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Examining Effects of Personality Functioning and Defense in Aggressive Dream Narratives
No full textBackground: Psychoanalytic theory traditionally supposes that dreams are a window into an individual\u27s unconscious conflicts, meaning that dreams are discontinuous with one’s waking life concerns and may reveal what drives their defense; this is known as the compensation theory of dreaming. Contemporary dream research has been influenced by Hall (1972) and Domhoff (2011), who argue that dream content is continuous with one’s waking-life concerns; this is known as the continuity hypothesis of dreaming.
Objective: The compensatory and continuity standpoints suggest opposing directions to a clinician who would aim to utilize dream reports in psychotherapy. Based on compensation, a clinician should consider the unconscious meaning behind the content of the dream narrative. Based on continuity, the clinician should be concerned with the manifest content itself. Aggression in dream narratives was chosen as the construct to utilize for further investigation of the compensation/continuity debate because of its centrality to dream narratives in both clinical and normative populations. Materials and methods: A seven-day dream diary was collected from participants and coded using the Hall and Van de Castle dream content coding system; demographic data and questionnaires, including the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and DSM-5 Levels of Personality Functioning (DLOPFQ) – Short Form, were administered. Data analysis consisted of preliminary analyses, logistic regression analyses, and multiple linear regression.
Results: The predictive relationship between immature defense style and the likelihood of being the aggressor in aggressive dream narratives was significant and positive. That is, it was found that the more immaturely defended someone was, the more likely they were to report being the aggressor in their aggressive dream narratives.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present analysis, it appears that the relationship between defense style and aggressor role in dream narratives is more in line with the continuity hypothesis than the compensatory theory
No Music on a Dead Planet”: How Indonesian Grassroots Change-Makers Use Music to Declare a Climate Emergency
No full textThe escalating threat posed by the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation highlights the urgent need for an immediate governmental response to avert a looming global catastrophe. This research focuses on the Music Declares Emergency Indonesia movement, a local chapter of an international initiative leveraging the cultural and economic influence of the music industry to advocate for systemic changes in addressing climate and ecological challenges. Utilizing an interdisciplinary qualitative approach, the study employs participatory action research methods, including participant observations and interviews with musicians and organizers, complemented by a comprehensive literature review. The findings illuminate music\u27s pivotal role in fostering connections across interconnected issues and facilitating collaborative engagement among organizers, musicians, and audiences in intersectional change-making. Results also indicate a transformative journey for individuals within the musical community, transitioning from loneliness to a sense of connection and collaboration. The research underscores the unique manifestations of Indonesian cultural identity within this global movement, offering valuable insights into the local dimensions of this critical issue while also underscoring the importance of collective action and cultural context in addressing global challenges
Student Experience with the National American College of Clinical Pharmacy Clinical Research Challenge (CRC)
No full textIntroduction: While attending LIU Pharmacy, we have been taught various topics including clinical pharmacy, evaluation of primary literature, biostatistics, and more. These are areas and skills we applied while competing in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Clinical Research Challenge (CRC). The ACCP CRC is a national competition, composed of multiple rounds, challenging students to put their clinical research skills to the test. Each round tests understanding, extrapolation, and innovation on a new independent idea. The objective of this presentation is to describe the experience of pharmacy students competing on a national level, showcasing and applying research skills essential to clinical pharmacy.
Methods: The local competition and first round of the national competition provided students with journal articles for interpretation. The students then completed an exam answering questions regarding the article. The second and third rounds push students to develop an idea, focused on a specific topic and prepare a Letter of Intent (Round 2) and Research Proposal (Round 3). The topic of this year’s CRC focused on clinical pharmacy services in solid organ transplant. Our group developed a letter of intent, proposing a research study evaluating belatacept dosing in obese kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).
Results of such a study may change dosing recommendations in a specific demo- graphic of KTRs, impacting clinical practice. Despite challenges, participating in this competition has been a very positive experience and we are striving for a place presenting at the ACCP Annual Meeting. Conclusion: Our LIU Pharmacy team is currently participating in Round 3 of the national competition (Top 20 teams). Participating in the National ACCP CRC has allowed student pharmacists to develop and apply clinical research skills to prepare them for future clinical practice
Aduhelm: Revisting the Phase 3 Trials and the FDA Approval Decision
No full textIntroduction: Age brings about mild cognitive changes, while dementia, involving memory loss, disrupts daily life. Understanding Alzheimer\u27s Disease centers on the amyloid beta theory, with conflicting evidence and genetic influences. Aduhelm, as seen in Figure 1, is developed by Biogen and Eisai and targets brain amyloid beta for treatment. Based on the ENGAGE and EMERGE trials, Aduhelm has sparked scientific debate about its FDA approval for use in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Purpose: The cure for Alzheimer’s Disease without a proven pathogenesis? Investigating the differences in primary and secondary outcomes of Aduhelm Phase 3 Clinical Trials
Methods: A literature review was conducted to collect the Aduhelm Phase 3 trials (ENGAGE and EMERGE), as well as any relevant meta analyses and systematic reviews. All resources were identified through a computerized search of PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and New England Journal of Medicine. Key search terms included: Aduhelm, aducanumab, Alzheimer’s Disease, beta-amyloid, and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. Article types were filtered by date to focus on scientific literature after the approval of Aduhelm.
