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Exploring factors that contribute to resilience in individuals with disability
Get PDFTo challenge the medical model view of disability, this study will be focused on positive characteristics of individuals with disability that enable optimal human functioning, specifically how the need for cognition and attitudes towards technology relate to resilience in individuals with disability. Participants (n = 361) were recruited via Cloud Research/Amazon MTurk, taking an anonymous online survey including the Need for Cognition Scale, Conor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Computer Technology Use Scale. I hypothesized that attitudes towards technology would moderate the relationship between the need for cognition and resilience. Results indicated a small to moderate positive relationship (r = .318) between the need for cognition and resilience, however there was no relationship between attitudes towards technology and need for cognition (r = .04) or resilience (r = -.05). Moderation analysis resulted in a significant model (F (3, 345) = 14.17, p \u3c .001), but the interaction effect was insignificant (b = -.002, 95% CI [-.01, .01], p = .63), suggesting no moderating relationship
Dialectal variations of food terms in the Spanish-speaking world and their causes
Get PDFThis study explores the dialectal variations of food-related terms across the Spanish-speaking world, emphasizing their multilingual etymological origins. Using etymological dictionaries and sociolinguistic sources, the study categorizes food-related lexical variants into five main root language groups: Arabic/Afro-Asiatic/European, Pre-Columbian Caribbean, Mesoamerican, South American, and unknown or unique origins. The findings represent the persistence of Indigenous influence, the impact of Arabic on Peninsular Spanish, the development of Spanish from Latin, and the role of analogy and adaptation in naming unfamiliar items, illustrating the dynamic and complex relationship between language, culture, and history
Synthesis of single chain polymer nanoparticle networks by reinitiating RAFT polymerization
Get PDFHydrogel materials, which are polymer networks comprised mostly of water, hold significant promise for biomedical applications due to their compatibility with biological systems. Conventional hydrogel materials are often brittle and weak, but most applications in biomedical systems require materials to be strong and tough. The topology of a polymer network dictates its mechanical properties. An important strategy for designing tougher hydrogels is the release of stored length, such as from the unfolding of polyprotein cross-linkers. Inspired by the success of the strategy, we report progress towards a fully synthetic design using single chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) into a hydrogel. SCNPs, which have been widely studied for their protein mimetic functions, have shown to store and release stored length under mechanical force or in response to a stimulus in solution. We hypothesize that SCNPs can be incorporated into a polymer network to provide a strengthening mechanism due upon unfolding. Our strategy is to prepare SCNPs through reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization using bifunctional chain-transfer agents, and reinitiating polymerization to synthesize networks from the chain ends. We report on successful synthesis of bifunctional chain-transfer agents, synthesis of macromolecular chain-transfer agents (macro-CTA), reinitation of RAFT polymerization to elongate polymer chains, and synthesis of polymer networks through reinitiating RAFT polymerization. In the future, following this methodology SCNP macro-CTA will be synthesized and incorporated into a hydrogel network material via the reinitiation of RAFT polymerization
Understanding voluntary turnover from an intentional change theory perspective
No full textThe present study used the intentional change theory to understand why so many people choose to leave their jobs, by exploring the possible influence of a discrepancy between a person’s ideal and real selves (RISG) and their perceptions of the learning and development resources that their employers provided. These two predictors were hypothesized to predict turnover intentions and organizational commitment over and above the effect of key covariates. Perceived barriers to learning and development was also expected to moderate these relationships. Results supported these hypotheses, from analyses of data gathered from a sample of 248 insurance workers. RISG and perceived adequacy of learning and development resources predicted approximately 60% of the variance in turnover intentions and organizational commitment. These effects disappeared when accounting for barriers. The implications of this study are that understanding a workforce\u27s RISG is a critical aspect to take into consideration when designing learning and development systems
Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurret: theorizing approaches to nature in antiquity, ca. 800 BCE 450 CE
