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Limited Supermarket Access Areas in the Mountain West, 2010-2020
No full textThis fact sheet presents data on limited supermarket access areas in the Mountain West from 2010 to 2020. The “Limited Supermarket Access Analysis” report, published by the Reinvestment Fund, offers data for populations that reside in Limited Supermarket Access (LSA) areas in U.S. states and in major U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) with a population of at least 1,000,000 people. This fact sheet presents both state-level and MSA-level data for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah
The Chemistry Workforce in the Mountain West, 2022
No full textThis fact sheet presents 2022 data on the industrial chemistry workforce in five Mountain West states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC’s) report, “2023 Guide to the Business of Chemistry,” offers insights into the chemistry industry’s role in the U.S. economy. This fact sheet focuses on 2022 state-level data related to the number of chemistry establishments, the number of individuals employed in the industry, and the average wages and salaries of industry workers in the Mountain West
Foster Care in Nevada, 2019-2023
No full textThis fact sheet examines data for foster youth populations in Nevada, with a particular focus on foster care bed availability and placements within the state. The data are sourced from the report “Division of Child and Family Services – Data Book as of June 30, 2023,”1 a database from the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) within Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services
Predicting the Response of Tendon-Driven Prosthetic Finger with Hyperelastic Joints
No full textProperly designed prosthetics hands can enhance the quality of life for those suffering from limb loss. Recently, 3D-printed prosthetic hands are becoming common. In these prostheses, fingers flex through the tendons that are activated by motion of the wrist. To provide spring action, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) hyperelastic joints are used to connect digits to each other as well as to the wrist. While these designs are common, no model for the relationship between tendon tension and joint flexion is available. This work has developed a quasi-static virtual work-based model to predict the relationship between tendon forces and the flexion of the digits of a prosthetic finger with TPU joints. The equivalent spring stiffnesses of the joints were determined based on the results of flexural tests. The proposed model was verified experimentally to model errors \u3c 5.5 % under different loads. The proposed model can be used to design tendon-actuated fingers with TPU joints effectively
Binge Eating Behaviors in Muslim Women During Ramadan Fasting
No full textAlthough food restriction is associated with binge-eating symptoms (Herman & Mack, 1975; Dakanalis et al., 2014), less is known about the effect of religious fasting. During the holy month of Ramadan, many Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Hasan et al. (2021) suggested that in Muslim-minority countries where fasting is less common, Ramadan fasting could be associated with negative consequences related to eating and body image, such as increased preoccupation with appearance and food. At the same time, religiosity might also function as a protective factor against mental health symptoms (Mussap, 2009). To my knowledge, no studies have examined the impact of Ramadan fasting on eating-disorder outcomes in the United States. I thus recruited N = 56 Muslim women who completed baseline and weekly questionnaires assessing religious fasting and mental health symptoms before, during, and after Ramadan. Results were analyzed using paired t tests in which symptoms were investigated across time periods - before, during, and after Ramadan, as well as a multiple regression analysis. I hypothesized that binge eating symptoms would be higher during Ramadan compared to before and after Ramadan, general eating disorder symptoms would be higher during Ramadan compared to before and after Ramadan, there would be a positive significant relationship between days fasted and binge eating symptoms during Ramadan, depression symptoms would be lower during Ramadan compared to before and after Ramadan, and anxiety symptoms would be lower during Ramadan compared to before and after Ramadan. Results show that Ramadan fasting was associated with a statistically significant decrease in binge eating, change in eating disorder, and anxiety symptoms; but no significant changes in depression symptoms. There might be protective factors that buffer against ED symptoms. Future studies should investigate these mechanisms to enhance the wellbeing of this population
Let’s Be Real: How Do Inclusive Practice Changes Affect the Employees’ Authenticity and Intention to Stay in The Hospitality Industry?
