What really helps recovery from stress: The leafiness or representational style of trees in a virtual nature?

Exposure to actual and virtual nature can reduce stress, but it is largely unknown what dimensions of such experience are beneficial for health. Among the qualities of a nature experience that may translate to stress recovery are the “leafiness” of vegetation and the representation of vegetation present in the landscape. This experimental study investigates the independent effects of these two qualities with urban designers and the general public using virtual reality (VR). We compared the effects of leafiness (with vs. without green leaves) and representation style (realistic with leaves vs. Minecraft with leaves vs. polygonal with leaves) on stress recovery. One hundred and sixteen Chinese participants were exposed to an acute stressor and randomly assigned to one of the four virtual environments during their stress recovery. We measured electrodermal activity (EDA), salivary cortisol levels (SC), electroencephalogram (EEG), blood pressure (BP) data, and self-assessment questionnaires to assess stress recovery. Our results showed that realistic vegetation with leaves facilitated stress recovery effect better than realistic vegetation without leaves. Additionally, realistic vegetation with leaves facilitated stress-recovery comparable to Minecraft style vegetation, and better than polygonal vegetation. These results suggest that landscape architects, urban designers, and virtual environment creators should focus not only on the leafiness of vegetation but also the realism of vegetation—prioritizing natural elements that exhibit life-like, realistic features that align with biophilia principles

A Body of Work

A Body of Work explores the convergence of conceptual inquiry, material philosophy, and ceramic practice through the creation of a body of work defined by the physicality of my own body. Entrenched in tenets of Material Engagement Theory, the Hylomorphic Model, and material affordances, A Body of Work examines the activation and emergence of agency in the dialogue between maker and material. Using my weight and volume as guiding constraints, the resulting collection of wheel-thrown bowls and primarily coil-built “belly pots” become both literal and conceptual reflections of embodied knowledge. This investigation positions clay as an active collaborator in the becoming of form rather than a passive recipient of a maker’s design, offering insight into the ways cognition extends through and is shaped by physical engagement. This paper anatomizes process documentation, personal narrative, and theoretical frameworks to articulate a ceramic practice that prioritizes receptivity, adaptability, and material attunement. In doing so, it contributes to ongoing conversations about the role of embodiment, materiality, and artistic agency in contemporary craft.Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.

Unraveling the Evolutionary Patterns of Genus Frontonia: An Integrative Approach with Morphological and Molecular Data

Simple Summary: Ciliates, particularly the genus Frontonia, have been studied to understand their evolutionary history, but challenges remain. This study investigated the evolutionary patterns of Frontonia using genetic and morphological data. Molecular analysis of the SSU rRNA gene revealed four major phylogenetic groups within Frontonia, suggesting its paraphyly. The common ancestor existed approximately 420 million years ago, with distinct groups emerging during the Mesozoic era. Diversification analysis showed higher extinction rates than speciation rates within the genus. Morphological traits, including habitat adaptations, were examined through ancestral state reconstructions, revealing a complex evolutionary history. Habitat transitions were not directly linked to morphological traits such as contractile vacuoles, emphasizing the role of genetic diversity and environmental adaptation. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between evolution, extinction, and morphology in ciliates, advancing our understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary biology. Ciliates of the genus Frontonia have been extensively studied to resolve their phylogenetic and evolutionary history, but challenges remain. This study used molecular analyses of SSU rRNA genes, phylogenetic tree reconstruction, molecular dating, and diversification analysis, together with ancestral state reconstruction of morphological traits and habitat preferences. Data included newly sequenced Korean species, GenBank records and published morphological information. Phylogenetic trees revealed paraphyly within Frontonia, identifying four groups that emerged in the Mesozoic era: Group I (similar to 172 mya), Group II (similar to 83 mya), Group III (similar to 115 mya), and Group IV (similar to 190 mya), with a common ancestor dating to similar to 420 mya in the Palaeozoic era. Diversification analysis revealed higher extinction rates (0.826 and 0.613 species/year) than speciation rates (0.011 and 0.016 species/year). Morphological evolution showed habitat adaptation and plasticity, with habitat transitions unrelated to contractile vacuolar traits. The SSU rRNA gene polymorphism likely contributed to the paraphyletic state of Frontonia. These results highlight the complex evolutionary patterns of the genus, shaped by genetic diversity, morphology, and environmental constraints

Self-perceived middle-distance race pace is faster in advanced footwear technology spikes