Get PDFAncient thinkers reflected on nature and engaged with their abstractions in accordance with many different conceptual frameworks. These frameworks were numerous and diverse, characterized by varying interpretations of nature. Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and early Christians each adopted approaches to nature; these approaches, conceptual and abstract, were in some ways similar, but also distinct. By analyzing the relevant primary sources, this thesis will investigate the similarities, differences, and interplay between these ancient theoretical frameworks. This thesis will investigate philosophical, theological, historical, ecological, and cultural perspectives on nature. An analysis of these ideas, being aware of their historical contexts, will allow us to better understand the inception and evolution of these early conceptions of nature. This thesis explores the ecological imaginations of ancient authors and Biblical texts, considering their conceptualizations of nature, its relationship to the divine, and humanity’s role within the natural world. This comparative study will further illustrate how ancient peoples understood their world, their gods, and their place in the cosmos, offering insights into the development of ecological and philosophical thought. I will examine texts from Homer, Hesiod, the Old Testament, The Greek pastoral poets, Lucretius, Virgil, Ovid, Paul, the New Testament, and Augustine; I aim to identify patterns in nature’s personification, its governance by divine forces, and its depiction as an autonomous system. Understanding these conceptions allows us to see continuities and divergences between different cultural and religious systems. These distinctions shaped moral and theological outlooks. Analyzing these primary sources together will allow me to diachronically analyze the evolution of natural theory in a period of 1,250 years between 800 BCE and 450 CE. This time frame spans the transition from the classical Greek and Roman traditions to the early Christian period. My analysis situates these works in their respective historical and cultural contexts, tracing different views on nature, Gods, and humanity, which have evolved through time
Immediate benefits of remediation wetlands designed for treating acid mine drainage on Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Get PDFAcid mine drainage (AMD) is a major pollutant from abandoned coal mines, like those located on Signal Mountain, in Chattanooga, TN. The construction of wetlands is a commonly used remediation technique for streams affected by AMD. This study documents the changes in water quality before, during, and after wetland construction at two sites that flow into Freudenberg Creek. Samples were collected over the course of a year, which also allowed for seasonal factors to be observed. The construction of wetlands at these contaminated sites demonstrated an immediate decrease in acidity, alkalinity, and conductivity values. Concentrations of expected ions like iron and sulfate decreased at one site; however, ion concentrations were unchanged at the second location. This study focused on the immediate response to wetland construction; however, it is likely that with time efficiency will increase for both areas. Ultimately, long-term benefits will be dependent on wetland upkeep through human intervention
Pathways to LGBTQ+ self-acceptance: A qualitative study of religious, spiritual, and mystical experiences
No full textFor the LGBTQ+ community, self-acceptance often involves embracing one’s identity while confronting internalized stigma, hardships, and religious or societal pressures (Lassiter et al., 2019; Schuck & Liddle, 2001; Stern & Wright, 2017). Prior researchers have highlighted both positive and negative effects of religious and spiritual beliefs for LGBTQ+ individuals, with spirituality often fostering resilience and social support (Lassiter et al., 2019) and religious institutions sometimes contributing to feelings of alienation (Schuck & Liddle, 2001). The purpose of this study was to explore how religious, spiritual, and mystical experiences influence self-acceptance in LGBTQ+ adults. We used reflexive thematic analysis to explore how eight LGBTQ+ participants experienced self-acceptance through four distinct pathways: religion, spirituality, mysticism, and alternative (non-spiritual, non-religious) sources of support. Although most participants described exclusion or judgment from religious communities, some found personal meaning through spirituality or mysticism, including practices like meditation, crystal use, and psychedelic exploration. These findings highlight the importance of individualized meaning-making and supportive environments in fostering LGBTQ+ self-acceptance and suggest future directions for inclusive spiritual care and therapeutic interventions
The relationship of family characteristics of at-risk children in rural West Tennessee and select measures of success over a period of 10 years
