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The Cost of Malnutrition in Older Adults in the Mountain West, 2020
No full textThis fact sheet presents 2020 data on the annual costs of disease-associated malnutrition for adults aged 65 years and older across the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are sourced from “Advancing Policies for Quality Malnutrition Care in Older Adults: A Toolkit for State Legislators,” a report published by Defeat Malnutrition Today and Women in Government
Introduction
No full textIntroduction to the book Making Values-Based Decisions in the Academic Library
The Role of Prediction Error in Episodic Memory
No full textPredictions play an important role in our everyday lives. We make predictions (whether conscious or unconscious) about what we will encounter. However, we will also experience discrepancies between predictions and observed outcomes (i.e., prediction error; PE). There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding how PE affects memory. Several studies find that PE facilitates memory (e.g., Greve et al., 2019), while others find that it harms memory (Kim et al., 2013). The aim of the present study was to determine which conditions may lead to PE facilitating memory and which conditions may lead to worse memory. We tested two PE models, The Predictive Interactive Multiple Memory Signals model (PIMMS) and The Schema Linked Interactions between Medial Prefrontal and Medial Temporal Lobe model (SLIMM). PIMMS argues the larger PEs will result in better memory compared to small PEs. In experiment 1, we tested this assumption by manipulating the frequency of PE. The High Certainty condition had few PEs while the Low Certainty condition contained many PEs. We predicted that PE would facilitate memory in the High certainty condition compared to no PE. We did not predict a difference in memory between PE and no PE in the Low certainty condition. However, we found memory was worse for PE items compared to no PE items, in the Low Certainty condition only. In experiment 2, we manipulated the strength of PE such that PE was either, high, moderate or low. SLIMM predicts a U-shape function such that High PE and Low PE should both be facilitated. However, we found no significant difference between the three levels of PE. Thus, our predictions based on PIMMS and SLIMM were not supported
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
A Novel Game-Based Assessment of Risk-Taking Propensity: Development and Psychometric Evidence
No full textRisk-taking propensity is defined and measured in different ways across the literature, resulting in assessment issues related to construct validity (Bran & Vaidis, 2020). Multimethod assessment approaches can bolster construct validity by capturing more facets of risk-taking propensity (Meyer et al., 2001). Risk-taking propensity is assessed through self-report questionnaires (Zhang et al., 2019), which exhibit good test-retest reliability (Frey et al., 2017) and predictive validity (Beauchamp et al., 2017), and behavioral tasks (Aklin et al., 2005), which are less psychometrically sound, lacking convergent validity and test-retest reliability (Frey et al., 2017). Guided by evidence-centered design principles (Mislevy, 2013), a novel game-based assessment of risk-taking propensity may mitigate the current shortcomings of behavioral tasks. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a well-fitting model and good reliability of the in-game instrumental risk-taking items. The in-game scores weakly correlated with the self-report measure of instrumental risk-taking, but did not have significant correlations with a set of related variables (e.g., financial risk-taking or general risk-taking propensity). The in game instrumental risk-taking scores were predictive of real-world risk-taking behaviors, both in isolation and when modeled with the self-report scores. The in-game assessment is tenable for use in a multimethod approach of measurement in research designs. With dual consideration of both assessment design and game design, game-based assessments can be developed and validated for use in future research
MFGAT: Map-Free Trajectory Prediction with Graph Attention Networks for Autonomous Vehicles
No full textAccurate trajectory prediction is a key component for ensuring safe and efficient navigation of autonomous vehicles in complex traffic scenarios. While traditional methods rely heavily on high-definition (HD) maps, these approaches face significant challenges, including high costs, limited availability, and susceptibility to rapid obsolescence. This thesis proposes an end-to-end, map-free trajectory prediction model that leverages Graph Attention Networks (GAT) to dynamically capture spatial-temporal interactions among road agents, eliminating the need for HD maps.The research introduces UNLVTraj, a novel LiDAR-based dataset collected around the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, specifically along Cottage Grove Street, Harmon Avenue, and Maryland Parkway. This dataset captures diverse traffic scenarios with annotated trajectories, addressing a gap in existing resources by providing realistic, campus-specific interactions for validation. The proposed model combines GAT with Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN) and a sequence-to-sequence framework, enabling adaptive weighting of agent interactions to enhance prediction accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness across different environments. On the ApolloScape benchmark, the model achieves a 5.98% reduction in Average Displacement Error (ADE) and a 6.76% reduction in Final Displacement Error (FDE) compared to baseline method. Evaluations on the UNLVTraj dataset further validate its robustness in predicting trajectories for heterogeneous agents, even in unstructured, map-free settings. By offering a scalable, cost-effective solution and a publicly available dataset, this work supports future research in map-free navigation
UNLV Admissions: Effect of the In-Person Interview on the Holistic Admissions of Minority Applicants Into The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
No full textPurpose/Methods: The goal of this study is to analyze the effect of an in-person interview on the admission of minority applicants into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Using data from the 2014-2022 admissions cycles we assessed inter-rater reliability of the interviewer’s, differences in average in-person interview score between racial groups, and compared the difference in pre-interview scores between racial groups.
