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Reframing Addiction as a Coping Response: A Needed Shift in Modern Public Health Paradigms
No full textWhat are the primary risk factors that compel one person towards addiction and not another? After decades of research, there is still no clear consensus. Some experts say addiction is a brain disease; others say it is a willful act, or even an outright crime. Nevertheless, the three research studies contained within this dissertation suggest an alternative, more parsimonious public-health-centered framework for viewing addictive behavioral patterns: as a biopsychosocial coping strategy for past and present stressors. In Study 1, this idea was examined by evaluating how symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with problem gambling severity, different gambling motives, and positive play practices (i.e., responsible gambling behaviors and beliefs) using a census-matched sample of adults from the United States (U.S.; N = 2,806). In Study 2, the same sample was used, but this time, the relationships between PTSD symptoms, motives for playing video games, and gaming disorder severity were investigated. Finally, in Study 3, the connections between 10 categories of adverse childhood experiences and 13 types of significant problems involving substances (e.g., alcohol, cocaine) and/or behaviors (e.g., gambling, internet use) were investigated amongst a large sample of U.S. college students (N = 1,993). Collectively, the results from this work point to an often forgotten truth about substance and behavioral addictions: they are developed in response to a person’s past experiences and current milieu. When addiction is viewed this way, it permits the possibility of finding more pragmatic solutions beyond medical treatments and the legal system for helping individuals struggling with these sometimes useful but often harmful coping strategies
Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Overall Well-Being of Informal Caregivers Before and After the Covid-19 Pandemic
No full textInformal caregivers, such as relatives or close friends, are vital for maintaining the welfare of the individuals they provide care for. However, caregiving can be difficult and stressful that adversely impacts caregivers’ health. The extra stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can potentially aggravate health problems, particularly mental health. The current research aimed to nationally analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with behavioral health (physical activity and smoking), mental health (worrying, nervousness, hopelessness, little interest, and psychological distress score), and the perception of overall well-being among informal caregivers in the United States. Whether behavioral health could mediate mental health and overall well-being was also investigated.
The Health Information and National Trends Survey (HINTS), spanning the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019) and the post-pandemic era (2020, 2022), was the data source. Weighted multivariable survey logistic regression models were employed for all outcomes. Predictors for mental health and overall well-being were behaviors, including smoking and physical activity. All models were additionally adjusted to account for sociodemographic factors.
Post-pandemic, caregivers exhibited significantly higher odds of reporting “worrying” (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10-1.87, p = 0.0081) and overall unwell-being (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.05-1.69, p = 0.0159). Caregivers who had insufficient physical activity compared to their physically active counterparts had higher odds of perceiving their overall well-being as diminished (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.17-2.79, p=0.0077). Smoking and insufficient physical activity had significant association with all mental health issues studied here, except for insufficient physical activity for “nervous”.
This research revealed that informal caregivers experienced a decline in the mental health and overall well-being in the United States following the COVID-19 pandemic. Behavioral health, including smoking and insufficient physical activity, were significantly associated with mental health and overall well-being. This research provides updated insights for policymakers on the importance of addressing the mental health and overall well-being of informal caregivers during a crisis. Tailored interventions are required to address these health issues among informal caregivers. Targeted policies are also recommended, prioritizing the behavioral health of informal caregivers to enhance their mental health and overall well-being
Investigations into the Relationship Between Menopause and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology in a Mouse Model with Ovarian Follicle Depletion
No full textAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) currently affects about 6.9 million Americans, with over two-thirds of those individuals being women. Interestingly, changes in the brain indicative of AD coincide with the onset of menopause. Post-menopausal women have significantly higher levels of AD pathologies, including amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated tau, than pre-menopausal women. To investigate the relationship between AD pathologies and menopause, we induced menopause-like state in an AD mouse model, APP/PS1, by treatment with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) to accelerate ovarian follicle depletion. To monitor the transition to menopause, vaginal lavages and cytology was performed to determine if mice reached anestrous. Both female APP/PS1 mice and controls reached anestrous and tissues were evaluated for AD related changes. Female APP/PS1 mice treated with VCD had significantly reduced levels of AB-42 in the hippocampus. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of using VCD in AD study to investigate the association with menopause. These studies could further research into novel biomarkers and therapeutics for women with AD
Cultural Crisis, Performance and Ritual: A Bioarchaoelogy of Violence in Early Precontact North Alabama (8,000-3,000 BP)
