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Effectiveness of Harm Reduction Work on Reducing Stigma on People who use Substances
No full textThe literature on harm reduction work as an intervention to shift perceptions about individuals who use substances is scarce. The study consisted of a survey with both closed and open-ended questions, including scaling, yes/no, and open-ended questions. The sample was recruited using snowball sampling. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, inductive, and deductive analyses. Key findings of the study include self-reports of shift in perceptions after engaging in harm reduction work as well as a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in pre- and post-scores in regard to levels of stigma harm reduction workers displayed. Another key finding included a negative correlation between the number of years worked in harm reduction and stigma levels, which reveals that harm reduction work decreases negative perceptions among individuals who use substances. The study concludes with implications for social work and the scientific literature
The effects of mental health among first-generation graduate students
Get PDFThe purpose of the current study is to explore how the pressure of obtaining a graduate degree as a first-generation graduate student affect one's mental health and to understand how these students can receive support to navigate these challenges. The research question is, "How does the pressure of obtaining a degree as a first-generation graduate student affect one's mental health?" This was a qualitative study with a sample of 10 participants (9 females, 1 male) between the ages of 25-43 years old. Findings indicated that first generation graduate students are often overlooked or expected to already know how graduate school works because they were successful as an undergraduate. A common need among participants was the desire for greater guidance on navigating the graduate school process and anticipating potential challenges. Many graduate students expressed that they did not feel qualified to be in a graduate program and even held onto those feelings after graduating
Shrinkage estimation for variable length Markov chains with exogenous covariates
No full textMarkov chains have long been an important tool for modeling stochastic processes, but fixed-order models with only single predictor variables often struggle to represent the complexities of real-world scenarios. To better represent and model such real-world stochastic processes, we extend the variable length Markov chain (VLMC) framework by including exogenous covariates (VLMCXs), allowing for dynamic predictive modeling. To address the challenge of selecting relevant covariates, we employ the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) as a regularized selection method. LASSO helps identify significant covariates by first assuming that the number of relevant covariates is relatively sparse, thus helping maintaining model interpretability, while also maintaining prediction accuracy. We develop a method that integrates LASSO-based variable selection with the structure of variable length Markov chains, balancing both the ability to accurately predict outcomes and keep our model relatively sparse. We evaluate the performance of this process by first simulating data and checking its performance, and then apply the process to two case studies: (1) predicting dengue incidence rates across different cities in Brazil over a 15-year span using weather and population demographics as potential covariates, and (2) modeling bicycle-sharing usage rates in Washington, D.C., based on weather patterns. Our results demonstrate the viability of using LASSO-based shrinkage estimation for variable length Markov chains with exogenous covariates in diverse situations
From Foster Care to Family- Identifying Success Factors in Reunification Processes: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFStudy Purpose: This systematic review aims to identify key factors influencing successful family reunification within the foster care system. Methods: Five databases and six keywords or phrases were used to select fifteen peer-reviewed articles to explore relevant literature on family reunification within the foster care system. To ensure a comprehensive review, both quantitative and qualitative research were utilized. Findings: Supporting families with post-reunification assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and stable housing, in addition to increased state and local funding, are essential for maintaining long-term stability. Discussion: The findings suggest the need for extensive post-reunification support, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and stable housing, to ensure successful family reunification and long-term stability. Additionally, findings also suggest that the presence of child resilience, strong family support systems and access to community resources improve the family's emotional and behavioral well-being
Prevalence of Substance Use Among Latinos: A systematic literature review
Get PDFStudy Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review is to examine the prevalence of substance use among Latinos in the United Stated, identify associated risk factors, and explore culturally responsive interventions that may mitigate substance use within this population. Methods: Four databases and thirteen keywords were used to select sixteen peer-reviewed articles. Findings: Findings indicate that substance use is prevalent among Latinos in the US, with higher rates among men and younger individuals, influenced by socioeconomic status, acculturative stress, and mental health disorders. Discussion: The findings show the complex dynamics of socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological factors contributing to substance use within this population, highlighting the need for culturally responsive and systemic interventions
What Makes a Poem Therapeutic? A Narrative Study Interpreting the Poetic Preferences and Perspectives of Two Clients with Anxiety
Get PDFStudy Purpose: This narrative study explores the factors that make poems therapeutic for readers with anxiety disorders. Methods: Data was collected through open-ended written responses. Adults who had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders and had participated in poetry therapy discussed favorite poems. Their responses were studied and compared for thematic analysis. Findings: Four themes emerged from the participants' responses: both selected obscure poems, both did not understand key aspects of their poems right away, both used ambiguous or contradictory language to convey their reactions, and both evolved their understanding of the poems through lived experience, gaining an acceptance of uncertain and uncontrollable forces. Discussion: Findings encourage further research into (1) the role of complexity in poetry therapy's maintained benefits (2) how to engage uncertainty in anxiety treatment and (3) the potential for poetry therapy as a cultural engagement tool
Influence of Exertional Exercise on Stand-Up Paddleboarding Performance
