1925 research outputs found
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Exploration of mindfulness skills and COVID-19 anxiety: a latent profile analysis
No full textABSTRACTEXPLORATION OF MINDFULNESS SKILLS AND COVID-19 ANXIETY:
A LATENT PROFILE ANALYSIS
MARIAH MILLER
Consistent with research on the psychosocial impacts of past viral epidemics, emerging work indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is a source of increased psychological distress for many individuals. Although abundant research now documents risk factors for pandemic-related anxiety, far less is understood about protective factors that may help individuals cope with anxiety during ongoing global crises like COVID-19. Mindfulness, i.e., the ability to non-judgmentally attend to life with an open awareness of sensations, perceptions, thoughts, and feelings as they occur, has been linked to improving resilience to distress and has been associated with improved health outcomes. However, mindfulness skills in the general population vary significantly and little is known about how such variability is associated with elevated COVID-19 anxiety. Building on prior literature documenting subgroups of individuals with different levels of mindfulness skills, this study aimed (1) to identify groups with varying levels of mindfulness skills within the general population during COVID-19; and (2) to examine the relationship between mindfulness and COVID-19 anxiety. Using data collected from an online survey of mindfulness and COVID-19 anxiety in 477 adults, a latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to classify individuals according to levels of mindfulness in targeted areas. Consistent with previous studies utilizing populations of college students and clinical samples, the results of this study supported a four-profile solution. Of these groups, the Judgmentally Observing group had the highest COVID-19 anxiety and High Mindfulness group had the lowest COVID-19 anxiety. Results and implications for intervention are discussed in the context of the study’s strengths and limitations.
Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus, coping self-efficacy, anxiety, distress, latent profile analysis (LPA), mindfulness, stres
Recommendations for solar photovoltaic system policies in Nigeria: a comparative policy analysis
No full textIn most developed nations, electric power is widely utilized and available. The situation is different in developing countries where people struggle to receive enough electricity to meet their basic needs. Nigeria is among the developing countries struggling to supply adequate electricity to its citizens. This situation is worse all over the country, especially in the rural communities that view the lack of electricity in their communities as injustice. Recently, on and off grid solar energy has emerged as an alternative source of clean affordable electricity that most countries are already tapping into, and Nigeria is also aiming to invest in this resource. This thesis combines policy comparative tools and energy justice framework to analyze Nigerian solar PV policy and compare it with South Africa’s to examine the best way to utilize this solar resource for its citizens. This paper aims to recommend a good policy to improve the existing solar policies for all communities in Nigeria.
Key findings show that the local private sector strongly supports the South African government in deploying solar PVs, which results in a higher success rate in the policy performance. Another key highlight is the excellent awareness and transparency in the South African contract bidding process and the generous incentives for bidders. This paper concludes by making recommendations to the policymakers in Nigeria on the need to be more transparent in implementing its solar policy. It also recommends transparency of its implementation agenda as well as creating more awareness of its existing benefits
Profile of community college faculty within a neoliberal environment
No full textAs higher education institutions adopt a neoliberal approach to education (Kater, 2017; Levin, 2007), the changes implemented can disrupt the organization (Christensen & Eyring, 2012; Kezar & Sam, 2012). Yet, the effects of neoliberal policies and practice on traditional faculty roles is not well understood and little research has examined this topic. Examining the role of faculty is timely because the most effective governance models within organizational change evolve as the organization evolves (Kezar et al., 2019). It is essential to identify how faculty understand and experience their role traditionally and within a neoliberal environment. This research study seeks to create a profile of faculty members in a neoliberal environment by outlining how faculty understand and experience their role within a neoliberal community college. The primary research question is: In what ways do community college faculty understand and experience their role within the emergence of neoliberal leadership, policies, and practices? The research question was assessed using Saguaro State Community College’s (SSCC) full-time faculty members as a case study to identify how faculty at neoliberal institutions understand and experience their position. The researcher developed a survey to examine three areas of the traditional role of faculty, neoliberal influences at SSCC, and how/if faculty perceive any changes to their role because of neoliberal influences. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive data, ANOVAs, and a t-test. The results indicate that the understanding and experience of faculty within a neoliberal environment are multifaceted. This research study revealed generalizations that can be made about the profile of community college faculty in a neoliberal environment. It also revealed that faculty differ in their understanding and experience based on the demographic factors examined
Seasonal variability in accelerated BMI change among high-risk children in schools and pediatric weight management programs
No full textPrior research has identified seasonal variability of accelerated BMI change in children. Despite their high risk for seasonal accelerated BMI gain, few studies have examined this trend among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and children enrolled in pediatric weight management (PWM) programs. This project had two primary objectives: 1) contribute to gaining insight into seasonal variability of accelerated BMI change among race/ethnic minorities, particularly AI/AN children, by studying longitudinal school-based data from southwestern US; and 2) gain insight into seasonal variability of accelerated BMI change in clinical PWM programs, both in a PWM in southwestern US, as well as a national dataset of similar programs. This project aimed to achieve these objectives by assessing seasonal variability of accelerated BMI change over time from a series of 3 secondary data sources: study 1) data from a southwestern US school district over 3 years; study 2) data from one southwestern US pediatric weight management program over 7 years; and study 3) data from a national sample of 37 PWM programs from the POWER registry over 5 years programs. Each study used linear mixed effects modeling to track change over time in percent of the 95th percentile of BMI, a more accurate outcome than BMI z-score. Across three large, diverse datasets of children, seasonal variability of accelerated BMI change was present, except for children who were healthy weight at baseline in study 1. Patterns of greater seasonal variability of accelerated BMI gain were observed AI/AN children and Hispanic children who were healthy weight compared to non-Hispanic white children who were healthy weight, but no seasonal differences existed across race/ethnicity among children who were overweight or obese. Summer is a high-risk time for accelerated BMI change for children who are overweight or obese, regardless of race/ethnicity and even among children who are enrolled in PWM programs. Study 2 results suggest wintertime could have equally negative impacts on BMI change as summertime. Considering time of year when designing childhood obesity prevention or intervention strategies could help fight the negative effects certain seasons have on BMI change
Abstract synthesis of multi-compartment architectures for use in synthetic cellular communication
No full textIdeas of artificial life, advanced renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence, and other forms of state-of-the-art tech have been thought of as “futuristic endeavors”. Advancements
in bio-inspired materials can contribute to mimicking biological processes in synthetic materials’
design.
In addition to understanding biological systems in terms of communication, recognition,
and synthesis, researchers seek to create synthetic systems in vitro that mimic that of nature.
Striving towards imitating complex biological functionality will allow materials to integrate these
advanced biological functions such as intracellular and intercellular communication and possibly
create new emergent properties in overall materials’ design.
In my research, I investigated a critical aspect of cellular communication, the role of
compartmentalization in functionality and mimicking biological compartmentalization in a
synthetic materials’ design. The premise is to take multi-membrane structures, that mimic
biological organizational constructs to implement controllable intercompartmental
communication. Within this investigation, I studied several organizational strategies based on
amphiphilic block copolymers (ABC) and the biopolymer alginate to create hierarchical
assemblies with the capability of intercompartmental communication. Synthetic communication is
monitored as a function of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between donor and
acceptor dye molecules encapsulated within individual compartments. In this thesis I describe 1)
the synthesis of reproducible alginate microbeads; 2) strategies for encapsulation of dyed ABC
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polymeric micelles within alginate microbeads; and 3) inter-compartmental communication as a
function of FRET.
