22232 research outputs found
Sort by
The Development of Liking and Familiarity Responses to a Novel Musical Scale
No full textMusical preference is shaped by listening experience
Listeners tend to like music they’ve heard before familiarity correlates with liking (1).
As listeners acquire knowledge of how music is structured, they make better predictions about events as they unfold.
Familiarity and prediction are key drivers of musical pleasure (2,3).
Present study aims to characterize the relationship between listening experience/exposure and preferences during childhoodhttps://oasis.library.unlv.edu/durep_posters/1255/thumbnail.jp
Men Not at Work in Mountain West States, 2024
No full textThis fact sheet presents December 2024 data on male labor force participation in the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The “Men at work: Trends and metrics” report published by the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) provides data on the percentages and numbers of men not in the labor force and divides them into different categories. This fact sheet focuses on the total male population aged 25- 54 not in the labor force due to disability, retirement, or other reasons
Screening of Psychoactive Compounds Using an Integrative Assessment of Behavioral and Electroencephalographic Signatures
No full textPsychoactive drugs are a class of substances which alter cognition, mood, and conscious states. While the effects of psychoactives are readily identifiable in humans, their characterization in rodents remains challenging due to limited and contradictory behavioral outcomes. In the present studies, we perform systemic studies utilizing an integrative assessment of rodent behavior and electroencephalography (EEG) to reliably identify distinct correlates of psychoactive drug activity. First, we screen a novel library of carvone-derived cannabidiol (CBD) congeners and observe compound-specific changes to EEG frequency bands. We then test the efficacy of a lead compound in attenuating seizure and observe a reduction in seizure induced mortality and normalizing effects on aberrant neuronal morphology. Second, we find that mice treated with a potent and specific serotonin receptor type 2A (5-HT2AR) agonist display behavioral arrest and temporally coupled EEG waveforms (P1; P2) in addition to the canonical readout of psychedelic activity in rodents (head-twitch response; HTR). We manipulate these hallmarks by pretreating mice with nicotine and observe enhancement of behavioral arrest and P1 with attenuation of the HTR and P2. Third, we screen the effects of tryptamine, phenethylamine, and ergoline psychedelics. We observe drug and dose specific ethological behavior patterns, changes in frequency and power of P1 and P2, and altered neuronal spine morphology. These studies demonstrate that psychoactives, even within the same drug class, have distinct behavioral and EEG signatures. Further, these findings inform preclinical screening of psychoactives with increased validity to advance the identification and development of novel compounds for personalized medicine
Past Instability, Future Consequences: Evaluating the Relationship Between Pre-Incarceration Housing Status and Rearrest in The Paroled Population of Colorado from 2013-2023
No full textParoled individuals re-enter society at a disadvantage with an increased risk of housing instability, mental and physical health concerns, and difficulty finding gainful employment. Houselessness places a significant burden on parolees and may increase their risk of rearrest. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between pre-incarceration housing status and rearrest among non-violent parolees (n=23,786) in Colorado from 2013-2023. The Sequential Intercept Model was used as a framework to identify the point in the criminal justice process that rearrest occurred and to identify opportunities for new intercepts (e.g., housing interventions). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression with estimated marginal means was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Effect modification was examined by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and felony class. Compared to parolees with stable pre-incarceration housing, parolees with unstable housing pre-incarceration had 17.2 times higher odds (95% CI: 15.9, 18.7) of rearrest, and parolees who were unhoused pre-incarceration had 14.7 times higher odds (95% CI: 13.4, 16.1) of rearrest. Drug-related felony classes had a higher odds of rearrest than all other felony classes (p\u3c 2e-16). Older age groups (\u3e45 years old) had lower likelihood of rearrest than all other age groups (p\u3c 0.05). Effect modification was not observed for race/ethnicity or sex. Pre-incarceration housing status was shown to be a significant predictor of rearrest among non-violent parolees in Colorado, indicating that long-term stable housing should be prioritized in parolee support initiatives
Maximizing Functional Independence and Well-Being: The Impact of Sensory Impairments on IADLS and Functional Mobility Skills
No full textObjective: Sensory impairments involving vision and hearing among the adult population are predicted to double by 2030 (Gutherie et al., 2018). Individuals with experiences of sensory impairments like low vision are at risk of decreased functional participation in their homes and communities, which often leads to mental health concerns due to social withdrawal, experiences with environmental barriers, and limited occupational engagement (Bezyak et al., 2017; Gerami et al., 2015; Pfeiffer et al., 2020; Vreeken et al., 2020). This doctoral capstone focused on program evaluation to support adults with low vision and blindness in transferring learned skills from a simulated environment to the preferred real-world environment. Methods: Through purposive sampling, there were a total of seven participants and five of their caregivers within the two training groups offered. Two needs assessments were completed to support the program evaluation on transferability and quality through semi-structured interviews and observations. