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Association Between Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Asthma Attacks/Episodes in California
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Previous literature has shown that wildfires are a frequent and severe occurrence in the U.S. and that the number of large wildfires in California has increased in recent decades. Wildfire smoke is made up of air pollutants, with particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) representing the most common. Research suggests that PM2.5 can penetrate deeper into the lungs than other pollutants and has been linked to the exacerbation of asthma. This study aims to explore the relationship between exposure to wildfire smoke with asthma attacks/episodes. Methods This cross-sectional analysis contained 3,891 adult, asthmatic, California residents who completed the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) of 2023. Residents were asked whether they experienced wildfire smoke in the past two years, and were categorized by whether they experienced wildfire smoke or not in the past two years. Residents with an asthma diagnosis were asked whether they had an asthma attack in the past 12 months, and were categorized by whether they did or did not have an asthma attack in the past 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results California Residents who experienced wildfire smoke in the past two years had higher odds of having an asthma attack/episode in the past 12 months compared to residents who did not experience wildfire smoke in the past two years (OR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.32,1.76, p<0.0001). Conclusion Exposure to wildfire smoke may play a role in exacerbating asthma and inducing asthma attacks via PM2.5, causing damage to airways in the lungs among adult California residents. Given the health risks of asthma attacks, further research is warranted
Assessing the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Diabetes
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] The study investigates the association between physical activity and diabetes, while accounting for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, it examines whether BMI moderates the relationship to inform tailored prevention strategies. Introduction/Background: Diabetes poses severe health risks and financial burdens, with U.S. costs reaching $306.6 billion in 2022. CDC recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, yet individual factors may influence its effectiveness. Understanding BMI's role can guide personalized interventions. Methods: Data from the 2023 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) were analyzed using logistic regression to assess diabetes risk among adults. Covariates included age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI. An interaction term tested whether BMI moderated this association. Results: BMI significantly predicted diabetes risk (p < 0.001, Wald χ² = 203.350), with higher BMI linked to increased risk. Physical activity alone was not significantly associated with diabetes (p = 0.804, OR = 0.870, 95% CI = 0.291, 2.600). The interaction between BMI and physical activity was not significant (p = 0.472, Wald χ² = 2.519), indicating BMI does not modify the relationship between physical activity and diabetes. Conclusion and Implications: BMI is a key predictor of diabetes risk, while physical activity alone was not significant after adjusting for BMI. These findings suggest that diabetes prevention should focus on individualized interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Further research is needed to explore the interplay between BMI, physical activity, and other risk factors to enhance targeted prevention strategies. Keywords: body mass index, diabetes, physical activit
Sugar on the Rocks: Exploring the Association of Alcohol Consumption and Diabetes among Adults in California
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Contributing risk factors include physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet. While decades of evidence support the fact that unhealthy lifestyle choices are associated with developing diabetes, there is lack of evidence supporting that alcohol consumption increases the risk of diabetes. This study aims to explore the association between binge drinking and diabetes among adults living in California. Additionally, this study explored if there was a relationship between binge drinking that would vary across gender, and ethnicity resulting in certain groups having higher odds of diabetes. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2023 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) for adults 18+ years and older (n=21,671). A logistic regression model was performed to test for the association between binge drinking and diabetes using the software SPSS Version 29.0. There was a significant association between binge drinking and diabetes. While comparing those who did not binge drink, those who did binge drink had a lower risk of diabetes while adjusting for all covariates (AOR: 0.599, 95% CI: 0.520, 0.691, p<0.001). Results These results display a statistically significant association, indicating a decrease odds risk of diabetes among those who binge drink while adjusting for all covariates. It is important to note the limitations in this study includes, self-reported data, recall bias, the inability to distinguish which type of diabetes the participant had. Conclusion This analysis will contribute to the gap in research needed to further explore the association between alcohol consumption and diabetes to help educate vulnerable populations about the long-term risks that are associated with binge drinking and diabetes
