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How Culture Impacts Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors in College-Aged Chinese Americans
No full textAdolescents are the most vulnerable to mental health issues in the United States, however, they are the least likely to receive relevant professional services. Particularly, young Chinese American adults who are influenced by traditional Chinese culture retain a higher reluctance to mental health-related help-seeking behaviors.
Chinese American culture is co-constructed with families through parents’ worldviews, parenting styles, socio-economic statuses, and English proficiency. Several studies also suggest that mothers and fathers in Chinese American families play distinct roles in shaping youngsters’ perceptions of mental health awareness. As a result, the culture perceived from families has a significant impact on young Chinese American adults’ attitudes toward mental health help- seeking behaviors.
Previous studies about the impact of culture on mental health are primarily about Asian Americans and seldom distinguish different cultural identities within the Asian American population. Besides, the results rarely focus on connecting with clinical practices. Although more research about mental health in East Asian populations has been conducted in recent decades, little has been done regarding the largest Asian group in the United States, the Chinese American population.
This qualitative research is conducted with a thematic analytical approach. Participants from across the United States who identify as Chinese American college students between the ages of 18 and 28, and communicate with their families in Chinese languages, will engage in semi-structured in-depth interviews to share their culture-derived mental health experiences. By considering different cultural components, clinicians can better implement culturally appropriate mental health services for the Chinese American population
A Performance Guide to lisabeth-Claude Jacquet de La Guerre’s Cantate Fran oise: Semel
No full textThis study explores one of the French cantatas, Semel , composed by lisabeth-Claude Jacquet de La Guerre (1665–1729) to provide an analysis of her sophisticated text painting and a performance guide for singers. The cantata genre originated in Italy and by the early-eighteenth century, it flourished in France as well: approximately eight hundred French cantatas were composed between 1700 and 1730. lisabeth-Claude Jacquet de La Guerre was among the French composers who adopted the genre, along with Jean-Baptiste Morin (1677–1745), Nicholas Bernier (1664–1734), Fran ois Couperin (1668–1733), and Louis-Nicolas Cl rambault (1676–1749). In 1715, Jacquet de La Guerre published the third volume of her Cantates fran oises, dedicated to her new patron, Elector Maximilian Emanuel II of Bavaria (1662–1726), who resided in France. This book contains three secular cantatas: Semel , L’Isle de D los, and Le Sommeil d\u27Ulisse, all of which were based on mythological stories. These cantatas were written for solo soprano, but each used different instrumentation. In addition to the three secular cantatas, she also added a short comic duet, Le Raccommodement comique de Pierrot et de Nicole, for soprano and bass with basso continuo. My investigation will focus on Jacquet de La Guerre’s first cantata, Semel , including an analysis of the music and of Jacquet de La Guerre’s masterful text painting. I also provide a singer’s performance practice guide for Semel , including tempi recommendations, identification of stylized French dances, instructions for rhythmic alterations, suggestions for ornamentation, an overview of seventeenth-century French pronunciation, and interpretations of Jacquet de La Guerre’s often ambiguous intentions regarding instrumentation
Case Trial Evaluations of an Optimization Approach to Mental Health and Sport Performance for Adolescent Athletes
No full textThis dissertation will consist of five chapters – an introduction (Chapter 1), three original empirical studies (Chapters 2-4), and a conclusion (Chapter 5). Chapter 2 was accepted for publication by the Sport Social Work Journal (Phrathep et al., 2022a). Chapter 3 was accepted for publication by Clinical Case Studies (Phrathep et al., 2022b). Chapter 4 was accepted for publication by Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Phrathep et al., 2023). These three manuscripts are linked by a primary interest in the evaluation of an optimization approach as an efficacious intervention for optimizing mental health and sport performance among adolescent athletes (Donohue et al., 2021). Data for these manuscripts were derived from a battery of standardized assessments that include both self-reports and semi-structured clinical interviews. To provide general background for the studies in this dissertation, the Chapter 1 contains recent evidence on interventions available for adolescent athletes and on how these clinical case studies address the current gap in the literature for services for these athletes
Analyzing Fe/Mg-Silicate Chemical Gardens as Analogs to Silicate-Rich Hydrothermal Chimneys on Early Earth and Mars