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Caregiver Burden Scale assessments were completed during week one and week five of the program. Lastly, the COPM was being completed for a third time during week seven. Findings: Data was collected and analyzed based on the results from the COPM and Caregiver Burden Scale at the end of this project. Upon the program’s conclusion, a change was noted in the participants\u27 perceived levels of performance and satisfaction by the end of week seven compared to week one, indicating an increase in skills learned from the group training, contributing to increased independence in natural environments. The experience of caregiver burden slightly decreased after participants completed the program. Conclusion: With the benefit of participating in blind life skills training, there was an increase in self-efficacy and functional independence amongst individuals with sensory impairments. Occupational therapy can further promote the well-being and participation in daily life skills for individuals. It is recommended to consider and research the benefits of group training to further support occupational engagement, particularly sensory impairments target population
East Meets West in Chinese Orchestral Repertoire: The Fusion of Chinese Nationalism and Western Musical Influence
No full textThis doctoral document explores the intersection of Chinese musical traditions and Western orchestral influences, focusing specifically on how Chinese composers have navigated this blend to create distinctive orchestral works. Grounded in my background as a doctoral student in orchestral conducting and enriched by my ethnomusicological expertise, this document examines how these composers have integrated both traditions into their music.CHAPTER 1, “Introduction”, introduces the document’s structure, central argument, and the selection of orchestral works for analysis. It also defines the document\u27s purpose and scope. CHAPTER 2, “A Brief History of the Orchestra in China”, examines the origins, evolution, and development of orchestras in China, which includes two primary forms: the Chinese orchestra, built around traditional instruments, and the Western orchestra that was introduced into China. This chapter provides essential historical context to understand the role Western influences have played in shaping modern Chinese orchestral music. CHAPTER 3, “Case Studies”, presents detailed analyses of several iconic Chinese orchestral works, including the Butterfly Lovers\u27 Violin Concerto, Yellow River Piano Concerto, Landscapes, and Concerto for String Orchestra and Pipa. These case studies demonstrate how composers have blended traditional Chinese elements with Western orchestration, creating music that resonates with both national pride and global appeal. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the role of the conductor in interpreting these repertoires. CHAPTER 4, “Balancing Western Musical Influence and Chinese Nationalism: Integration and Evolution”, examines the ongoing fusion process between Eastern and Western musical practices. This chapter explores how composers have embraced both traditions while maintaining a distinct Chinese musical identity, reflecting the evolution of Chinese orchestral music in a globalized context. Finally, CHAPTER 5, “Conclusion”, synthesizes insights from the previous chapters, emphasizing the cultural and artistic significance of the fusion between Chinese and Western musical influences. The conclusion highlights the continued relevance of these works within both Chinese music and global orchestral practices, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in contemporary music
High Dynamic Range Actively Quenched Silicon-Germanium Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes
No full textSingle-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are solid-state devices capable of providing large current pulses in the milliampere range in response to incident photons. The large gain inherent to SPADs makes them a popular technology for photon-counting applications, but their operation can be hindered by long recharge times, which necessitates the use of active quenching to reduce dead times and increase detection rates. For the prompt gamma/neutron radiation experiments conducted at the Nevada National Security Site, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) have been the primary photodetector of choice, but their continued use is expected to dwindle as it becomes increasingly difficult to source quality PMTs due to aging of the technology. As a result, alternative means of photodetection are currently being researched, with SPADs being one of the devices of interest.This thesis details the development of high dynamic range, actively quenched silicon-germanium (SiGe) SPADs capable of meeting the performance targets set by the NNSS for the intended application, which requires reset times of 1-2ns maximum and full-width-half-max output pulses in the 100-500ps range or less. The beginning of this process involved testing a multitude of SiGe SPADs previously developed by the lab using the Austriamicrosystems 0.35μm SiGe BiCMOS process and determining which device structure and size yielded the shortest pulse widths (an indicator of a small junction capacitance, a desired parameter for the aforementioned metrics). Once the ideal SPAD structure was identified, a 5μm-by-5μm square structure without guard rings, the device was further tested to characterize its current response to varying degrees of reverse biasing. Using this information, an LTspice model was developed to emulate the SPAD’s behavior to facilitate more accurate simulations of the final two active quenching integrated circuit designs, which were developed using TSMC’s 180nm process. The variable-load active quenching design was able to achieve a nominal reset time of 738ps with a 103ps FWHM output while the latching active quenching design provided a nominal reset time of 735ps with a 73ps FWHM output, indicating that both designs can theoretically resolve 1Gcps (gigacounts per second) reliably. Preliminary layouts of the actively quenched SPAD pixels with integrated analog counting were created using TowerJazz’s 180nm SiGe BiCMOS process, the process in which the final chip will ultimately be manufactured