Implementing peer health education to reduce cannabis use among youth in the San Fernando Valley
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Rates of adolescent substance use have increased within the United States, calling for prevention professionals to intervene. Substance use trends identify cannabis as the most used federally illegal drug in the United States and the most common psychoactive substance used by youth. Since California's legalization, cannabis use before the age of 18 has increased, creating an increasingly high risk of developing issues affecting brain function, mental health, addiction, or cannabis use disorders. School-based prevention is cited as a key strategy to provide early intervention and education in environments where adolescents are most influenced by their peers. Despite strong evidence supporting prevention programs, there is limited research on peer-led cannabis prevention. With the development of new delivery methods and high-potency tetrahydrocannabinol products, existing curricula fail to reflect current trends and dangers associated with these products. Utilizing peer-to-peer education, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando Valley will partner with a local middle and high school to address youth cannabis use. Upon training, 9th-grade students will facilitate Botvin's Life Skills Training curriculum. In addition to its original drug resistance educational material, cannabis topics will be emphasized to address the community-specific need for targeted prevention and education. Expected outcomes from the four-month intervention include increased knowledge of cannabis risk, refusal skill ability, and a decrease in cannabis use one year following the program. Evaluation methods will include immediate pre- and post-surveys, with a one-year follow-up. Social Cognitive Theory's reciprocal determinism is grounded within the intervention to create sustainable change through community-driven prevention efforts. Empowering youth to take an active role in cannabis prevention strengthens protective factors and contributes to fostering norms that prevent any further cannabis use. This proposal includes budgeting, implementation timelines, and evaluation strategies to ensure program sustainability
Barriers to and Benefits of Resistance Training in Adult Populations
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This project focused on the barriers and benefits of resistance training in adult populations. The objective of the project was to better understand how an adult population can overcome barriers and how they can benefit from participating in resistance training both mentally and physically. The focus of this project was on "working adults" between the ages of 20-65 years old (Costa & Sartori, 2007) and identifying the barriers to and benefits to them of engaging in resistance training. The purpose of this project was to discover and better understand both the barriers as well as benefits of taking part in a physical activity program such as resistance training. The research evidence explored both the barriers and benefits of resistance training in an adult population to understand what causes adults to not engage in physical activity, their overall motives for participating in physical exercises, and the overall beneficial health outcomes. A KINtalk (TEDx style video) was created to discuss my own research on this topic as well as to present my personal experiences and challenges with resistance training. A working adult population was chosen to explore since this is a population that often becomes more sedentary and there are numerous reasons why adults lack participation in resistance training. I explored and researched factors as to why working adult populations face so many barriers when it comes to being physically active and taking part in resistance train, and how resistance training can lead to beneficial outcomes in regards to both mental and physical health. For this KINtalk I gathered an expansive literature review, personal experiences, interviews with adults engaging in resistance training, and observations to gain a greater understanding of working adults and their relationship to resistance training. Because of my own interest and background with resistance training in my KINtalk I provide a deeper understanding of the barriers to resistance training as well as the benefits and motives for engaging in health-enhancing physical activity. I also discuss some of the successful outcomes when engaging in resistance training (Wilson et al., 2008) including my own as well as those I interviewed. The working adult population faces many barriers such as working, supporting their family, and lack of time, which contribute to adult populations being physically inactive. It is important to see how adult populations can and should incorporate resistance training as a physical activity in living a healthier lifestyle (Hurley et al., 2018). Future studies should explore more in depth factors such as the motives and barriers in working adult populations to participate in physical activity programs such as resistance training. A KINtalk style project was chosen to share my personal experiences with resistance training and how I faced barriers as well as overcame them that led to positive results both physically and mentally in my life. Moreover, the hope is that sharing my personal experiences would be both informational and beneficial for other working adults who are having difficulties in their own fitness journey by understanding that we all go through obstacles in life, and there are ways to be successful and to make changes in fitness and overall health