Results: Patients treated with high dose aducanumab in the EMERGE trial had significantly less progression in Alzheimer’s than those in the ENGAGE trial who were treat- ed with high dose aducanumab after 78 weeks. Additionally, amyloid PET scans showed significant decrease in amyloid in patients treated with high dose aducanumab in the EMERGE trial. As a result, EMERGE was able to meet the primary endpoint (CDR-SB) and three secondary endpoints (MMSE, ADAS-Cog13, ADCS-ADL-MCI) which demonstrated the clinical benefit of high dose aducanumab over the placebo. On the other hand, ENGAGE did not meet the endpoints that signified a clinical benefit to the use of high dose aducanumab.
Conclusion: Aduhelm’s (aducanumab) accelerated approval based on the reduction in the beta amyloid biomarker which resulted in improved cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease, as demonstrated by the EMERGE trial. With the conflicting clinical trial data, high cost for patients, serious adverse events, and theoretical pathogenesis for Alzheimer’s disease, Aduhelm’s approval was not warranted. Another phase 3 trial should have been sanctioned before its approval to solidify/refute its clinical benefit
The Impact of Social Media Exposure and Engagement on Body Image Perceptions in Sexual Minority Men
No full textThe present study examined the impact that social media has on body image perception and dissatisfaction on sexual minority men. Emerging research suggests that sexual minority men are more likely to experience body image dissatisfaction and adverse health impacts than heterosexual men due to amplified focus on body image within the gay community (Doyle et al., 2014). Furthermore, research continues to show strong correlations between portrayals of idealized masculinity in the media to increases in body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder amongst sexual minority men (Leit et al., 2002). While much research has been done on the impact of social media on body image for women, little research has been conducted on impact on sexual minority men. This study aims to bridge that gap by recruiting a sample of 52 sexual minority male participants and 51 heterosexual male participants to complete the Social Media Use Integration Scale (Jenkins- Guarnieri et al., 2013), and the Male Body Attitudes Scale (Tylka et al., 2005) to evaluate participants’ views and experiences on how exposure to social media potentially impacts their body image perception and satisfaction. A moderation model was used to examine the impact of social media exposure on body image perceptions between heterosexual and sexual minority participants. Results demonstrated that the model was significant and accounted for 27.7% of the variance in negative body image perceptions in sexual minority men. This indicated that sexual minority male participants experience exacerbated negative body image as a result of social media exposure and engagement
Evaluating Vancomycin Susceptibility Trends Against Clinical Enterococcus Faecalis Isolates in a New York City Health-system
No full textIntroduction: Enterococcus faecalis vancomycin resistance (VRE) is emerging, with mortality rates up to 21%. Isolates with elevated penicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC; 4-8 μg/mL) are more likely to be VRE, emphasizing the importance of understanding susceptibility patterns, and accurately predicting them. Our research aims to investigate the current susceptibility patterns of E. faecalis isolates against vancomycin and the predictability of MicroScan Walkaway.
Methods: Across a New York City health-system, 46 E. faecalis blood isolates were selected from July 2019 to June 2021. Of the isolates, 10 were penicillin-susceptible (MIC ≤2 μg/mL) and 36 were borderline penicillin-resistant (MIC 4-8 μg/mL), from which we chose 24 VRE isolates. Vancomycin MICs were determined via broth microdilution (BMD) per CLSI standards and were categorized as resistant, intermediate or susceptible (MIC ≥32 μg/mL, 8-16 μg/mL or ≤4 μg/mL, respectively). MIC susceptibility categories were compared between BMD and MicroScan Walkaway results in 44 isolates. Categorical agreement was the number of isolates with the same susceptibility interpretation. Errors were considered very major (susceptible by MicroScan, resistant by BMD), major (resistant by MicroScan, susceptible by BMD) or minor (intermediate by one, resistant/susceptible by the other). Acceptable performance was defined as ≤1.5% very major errors, ≤3.0% major errors or an overall category error ≤10%.