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to explore differences in a program funded in rural West Tennessee. The Promethean Foundation is a program that provides childcare tuition support to at-risk children. While the program has been in existence for 20 years, the study focused on 10 years from 2009 through 2019. The program staff reviewed the perceptions of staff and family members during the qualifying process. The study was also to investigate the level of achievement measured in children by age five and nine years considering the length of time enrolled in an early childhood program. To explore differences, children were divided into two groups based on qualifying or not qualifying for the program and the length of time enrolled in an early childhood setting, more or less than nine months. The length of time enrolled is highlighted due to the lack of research related to the period a child is enrolled in a quality program. Home visit scores, family versus teacher school readiness perceptions, Brigance screening scores, TCAP and TN Ready scores, and special education referrals were all key aspects of the study. The data provided the picture that length of time in a program mattered when reviewing the TCAP and TN Ready math scores and females received more educational referrals than their male counterparts. Families perceived that their children were ready for kindergarten while in fact, the kindergarten teachers did not score the children as such. With all of this information, it was determined that future research would still be valuable in several of the areas to include teacher and family perceptions, math scores, and educational referrals. Each would expand on the existing data to provide a stronger understanding of the current findings
Female athletics: Exploring the impact of female coaches on perceived levels of athletic self-efficacy among female athletes and their career pursuits in athletics
Get PDFSince the induction of Title IX, women and girls had made significant advancements in sports participation. However, there has been a sharp decline in female representation in athletic leadership positions. This study examined the relationship between female athletes\u27 perceived levels of self-efficacy and their willingness to explore a career in athletic coaching. The research focused on the impact of relationships between female athletes and their female coaches, utilizing the Leadership Scale for Sport to evaluate attributes such as training and instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, social support, positive feedback. This study addressed key research questions that investigated the perceived influence of female coaches on athletes\u27 self-efficacy and the predictability of interest in coaching careers. Current female coaches articulated the significance of mentorship and role models in their professional pursuits. Findings shed light on how female athletes’ perceptions of their coaches influenced career aspirations and contributed to addressing the gender gap in coaching roles. The results had implications for hiring practices in collegiate and athletic organizations, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership and professional development for coaches. This study fostered a deeper understanding of the dynamics between female athletes and female coaches, ultimately supporting strategies to reverse the decline of women in athletic leadership roles
Vaping insights perceptions and experiences on a college campus
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to determine if relationships existed between student vaping habits in proximity to a college campus and current tobacco related bans implemented by the institution. Determining these relationships provided insights that can be utilized to maximize effectiveness of campus tobacco policy. Research outcomes represented a framework for educating current and potential tobacco consumers on campus regarding harm reduction, tobacco cessation, and resources available to prevent a lifetime of nicotine addiction or other tobacco related harm to health. The study addressed research questions in a mixed-methods design. Quantitative research questions included: Does a relationship exist between gender and tobacco consumption following a tobacco and vaping ban on a southeastern mid-level college campus? Does a relationship exist between gender and self-reported tobacco type utilization before and after a tobacco and vaping ban on a southeastern mid-level college campus? Does the availability and diversity of tobacco products offered complement cessation efforts by different groups of adult tobacco users on a southeastern mid-level college campus? Qualitative questions are as follows: What self-reported experiences and behaviors influenced the origination of tobacco consumption by students on a southeastern mid-level college campus after the ban was enacted? Do adult tobacco perceptions provide insights regarding language, tactics, messaging, and education strategies related to college tobacco bans? What self-reported experiences and behaviors influenced the origination of tobacco consumption by students on a southeastern mid-level college campus? Does the availability and diversity of tobacco products offered complement cessation efforts by different groups of adult tobacco users on a southeastern mid-level college campus? Participants consisted of adult tobacco and vapor consumers on a college campus. Surveys, questionnaires, and interviews provided insights from study participants. Interview coding using QDI miner, Chi Square tests for Independence, Independent-Samples Mann-Whitney U Test, and Kendall’s Tau-b were be applied to determine if relationships existed between types of use of tobacco products by different populations on campus. Frequency tables reported the amount of consumption by participants. Results and conclusions were added at completion of data analysis