1406 research outputs found
Sort by
How Do Levels of Cognitive and Affective Empathy Differ in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Compared to Neurotypical Individuals?
No full textINTRODUCTION: This study explores the differences in cognitive and affective empathy between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and neurotypical (NT) individuals.
METHOD: A total of 22 participants (11 ASD, 11 NT), matched by age and gender, completed two validated empathy assessments: the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) for cognitive empathy and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) for affective empathy.
RESULTS: NT participants scored significantly higher on the RMET, indicating stronger cognitive empathy. However, no significant differences were found in the IRI scores, suggesting similar levels of affective empathy across groups. These findings propose that while individuals with ASD may experience difficulties in recognizing others’ emotions, they may still experience great affective responses to empathy. The results display the complicated nature of empathy and its dimensions, and how a lack of cognitive empathy does not undermine one\u27s ability to feel affective empathy. Limitations include a small sample size and the reliance of self-report measures
Development of Iron Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Methane Conversion
No full textMethane, main component of natural gas, is an abundant, inexpensive, and easily accessible resource due to the recent discoveries of natural gas reservoir in US. The purpose of this work is to convert methane to value-added product such as methanol. Methanol can be directly used as a liquid fuel and as a raw material for other industrial process. In this work, a series of novel iron-based catalysts supported on silicon carbide and zirconium oxide were designed and synthesized via a wetness incipient impregnation method. The synthesized catalysts were tested for CH4 oxidation with O2 through a flow bed reactor with controlled CH4 and O2 flow rate and on-line gas chromatography (GC) analysis to determine the catalyst performance. Results showed the formation of methanol, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons under mild conditions (\u3c250°C, atmospheric pressure). Results for pulse CO chemisorption illustrated the number of active sites and temperature- programmed reduction (TPR) displayed the reducibility of active metals and the alloy formation of the bi- and tri-metallic catalysts. Other catalyst characterization such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are to be carried out at Brookhaven National Laboratory with an aim to establish relationships between the activity and properties. This work indicated that the iron-based catalyst we designed enabled the methane conversion to value-added product such as methanol. We believe this study will contribute significantly to the utilization of the abundant and inexpensive methane
Carbon Dioxide Conversion to Value-added Products over Fe Based Heterogeneous Catalysts
No full textCarbon dioxide (CO2) is a well-known greenhouse gas, which traps heat in the atmosphere causing global warming. The purpose of this study is to develop novel iron (Fe) based catalysts to convert CO2 to value added chemicals such as carbon monoxide (CO), methane, ethylene, ethane and fuels. In this work, the heterogeneous Fe-based catalysts were synthesized via a wetness incipient impregnation method. The synthesized catalysts were tested for CO2 hydrogenation through a flow bed reactor with controlled CO2 and hydrogen (H2) flow rate and on-line gas chromatography analysis to determine the catalyst performance such as selectivity, conversion and stability. Results showed that Fe-based catalysts supported on SiO2 produce predominantly carbon monoxide and methane with high efficiency and stability. Characterization for pulse CO chemisorption illustrated the number of active sites and temperature-programmed measurements indicated the reducibility of active metals and the alloy formation of the bi- and tri-metallic catalysts. A good relationship was established between the activity from the testing results and the properties from the characterization results. We believe this study will have a significant impact on alleviating the greenhouse gas emission by understanding the role of Fe in the reaction of CO2 with H
Annotating and Scoring Shakespeare for the Actor
No full textThe poster will demonstrate the artistically annotated script research that make up an actor’s performance score for the role of Berowne in Love\u27s Labour’s Lost. It this will illuminate how an actor works with rhetorical and technical devices to connect to the complexities of Shakespeare’s texts
Assessing the Effectiveness of a Pre-Test Educational Intervention in the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Counseling Setting