Conclusions: Overall, 52.2% of isolates were VRE, and of the borderline penicillin-resistant isolates, 66.7% were VRE. When determining the performance of MicroScan, The categorical agreement between MicroScan and BMD was 95.5%. There were two (4.5%) major errors and no very major or minor errors identified. Our findings show that about half of our isolates were VRE and we observed a positive correlation between VRE and borderline penicillin-resistant isolates. Overall, MicroScan did not demonstrate acceptable performance in predicting vancomycin MICs
Digital Transformations in the Hotel Industry
Get PDFNew technologies are changing the way business is done in the hospitality industry. This research explores the emerging field of technology in the hotel industry. This research examines the significant influence of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in driving digital transformations in the hotel industry. With the evolution of the global hospitality sector, the in-corporation of advanced digital technologies has become essential for hotels aiming to elevate customer experiences, operational efficiency, and overall competitiveness. The research observes key components of digital transformation in the hotel industry, including but not limited to online booking systems, mobile applications, data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence. Through review of industry literature and case studies, this research will ex-plain how these technological advancements are reshaping traditional hotel operations, guest interactions, and business models. Additionally, the research dives into both the challenges and opportunities that accompany the adoption of Information Communication Technology in the hotel sector. Addressing concerns such as cybersecurity and exploring the potential for personalized guest experiences, the study illustrates the diverse effects of digital transformations. The research findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders in the hotel industry, technology providers, and academia, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing digital revolution in the hospitality sector. As the hotel industry deals with the details of a quickly changing technological environment, this study functions as a guide for making informed decisions and strategic plans, ensuring that hotels can fully control the benefits of digital transformations to flourish in the contemporary hospitality sector
Breaking Down Barriers: Improving Asian American Mental Health
No full textMental illness is a significant concern affecting millions of people in the United States every year. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five U.S. adults and one in six U.S. youth experience a mental health illness yearly. Shockingly, 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, and 75% by the age of 24. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), 37% of Asian American adults reported that their mental health status was not good. Astonishingly, 73.1% of these individuals did not receive treatment, compared to 56.7% of the overall population. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH, 2019) states that suicide is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans aged 15-24. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in the US yet have the lowest rate of utilizing mental health services. They also remain the most understudied ethnic group, leading to a lack of understanding of the reasons behind this disparity and how to address it effectively. This research aims to investigate the barriers that hinder Asian Americans from accessing mental health services at different levels, such as individual, cultural, societal, physical, and structural. It also examines differences in mental health service utilization between first-generation immigrant and US-born Asian Americans, and the relationship between socioeconomic status and help-seeking behavior in the Asian American population. This study\u27s findings could help develop strategies to improve mental health service access and utilization among Asian Americans. Social workers must contribute to research and designs to address this issue and improve the well-being of Asian American individuals, groups, or communities. By increasing access and improving help-seeking behavior, social workers can mitigate the mental health disparities that have long plagued this population
Collectivism and efficacy: Relationship to academic performance in early adolescents
Get PDFThis study explored the mathematics efficacy beliefs of 270 South Asian (Indo American) immigrant and Anglo American nonimmigrant 7th grade students. Self-efficacy beliefs strongly predicted mathematics performance for both cultural groups, but there were differences between the 2 groups in the sources of self-efficacy, the predictiveness of the secondary motivation variables. It is argued that the Indo American students are more vertical or hierarchical than the Anglo-American students and that comparison with others strongly influences their motivation beliefs and the formation of their efficacy beliefs. Self-efficacy in some cultures may be more other-oriented than is typically seen in Western cultures. A caution against generalizing about Asian populations is given, and implications
FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY AND ACADEMIC OUTCOMES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FIRST-YEAR PELL GRANT RECIPIENTS AT URBAN AND SUBURBAN PRIVATE FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES
Get PDFStudents’ financial literacy and academic success are essential determinants of their ability to offer socio-economic value and afford college. One of the burning concerns in college education for years has been the differences in the funding difficulties that students experience based on whether the college is located in an urban or suburban setting. This quantitative study focuses on the difference in graduation rates of Pell-eligible first-time students enrolled in private four-year institutions in urban areas compared to suburban areas. Focusing mainly on urban and suburban environments, the investigation is mainly concerned with understanding the role of locations of universities in shaping students\u27 opportunities for success in continuing their education and in the future. The study targets private medium-sized universities offering four-year programs for students within a population of 2500 to 15000 and explores the relationship between contextualized financial constraints and graduation rates among these students. The findings of this study indicate that the number of eligible first-year Pell Grant students was not significantly different between urban and suburban institutions. Likewise, it did not find the variation of graduation rates across groups in the two geographic locations, and therefore, it can be concluded that the graduation rate may not in fact be affected by geographic location. The results of the study are relevant to higher education, policy, and practice since the results offer significant information on the effect of geographic location on academic success and graduation rates of Pell Grant recipient first-year private four-year institutions. The study suggests another research work that could employ qualitative interviews or focus group studies to get more information on the students’ attitude, concerns, and overall satisfaction with the existing financial assistance system. Furthermore, the study suggests extending the research beyond the current higher education climates to increase the chances of identifying how financial aid affects college outcomes