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Supporting Emotional Regulation in Elementary Students
No full textThe After-School program at Vincent Shalvey Academy is an elementary school serving approximately a hundred students from transitional kindergarten to 5th grade. Many of the students at Vincent Shalvey Academy are neurodivergent and/or struggle with regulating their emotions. Students often act out or isolate themselves when in distress. Others may even run off, making it challenging to keep track of their whereabouts. A private, safe space was created for students who feel overwhelmed and need time alone, with provided activities and fidget toys to help them self-regulate. It is our goal that this safe space will allow students to step away from any situation in which they feel upset or uncomfortable, and students can pass the time and learn to better manage their emotions through quiet activities. The area is supervised by staff so that students are not left entirely alone and are accounted for. Surveys were handed to students to assess the popularity of this space, its effectiveness, and the number of students that utilize it
Mnemonic Devices for Elementary Age Students
No full textThis project was aimed to address the issue of students not keeping their hands to themselves, particularly first grade through fourth grade students. After conducting a brief interview with the site supervisor at John R Williams Elementary, we decided that one of the most pressing issues was that of students physically touching or disturbing one another, which leads to conflict. To address this, we devised several mnemonic devices to encourage students to keep their hands to themselves. We devised a slogan (Hands in place- Jaguar space!) along with acronyms (P.A.W.S, H.A.N.D.S) and put those mnemonic devices on posters which were then put up in the multipurpose room, which is the central location that students spend most of their time in during the after school program. Students would pass by these posters every day while going in and out of the multipurpose room. It is difficult for us to measure exact data of inter-student conflict, but through direct observation and discourse with after school program employees, we noticed a slight decline in overall conflict since we had begun serving. With that said, there may also be other variables that can contribute to this end, for example a student\u27s growing comfort with an authority figure, or development of inter-student friendship over the course of the year. We conclude that mnemonic devices can be effective tools for decreasing student conflict, particularly for younger elementary aged students
The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication for Treating Major Depressive Disorder in Adults 18-45 and Factors Contributing to Treatment Resistance: A Case Series.
No full textCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications are often used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). After examining the existing research on the treatment of MDD, a study was conducted using a vignette methodology to determine if there is a decreased rate of symptoms for patients who are currently being treated for MDD by a mental health professional utilizing CBT and antidepressant interventions. The study explored the effectiveness of CBT in reducing depressive symptoms when antidepressants alone had limited efficacy. The target population included adult patients experiencing MDD, with some presenting additional challenges such as cultural barriers, difficult diagnoses, and medication compliance issues. The research study’s participants were three patients who were receiving treatment at an outpatient counseling facility and exhibited resistance to MDD treatment despite taking antidepressants. Factors that could have created this resistance were analyzed as part of the study. Each patient’s unique circumstances and treatment plans were also analyzed. After reviewing the study’s data, the research indicated that although there were some regressions or setbacks during treatment, CBT was able to reduce symptoms of MDD for patients who still had symptoms after taking antidepressant medication
Pacific Libraries Generative AI Series – Risk Impacts or Harm Considerations (Session 2)
No full textNavigate the World of Generative AI: A Student-Focused Workshop Series
This three-part video series, developed by University of the Pacific Library & Learning Center, offers students a comprehensive introduction to generative AI technology. From understanding the basics to exploring practical applications and ethical considerations, these workshops provide the essential knowledge needed to use AI tools responsibly in your academic journey at Pacific.
