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Can You See Nature?
No full textCan You See Nature? is an 8-part song cycle designed for various voice types and flutes, accompanied by piano. This cycle explores themes of nature and emotion through vivid poetic imagery. It features poems by Victor Hugo, William Blake, Sara Teasdale, and Madison James Cawein, all of which are in the public domain. The cycle weaves together a narrative that reflects on humanity\u27s relationship with the natural world. The cycle includes the following pieces: 1. Morning for Alto and Piano 2. Little Bird for Flute and Piano 3. Tyger for Soprano and Piano 4. Song of the Harbinger for Piccolo and Piano 5. Crystal Gazer for Mezzo-Soprano and Piano 6. Crow\u27s Bow for Alto Flute and Piano 7. Nocturne for Baritone and Piano 8. Sage\u27s Serenade for Bass Flute and Piano Each piece captures a unique emotional and atmospheric landscape, portraying various times of day and animals found in nature. These scenes are conveyed through shifting harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and expressive melodies that evoke the essence of both the natural world and the human experience. By employing changing rhythms, varying intensities, and poignant reflections, the cycle invites listeners to contemplate the power, beauty, and unanswered questions of existence in nature. Although intended as a cohesive series, each piece can also be performed individually, preserving its emotional and atmospheric impact through its distinct musical narrative and poetic expression
Theme and Variations on an African Chant
No full text“When will I find my voice?” It is question that is sure to cross the mind of any young artist. While I personally believe there is no definite moment or piece that can mark the emergence of a personal voice, I do believe in breakthrough moments. We may listen to a new genre, come across a new ideology, hit on something by chance, visit a new country, or face some lifechanging event. Whatever the cause, the result is that a new facet of our identity has been illuminated and from this point onwards, it will affect our creation.
My latest breakthrough moment was my rediscovery of African music. My mother is from Malawi and I have visited there twice. Africa has always had a special place in my heart, but the full value of its music only hit me a few years back. Not only did it resonate with me strongly, it also helped me solve a dilemma that had been holding me back.
From the time I began listening to classical music, I had a deep love for composers of the Classical Era. I liked the clarity of Classical forms, the simplicity of Classical harmony, and the good-natured temperament of the music. Yet, I was determined to separate myself somehow from what had come before. African music gave me the way out. The music was similar in character and spirit to that of Classical composers, but added to it a rhythmic verve that was exactly what I needed to express myself.
After my breakthrough with African Music, a string of Afro-Classical works ensued: Ambassel, 2022, The Malawian Symphony 2022, Solo for Solomon 2023, 3 Canons 2023, 3 Afro-Baroque Dances 2023, and Marimba Sonata in C, 2025. But the seminal work from my exploration of Afro-Classicism is my Theme and Variations on an African Chant for string quartet. Here, Classical and African influences coexist in perfect harmony creating a work distinct from anything of the past or the present
THE EFFECTS OF DISCLOSURE OF GENAI USE IN THE PRODUCTION OF ADVERTISING IN HIGH AND LOW INVOLVEMENT SETTINGS
Get PDFThis study explores the effects of GenAI disclosure on advertising effectiveness and how these influences interact with consumers’ involvement in advertised products using a 2×2 experimental design with 83 participants, manipulating AI disclosure (disclosed vs. not disclosed) and involvement level (high vs. low). Findings indicate that disclosure negatively impacts brand attitude but has no significant effect on ad attitude, purchase intention, or sharing intention. An interaction effect was also found that in high-involvement conditions, disclosure increased the intention to share the ad. These results, framed through the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and Persuasion Knowledge Model (PKM), offer insights into the use of GenAI in advertising transparency in advertising and its implications for consumer responses
A Natural Short Sleep Mutation Promotes Longevity through Mitochondrial Respiration in Drosophila
