Partner abuse in gay male relationships: Challenging \u27we are family\u27

The purposes of this study are twofold: a) to explore the material experience of partner abuse among gay male relationships and b) to explore the discursive conditions from which gay men must draw to negotiate the experience of relationship violence. I incorporated Standpoint epistemology and Queer theory to inform the theoretical basis of this thesis. To achieve the research objectives, I conducted a total of seven interviews with gay men. The findings from the interview data are presented in two phases. First, I presented three stories of gay men who had experienced violence and abuse at the hands of their same-sex partner. With these stories, I presented sites of intervention and community mobilization. Furthermore, I bring to focus the unique findings of this study that would otherwise be ignored through mass-survey style research. Second. I presented the constructions and negotiations of partner abuse among the remaining four participants. These participants drew upon a number of heteronormative discourses that produce the experience of gay male partner abuse. Implications of a discursive analysis are discussed. Briefly I consider community psychology as a means to coordinate multiple interventions throughout the ecological spectrum along with therapeutic implications in dealing with partner abuse among gay men. Finally, I take a reflexive approach to explore my own positions within the research process

Theoretical Study and Device Modeling of III-V Nanostructured Photovoltaics

A methodology for the modeling and theoretical analysis of novel nanostructured photovoltaic devices is presented in this work. The nanostructures in consideration are quantum wells and quantum dots composed of 111-V materials. Their incorporation into the space charge region of an otherwise conventional solar cell is presented as a means to increase photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency. The enhancement for both single- and multi-junction solar cells is also outlined. Limitations of the available models are briefly discussed. Analyzed results allow for the further optimization of these novel devices

Mental Health and Adolescents: The Impact of Social Isolation in Adolescents During The COVID-19 Pandemic

In early 2020, the coronavirus pandemic, first detected in late 2019, afflicted the world. The disease associated with the virus became known as COVID-19. COVID-19 was recognized as a highly contagious and deadly disease. In California, United States, COVID-19 was detected in February and the first shelter-in-place orders were ordered by the counties and state, which forced children and adults to stay at home and attend school and work virtually. Shelter-in-place orders were quickly implemented around the world. As the world began this sudden switch in lifestyle, many were concerned for the mental health and safety of themselves and their family members. Although adolescents are known to be resilient when faced with adversity, the issues of mental health for this age group should not be taken lightly. This thesis explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the mental health of adolescents through a review of the research literature. This paper also assesses the interventions that some of the studies introduced to help adolescents cope with depression, anxiety, and stress. Although interventions implemented have shown a positive effect, there is still much to learn. Based on the literature review, this thesis proposes a study for further research which aims to gain more insight into the phenomenon of teenagers\u27 mental health during the restrictions to socialization and movement required by shelter-in-place orders during a global crisis. A control group and an intervention group will be analyzed to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Specifically, the goals are to help spread awareness of adolescent mental health during these challenging times and to investigate ways to support this population during this time, more than one year after the beginning of the pandemic

Modeling solutions and simulations for advanced III-V photovoltaics based on nanostructures

It is the purpose of the work to develop methods for and present on the computational analyses of advanced III-V photovoltaic devices and their enhancement by the incorporation of semiconductor nanostructures. Such devices are currently being fabricated as part of the research efforts at the Nanopower Research Laboratories; therefore, this work aims to supplement and ground the experimental undertakings with a strong theoretical basis. This is accomplished by numerical calculations based on the detailed balance model and by physicsbased device simulation. The specific materials focus of this work is on the enhancement of the GaAs solar cell. The aforementioned methodologies are applied to this device and to distinct enhancement schemes. The detailed balance formalism is applied to the single-junction solar cell as an introduction leading up to the triple-junction device. A thorough analysis shows how the InGaP-GaAs-Ge triple-junction solar cell may be enhanced by the incorporation of nanostructures. The intermediate band solar cell is introduced as it may be realized by the coupling of a nanostructured array. The detailed balance analysis of this device is performed using the usual blackbody spectrum as well as the more realistic scenarios of illumination by the AM0 and AM1.5 solar spectra. Current research endeavors into placing an InAs quantum dot array in a GaAs solar cell are put into the context of these calculations. It is determined that, although the InAs/GaAs system is not ideal, it does exhibit a significant enhancement in performance over the standard single-junction device. The evaluation of a commercially available, physics-based, device simulation software package for use in advanced photovoltaics analysis is also performed. The application of this tool on the single-junction GaAs solar cell indicates that the current design used in experimental work is optimized. Recommendations are made, however, in the optimized design of the InGaP-GaAs dual-junction cell. The device simulator is shown to exhibit difficulties in evaluating the complete operation of advanced solar devices; however, the software is used to compute fundamental quantum mechanical variables in a nanostructured solar cell