Workshop Series Includes: What is Generative AI? - Demystify the technology behind AI tools like ChatGPT Risk Impacts or Harm Considerations - Explore the ethical implications and potential pitfalls of AI use Tools and Discussion of Use - Discover practical applications and best practices for academic work
Each concise session is designed to build your AI literacy and confidence while ensuring responsible engagement with these emerging technologies
Improve Your Tomorrow Advocates
No full textThis project attempts to improve the awareness of our program, Improve Your Tomorrow, to more schools, communities and parents. With Improve Your Tomorrow, we work to enhance the chances of young men of color of getting into college and furthering their education. The program addresses the systemic barriers and opportunity gaps that often limit educational access for underrepresented groups particularly in underserved communities. By promoting IYT’s mission and services more broadly, this project seeks to build stronger partnerships with local schools, engage parents and guardians, and connect with community leaders who can help guide students toward success. Through survey\u27s and school presentations the goal is to ensure that more young men of color are aware of and can benefit from the life-changing opportunities offered by IYT. Ultimately, this effort supports the larger vision of educational equity, college access, and the empowerment of future leaders
Asian American Leaders in Higher Education
No full textAsian Americans are disproportionately underrepresented in U.S. higher education as administrative leaders. According to the American College President Study produced by the American Council on Education, “Asian Americans made up only 2.7% of all college and university presidents in 2022 while Caucasians represented 72.6%” (Nguyen, 2024). This research explores the experiences and career trajectories of Asian American administrative leaders within higher education systems.
Using a qualitative approach, this research examines existing case studies, interviews, and peer-reviewed articles to identify how intersecting identities shape the experiences of Asian American leaders in higher education. The findings reveal that those from historically privileged groups often hold leadership roles, while marginalized groups, including Asian Americans, face systemic barriers to achieving positions of power. In addition, this research addresses disparities in access to mentors, strong networks, and support systems. “To counter these harsh realities, they form alliances, find identity-informed mentors, collaborate with others, or seek visibility through scholarship or professional service” (Hosoi, 2022).
This research highlights the growing need to bridge the racial and gender divide among educational leaders. This study calls for reformative policies that promote greater inclusion and equity and the establishment of structures that equip Asian Americans with the resources and opportunities essential for career advancement in academia
Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of HDACi Derivatives with Special Stereochemistry
No full textIn designing new therapeutic candidates, it is crucial to consider stereochemistry, as diastereomers and enantiomers of chiral drugs could present distinct affinities toward various biomolecules including the targeted ones, which, in turn, affects a drug’s bioactivity and pharmacology. Among the many families of anti-cancer drugs, some platinum (Pt) agents have been modified to contain chiral ligands such as trans-1(R),2(R)-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) in oxaliplatin. Chirality of the diamine ligands has sparked unique interest in the biological activity of the Pt complexes. Research has shown the R,R-DACH-Pt isomer have better antitumor activity as compared to its S,S-enantiomer counterpart. To incorporate chirality into our ligand designs, previously synthesized histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) were modified to contain S,S-, R,S-, R,R-, or S,R-DACH fragments in the protein surface recognition (cap) domain. The general synthesis scheme of the HDACi derivatives includes a substitution reaction to connect the phenyl group on the cap domain to the linker, an amine-aldehyde condensation and reduction to build the chiral fragments onto the cap, followed by a nucleophilic addition-elimination reaction for the formation of the zinc binding group, and lastly a Boc deprotection to yield the chiral HDACi. Through metalation process, Pt center was installed onto the diaminocyclohexane moiety of the HDACi ligand, resulting in the final HDACi-Pt complex with great stability. The precursors, HDACi ligands, and Pt complexes have been characterized via ESI-LTQ Mass Spectrometry and 600 MHz JEOL nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Addition of the HDACi derivatives on the Pt center, as non-leaving group ligands, could allow two anticancer drugs to reach the cell nucleus at the same time, and potentially alter the reactivity of the bifunctional Pt complexes
The Effects of Father Absence on Society and Development
No full textOne in four American children grow up without a present and involved father. Many detrimental effects have been linked to this absence, including behavioral issues, psychological stress, and trouble in the classroom. This paper investigates the social relevance of fatherhood by looking at how a father\u27s involvement or lack affects both individual growth and more general dynamics of society. Parenting studies historically have mostly addressed mothers\u27 roles. This project aims to investigate how father absence influences a child\u27s growth in the United States. While Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner) studies the social and natural surroundings, Attachment Theory (Bowlby & Ainsworth) and Social Learning Theory (Bandura) clarify the results about emotions and behavior.