Overall, we were able to statistically determine that the average diameter of hollow alginate
microbeads is 4.99±0.86 µm and is the top strategy to create translucent, monodispersed alginate
beads for compartmentalization. In addition, we demonstrated that our FRET assay worked and
that we were able to confirm encapsulation of dyed micelles within hollow alginate microbeads
through two methods, spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Lastly, this study provides a
tangible synthesis method of size controlling our synthesized hollow alginate beads through the
inclusion of ethylene glycol. Additionally, there is strong evidence to suggest that FRET is
occurring between different micelles; however, absorption data will be needed for us to evaluate
and calculate concentrations of dyes within our systems. A proposed strategy to gather UV-Vis
data is provided as well
Does drought response change with parental ancestry across a white pine hybrid zone?
No full textHybrid populations of two white pine species, Pinus strobiformis and Pinus flexilis, are found throughout the southwestern United States. Understanding characteristics of hybrid populations will support efforts to conserve natural genetic diversity as trees adapt to climate change. Using the concept of a “dendrophenotype,” or observed variation in tree-ring size that corresponds to a particular stress event in a tree’s life, we calculated four indices of drought response using tree-ring data from nine hybrid geographic sites across Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. We used these indices in combination with hybrid index values (percentage of Pinus strobiformis ancestry inherited by a single hybrid) for sampled individuals to (1) examine relationships between climate, tree-ring sensitivity, and hybrid index, (2) test for relationships between tree-ring-based drought indices (resistance, recovery, resilience, and a Wet:Dry ratio) and hybrid index, and (3) develop multivariate models that predict drought response based on hybrid index and other variables. We found (1) significant correlation between monsoon index and hybrid index, monsoon index and tree-ring sensitivity, and hybrid index and tree-ring sensitivity in sampled populations, (2) little direct connection between hybrid index and four tree-ring-based drought indices, and (3) no predictive relationship between hybrid index and the drought indices, but stronger relationships may be found using different variables. Validation of a relationship between hybrid index and the annual monsoon cycle points to a future genotype-phenotype analysis that could use existing, fine-scale genetic data to further explore the effects of water availability on the inheritance of adaptive traits in hybrid populations
Resilience to Childhood Trauma and Adversity: Exploring Factors that Contribute to Well-being and Success in Adulthood
No full textPast research has demonstrated a variety of negative lifelong outcomes associated with trauma and adversity. However, factors associated with resilience have been shown to act as a buffer and lead to more positive outcomes. The current study used a mixed-methods approach in order to investigate factors that foster resilience to childhood trauma and adversity. The qualitative study was a replication-extension study that evaluated the lived experiences of participants who have survived childhood trauma and adversity and consider themselves successful in adulthood. Factors found to be associated with resilience were a growth mindset, academic achievement, social support, and extracurricular activities. Types of childhood trauma and adversity and definitions of success are also discussed. The quantitative portion of the study evaluated the association of participation in childhood activities on the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and well-being. Inconsistent with the hypothesis, participation in childhood activities did not significantly moderate this relationship. Implications for child serving initiatives, parents, and individuals who have a background of childhood trauma and adversity are discussed
BurkPx: a multiplex serodiagnostic bead assay to detect Burkholderia pseudomallei exposures in non-human primates
No full textMelioidosis is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by the soil-dwelling Gram-negative bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is most well-known for its burden on humans, with an estimated 165,000 human cases per year worldwide, but this illness is equally important for animals, including non-human primates (NHPs). Although there is no published disease burden for NHPs we can look at the handful of reported melioidosis cases dating back to the 1920’s in multiple countries to make the conclusion that burden is not great, but possibly sporadic. Currently the gold standard for detecting B. pseudomallei in humans and animals is to culture from clinical specimens; however, the sensitivity of this technique is subpar. An alternative test, the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) is the standard serological assay for melioidosis, but also has low metrics. The search for a rapid, highly sensitive and specific assay is ongoing. Both direct detection methods like PCR and indirect detection methods like enzyme linked absorbent assays have been developed and evaluated. We have developed a multiplexed serological assay, called BurkPx, which uses purified B. pseudomallei proteins and carbohydrates bound to 21 fluorescently distinct MagPix magnetic beads to standardize a serodiagnostic assay for NHP. We screened B. pseudomallei-challenged (n=115) and non-challenged (n=126) rhesus macaques to explore time-dependent antibody responses and to train two multivariate models, LASSO and Ridge Regression, in differentiating exposure from non-exposure. When cross-validating the model using independent data, 59.