Sign Language Interpreters' Experiences with pain, injuries, and prevention
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] The study investigated California State University, Northridge American Sign Language interpreters' experiences with prevention, pain, injuries, and treatment. The study utilized an online survey which was spread by word of mouth and mass emailed by the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) Director to all CSUN American Sign Language interpreters. Participants had to be over 18 years old and American Sign Language interpreters at CSUN. The data was collected anonymously, and 26 people responded to the survey. The age range was 26 to 72 years old, with an average of 44.5 ± 14.4 years. Of the 26 interpreters, 65.4% were women, 23.1% were men, and 11.5% were nonbinary. Their professional experience ranged from 1.5 to 53 years and 61.5% worked 30-40 hours per week, and 11.5% worked more than 40 hours per week. Fifty-eight percent of participants reported to be moderately physically active. The results showed that 92.3% perceived that signing for 1 hour without a break contributed to their injuries. Other work-related activities such as sitting for long periods of time, ballistic signing, and typing on the computer were contributing factors to their injuries. Of the total number of responses from the 26 interpreters, 29.3% reported to have had pain in wrist/hand, 27.6% had shoulder/neck pain, and 24.1% had pain in forearm and shoulder. This supported the upper extremity dominant nature of sign language interpreters. Some common treatments that were reported included massage, rest, ice, and heat had been used and 61.5% had reported that these methods were somewhat effective, while 30.8% reported that the treatments were extremely effective. In addition to treatments, they also used strategies such as switching with a team every 15 to 20 minutes, stretching during breaks, and advocating for oneself by requesting a team. Additionally, 48% attended workshops that cover selfcare, stretching, body posture, yoga, and other ergonomics aspects of the occupation, while 52% had not experienced a workshop addressing how to cope with pain specific to their occupation. Despite these treatments and workshops, their pain and discomfort had caused 72% of the participants to miss work. This study highlighted some of the common injuries, treatments, and possible causes in the workplace. It also suggested that the treatments do provide some relief. The study also underscored the importance of having more effective prevention strategies such as ensuring that they get their timed breaks or providing ergonomic support. Further research is needed to develop interventions and resources that can help protect the long-term health and well-being of American Sign Language interpreters
Factors contributing to successful University-Public Sector Partnerships between an Urban University's MPA Program and local Public Sector Agencies
Get PDFThis research used a mini-case study method to analyze partnerships between an urban university's Master's in Public Administration (MPA) program and its community partners at twelve off-campus public sector agencies from Fall 2017- Fall 2021. A content analysis of program documents, enrollment data, marketing materials, and email correspondence between the university and public sector partners was conducted. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with five MPA faculty/administrators and nine university-public sector partners at government agencies. The data was analyzed and interpreted using the theoretical framework of New Public Governance (Osborne, 2009; Milward & Provan, 1998; Provan & Milward, 2001; Lynn, 2009; Sanfort & Milward, 2009; and Wodicka et al., 2012) and Benchmarks for Campus/Community Partnerships (Torres & Schaffer, 2000). Findings indicate several factors differentiating successful and unsuccessful partnerships for launching off-campus MPA cohorts. Factors present in successful partnerships included - partners having shared goals and objectives, involvement of MPA program alumni in promoting the program; strong collaborative relationships and recruitment efforts; and employer tuition reimbursement for students. Factors associated with unsuccessful partnerships included a lack of data collection and tracking, partner turnover, partners not providing tuition reimbursement, and demand for online cohorts following the COVID-19 pandemic. The perceived benefits of partnering with the MPA program, from the viewpoint of the public sector partners, included - the convenience for employees to take classes at the worksite; hosting MPA cohorts coincided with their training, development, and succession planning goals; opportunities for employee career advancement; and partnering with a university with a strong reputation in the region. The perceived risks included security concerns about hosting classes onsite after hours; putting in considerable effort to promote the program and recruit students only to have the cohort not make minimum enrollment to run; admission standards that put too much emphasis on GPA rather than work experience; and risks associated with losing employees once they have earned their MPA degrees if promotion opportunities were not immediately available. The study concludes with a series of recommendations for actions that can be taken to improve and sustain MPA programs and public sector partnerships
3D-Printed Modular Microfluidic Device for Liposome Synthesis