Different methods are being used to handle the research. This entails looking at national data on infancy, toddler, child and teenage development, as well as studies in sociology and psychology vetted by experts since 2020. This initiative looks at several important areas including mental health, academic performance, dangerous/risky behavior, and personal relationships. The data concentrates on human stories to give statistical results in depth and show the validity of lived experience as sociological data. Early results show that lower behavior development, academic, and mental health outcomes are rather correlated with father absence. Children growing up in fatherless homes are more likely to have emotional control problems, anxiety, hopelessness, poor performance in school, and be involved in criminal activity. On the other hand, the studies show that those growing up with an involved and present father or father figure showed amazing social conduct, defined goals, and more emotional stability.
This study is significant since it examines a systematic issue not always discussed in public discourse about inequality and development. Though single motherhood receives a lot of attention, the position the father plays in policies and programs supporting families, children, and society is sometimes underlined or omitted. This study\u27s findings indicate that early intervention, fatherhood education, co-parenting support, and mentoring programs could help to reduce the social and financial expenses over time by addressing father absence. These findings support an increasing movement in public policy and sociology whereby father engagement is seen as a protection element enabling children to do better in life and strengthens families and communities
Whale-Timed Harmonies: Temporal Coordination in Humpback Duet Calls
No full textHumpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate annually to their feeding grounds in the Gulf of Alaska. Some of them perform bubble-net feeding there, a cooperative foraging strategy requiring precisely coordinated behaviors (Hanser, 2009). A small group of whales work together to form a net of bubbles around their prey, and produce long sequences of loud, low-frequency ‘food’ calls, which likely function to disorient the fish, making for easier prey capture (Sharpe, 1984). We observed that sometimes multiple whales would produce food calls simultaneously, harmonizing their vocalizations over at least part of a call. These ‘duets’ may function to enhance food call effectiveness by amplifying the impact of vocalizations (Selbmann et al., 2023). Simultaneous vocalizations may also help coordinate the group by acting as a ‘go’ signal (Muntz & Patterson, 2004). These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive. We used Audacity sound analysis software to investigate the role of vocal duets by analyzing acoustic recordings of whales performing bubble-net feeding. We classified duets into three types based on timing of duets and the number of calls involved: Group 1 had duets with multiple calls in the beginning or middle, Group 2 had duets with multiple calls at the end, and Group 3 had a duet on the last call only. We tested our hypotheses by comparing the success of food call series from each group with the success of randomly selected ‘control’ series. These were food call series of similar length, recorded on the same day, but without duets. If duets just amplify the effect of food calls, we expected Group 1 to result in successful feeding events more often than other groups. If duets amplify call effectiveness and help coordinate group behavior, we expected Group 2 to result in successful events more often, and if duets just serve as a ‘go’ signal, we expected Group 3 to result in successful events more often
Investigating YAP1 Expression in Patiria miniata: Unveiling the Role of a Key Regulator of Stem Cell Biology
No full textOften, biological research is conducted using model organisms, leaving a wide knowledge gap in other walks of life. Patiria miniata, a species of sea stars, is a non-model organism that piques interest due to its regenerative capabilities. We hypothesize that sea stars follow similar aging biology as the closely related species, sea urchin, and are not at increased risk for age-related diseases (such as cancer) as they get older. This is in contrast with humans, who are at significant risk of contracting age-related diseases as they increase in chronological age. One aging-related molecule in humans is YAP1, a transcriptional coactivator, typically involved in maintenance of a stem cell state. YAP1 is involved in many biological contexts including development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer progression. We propose that understanding YAP1 biology in sea stars can provide insight into human stem cell and aging biology. We first wanted to determine when YAP1 is expressed during the Patiria miniata life cycle. We performed RNA In Situ Hybridization in development to indicate where the YAP1 gene is expressed. We also performed Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction in development and adult samples to measure YAP1 expression levels. Our results show that YAP1 is present in all cell types during development, with the highest expression in the larval stage. Among adult tissues analyzed—gonads, tube feet, and digestive tissue—expression levels varied. Tube feet and digestive tissue showed relatively even YAP1 expression across samples, while gonads revealed intriguing data suggesting differences between male and female tissues