O uso estratégico do design sustentável: um estudo de caso em uma grande corporação

The present article addresses some key constraints to enable a more strategic role of design within corporations, with a focus on the large opportunities set by the demands of sustainability. In order to illustrate such implications the author reports a case study developed within a Base-Of-Pyramid project of a large corporation where the challenge was the design of a Do- It-Yourself (DIY) shelf for low income houses. The project requirements involved the possibility of manufacturing, selling, distributing, assembling and maintaining the product within the low-income community. The project was aligned with the corporation’s strategic goals of expanding their socially inclusive businesses, thus enabling design to act strategically for the implementation of sustainable ideals. Key words: sustainability, strategic design, Base-of-Pyramid, furniture, social-inclusive business.O presente artigo trata de limitações chave para a obtenção de um papel mais estratégico do design em corporações, com foco nas amplas oportunidades descortinadas pelas demandas da sustentabilidade. Para ilustrar as implicações dessas oportunidades, o autor relata um estudo de caso desenvolvido em um projeto Base-da-Pirâmide dentro de uma grande empresa onde o desafio foi o design de um armário “faça-você- mesmo” para habitações de interesse social. Os requisitos do projeto incluíam a possibilidade de manufaturar, vender, distribuir, montar e manter o produto dentro da própria comunidade de baixa renda. Esse projeto estava alinhado com os objetivos estratégicos da empresa, a qual buscava expandir seu portfólio de negócios inclusivos, possibilitando uma atuação mais estratégica do design na busca pelos ideais da sustentabilidade. Palavras-chave: sustentabilidade, design estratégico, Baseda- Pirâmide, mobiliário, negócios inclusivos

gamma-Aminobutyric acid inhibits cytokine-mediated synergistic induction of astrocytic interleukin-6 release: A mechanistic study

A paucity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels is thought to encourage cytokine release in Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD). A mechanistic investigation into the GABA-mediated suppression of the synergistic release of interleukin (IL)-6 by IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is presented. Preliminary results indicate that p38 and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB are essential for the synergistic release of IL-6 by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. Both IL-1beta and TNF-alpha are able to stimulate the phosphorylation of p38, however, no synergistic stimulation was observed. IL-1beta or TNF-alpha is able to stimulate the degradation of the NF-kappaB inhibitor, IkappaB-alpha, with no change in IkappaB-beta. Interestingly, TNF-alpha is able to accelerate IkappaB-alpha degradation in the presence of IL-1beta. While GABA is unable to suppress IkappaB-alpha degradation and the phosphorylation of p38 by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, it is postulated that GABA may be able to inhibit IL-6 concentrations by lessening the rate of IkappaB-alpha degradation

Rethinking Validity in Qualitative Research from a Social Constructionist Perspective: From Is this Valid Research? To What Is this Research Valid for?

This article theorizes the issue of validity that is premised upon social constructionist assumptions, particularly as it is applied to the assessment of qualitative research. As a social construction, validity must thus be interrogated for its discursive function within the social sciences. I will argue that, as a criterion of assessment, validity polices the social science enterprise and thus, functions as a practice of power through the de/legitimation of social knowledge, research practice, and experiential possibilities. This critique will lead into a reformulation of validity that actively recognizes and negotiates its practice of power. Within this reformulation, research findings are conceptualized as representations and should be scrutinized for their realist, critical, deconstructive, and reflexive narrative function. Put simply, assessing qualitative research entails multiple and contradictory readings of its representational failures and successes. Therefore, validity is no longer conceived as a determination (i.e., is valid versus is not valid) but a continual process of interrogation. This new framework will be applied to my Masters thesis research that explored domestic violence and relationship abuse among gay males. Implications for research practice are discussed

Invisible Disability: A Review of Hearing and Vision Impairment Challenges in the Workplace

This thesis explores the factors related to individuals with vision and hearing impairments in organizational contexts within the United States. It overviews the definitions, current state, and U.S. legislation pertaining to individuals with disabilities in the workplace. The thesis reviews disclosure practices, psychological theories, and recommendations for supporting and accommodating individuals with hearing and vision disabilities. In reviewing these factors, this research aims to enhance understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing and vision impairments in organizations and contribute to fostering inclusive and supportive work environments. The thesis also identifies areas for further research in order to advance knowledge and practice in this field