Results: We found that students identifying as Black scored higher on interviews than their White counterparts. However, a smaller proportion of them matriculated into the program due to the difference in multiple factors that are scored in the admissions process prior to the interview. We observed a high degree of consistency and reliability for average measures of interview scores across and between scorers (p\u3c .001). There were significant differences in pre-interview admission scores between races with White applicants scores being significantly higher than all other groups (p\u3c .001)
Plagiocephaly in Premature Infants: Enhancing NICU Caregiver Education
No full textObjective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format to be helpful, while moderate variability regarding confidence to implement specific strategies. Thematic analysis of responses identified several themes: reinforcement of learning, practical application, individualized learning experience, engagement and participation, personalized attention and support, and increased understanding. Conclusion: The one-on-one educational format effectively improved NICU nurses’ confidence and understanding of plagiocephaly prevention. Participants reported that the content provided a better understanding of the topic. These findings support the need for educational discussions and initiatives within the NICU to improve developmental outcomes for premature infants
Personal Genomic Services for Companion Animals: Pet Owner Experiences and Veterinary Perspectives
No full textDirect-to-consumer (D2C or DTC) genetic testing for companion animals has gained popularity since its introduction for dogs in 2009 and cats in 2016. These personal genomic services provide pet owners with insights into their pets’ breed, health, and other types of information (e.g., biological relatives). However, the broader implications of this growing industry for human-animal relationships, veterinary medicine, and consumer behaviors remain underexplored. This dissertation examines these dimensions of commercial genetic testing for dogs and cats using a multi-faceted research approach.Chapter two establishes the background of this work through an exploratory content analysis of genetic testing company websites and consumer reviews, identifying key marketing strategies and consumer motivations. Chapters three and four build on this foundation with survey data from a large commercial pet genetic company. Chapter three evaluates consumer motivations, perceptions, and responses to canine genetic test results and introduces Breed Options Theory as a framework for understanding how genetic information shapes the identities applied to dogs. Chapter four extends these findings by exploring the potential influence of genetic testing on the human-dog bond. Using survey data and participant text responses, this chapter highlights how genetic results enhance owners’ knowledge about their dogs and enhances their emotional connection. Chapter five investigates veterinary care providers’ experiences and perceptions regarding genetic testing, offering insights into its clinical utility and challenges faced by professionals. Finally, chapter six presents an in-depth qualitative study expanding Breed Options Theory by examining how dog owners use genetic testing to construct breed identities
The Science Behind Free Rebound
No full textThis document examines a history of the the percussion stroke used throughout history leading to Free Rebound. It focuses on how grip, technique, and pedagogy have evolved over time through various pedagogues. The concept and stroke motion in Free Rebound was first advocated by George Lawrence Stone, Billy Gladstone, Fred Hinger, Buster Bailey, Ed Soph, and Joe Morello, it was implemented in playing and teaching by Gary Cook, and furthered by Dean Gronemeier. This discussion aims to support professionals\u27, students\u27, and teachers\u27 interests by discussing the pedagogies of different approaches over time. The health and wellness section helps to discuss how different approaches to grip and stroke motion can have varying effects on the body. The primary focus of this document is to determine how healthy Free Rebound is compared to other strokes. Through testing and comparing Charles Ashworth’s grip (back fulcrum grip) and Free Rebound (front fulcrum grip) in the Sports Injury Research Center at UNLV with the help of the Kinesiology lab and equipment, it is possible to test how each approach effects the exhaustion in muscles. This research illustrates the value of different grips, their pedagogical approaches and how they effect the health and wellness of drumming