No full textHydrothermal systems have been proposed as environments for prebiotic chemistry on early Earth. Ancient Mars was an ocean world and could also have had hydrothermal vents supporting biological or prebiotic processes. The Strytan Hydrothermal Field (SHF) in Iceland is a basalt-hosted alkaline vent that forms massive hydrothermal Mg-saponite chimneys and is a potential analog to basalt-hosted alkaline vents that may have existed at the Eridania basin on Mars, where saponite deposits are thought to have formed from ancient hydrothermal activity. Chemical garden experiments have previously been used to simulate aspects of hydrothermal chimney growth for other types of vent systems; however, they have not been much used in this context of a silica-rich hydrothermal system. Here, we studied the formation of Fe/Mg-silicate injection chemical gardens simulating hydrothermal chimneys that represent analogs of precipitates that could have formed in SHF-like hydrothermal vents on the early Earth and/or early Mars. We found that the Fe/Mg ratio of the exterior (ocean simulant) solutions influenced the simulated chimney chemistry under anoxic conditions, and that the precipitates were enriched in Fe compared to the surrounding solution. Simulated chimney compositions as analyzed by Raman, Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Visible Near Infrared Reflectance spectra were also affected by whether the chimneys were dried and/or heated post-formation. Our data were suggestive of the presence of Mg-clay like minerals such as saponite or sepiolite in the simulated chimneys, along with amorphous/nanocrystalline Fe phases and Fe-hydroxides, hydrated silica, hematite, halite, and gypsum. Although smectites were not able to be definitively confirmed with ethylene glycol treatment and XRD, this could be due to the precipitates being aged for too short a time to allow for crystallization of an ordered smectite. Though we observed evidence for Mg-silicate and clay-like minerals in the chemical gardens, we did not observe any evidence for Fe-silicate or Fe-containing clay-like minerals; only amorphous silica and Fe hydroxides/oxides, similar to what has been observed in previous studies. This suggests that in SHF-like chimneys on early Earth and/or Mars, Mg would have been present as Mg-hydroxides and Mg-silicates (and, in the presence of additional geological components such as Al, likely phyllosilicates or clays), whereas Fe would be present as Fe or Fe:Mg hydroxides. Such chimneys, containing both reactive Fe-hydroxides as well as Mg-clay-like minerals, would have increased potential for mineral-driven prebiotic chemical reactions
Trauma-Related Cognitions and Discrimination as Predictors of Maladaptive Coping Among Marginalized Maltreated Youth
No full textMaltreated youth are at an increased risk for engaging in direct or indirect self-injurious behavior to cope with the aftereffects of a traumatic event. These behaviors are often associated with negative health outcomes, substance use and premature death. Existing research proposes a link between child maltreatment and indirect self-harm but the mechanism into why this occurs is unclear. The present study examined two key research questions: (1) which specific trauma-related cognitions, sexual identity and cultural factors predict direct self-injurious behavior (previous suicide attempt(s) and NSSI) among marginalized maltreated youth?; and (2) which specific trauma-related cognitions, sexual identity and cultural factors predict indirect self-injurious behavior (recklessness, intentional misbehavior, delinquent behavior, problematic sexual behavior, substance use, and running away) among marginalized maltreated youth? A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis identified predictors of direct and indirect self-injurious behaviors. Participants included 133 sexual and racially/ethnically diverse maltreated youth in Department of Family Services (DFS) custody following removal from their home after substantiated child maltreatment. Hypothesis 1 was partially supported. The final models identified several predictors that best determined previous suicide attempt(s) and/or NSSI: (1) negative cognitions of self, (2) sexual orientation, (3) negative cognitions of world, (4) race/ethnicity, and (5) self-blame. Hypothesis 2 was partially supported. The final models identified several predictors that best determined one or more forms of indirect self-injurious behavior: (1) sexual orientation, (2) negative cognitions of self, (3) race/ethnicity, (4) self-blame, (5) experience cultural identity discrimination, (6) age, and (7) gender identity. The findings offer important implications for understanding the relationship between maltreatment, discrimination, trauma-related cognitions, and self-injurious behaviors to better inform assessment and treatment of marginalized maltreated youth
Control of X-Delta Arm and Self-Leveling Robot Systems for UAV Applications
No full textThe water droplet penetration test (WDPT) is an environmental assessment method for analyzing soil properties by measuring the penetration of water droplets into soil. This test provides insights into soil moisture retention and resilience, especially valuable in fire-prone or arid regions where soil recovery and erosion control are essential. Although this project does not conduct an actual WDPT, it investigates two key robotic systems designed to support such applications: an X-delta robot arm, which simulates precise droplet delivery patterns, and a self-leveling platform that ensures stability on uneven terrain, where the X-delta robot is mounted. Together, these systems examine the precision and stability requirements necessary for future autonomous UAV operations in challenging environments.
The X-delta robot arm explores the limitations and capabilities of delivering specific droplet patterns on a flat surface. Through kinematic modeling, simulations, and hardware testing, this project evaluates the robot\u27s ability to perform precise and repeatable motion patterns that could be useful for environmental testing applications. Using real-time feedback from visual sensors, the control system can correct any positional deviations, enhancing the robot’s accuracy.