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity was observed. However, removal of week 1 samples increased the sensitivity to 91.3%. To our knowledge, this is the first diagnostic tool, a serological multiplex assay, to be formally evaluated for NHPs and results in promising sensitivity and specificity metrics
The effects of hypoxia on Natural Killer cells: linking hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha and metabolism to the anti-tumor response
Get PDFNatural Killer (NK) Cells play an integral role in the anti-tumor immune response by recognizing and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and producing cytokines. The tumor microenvironment (TME) surrounding solid tumors has been characterized as a hypoxic (<1% O2) area. Cellular adaptive responses to hypoxia are mediated by, the master regulator of hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a). However, the effects of hypoxia on NK cell function have been inconclusive. Further, the mechanisms involved in the upregulation of HIF-1a in NK cells has not been described. The studies detailed in this thesis investigate the mechanisms involved in the upregulation of HIF-1a. We demonstrate IL-2 mediated signaling through the PI3K/mTOR pathway is critical for upregulation HIF-1a protein. The proteasomal degradation inhibitor, MG132, revealed that HIF-1a protein is made under normoxia (21% O2) in IL-2 stimulated NK cells but is readily degraded. Other proinflammatory molecules such as IL-12 and IL-18 were able to upregulate HIF-1a protein as well. Freshly isolated human NK cells isolated from the peripheral blood were unable to upregulate HIF-1a in hypoxia, however, once expanded NK cells were able to stabilize HIF-1a. Interestingly, we observed hypoxia enhanced cell killing against the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line DLD-1 and production of IFN-γ in the NKL cell line. However, freshly isolated PBMC NK cells showed impaired killing after hypoxic exposure. Expansion of PBMC NK cells not only increased cytotoxicity, but restored NK cell killing in hypoxia. Both glucose availability and glycolysis were shown to play a role in regulating HIF-1α protein expression in IL-2 stimulated NKL cells under hypoxia. Further, NKL cells upregulated HIF-1α target genes involved in skewing the metabolic needs of NKL cells away from oxidative phosphorylation and to glycolysis under hypoxia
Eintou, or my government name
Get PDFThese poems are working to negotiate joy with sorrow. Upon hearing from an agent that she is no longer accepting stories of Black trauma because she would rather read about joyful Black experiences, I took it upon myself to write through this confliction. Vinson Cunningham wrote this in The New York Times regarding the Black literary movement, “The joy of expression and the sorrow of experience, properly commingled, might result in something new — and true.” I have taken this formula: Joy of Expression + Sorrow of Experience = New/True and have used it to map my work. Joy and sorrow are aware of one another in each poem, they coexist through the speaker’s memory. While recurring images of the Black body appear throughout my work, this is compromised by a memory that shape-shifts. At once the body is an object, then a graveyard, then it is a color asking for permission to ascend. The speaker is learning that perhaps memory itself is not unstable, but it is the present that is unstable. Water (whether earthly or celestial) has often been used in my work to help communicate or is a catalyst for intimacy.
As a Black woman, it is difficult to write without an agenda. As I think about those whose work I am in conversation with, those like Tracy K. Smith, Rita Dove, and Hortense J. Spillers, and those I learn from such as Arthur Sze, and Adrienne Rich to name a few, I am all the while learning from Toni Morrison’s deliberate critique of language while simultaneously elevating it; how this informs my own choreography of language. I am writing to invent—these poems, this collection, voices the Black experience because I am Black, and they are my experiences. I am either writing to carve a space into the canon, or ether, or whatever we are calling our poems’ homes these days, that allows other voices like mine to not be limited to a singular grievance, time, place, or feeling, or I am writing to avoid the canon altogether, which feels like something one only learns in hindsight. The poems here express this deep confliction and are working to convict readers of their own obligations to language and body, specifically, the Black body