A Comparative Study of Music Between Mongolia and the Mongolian Ethnic Minority in China: Cultural Backgrounds, Musical Styles, and Modern Developments
No full textThis thesis conducts a comparative study of Mongolian music traditions as they have developed both within Mongolia and among the Mongolian ethnic minority in China, exploring their cultural backgrounds, musical styles, and contemporary developments. By investigating the historical, geographical, and socio-cultural influences that shape the music in these regions, this study highlights the unique musical identities of each group while uncovering their commonalities and cultural exchanges. Drawing from a wide range of sources—including ethnographic studies and analysis of specific musical pieces—this research examines foundational elements such as the Mongolian long song, throat singing, and horsehead fiddle music. These traditional forms are contextualized alongside contemporary fusion efforts by modern Mongolian bands, showcasing the blend of traditional techniques with modern genres.A central focus of this study is the exploration of how regional and cultural distinctions influence the music’s thematic and structural elements, specifically examining how ethnic and cultural identity is expressed through music. This is achieved through case studies of key musical works and operas, including the Mongolian opera Three Sad Hills and the Chinese national opera The White-Haired Girl, as well as traditional and modern songs such as “Three Chestnut Horses” and “Father’s Prairie, Mother’s River.” Additionally, the thesis addresses the impact of globalization on traditional Mongolian music, investigating the preservation efforts and adaptations occurring in both Mongolia and China. Policy support, cultural exchange programs, and societal engagement are discussed as crucial elements in the ongoing preservation and promotion of Mongolian music in the modern world. By offering a comprehensive analysis of these themes, this thesis contributes to the broader field of ethnic music studies and emphasizes the significance of preserving and understanding Mongolian musical heritage as a means of fostering cross-cultural appreciation and identity continuity
Less Pain, More Game: Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Occupational Performance in FPS Esports
No full textEsports encompasses competitive video gaming, requiring tactical, mental, and physical skills. It offers benefits like improved cognition and social inclusion but poses risks such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from repetitive movements. Prolonged gaming can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), with symptom severity correlating with gaming duration (Bibi & Khan, 2019; Basuodan et al., 2023). Kinesiology tape (KT), a treatment used for decades, shows promise for pain relief and functional improvement (Kase et al., 2013). Developed in 1973 by Kase, KT increases circulation, reduces pain, and improves joint stability, though its effectiveness remains ambiguous. Additionally, the psychosocial impact of tape colors on performance is under-researched. Only one study by Cavaleri et al. (2018) evaluated how kinesiology tape colors affect motor performance, but the results were inconclusive.The following study was a quasi-experimental mixed-methods randomized controlled crossover trial with qualitative data informing quantitative data. This project studied two aspects of kinesiology tape (KT) in Esports gamers: its effectiveness for treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-like symptoms and the impact of tape color on performance in aggressive games. The study aimed to enhance the body of evidence informing occupational therapy services and the feasibility of using KT among Esports gamers. Additionally, it encourages a necessary discussion about the potential psychosocial effects of color and its subsequent impact on cognitive and motor performance. The results indicated that regardless of kinesiology tape color, dorsally applied KT significantly reduced pain symptom severity with a large effect size and exhibited a small to moderate effect size for improvements in shooting accuracy. All participants reported they would recommend KT to other Esports gamers and noted that KT alleviated discomfort from prolonged participation, helped them feel greater wrist stability, and improved shooting accuracy. Overall, the effect of KT color remained inconclusive
New Teachers’ Mentoring Expectations and Experiences: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how the expectations of new teachers, about their mentoring program and their mentoring experiences can be used to improve the structural design and procedures of mentoring programs to better support new teachers. Socio-historical and sociocultural theories were used to guide the study and purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit five participants who were in the first years of teaching. Based on a rich set of data sources which included a pre-interview and a post- interview, the findings revealed that despite the existence of mentoring programs in the participants’ schools, they still experienced challenges. These challenges were in relation to classroom management, working in an autonomous atmosphere, and overall lack of formal structure. Many of these challenges were expected, and meeting these challenges was needed as best efforts for new teachers to grow and improve. Results suggested a need to improve the structural design and procedures of mentoring programs used to induct new teachers in their placement school. The findings presented practical, policy, and theoretical implications