Get PDFBackground: Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a low impact sport/recreational activity that can be practiced at various intensities and disciplines, and has grown in popularity due to its ease of access and connection to nature. SUP requires coordination, balance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance. As SUP occurs near beaches, prior exercise such as games may be common. It is possible completing SUP after exertional exercise could cause impairment in functional parameters like posture and balance, which are a key part of SUP. Purpose: To assess the effects of prior exertional exercise on overall SUP performance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and balance. Methods: A total of 40 SUP participants (Mean ± SD 23.5 ± 6.8 years) with a SUP competency of 6.9 ± 1.4 (1 - 10) participated in the study. Testing was conducted in a local coastal lagoon. Muscular strength (handgrip dynamometer), muscular endurance (prone plank), and balance (one-leg stand) were assessed pre-, mid- and post- session. After the pre- and mid- assessments, participants completed two 400-meter paddle tests at an exercise intensity of 14 (RPE Borg 6-20) while heart rate and paddle speed were measured. Between the paddle tests, participants completed a boot-camp style exertional exercise protocol. Results: Prior exertional exercise had no influence on dominant (p = 0.2814) and non-dominant (p = 0.8535) grip strength. Muscle endurance saw a significant effect of prior exercise (p < 0.0001), and was significantly less at mid and post when compared to baseline. Balance showed a significant effect of time (p < 0.05), significantly decreasing from baseline to post. Paddle performance was not different, although heart rate was higher in the second paddle test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding how prior exertional exercise affects muscular strength, muscular endurance, and balance. These findings contribute to the limited literature on SUP and highlight that prior exerting exercise caused declines in muscular endurance and balance while increasing heart rate. These results suggest SUP participants should be aware that prior exercise may negatively impact their balance and muscular endurance
ADAPTING MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS (MTSS) DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A MULTISITE CASE STUDY
Get PDFThe COVID-19 health crisis brought challenges to educators, students, and parents. The abrupt closures of schools and the shift from face-to-face instruction to remote teaching challenged educators to learn new online platforms, such as Zoom, and to develop new online strategies for engaging instruction. The purpose of this embedded case study is to understand how educators implemented tiered interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the amount and type of support that was provided to students to address student learning needs.The research question guiding this study was as follows: How did schools within one southern San Joaquin Valley school district adapt the delivery of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) during the COVID-19 pandemic? A qualitative approach, specifically an embedded case study design, was utilized since three elementary school sites were embedded within a singleschool district. Data, including interviews, were analyzed inductively and deductively. Understanding the challenges educators faced (e.g., student attendance, lack of student engagement, contacting families, small group instruction) and the interventions delivered to students during the pandemic (e.g., connection with mental health services, access to technologydevices) allows administrators to make informed decisions about the next steps in instruction. The present study calls for student engagement training, technology training, revisiting MTSSroles, building connections with students, and prioritizing tier one academic instruction in the classroom to address the learning loss brought on by the pandemic
Gradient estimates of a nonlinear parabolic equation under integral Bakry-Émery Ricci condition
Get PDFWe prove a global gradient estimate to positive solutions of the nonlinear parabolic equation ut=Δfu+auln(u)+bu under an integral Bakry-Émery Ricci condition on compact weighted manifolds. The elliptic version of the equation arises in the study of gradient Ricci solitons and in this paper we consider the parabolic version.10222
Establishing GMP Standards for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing at Grann Pharmaceuticals to Facilitate Clinical Trial Readiness
Get PDFGrann Pharmaceuticals, a San Diego-based startup, specializes in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) treatments for rare diseases. The company advances an LNP-based therapy for Rett Syndrome, which requires strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations. This project evaluates and improves GMP compliance across key operational areas, including Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Manufacturing/Production, and Regulatory Affairs. Between August and December 2024, a gap analysis assessed compliance with FDA regulations (CFR Part 211), USP standards (e.g., 61, 71, 85), and ISO 14644-1:2015 cleanroom requirements. In August, the analysis identified key gaps in batch release decision-making, deviation and out-of-specification (OOS) handling, document control, and environmental monitoring. By December, deficiencies in deviation reporting, OOS implementation, and environmental monitoring logs emerged, while personnel qualification and documentation control met compliance standards. A review of approximately 300 FDA Form 483 inspection reports from 2023 revealed recurring trends such as inadequate environmental monitoring and microbial contamination. These findings guided corrective actions, including revised cleanroom procedures and strengthened microbial control strategies, particularly for sterility testing and batch acceptance criteria. To close identified gaps, ten batch release testing procedures, seventeen storage condition protocols, and nine cleaning procedures were developed or updated. A change management system was implemented and refined to ensure appropriate revision, approval, and execution of procedural updates, addressing a previously unestablished framework. GrannFiles, the internal documentation repository, was updated to enhance regulatory traceability. Controlled documents were categorized by risk to product safety and efficacy (minor, major, critical). By project completion, all of the minor and major compliance gaps were resolved, and most of the critical documents were finalized, with some still in progress. Remaining tasks included finalizing deviation handling procedures and expanding environmental monitoring logs. The project highlights the importance of structured documentation, risk-based compliance strategies, and proactive change management. Key recommendations include internal training on deviation handling, periodic reviews of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and continuous monitoring of regulatory updates. These actions ensure regulatory alignment during clinical trials and support the advancement of LNP-based therapies for Rett Syndrome