Get PDFIn this thesis, a modular microfluidic device for microbead production was developed using Tinkercad software and stereolithography 3D printing technology. The device features interchangeable channel geometries which enable the production of beads of different sizes without the need for an entirely new device. Fluids are fed into the device via a syringe pump with adjustable flowrates, enabling the production of beads of different compositions and sizes. This is particularly beneficial in pharmaceutical applications like liposome synthesis since the size and composition of the liposomes must be varied depending on the desired therapeutic outcome. If refined, this device could replace traditional liposome production methods due to its promising precision, uniformity, and cost effectiveness which traditional methods lack. The device would also be accessible for low-resource settings if all components of the system are implemented in a small, portable container
There is No Knight in Shining Armor, We Only Have Each Other
Get PDFMy relationship with gender is not just my own; it is one that has been shared throughout history. Despite efforts to rewrite that history, my community refuses to be erased so easily. Capturing moments of fragility and respite, my oil paintings reimagine my queer friends and family as their own knights in shining armor. Together, they embody the strength of my community. As the fight for Trans lives continues, the queer community has found itself in a tumultuous position of rapidly increasing visibility and vulnerability. The armor that I paint is a physical manifestation of the defenses queers have had to carry, further acknowledging their history. Cosmetics and contemporary dress have become adjacent to knight armor, preserving the anonymity of my sitters while presenting their idealized selves. The warmth of their skin reminds the viewer that this is a living, breathing human being. Fantasy is an essential setting in my paintings, providing a safe space for queer people to exist outside the confines of gender expectations. One does not have to be limited to knights and damsels, and in an increasingly transphobic country, I imagine reality outside of the binary. Often synonymous with whiteness and masculinity, knighthood carries a complex history. With detailed oil renderings I invite viewers in, then question their associations as they observe queer love, longing, and desire through the framework of knighthood. If we can begin to imagine what else a knight could be, perhaps we can begin to imagine what else a person can be
A Graduate Recital featuring texts about love, life and loss
No full textThis project will explore classical art songs, arias and musical theatre repertoire ranging from the Romantic era through the 20th-century. In addition, this research will not only focus on the composers and their vocal compositions but also the librettists and poets, examining their contributions while also providing detailed background information including their country of origin as well as the historical, social and political context that had influence on their artistic endeavors. The goal of this research is to appreciate the significance of each vocal work, and what impact they have had in classical music. Published in 1950, Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson is one of Aaron Copland's (1900-1990) most significant works for solo voice and piano. This song cycle, written for medium-high voice, features poems by American poet Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830-1886). Together, the twelve art songs serve as a beautiful example of 20th-century American vocal music. Henri Duparc (1848-1933) is a lesser-known French composer from the late Romantic period who explored rich harmonic colors and emotional expression through his writing for solo voice and piano. Best known for his seventeen mélodies, Duparc's work is still performed and cherished by individuals around the world today. 'Je dis que rien m'épouvante' is Micaëla's only aria, sung in the third act of Georges Bizet's (1838-1875) opera, Carmen. The aria reveals raw emotion of both vulnerability and strength, showcasing contrasting musical sections, and noteworthy character development. This captivating aria is a staple in operatic repertoire. The beautiful storytelling of a young woman who's just experienced the feeling of physical love for the first time is expressed wonderfully in Gustave Charpentier's (1860-1956) aria 'Depuis le jour' from his opera Louise. Sung by the leading soprano, the aria captures her new found state of euphoria in a beautiful and radiant way. American composer, Lucy Simon (1940-2002), and English composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber (1948-present), showcase a perfect blend of operatic and sometimes called "legit" vocal technique in their own personal style of musical theatre, in such pieces from Simon's The Secret Garden, and Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies. Known for his Canciones clásicas españolas, Zarzuelas and orchestral works, Spanish composer, Fernando Obradors (1897-1945), seamlessly incorporates elements from traditional Spanish folk music, dance, and guitar inspired rhythms into his compositions. Composed for a six-part piano suit, Spanish composer, Enrique Granados (1867-1916), transforms his fourth movement, 'Quejas o La maja y el ruisenor,' into an evocative operatic aria for his opera Goyescas. Inspired by the paintings of Francisco Goya (1746-1828), 'La Maja y el ruiseñor' (In english: 'The Maiden and the Nightingale') uses text and instrumental painting to express the emotions of sorrow and loss