No full textIntroduction: Childhood cancers are the second leading cause of death in children, with approximately 9,550 cases predicted in 2025. 8.5-15% of these children have a germline mutation in a cancer predisposition gene, a proportion that increases in the context of rare, early-onset tumors. Genetic testing can guide medical management, facilitate preventative measures or surveillance, and estimate recurrence risk and risks to relatives. However, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding about genetic testing and counseling among parents, though most research on parents’ genetics knowledge has been done in the context of germline testing for research, clinical trials, and cancer survivorship programs. Methods: This study investigated parents’ genetics knowledge and preparedness for their child’s genetic counseling appointment using a mixed-methods approach with the goal to inform pre-test educational materials available at referral. A survey was distributed to parents after appointments at a pediatric cancer center in Manhattan, NY that included questions about demographics, genetics knowledge, and appointment preparedness. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of free-text responses. 10 parents completed the survey between November 2024 and February 2025. Conclusion: Parents reported high genetics knowledge (4.3±0.95) and preparedness scores (5.3±0.95), with 90% expressing satisfaction with the genetics services received. Chi-square analyses and Fisher’s exact tests revealed no significant associations between scores and demographic variables, although parents who felt unprepared for their child’s appointment were more likely to be unsatisfied with their genetic counseling experience (p = 0.0016). Free-text responses highlighted an appreciation of the inclusion of their child during the appointment (20%), the complexity of information relayed before and during an appointment (20%), and that referral difficulties impacted preparedness (10%). Overall, the results indicate that preparedness influences parent satisfaction, further investigation into provider referral practices is warranted, and any future educational materials should be written using accessible language
Effect of Molar Ratios on Fe-Cu-Zn Trimetallic Catalysts for CO₂ Hydrogenation to Value-Added Chemicals
No full textCarbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, altering climate patterns, and causing rising sea levels. To address this issue, we investigated the influence of transition metals—iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—on the catalytic performance of CO₂ hydrogenation to produce environmentally safe and value-added products, such as light olefins. Specifically, the effect of Fe/Cu/Zn molar ratios (10:1:1, 5:1:1, 3:1:1, and 1:1:1) on catalytic efficiency was examined. The metals were combined in their respective ratios as liquid precursors, followed by solvent evaporation and mild thermal treatment. The resulting powders were dried at 65°C overnight, compressed, and packed into quartz tubes for evaluation. The novelty of this study lies in the use of Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺ organometallic complexes along with a Cu acetate solution as precursors, eliminating the traditional calcination step prior to catalyst testing. The catalysts were tested for CO₂ hydrogenation using a flow-bed reactor, with product analysis conducted via online gas chromatography (GC). The results indicated that the Fe/Cu/Zn molar ratio of 1:1:1 demonstrated the highest selectivity and yield for light olefins. These findings suggest that transition metal-based catalysts, particularly Fe-Cu-Zn systems, hold significant potential for CO₂ conversion strategies, contributing to sustainable greenhouse gas mitigation efforts
Pregnancy and Lactation Associated Osteoporosis: Increasing Awareness as the First Step
No full textIntroduction: Pregnancy and Lactation Associated Osteoporosis is a rare condition that was first reported in 1955 by Nordin & Roper. This condition affects pregnant and lactating women causing low bone mineral density resulting in increased risk of fractures. Because of the insidious presentation of this condition, it is often undiagnosed. As a result, there is a scarcity of research, and the exact incidence and prevalence of this condition is unknown. However, it is believed to effect 4 - 8 per 100,000 women (Kovacs, 2016). Purpose: To increase healthcare provider awareness by providing an overview and discussion on what constitutes pregnancy and lactation associated with osteoporosis, the signs and symptoms that may indicate the condition to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Conducted systematic analysis by searching through databases, PubMed, PubMed Central; National Library of Science, CINAHL and Embase. All articles were critiqued, and the data was synthesized. Findings: Signs and symptoms such as lower back or pelvic pain in the late pregnancy and lactation period should prompt a second review of the patients’ medical history and medication regimen. Conclusion: Pregnancy and Lactation Associated Osteoporosis can only be better understood if there is an increased awareness of the condition. Increased awareness will provide a greater data pool which can be utilized for foster research and add to the development of evidence-based practice screening tools. All of which can be utilized to initiate early treatment interventions to reduce or eliminate chronic medical conditions, chronic pain, and/or permanent physical mobility issues
Prenatal Genetic Counselors\u27 Experiences and Self-Assessed Confidence in Delivering Diagnoses of Disorders of Sexual Development (DSDs)