No full textWith recent political changes in the United States, diversity and inclusion has become a widely discussed topic as the restriction in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives of the Federal Government has resulted in organizations revising their diversity management policies (Cerullo, 2025; The White House, 2025). This calls for investigating how this organizational shift – both in expansion and retraction of inclusive practices – can affect the employees. Therefore, this study explores how the changes in inclusive practices in organizations can affect employee outcomes in the hospitality industry, such as their authenticity at work, intention to stay with the organization, and quality of work-life. Furthermore, the impact of employees’ authenticity at work on intention to stay and quality of work-life was explored. Lastly, the mediation effect of authenticity at work on the relationship between inclusive practices and employee outcomes is also investigated. Results obtained through an online survey showed that the expansion of inclusive practices increase hospitality employees’ intention to stay and quality of work-life, while it was shown not to have an impact on their authenticity at work. However, it was identified that employees’ higher authenticity at work enhances their intention to stay and quality of work-life, while it was shown that authenticity at work does not mediate the relationship between inclusive practices, intention to stay, and quality of work-life. The findings of the study expand what is known in the hospitality diversity literature by investigating the effect of changes in organizational inclusive practices and suggest hospitality organizations refrain from retracting them
Maximizing Functional Independence and Well-Being: The Impact of Sensory Impairments on IADLS and Functional Mobility Skills
No full textObjective: Sensory impairments involving vision and hearing among the adult population are predicted to double by 2030 (Gutherie et al., 2018). Individuals with experiences of sensory impairments like low vision are at risk of decreased functional participation in their homes and communities, which often leads to mental health concerns due to social withdrawal, experiences with environmental barriers, and limited occupational engagement (Bezyak et al., 2017; Gerami et al., 2015; Pfeiffer et al., 2020; Vreeken et al., 2020). This doctoral capstone focused on program evaluation to support adults with low vision and blindness in transferring learned skills from a simulated environment to the preferred real-world environment. Methods: Through purposive sampling, there were a total of seven participants and five of their caregivers within the two training groups offered. Two needs assessments were completed to support the program evaluation on transferability and quality through semi-structured interviews and observations. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Caregiver Burden Scale assessments were completed during week one and week five of the program. Lastly, the COPM was being completed for a third time during week seven. Findings: Data was collected and analyzed based on the results from the COPM and Caregiver Burden Scale at the end of this project. Upon the program’s conclusion, a change was noted in the participants\u27 perceived levels of performance and satisfaction by the end of week seven compared to week one, indicating an increase in skills learned from the group training, contributing to increased independence in natural environments. The experience of caregiver burden slightly decreased after participants completed the program. Conclusion: With the benefit of participating in blind life skills training, there was an increase in self-efficacy and functional independence amongst individuals with sensory impairments. Occupational therapy can further promote the well-being and participation in daily life skills for individuals. It is recommended to consider and research the benefits of group training to further support occupational engagement, particularly sensory impairments target population
Biomechanical Accommodation: Learning to Move in The Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill
No full textIn 2022, 31% of the global population were considered physically inactive. Running and walking are two forms of natural human locomotion that are both sufficient and easily accessible ways to meet the physical activity guidelines. Running is a popular activity; however, many individuals who participate are faced with overuse injuries. These injuries are caused by repetitive ground reaction forces (vGRF) applied with each foot-strike. Evidence has reported that runners who get injured do not replace running with another form of physical activity. This causes a cycle of physical inactivity to develop that is difficult to break out from. When considering populations that are currently inactive, walking is an approachable form of improving health and fitness. Walking has lower vGRFs associated, but for those who are currently inactive, walking can cause overloading issues at their lower extremity. Discomfort and low self-confidence have been reported to be reasons for early physical activity program dropouts. For both running and walking, providing bodyweight support can minimize potential discomfort and be supplemented in training programs. The Lower body positive pressure treadmill (LBPPT) is a tool that works to provide air pressure and reduce the vGRFs that during both running and walking. However, the LBPPT is a novel environment for many participants, and many previous investigations have focused on short trials. The disagreements regarding LBPPT findings may be attributed to the lack of consideration of this effect, or an accommodation period. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the presence of an accommodation period during LBPPT running and walking across two populations. The series of studies assessed the effect of prolonged running and walking on the LBPPT to understand the influence on devices on gait. The LBPPT causes changes to preferred movement patterns that cause inconsistencies in both running and walking gait. We were able to identify the point of accommodation during both exercises and provide a framework for utilizing the LBPPT for training
The Development of Violin Art in China and the Exchange of Eastern and Western Elements: A Case Study of Fritz Kreisler\u27s Tambourin Chinois