No full textAging is an irreversible process characterized by progressive physiological decline and an increased risk of metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration. Disruptions to the circadian clock—whether due to genetic mutations or behavioral factors—accelerate aging and age-related pathologies, highlighting a strong link between circadian regulation and longevity. However, certain individuals harbor a dec2P384R mutation, which enables natural short sleep without the detrimental effects of chronic sleep deprivation. This suggests that these individuals have evolved adaptations that activate pro-health pathways, allowing them to function optimally with reduced sleep. To investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying these changes, we developed a Drosophila model expressing the dec2P384R mutation in clock neurons. Our findings demonstrate that dec2P384R mutants exhibit significantly extended lifespan, enhanced healthspan, and improved cognitive function. Global differential gene expression analysis identified upregulation of multiple mitochondrial and stress-response genes that may collectively contribute to these benefits. Oxidative phosphorylation assays revealed increased complex II-linked mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, directly linking enhanced mitochondrial function to longevity. We further speculate that elevated ROS levels, resulting from enhanced mitochondrial respiration, modulate neuronal activity in clock neurons, thereby influencing sleep regulation. Notably, dec2P384R expression in wake-promoting neurons reduced sleep, whereas its expression in sleep-promoting neurons increased sleep duration. Together, our findings suggest that dec2P384R expression in clock neurons promotes healthy aging through improved mitochondrial function, which, in turn, regulates sleep homeostasis
The Robust Relation of Microaggressions with Alcohol-Related Problems Among Black Individuals Who Use Alcohol: the Role of Drinking to Cope with Negative Affect
No full textBackground: Alcohol use is an important area of health disparities among Black individuals in the United States (US). The identification of psycho-sociocultural factors that play a role in alcohol-related problems among this population can inform culturally sensitive prevention and treatment efforts. Psycho-sociocultural models of alcohol misuse posit that some Black Americans may drink (and continue to drink despite drinking-related problems) to alleviate negative affect associated with experiencing race-based discrimination. Although there is a strong link between overt race-based discrimination and drinking outcomes, little research has tested whether more common, everyday race-based discrimination (microaggressions) is related and whether this association is attributable, in part, to drinking to cope with negative affect. Methods: Participants were 365 Black undergraduate current individuals who use alcohol who completed an online survey. Results: Microaggressions were significantly, positively correlated with alcohol-related problems, even after controlling for drinking, overt discrimination, non-racist life stressors, and relevant demographic variables. Microaggressions were indirectly related to alcohol-related problems via drinking to cope with negative affect (depression, anxiety). Conclusions: Microaggressions are robustly associated with alcohol-related problems even after accounting for variance attributable to more overt discrimination and non-racist stressors among Black adults. Consistent with minority stress models, this relation may be due in part to drinking to cope with negative affect (depression, anxiety)
Sexism and Cannabis-Related Problems Among Women in the U.S.: The Role of Negative Affect and Coping-Motivated Cannabis Use
No full textBackground: Although previous studies have highlighted the detrimental impact of sexism on other substance use and use-related outcomes among women, limited empirical attention has tested whether sexism is related to worse cannabis-related outcomes. It may be that women use cannabis to cope with negative affect related to experiencing sexism, and thus continue to use despite cannabis-related problems. However, no known studies have tested this hypothesis. Objectives: We tested whether experiencing sexism was related to more cannabis use-related problems via the serial effects of negative affect (anxiety, depression) and coping-motivated cannabis use among 304 women who endorsed current (past three-month) cannabis use. Results: Sexism was significantly positively related to coping-motivated-cannabis use and use-related problems. Sexism was indirectly related to cannabis problems via the serial effects of anxiety and coping motives and via the serial effects of depression and coping motives, but not via the indirect effects of anxiety, depression, or coping motives alone. Conclusions: Findings suggest that women may use cannabis to cope with sexism-related negative affect, and thus continue to use despite experiencing greater cannabis problems. These results may have important clinical implications and emphasize the need for greater gender-responsive approaches in prevention and intervention efforts for women who use cannabis
Considering the Impact of High School Sexual Education on Past Sexual Victimization and Rape Myth Acceptance in a College Sample