Background: Quantifying the potential benefits of advanced footwear technology (AFT) track shoes (i.e., “spikes”) in middle-distance events is challenging, because repeated maximal effort trials (as in sprinting) or aerobic running economy trials (as in long-distance running) are not feasible. Methods: We introduce a novel approach to assess the benefits of AFT spikes, consisting of a series of 200-m runs at self-perceived middle-distance race pace with 10 min recovery, and conduct 4 experiments to evaluate its validity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and utility. Results: In Experiment 1, participants ran 1.2% slower in spikes with 200 g added mass vs. control spikes, which is exactly equal to the known effects of shoe mass on running performance. In Experiment 2, participants ran significantly faster in AFT prototype spikes vs. traditional spikes. In Experiment 3, we compared 2 other AFT prototype spikes against traditional spikes on 3 separate days. Group-level results were consistent across days, but our data indicates that at least 2 separate sessions are needed to evaluate individual responses. In Experiment 4, participants ran significantly faster in 2 AFT spike models vs. traditional spikes (2.1% and 1.6%). Speed was similar between a third AFT spike model and the traditional spikes. These speed results were mirrored by changes in step length as participants took significantly longer steps in the 2 faster AFT spike models (2.3% and 1.9%), while step length was similar between the other spikes. Conclusion: Our novel, interval-based approach is a valid and reliable method for quantifying differences between spikes at middle-distance running intensit

Higher amounts of habitual physical activity changes the relationship between hot flashes and subclinical cardiovascular disease risk

The menopausal transition is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hot flashes (HF), a cardinal symptom of menopause, have been associated with increased CVD risk, particularly in perimenopausal women. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is an indicator of endothelial function and a subclinical CVD risk factor. Lower FMD has been associated with more HF. As moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is recognized to reduce CVD risk, our goal was to determine whether higher levels of MVPA change the relationship between HF and FMD in perimenopausal women. Healthy perimenopausal women had HF measured objectively using sternal skin conductance for 24 h. MVPA was determined using 7 days of actigraphy. Endothelial function was measured via brachial artery FMD on the non-dominant arm. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships between variables. Simple slopes analysis was performed to understand how MVPA moderates the relationship between HF and FMD. Lower FMD tended to correlate with a higher objective HF rate, and this relationship was stronger for HF measured during waking hours. Controlling for age and BMI, HF and the interaction between HF and MVPA were significant predictors of FMD. Simple slope analysis showed a significant HF effect on FMD with lower (-1SD) MVPA, whereas there was no significant relationship between HF and FMD with higher (+1SD) MVPA. These results suggest that MVPA moderates the relationship between FMD and objective HFs in perimenopausal women

An Open Access Policy Review and Considerations on Future Relevance

Presentation at the 2025 Charleston Conference (virtual) about the UMass Amherst Open Access Policy review with discussion of the relevance of open access policies more generally in the current scholarly publishing landscape

PARAMETRIC PRAGMATISM: TRANSFORMING BUILDING USE AND FACADE FOR SUSTAINABLE REUSE

The urgency of addressing climate change has become increasingly apparent, driven by the excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) that directly impact both the natural and built environments (Sijakovic and Peric 2021). The pressing evidence of climate change compels architects and engineers to rethink conventional approaches, positioning computational modelling and simulation approaches as a transformative solution that balances aesthetic innovation with environmental responsibility (Kabošová, Katunský, and Kmet 2020). In response, this thesis explores the concept of Parametric Pragmatism as a solution-oriented approach to sustainable architecture. In this thesis, I intend to utilize parametric design methods, specifically in optimizing building facades, to create environmentally responsive architectural solutions that significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency and improve aesthetics of the building. In response, this thesis explores the concept of Parametric Pragmatism as a solution-oriented approach to sustainable architecture. Retrofitting existing downtown buildings plays a critical role in reducing embodied carbon—the carbon emissions associated with material extraction, manufacturing, and construction—by extending the life of existing structures rather than demolishing and rebuilding. Many buildings constructed during the 1960s–1980s have inefficient facade systems that not only lead to high operational carbon emissions but also limit interior flexibility by enforcing deep floor plates with poor daylighting and ventilation, constraining opportunities for diverse programmatic uses. Instead of demolishing these structures and triggering the carbon-intensive processes required to construct new buildings, retrofitting facades and reusing existing structural systems can significantly reduce embodied carbon while revitalizing urban areas. Facade retrofitting not only improves thermal performance but also redefines a building’s interface with its environment by balancing key parameters such as solar radiation control, daylight access, building reprogramming in response to solar and daylight simulations, and the variation of monotonous facades. This process requires navigating tradeoffs between operational energy reductions and the embodied carbon of new materials, ensuring that performance gains justify the retrofit’s environmental and structural costs. Additionally, the post-COVID rise in commercial real estate vacancies offers an opportunity to repurpose underutilized buildings for mixed-use development, addressing both the commercial crisis and urban housing shortages. Modern buildings have evolved into complex entities where advanced technologies and diverse programmatic requirements must seamlessly integrate to fulfil various functions, from energy efficiency and structural integrity to accommodating multiple uses within a single space. To meet these demands, new computational techniques have been developed to facilitate the design of such intricate structures, establishing a quantitative relationship between the environment and the building envelope (Eltaweel and Su 2017). This thesis draws from studies on parametric design and contemporary building envelope technologies to explore how data-informed strategies can optimize performance, enhance adaptability, and address the evolving challenges of sustainable architectural retrofits By focusing on retrofitting structurally sound, late 20th-century buildings, this research demonstrates how the innovative application of energy conversion materials and other technological advancements can significantly reduce embodied carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and elevate aesthetic appeal beyond the limitations of current "glass box" commercial buildings. These buildings often present a monotonous, sterile appearance, lacking in visual engagement and contributing to heat gain and energy inefficiency. Through parametric design, retrofitted buildings not only enhance environmental performance but also bring a renewed aesthetic that engages the public and integrates with diverse urban settings. Integrating adaptive and responsive facade strategies into retrofitting enhances public engagement with sustainability efforts by visibly demonstrating environmental performance. Such approaches break down the homogeneity of glass-box towers, allowing the building envelope to respond dynamically to environmental conditions, contextual cues, and diverse programmatic needs fostering a more vibrant, functional, and resilient urban fabric.Master of Architecture (MArch