No full textDisorders of sex development (DSDs) are congenital conditions involving atypical chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex development. These conditions were historically diagnosed postnatally, typically after the birth of an infant with ambiguous genitalia or unexpected physical findings. However, with the expanded use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for sex chromosome aneuploidies and detailed prenatal ultrasounds, DSDs are now increasingly identified prenatally due to discrepancies between genetic sex and observed anatomy. This shift has moved diagnosis into the prenatal period, requiring genetic counselors (GCs) to navigate complex and sensitive discussions earlier in pregnancy, presenting new challenges for counseling practice. This study surveyed genetic counselors to assess their self-reported confidence when delivering prenatal DSD diagnoses and to explore consensus on counseling priorities. Participants rated their confidence across several counseling topics, ranked these topics by importance and time allocation, and identified factors that influence their confidence. Counselors reported the highest confidence in supporting reproductive decisions (mean score: 4.3/5) and offering psychosocial support (3.7), while confidence was lower in discussing gender and sexuality (2.7) and medical/surgical management (2.4). Disorder-related symptoms were ranked as the most important topic, with 42% of counselors spending more than 20 minutes discussing it. Significant associations were found between time spent and perceived importance for disorder-related symptoms and psychosocial support. Lower confidence was associated with topics deemed less important, such as sexual orientation and social stigma, indicating a relationship between perceived relevance and topic engagement. Key factors influencing confidence included access to resources (81%), clinical experience and training (73%), continuing education (42%), and interdisciplinary collaboration (38%). These findings underscore the need for targeted training, clinical guidelines, and collaborative care models to help GCs provide informed, confident, and compassionate prenatal counseling for DSD cases
Creating a Culture of Care: An Exploratory Study of the Impact of Community-Building Circles on the Elementary Learning Environment and Classroom Dynamics
No full textProviding students with opportunities to connect has never been more critical, especially in today’s increasingly isolated and divided society. By incorporating community-building circles into the regular classroom routine, educators can positively impact various aspects of students’ experiences in school. Not only does circle practice nurture students’ sense of belonging in the educational community and help them sharpen interpersonal skills, but it also prepares young learners for life beyond school, setting them up for future success. Using principles from Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, Martin Seligman’s well-being theory, and social-emotional learning theory, the researcher in this study examined the influence of community-building circles on the elementary classroom environment to uncover their impact on inclusivity within the learning space. Data were collected from a sample of K-5 teachers in Westchester County, NY. Addressing the research questions involved conducting semi-structured interviews with teachers, observing classrooms, and analyzing student reflections. The data analysis process, which relied on both descriptive and in vivo coding, helped the researcher identify patterns that revealed emergent themes. The following conclusions were drawn: a) community-building circles strengthen classroom relationships and create a sense of belonging for students; b) circle practice promotes inclusivity and elevates student voice; c) circle practice supports the integration of students with diverse experiences and needs; d) consistent engagement in community-building circles builds social-emotional and interpersonal skills
Examining DBT Clinicians’ Perspectives Involving Parents of Emerging Adults in Treatment: A Qualitative Study
Full text linkEmerging adults (ages 18-29) are at a heightened risk for developing mental illnesses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and dying by suicide. Further, some emerging adults are considered to have “failed to launch” from their parents’ homes, leading to a postponement to full-fledged adulthood. While parents often play a significant role in their emerging adults’ lives, there is limited research on evidence-based treatment for emerging adults that systematically incorporate parents. Given the strong research support for Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) that includes parent involvement, it is sensible to consider applying developmentally tailored adaptations to additional populations and understand clinicians’ experiences of doing so in real-world clinical settings. However, there are currently no established guidelines in the literature on how to involve parents of emerging adults in DBT. The purpose of this study was to explore DBT clinicians’ experiences involving parents in their emerging adults’ treatment. Twenty clinical psychologists who have involved parents of emerging adults in DBT treatment participated in semistructured interviews focused on these experiences. Interview transcripts were analyzed by three coders using Auerbach and Silverstein’s (2003) grounded theory methodology. The transcripts were coded for relevant text, repeating ideas, themes, and theoretical constructs. Interrater reliability was assessed and a member check was completed. Three theoretical constructs were identified: 1. Parent Engagement in Emerging Adults’ DBT Can Improve Family Relationships and Increase Parents’ Effectiveness; 2. Challenges to Involving Parents Include Confidentiality, Fostering Independence, Differing Expectations, and Parental Mental Health; 3. Establishing Clear Guidelines for Parent Involvement with Emerging Adults May Enhance DBT and Help Clinicians Structure Treatment Plans. The findings from this study help generate a theoretical framework and recommendations for systematically incorporating parents of emerging adults into DBT treatment