignment that demands student understanding of material. Receive rubric ideas to change a grammar grade to a speech delivery grade. Receive step by step instructions for recorded speeches and more
Evaluating Correlates of Healthy Eating and Dietary Quality Among Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Approach to Development and Application of a New Survey Instrument
No full textObjectives: Community-dwelling older adults face unique challenges related to nutrition and health, but little is known about their barriers and facilitators for healthy eating behaviors. This study sought to develop and evaluate a new instrument to measure the capability, opportunity, and motivation for healthy eating behaviors (COM-HE) among community-dwelling older adults.
Design: A mixed methods approach was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. Participants were aged 65 years or older, community-dwelling, and English-speaking. Participants engaged in focus groups (n = 12) and pilot-testing (n = 81) to evaluate the COM-HE instrument. The Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants – Shortened Version (REAP-S) questionnaire was utilized to examine correlations between the COM-HE instrument and self-reported dietary quality. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to investigate acceptability, reliability, and validity.
Results: The COM-HE instrument achieved acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.847–0.986), displayed varying levels of uni-dimensionality based on multiple principal component analyses (total variance explained by three components = 86.72%), and was correlated with self-reported dietary quality scores (r = 0.409, adjusted R2 = 0.099, p = 0.031). Preliminary data suggest that the scale was acceptable in terms of readability and understanding among a convenience sample of generally well-educated older adults.
Conclusion: The new COM-HE instrument was acceptable, reliable, and valid among a homogeneous sample of adults over 65 years of age. These results suggest a need for additional development, evaluation, and refinement of the instrument in more diverse groups of older adults
Ex Vivo and Simulation Comparison of Leakage in End-to-End Versus End-to-Side Anastomosed Porcine Large Intestine
No full textAnastomotic leaks after colorectal resection are serious surgical complications. We have compared the integrity of two common colorectal anastomosis techniques, end-to-side (ES) and end-to-end (EE), to control specimens using a novel experimental setup that mimics anastomotic air leak tests, which are typically performed during surgeries. Freshly harvested porcine colonic sections from 23 F1 cross-species pigs were used. Pressure measurements and video imaging were used to monitor the ex vivo experiments on EE, ES, and Control specimens. Using EE (n = 16), ES (n = 12), and Control (n = 22) specimens, leak pressure was 282.6 ± 3.0 mm Hg for EE, 282.8 ± 2.6 mm Hg for ES, and 294.4 ± 12.1 for the Control. Time to leakage was 106.3 ± 28.1 s for EE, 263.9 ± 2127.0 s for ES, and 194.5 ± 90.2 s for the Control. We found that, while EE and ES have nearly identical leak pressures, ES was superior in terms of time to leakage and tissue expansion, which may explain why ES anastomoses have a lower clinical anastomotic leak rate. Two dependent variables representing stress and strain of colonic tissues were introduced. These variables showed ES was comparable to the Control. The experiments were simulated successfully using the finite element method (FEM). This research provides a reproducible ex vivo system with a corresponding FEM system to study the differences between anastomosis techniques and may help design anastomoses with lower leak rates and improve patient outcomes in colorectal surgeries
Unpacking Violence: Examining Socioeconomic, Psychological, and Genetic Drivers of Gun-Related Homicide and Potential Solutions
No full textBackground: Gun-related homicide remains a persistent public health crisis in the United States, with over 48,000 firearm-related deaths reported in 2022, including 19,651 homicides and 27,032 suicides. Despite frequent calls for tighter gun control, firearm access alone does not explain the complexity of violence. Objective: This commentary aims to unpack the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological drivers of gun-related homicide and propose integrative, evidence-based solutions that extend beyond legislative reform. Methods: We synthesized data from peer-reviewed literature, national crime and health databases (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal Bureau of Investigation), and international reports. We examined patterns related to poverty, trauma, male aggression, neurobiology, and firearm acquisition, as well as cross-national comparisons with countries like Switzerland and Mexico. Findings: Young males, particularly those aged 10–29, accounted for 50% of homicide offenders in 2022. African Americans experienced homicide rates of 23.1 per 100,000, ten times the rate among Whites. Up to 56% of incarcerated men report childhood physical trauma, and over 40% of those in prison exhibit symptoms of serious mental illness. While firearm legislation varies widely, analysis reveals that over 90% of crime guns are acquired illegally or through informal sources. International comparisons show that poverty and weak rule of law, more than gun laws alone, correlate with elevated homicide rates. Conclusions: Reducing gun violence sustainably requires a multifaceted approach. Authors advocate for investments in trauma-informed mental health care, focused deterrence programs, early childhood interventions, and improved enforcement against illegal gun trafficking. A public health strategy that integrates social reform with targeted regulation holds the greatest promise for long-term change
Shallow Groundwater Extraction Strategies in the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada
No full textThe Las Vegas Valley faces severe water scarcity due to Nevada’s limited Colorado River allocation and an arid climate. Population growth and prolonged drought have intensified these constraints, necessitating alternative resource strategies. This project evaluated a strategy to make use of brackish, shallow groundwater (from the top 30 feet below ground surface) located in the central and east-central parts of the valley. Its objective was to extract lower quality shallow groundwater for use as an alternative to fresh water currently being used for some applications that require little to no treatment. Dust suppression is among the most promising of such potential uses. Studies indicate that brackish water can be more effective at dust suppression than water alone. This project evaluated three shallow groundwater extraction strategies: A) a mobile pumping approach; B) a fixed facility at Horseman’s Park’s 12-inch well; and C) a sucker-rod pumping approach which was eventually determined impractical compared to the other options. Hydraulic limitations and market availability informed pump selection, with submersible pumps identified as the most practical solution. The mobile approach designed a simple pump and hose assembly for a water truck driver to run overnight, filling their tank while off-duty. The Horseman’s Park used a similar submersible pump and included onsite storage. Cost estimates were prepared for mobile extraction from 2-inch and 4-inch diameter wells, and the 12-inch Horseman’s Park plan. They calculated initial capital costs of 2,350, and $101,000, respectively. The 2-inch wells approach had significant long-term risk and high expected operating costs that would likely offset its low initial expense. This was because the market research identified only one pump that could fit in such a narrow well casing, and it had projected a life expectancy of about three months. The Horseman’s Park fixed extraction plan can use similar submersible pumps but requires significant capital investment to construct permanent onsite storage and delivery infrastructure. The mobile extraction approach was ultimately recommended for most wells because of its flexibility which could best support construction activities that have shifting project locations. Fixed facilities are appropriate for sites where consistent, long-term demand is expected, as is the case with Horseman’s Park. A phased implementation is recommended. The mobile approach could be started as pilot program with a small number of trucks. Well testing is also recommended to obtain more water quality. Both testing and pilot program operators should document achievable flow rates, recovery speeds, and water quality findings to build a database of well characteristics that can be mapped and referenced for full-scale deployment
Kicking the Robots: The Roles of Transformational Leadership and Fear on Service Robot Risk Awareness and Robot Abuse Relationship
No full textPurpose: Service robots are increasingly prevalent in the hospitality industry. While studies have explored the concept of service robot risk awareness (SRRA)– an employee’s perception of service robots posing a threat to human labor– the impact of SRRA on robot abuse and its emotional mechanism through which it affects employees remains unclear. This research leverages emotional appraisal theory to investigate the mediating role of fear of robots in the relationship between SRRA and robot abuse. Additionally, considering the influential role of leadership in shaping emotional appraisal, this study examines the moderating impact of transformational leadership.
Design/Methodology/Approach: To test the proposed model, time-lagged survey data were collected from 283 employees working under 54 leaders in 18 hotels in China. The model was analyzed using multilevel modeling in Mplus 7.3.
Findings: At the individual level, SRRA indirectly increases robot abuse through the mediation of fear of robots. However, there is a cross-level moderation: the indirect relationship is alleviated when leaders exhibit high levels of transformational leadership.
Originality/Value: This study pioneers the concept of robot abuse in hospitality and tourism settings. It extends emotional appraisal theory by highlighting the significant mediating role played by fear of robots. Furthermore, demonstrating how transformational leadership can mitigate the effects of SRRA offers valuable insights for leadership selection and training to facilitate the successful implementation of service robots
Educational Attainment in the Mountain West, 2021
No full textThis fact sheet examines data on educational attainment rates for five states in the Mountain West: Arizona, Colorado,Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The original report from the Lumina Foundation explores education attainment data for those aged 25 to 64 years in all U.S. states
Pediatric Trauma-Informed Care and Implications for Occupational Therapy Practitioners
No full textOccupational therapy practitioners are provided a wealth of knowledge through school and professional fieldwork experiences to understand and skillfully address the needs of children who have been exposed to trauma. Therapists are competently prepared to provide holistic and client-centered care that is dedicated to meaningful and volitional engagement (Lynch et al., 2021). However, many therapists still lack the confidence and awareness of their role related to trauma-informed care in the pediatric environment (Piller, 2022). Trauma compromises each domain of occupation (Lynch et al., 2021). As early intervention specialists, the lack of responsiveness to children’s trauma can have devastating and enduring negative consequences on their occupational performance and well-being. When trauma-informed practices are integrated by pediatric OT service providers in the home, school and community settings, this vulnerable population will have an improved likelihood of developing more meaningful and secure relationships with their provider, family members, and other support systems. Additionally, it will expand their ability for safe-engagement in occupation and sensory-based interventions and reduce the opportunity for re-traumatization.
This doctoral capstone project aimed to fill a gap in the literature and investigate the perceptions and practices of pediatric occupational therapists’ use of trauma-informed care. It examines disseminating childhood trauma-informed care education, targeting pediatric occupational therapy practitioners by the development of a professional continuing education presentation and a prospective twelve-week course entitled, “Pediatric Trauma-Informed Care and Implications for Occupational Therapy Practitioners.” The attitudes of practitioners are assessed using pre and post-measures to determine the effectiveness of providing trauma-informed education that coincides with the exclusive contexts of the pediatric OT setting
Risk of Climate Damage in the Mountain West, 2024
No full textThis fact sheet examines 2024 data on the estimated annual cost per person of damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and population from climate related disasters for the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The original report, “States at Greatest Risk of Climate Damage - 2024 Study,” by Jaclyn DeJohn and published by SmartAsset, includes data on climate disaster risk for all 50 states