Local Changes in Sleep Following Declarative Learning

Traditionally, sleep has been viewed as a uniform, global state. This idea is contrasted by local sleep, which is characterized by transient periods of brain activity within specific brain regions, or even at the level of individual neurons during sleep. Previous studies have shown increased slow wave activity (SWA) in the parietal cortex during sleep following motor learning, indicating a local increase in sleep depth in response to motor learning. Here we ask a simple question: does this local use-dependent sleep response also occur during non-motor/declarative memory tasks? During one wake and one overnight session, participants completed a word pair learning task, consisting of an encoding phase, followed by immediate and delayed recall sessions. As a control, participants completed an overnight non-learning task, where they passively viewed sham word pairs. There was an increase in SWA following the declarative learning task compared to the control task, particularly in the fronto-central and left temporal regions, suggesting that localized SWA increases occur following non-motor learning. These localized changes in SWA were significantly correlated with memory recall performance when controlling for subjective sleepiness. These findings provide novel evidence for localized sleep responses following declarative memory tasks and suggest that SWA may be region-specific to task demands, though further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between SWA and memory consolidation in non-motor tasks.Master of Science (M.S.)2025-11-1

Risk factors associated with postpartum depression in immigrants in the U.S.: A systematic scoping review

Background Meta analysis has shown that immigrant women are twice as likely to display postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms than non-immigrant women yet, the reason behind this increased risk is unknown. This review sets out to synthesize existing research on PPD in immigrant women and illuminate gaps for future research. The research question guiding this review is: what are the factors that impact postpartum depression (PPD) risk among immigrant women in the U.S.? Methods APA PsychInfo was searched on 24 February 2025 for studies assessing the risk factors of PPD in immigrant women in the U.S at any time. Only primary, observational studies were included. Results were narratively synthesized, grouped by risk factor type and further divided by specific risk factor. Results Five studies were included, representing 506 participants. The mean age of participants ranged from 29-33.4 and the mean years living in the U.S. ranged from 5.56-10. All included studies focused on immigrant populations originating from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. All studies utilized validated PPD measurements. Two of five studies reported on acculturation; one reported that lower levels of acculturation related to higher levels of PPD symptoms, whereas the other found no significant correlation. Two of the five included studies reported on social support and all found that lower levels of social support were associated with higher levels of PPD symptoms, suggesting social support may be an important risk factor to consider. Two studies reported on family dynamic descriptors including marital relationship, in-law relationship, arranged marriage, and child’s gender. Only marital relationship scores had significant associations with PPD scores. Two studies reported on mother’s mental health and confidence. One study found antenatal anxiety, antenatal depression, life stress, and maternity blues all increase PPD symptoms; while the other study found that low maternal self-efficacy was related to higher PPD symptoms. Conclusion The literature examining risk factors for PPD in immigrant women living in the U.S. is minimal. Data suggests strong associations between low social support and increased PPD symptoms. More research should be conducted to assess the impact of acculturation of PPD, as results are conflicting. Finally, future research should be done in immigrant populations from various countries of origin as current research heavily focuses on Asian and Middle Eastern countries.Master of Public Health (MPH

Lightning Talks: It Could Be Wonderful: OER Collaboration with Students

OER textbooks already offer many advantages for our moral emotions. By removing cost and offering greater accessibility, they alleviate anxiety. By encouraging authors to create open resources for students in need, they foster empathy and sympathy, while reducing fear and anger over stolen intellectual property. This talk will address another step that can further promote the moral emotions of care and wonder: collaboration with students. These emotions are essential for keeping students engaged in their own learning, but often OER textbooks fall short in these areas. Care can be fostered by inviting students into the process of creating content for textbooks, such as student artists who could offer their works to liven up otherwise monotonous pages. Wonder is likewise fostered by challenging students to act as knowledge makers and content creators, while simultaneously offering perspectives that more directly inspire their generational peers