The self-leveling platform research focuses on a four-legged robotic system designed to adapt to uneven ground by adjusting each leg\u27s length to maintain balance. This component aims to determine the maximum incline the platform can handle without tipping, a crucial feature for UAVs or robotic systems operating on sloped or rugged terrain. Combined, these two systems lay the groundwork for autonomous robotics that integrate precision and adaptability, supporting stable UAV landings and other tasks requiring a leveled platform in varied environments
Gender Stereotyping in an Agricultural Sample
No full textA vast wealth of social psychological research conducted over half a century has demonstrated the consequences of gender stereotypes. However, this research has significant limitations. Namely, generalizability outside of academia and the effects of social change. This study examined a non-academic population that has recently experienced significant gender role redistribution to overcome these limitations. Utilizing a full-cycle research approach consisting of both ethnographic and experimental methods, I examined three research questions: 1) how do gender stereotypes manifest within rural agricultural communities? 2) how is women’s increased participation in agriculture related to changes in gender stereotype use? and 3) how do gender stereotypes in rural, agricultural samples compare to gender stereotypes in urban, university samples? The results of this study provide evidence supporting the development of more comprehensive and inclusive gender stereotyping measures, contribute to scientific knowledge about the variables affecting gender stereotype use, and provide insight into the benefits of examining subcultures in gender stereotyping research
Exploring The Interactive Effects of Officer, Subject, And Encounter Factors on Police Use of Force Outcomes
No full textPolice use of force incidents are highly complex events that can be characterized by factors pertaining to the officers, subjects, and immediate encounter. These factors and the dynamic interrelationships between them encompass the situational context of use of force and have been widely studied in the criminological literature (Bolger, 2015). However, extant research has almost exclusively focused on identifying the main effects of situational factors on use of force with little consideration of how effects may vary across specific situational contexts. This limits our understanding of police use of force and complicates efforts to develop policy or training that ensures police use of force is used safely, fairly, and effectively.
In response to this gap, this study investigates the situational contexts of police use of less-lethal force and injuries to officers and subjects during these incidents with specific attention given to comparing incidents that involve an electronic control weapon (ECW) to those involving hands-on physical tactics. This is accomplished through an incident-level analysis of use of force data from a large law enforcement agency in the United States. Twelve factors are examined based on their alignment with the focal concerns theory, which suggests that police decision-making is affected by officers’ perceptions of blameworthiness, dangerousness, practical constraints and consequences, and a perceptual shorthand. Following previous studies, logistic regression models are employed to identify the main effects of these factors on force outcomes. Next, contextual variability in the effects of these factors is explored with conjunctive analysis of case configurations (CACC).
Findings from the main effects analysis show that several situational factors affect police less-lethal force decisions as well as the likelihood that officers or subjects will be injured during a use of force encounter. The odds of ECW deployments were significantly higher when encounters involved more physical or weapon resistance, pursuits, subjects with a perceived mental illness, more experienced officers, and male subjects, and lower when encounters were officer-initiated. Officers had higher odds of injury when met with physical or weapon resistance, and subjects had higher odds of injury during proactive encounters or those involving pursuits.
The contextual analysis shows that the effects of many factors on use of force outcomes are highly context-specific. CACC revealed that risk of ECW use ranged from 0% to 88% across contexts, officer injury risk ranged from 0% to 33% and officer injury risk ranged from 0 to 100%. Further, situational factors were commonly present in both high and low-risk contexts for each outcome, regardless of their relationship identified in the main effects analysis. Finally, a case-comparative analysis revealed that the effects of factors can vary substantially across contexts (in some cases, effects can range up to 70 points), and these effects can be both negative or positive depending on the particular situational context under consideration. Some factors demonstrated contextually invariant effects. ECW deployment risk was always higher for more experienced officers and when incidents involved a subject with a perceived mental illness. Additionally, subject injury risk was always higher in incidents involving a pursuit.
This study offers a novel approach for analyzing use of force events that yields a more nuanced understanding of the how and why police use their coercive authority. It sets the stage for future applications of case-oriented research in this space that can inform future research efforts and improve practice
Biodiversity Loss & Urban Heat: A Nature- Based Wildlife Policy for the Las Vegas Metro
No full textAs the population of the Las Vegas Metro continues to grow, new developments expand on the periphery. As Las Vegas continues to increase in size and develop further into wildlife habitat, not only are native animals and plants endangered, but residents are at risk of increasingly dangerous urban heat given the increase in impervious cover that makes Las Vegas the 2nd fastest warming metro in the U.S. This policy brief examines current policy and practice in place to highlight the need for positive human-wildlife interaction that will address the growing threat of biodiversity loss and heat vulnerability. This policy brief recommends policy solutions to mitigate these problems including the creation of dual-use wildlife corridors, zoning regulation adjustments to improve native biodiversity in residential and commercial developments, and increased nature-based policies for development and conservation of Southern Nevada lands
U.S. News & World Report 2024 Graduate Program Rankings, UNLV & UNR
No full textThis fact sheet presents 2024 graduate program rankings for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and for the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) based on the data published in spring 2024 by U.S. News and World Report. The graduate program categories reported include business, education, engineering, fine arts, law, medicine and health care, sciences and mathematics, and social sciences and humanities