No full textCultures have responded to periods of crisis and rapid change in many ways through time and space, with anthropological research often at the forefront of thinking about the social, cultural, and ecological strategies and adaptations employed in times of change and transformation. While strategies may include cultural innovation, increased social networking, and alliance formation, there are also cases where ritual violence, inter- and intra-population conflict, and population movement serve as strategic responses to crisis. The Archaic Period (10-3,000 BP), regionally located in the Southeastern U.S., is characterized by numerous major environmental and ecological changes, with periods of major flooding, variability in climate and local flora/fauna, as well as major cultural shifts in trade and technology. There is little doubt that these changes also stimulated ideological adjustments which can be seen in the archaeological record. The goal of this study is to understand how these changes in ideology led to the emergence and intensification of ritual violence during the Late Archaic Period of this region, and how this contributed to broader transformations in cultural processes and daily-life within these groups. While research has focused on the later Woodland and Mississippian Periods, understanding what came before these larger settled, and often agricultural communities, provides important temporal insight into how major changes were dealt with in small scale foraging societies. It is these early precontact groups which provide the greatest heuristic insight into the history and development of early Southeastern Native American groups in relation to social and cultural changes associated with emergent complexity such as trade, ritual, large scale violence, and identity structures. Expanding on previously collected osteological data from this region, a bioarchaeological approach is used to focus on the shell funerary mound sites located in the Middle Tennessee River Valley (MTRV) of North Alabama in order to investigate how ritualized violence was entwined with other behaviors relating to settlement patterns and daily life both synchronically and diachronically. These results will contribute to understanding the ways that ritual and social violence are used during times of cultural crisis to promote cohesion and integration
Game On! A Comparative Analysis of External Load in Division III Soccer Players Across Gender and Position
No full textGlobal positioning systems have been used increasingly in sports science due to their ability to quantify external loads of athletes during competitions and practices. Limited research has examined gender differences in external load throughout a collegiate soccer season. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare game workloads across collegiate men (MSOC) and women (WSOC) soccer players. Division III MSOC and WSOC players wore GPS devices during games throughout a 15-week season. METHODS: Metrics analyzed from GPS data were: total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), number of deceleration efforts (decel) (\u3e-3 m/s²), number of acceleration efforts (accel) (\u3e3 m/s²), sprint efforts, top speed (TS), player load per minute (PL/Min), and distances in five-speed zones (SZ1: 0-30%; SZ2: 30-50%; SZ3: 50-75%; SZ4: 75%-90%; SZ5: \u3e90% of maximum speed). Independent groups factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to assess a 2 x 3 gender x position interaction effect, gender main effects, and position main effect on all 12 external load metrics. These effects were also examined as 12 separate univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons were used to specify the nature of differences implied by significant effects (p \u3c 0.05). RESULTS: Results of a 2 (gender) x 3 (position) independent samples MANOVA showed a significant multivariate interaction effect and significant multivariate main effects of gender and position (ps \u3c 0.001). Significant univariate interaction effects were found for 11 out of 12 dependent variables (ps \u3c 0.001). In addition, significant univariate main effects of gender were found for 11 out of 12 dependent variables (ps \u3c 0.05). No significant gender difference was found in distance in SZ4 (p = 0.069). Significant univariate main effects of position were found for 11 out of 12 dependent variables (ps \u3c 0.05) but no significant difference by position was found in SZ3 (p = 0.100). DISCUSSION: Notable gender differences were found between game external load metrics, gender, and position and within-gender position across external load metrics. Further, results can be used as a framework to develop gender-specific programs to prepare athletes for the demands of their competitive seasons
It\u27s Not as Bad as You Think: Detecting AI-Generated Voices
No full textAdvances in machine learning have opened up the world to a brand new frontier of fraudulent phone calls which the average person may not be in any way prepared for. From imitations of a loved one\u27s voice to lifelike mimicry of human callers, telephone scams may become harder than ever to anticipate or prevent now that criminals have the help of AI on their side. This is why in my research paper, I aim to analyze and compare two existing methods of detecting the authenticity of human voice recordings in order to demonstrate and explain currently available technology that\u27s capable of combating the potential threat of AI-generated scam calls. The paper aims to review previously published literature on the technologies used for voice authenticity detection, and describe how these technologies function in a way that novice students or even lay people can understand. The main goal of the paper would not be to condemn the use of AI technology all together but rather to demonstrate lesser-known tech in the machine learning field that\u27s capable of assuaging fears common people may have about the future of AI. Currently, the paper compares the raw audio waveform analysis used by the RawNet2 neural network against a simple MFCC detection program meant for voice recognition, highlighting the principles behind their functionalities and their respective margins of error. The paper\u27s analysis is aimed to highlight the conclusion that with these existing technologies, the future threat of AI-generated scam calls is not unavoidable.https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/durep_lightning/1041/thumbnail.jp
The Correlations Between Students\u27 Academic Success and the Various Modes of Attendance
No full textThe increased demands on students’ time and effort imposed by their academic and personal environments have prompted many to explore alternative avenues for attending classes. This study sought to determine the existence of a correlation between the different modes of classroom attendance and students’ academic success. The research detailed within this report examined the attendance of four undergraduate statistics classes with 111 participants. Students were incentivized to complete an attendance survey, indicating whether they attended in person, virtual live streaming, or viewed the recorded lecture at a later time. Students who did not respond to the survey or were absent from the lecture were categorized as ‘No Response.’ The data revealed significant correlations between how students attend class and their success in the class with the group attending via virtual live streaming being marginally significant. The ‘No Response’ group exhibited a negative correlation with academic performance in the class, representing the strongest correlation observed. This suggests that the ability to attend classes asynchronously and via virtual attendance could potentially hinder students\u27 academic performance. Addressing this challenge in education is pertinent for future learners. It may prompt necessary reforms within the educational system, creating new opportunities to enhance students\u27 motivation and comprehension of essential material. Moreover, the increase in online meetings across various professional fields underscores the potential to improve efficiency, knowledge, and, consequently, motivation by appropriately leveraging this knowledge.https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/durep_podium/1051/thumbnail.jp