No full textSexual victimization is a serious public health crisis affecting college students, with high rates reported among both women and men. Sexual consent education is crucial as it defines sexual assault and is linked to reduced risk of victimization. Rape myths and stereotyped beliefs shifting blame to survivors are established risk factors for sexual violence. Comprehensive sexual education can mitigate these attitudes, fostering a supportive environment for survivors. However, most high school students in the United States receive abstinence-based or abstinence-plus education, which uses unstandardized protocols and often lacks information about sexual consent. The following study explores the influence of high school sexual education on past sexual victimization and rape myth acceptance in college students. Six hundred sixty-four undergraduate students participated in an online survey through a university participant pool. Results show that those who received comprehensive sexual education were more likely to understand sexual consent and were less likely to endorse past sexual victimization. In contrast, students without comprehensive sexual education reported lower satisfaction with their sexual education and greater acceptance of rape myths. Despite limitations in the study’s sample and reliance on self-reporting, this research highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive sexual education, including consent education, in high schools. Policymakers and educators must recognize the influence of comprehensive sexual education in promoting healthy relationships and combating sexual assault. As a significant public health concern, incorporating standardized sexual consent education into high school curricula can equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. Future research should explore diverse populations and the mediating role of related factors that may further influence these relationships. These efforts will contribute to fostering a safer environment within educational institutions and combating sexual assault
Cultural Consensus Modeling to identify culturally relevant reasons for and against suicide among Black adolescents
Get PDFIntroduction: The development of evidence-based treatments relies on accurate theoretical frameworks sensitive to the lived realities of the populations from which they are derived. Yet, the perspectives of Black youth are vastly underrepresented in extant theories of suicidal behavior. Cultural Consensus Modeling provides an evidence-based approach for developing a culturally informed understanding of suicide risk among Black youth. Method: Participants were 50 Black adolescents (Mage = 16.20 years; 76.0% male) who completed Phase 1 of a Cultural Consensus Modeling study. Participants freely listed reasons for suicide and reasons for living among similar peer Black youth. Responses were synthesized and coded for major themes. Results: The most common reasons for suicide were racism (40%), depression (32%), poverty (26%), and bullying (22%). The most common reasons for living were family (58%), having a purpose or goals (36%), friends (30%), and hope for a better future (26%). Conclusion: Responses highlighted issues of racism and social justice, depression, and poverty, as well as the protective role of relationships, living for the future, and contributing to Black empowerment. Future research should utilize Cultural Consensus Modeling to elevate the voices of Black youth, improving extant theories of suicide, and identifying unique mechanisms or opportunities for prevention
Honor Endorsement and Increased Firearm Purchasing Behavior and Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textThe surge in firearm sales from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to increases in firearm violence, which is of public concern given that having firearms in one’s home is associated with increased risk for domestic violence and suicide. Consistent with pre-pandemic trends, individuals tended to purchase firearms for self-protection during COVID-19. Prior work indicates that protective firearm ownership is motivated not only by perceptions that the world (and one’s local environment) is dangerous, but also by one’s endorsement of masculinity norms found in U.S. cultures of honor (primarily southern and western states). Honor-based masculinity norms emphasis reputation defense, toughness, and an absolute intolerance of disrespect. The present research examined the relative motivating influences of various threat perceptions and masculine honor endorsement in predicting reasons for non-COVID-19 firearm ownership, firearm purchasing during COVID-19, and purchase intentions. Three separate samples (total N = 2483) of mostly White U.S. men completed online surveys during different months of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed measures of their endorsement of masculine honor norms, factors associated with firearm purchasing (e.g., dangerous world beliefs, intolerance of uncertainty), and firearm purchasing behaviors. Results indicated that masculine honor endorsement was higher among (1) protective firearm owners compared to non-owners and non-protective owners, (2) firearm owners who purchased a firearm during COVID-19 compared to non-owners and non-purchasing owners, and (3) firearm owners with intentions to purchase firearms in the next year compared to those without intentions and undecided owners. Relative to other predictors (e.g., COVID-19 concerns, dangerous world beliefs), masculine honor endorsement was consistently the strongest predictor of these outcomes. Findings add to the literature by highlighting the strength of masculine honor endorsement in motivating (protective) firearm ownership. Implications for interpersonal violence and suicide are discussed