No full textThe Violin, often regarded as one of the most expressive and versatile instruments in the world, holds a central place in both Western and non-Western musical traditions. Its wide dynamic range, tonal flexibility, and unmatched capacity for nuanced expression have allowed it to transcend cultural boundaries and play a key role in the development of diverse musical genres. From classical symphonies and chamber music to folk, jazz, and even popular music, the violin\u27s distinctive voice can be heard shaping the sonic identity of cultures across the globe. In the context of Chinese music, the violin\u27s influence has grown significantly since its introduction to China in 1673, when it was introduced to China. Initially, Chinese composers and musicians primarily focused on replicating Western works, as the instrument was largely viewed through a Western classical lens. However, over time, with the dedication and innovation of numerous Chinese composers and performers, such as Li Zili (b.1938), Xiao Youmei (1884-1940), Ma Sicong (1912-1987) and Yang Baozhi (b. 1935), the violin has become deeply embedded in China\u27s own musical evolution. These pioneers began to create original violin works that reflected the distinctive elements of Chinese folk music, tonal systems, and performance practices, leading to the emergence of a uniquely Chinese violin repertoire. The development of this repertoire marked an important step in the violin\u27s localization, contributing greatly to the nationalization of violin artistry in China.As a core instrument in the Western classical tradition, the violin has evolved not only as a vehicle for virtuosic display but also as a conduit for artistic and cultural exchange. Its adaptability has facilitated the integration of various musical elements from around the world, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries, with the development of violin artistry, an increasing number of Western composers have begun to infuse their compositions with non-Western musical elements. As the number of Chinese violin compositions grew, so did the interest of Western composers in the distinctive characteristics of Chinese musical idioms. Many Western composers began to incorporate elements of Chinese music into their violin works, such as pentatonic scales, Chinese melodic ornamentation, and unique timbral effects. Prominent examples include Gustav Mahler\u27s Das Lied von der Erde, where Mahler incorporates Chinese poetry and utilizes pentatonic scales to evoke Eastern aesthetics, and Fritz Kreisler\u27s Tambourin Chinois, which employs Chinese-inspired melodic motifs and rhythms to create an exotic soundscape. Furthermore, Chinese-American composers such as Chou Wenchung (1923-2019) and Tan Dun (b.1957) have been at the forefront of integrating Eastern musical elements into Western music. Chou Wen-chung, one of the earliest composers to introduce Eastern melodies and rhythms into contemporary Western music, is known for his works such as Landscapes (1949) and Eternal Pine (1948), which seamlessly blend Chinese musical concepts with Western compositional techniques. Similarly, Tan Dun, a prolific composer, has gained international recognition for his works that bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions. His Ghost Opera (1994) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) are prime examples of his unique approach to merging traditional Chinese instruments and musical elements with Western orchestral music. This exchange of ideas between Chinese and Western traditions has enriched the global violin repertoire, creating a new, hybrid musical language that is representative of deeper cross-cultural dialogue. The integration of Chinese musical elements in Western violin music not only highlights the versatility of the instrument but also fosters a greater appreciation for the cultural synthesis that can be achieved through music. Given this background, this paper will explore the utilization, integration, and performance techniques of Chinese musical elements in violin repertoire, examining how these elements have been adopted and adapted within both Chinese and Western musical contexts. A central focus will be on Fritz Kreisler\u27s Tambourin Chinois, a seminal work that exemplifies the incorporation of Chinese musical motifs into Western violin literature. By analyzing this piece, the study illustrates the ways in which Western composers have engaged with Chinese musical aesthetics, integrating pentatonic scales, modal harmonies, and characteristic rhythms into their compositions. The research highlights how the violin serves as a bridge, not only between musical traditions but also between cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of global music
Emerging Adult Gamers: Nutritional Insights on Dietary Intake, Physical Well-Being, and Occupational Performance
No full textThis study aimed to gather insights from Emerging Adult (EA) gamers (between 18 and 24) regarding their nutritional literacy, dietary patterns, and its potential impacts on their occupational performance and physical well-being. There is a need to gather gamers\u27 perspectives to identify the specific facilitators and barriers regarding their ability to discern appropriate dietary choices, as it provides more information regarding preventative and client-centered measures for future healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to address this population\u27s needs, as the profession\u27s holistic principles allow for a well-rounded and sustainable approach. Additionally, growing emphasis is placed on preventative rather than reactionary measures to facilitate improved quality of life (QOL) over a prolonged period. This study was completed through a focus group of seven individuals who fit the criteria for age, self-identifying as gamers, and being non-nutritional science majors. Participants were recruited at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where word of mouth, social media announcements, and promotional posters provided study details. Audio recordings were transcribed, and qualitative analysis was conducted by the doctoral researcher and verified by the Principal Investigator, utilizing a codebook for validation, code congruency, and consensus. The data suggests that EA gamers are highly self-aware of gaming stereotypes, internal/external constraints, and cultural influences, which ultimately guide their decision-making regarding dietary patterns and influence their physical well-being and occupational performance. Future researchers could build on this study by creating structured questionnaires that help develop preventative measures and tailored interventions or conduct several focus groups with a diverse sample size to improve the generalizability of findings