A Simple and Low-Cost Method for Generating Short Laser Pulses
No full textA simple, portable method is described and demonstrated for generating short optical pulses (~ 1 μsec) from a continuous wave (CW) source using a rotating pinhole. A CW 633nm HeNe beam was focused onto a 225 μm diameter stainless steel pinhole, which was rotated up to 1000 Hz using an optical chopper wheel. The pulsed light was then focused onto a silicon photodetector and read by an oscilloscope. This novel setup aims to bridge the gap between pulsed laser performance and price for wide application in spectroscopy methods, industrial laser peening, and medical treatments. This will be the first publication of the described pulsed laser method and its techniques and limits. The peak voltage, integral, and width of photodetector pulses of were compared to lend credence to the validity and utility of the experimental setup. The peak of gaussian fits ranging from 2.08 V to 3.67 V was higher than the previous study\u27s basepoint value of 0.0743 V. The integral of pulses increased from the basepoint data of 0.1 V ⋅ μs to a range of 296.8 V ⋅ μs at 1000 Hz to 2698.3 V ⋅ μs at 50 Hz. The average pulse width was longer at a range of 47 μs to 326 μs, compared to the basepoint pulse width of 0.735 μs. Buckingham Pi theorem dimensionless approximations were developed as a versatile method for computing photovoltaic pulse parameters under similar experimental conditions. Finally, a Fisher-Pravica number was derived using non-dimensional analysis.https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/durep_posters/1215/thumbnail.jp
Effects Of Parent-Implemented Video Self-Modeling on Conversational and Play Skills of Young Children with Developmental Delays
No full textSocial skills are an important part of child development, and children with developmental delays (DD) often show delays in conversational and play skills. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of parent training on parent implementation fidelity, effectiveness of parent-implemented video self-modeling (VSM), and evaluate the parents’ experiences and perspectives of the intervention. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants was used to determine a functional relation of parent training to parent implementation fidelity and parent-implemented VSM to the scripted and unscripted play actions and vocalizations. A thematic analysis was conducted on parent interviews to determine the social validity of the intervention. The results showed an increase in parents’ correct implementation of VSM with their child. All three children showed an increase in scripted play actions and scripted vocalizations, but no effect was found for unscripted play actions and unscripted vocalizations. All three parents noted benefits of generalization of skills and noted other developmental changes in their child after the intervention. The current study added to the literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of parent-implemented VSM intervention in the home
Evaluation of Electrochemical Corrosion, Electrodeposition, and Other Electroanalytical Methods as Investigative Forensic Techniques for Advancing Metal Substrate Analysis
No full textFriction ridge skin, bearing unique patterns of epidermal ridges commonly known as fingerprints, has served as a crucial tool for identification since ancient times, with its utilization dating back to Chinese culture around 221 B.C. Today, friction ridge skin impressions remain vital evidence in forensic investigations, aiding in the identification of suspects. While fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints can all serve as identifying markers, this dissertation focuses specifically on fingerprints, broadly classified as visible or latent. Latent fingerprints, though invisible to the naked eye, constitute the majority of prints collected from crime scenes, necessitating physical, chemical, or physicochemical processing for visualization.Despite significant advancements in fingerprint development techniques, current methods often falter when applied to challenging substrates such as fired shell casings or submerged weapons. Electroanalytical methods, an underexplored avenue in latent fingerprint development, present a promising opportunity for innovative forensic investigation techniques. This dissertation surveys novel electroanalytical approaches aimed at enhancing the reliability and efficacy of latent fingerprint development. The research begins by elucidating optimal electrolyte solutions through soak tests and open circuit potential (OCP) experiments. OCP measurements further provide corrosion potential values for various metal alloys, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of fingerprint resolution enhancement while preserving fingerprint integrity. Subsequent investigations employ potentiodynamic, potentiostatic, and galvanostatic corrosion methods to exploit the corrosion caused by components of eccrine secretions for targeted fingerprint enhancement. Experimental results are systematically analyzed and compared to determine the efficacy of each method in enhancing fingerprint resolution while preserving the integrity of the fingerprint itself. Additionally, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is employed alongside linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) measurements to provide real-time corrosion analysis, enhancing the understanding of targeted corrosion enhancement. Further exploration includes the investigation of electrodeposition and electroless deposition techniques for latent fingerprint enhancement, comparing their efficacy and preservation capabilities. Finally, a section in Chapter 6 discusses the potential reasons for the challenges in adopting these novel methods within forensic laboratories, such as budget constraints, staffing limitations, and rigorous quality assurance and legal admissibility standards. This dissertation offers insights into novel electroanalytical methods for latent fingerprint development, addressing critical challenges faced by current forensic techniques. The findings hold significant implications for forensic science, paving the way for more efficient and accurate identification processes in forensic laboratories