A Cautionary Tale: Examining the Interplay of Culturally Specific Risk and Resilience Factors in Indigenous Communities

Efforts to build empirical evidence for the protective effects of Indigenous cultural factors on psychological health have yielded mixed findings. We examine the interplay of previously hypothesized culturally relevant risk (discrimination, historical loss) and protective (spiritual activities) factors among Indigenous people. The sample includes 569 Indigenous adolescents (mean age = 17.23, SD = 0.88; 51.0% girls) and 563 Indigenous adult caregivers (mean age = 44.66, SD = 9.18; 77.4% women). Our central finding was that indigenous spirituality was associated with poorer psychological outcomes across several domains (depressive symptoms, anger, anxiety, somatization, and interpersonal difficulties), but observed effects were attenuated once perceived discrimination and historical losses were added to statistical models. Thus, consideration of relevant stressors drastically changed our conclusions, underscoring the uncertain dynamics through which specific Indigenous cultural factors impact mental health. Researchers should work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to improve measurement and empirical investigation of these complex constructs

A Cautionary Tale: Examining the Interplay of Culturally Specific Risk and Resilience Factors in Indigenous Communities

Efforts to build empirical evidence for the protective effects of Indigenous cultural factors on psychological health have yielded mixed findings. We examine the interplay of previously hypothesized culturally relevant risk (discrimination, historical loss) and protective (spiritual activities) factors among Indigenous people. The sample includes 569 Indigenous adolescents (mean age = 17.23, SD = 0.88; 51.0% girls) and 563 Indigenous adult caregivers (mean age = 44.66, SD = 9.18; 77.4% women). Our central finding was that indigenous spirituality was associated with poorer psychological outcomes across several domains (depressive symptoms, anger, anxiety, somatization, and interpersonal difficulties), but observed effects were attenuated once perceived discrimination and historical losses were added to statistical models. Thus, consideration of relevant stressors drastically changed our conclusions, underscoring the uncertain dynamics through which specific Indigenous cultural factors impact mental health. Researchers should work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to improve measurement and empirical investigation of these complex constructs

Challenges in Acquiring Clinical Simultaneous SPECT-MRI on a PET-MRI Scanner

The INSERT is the world’s first clinical SPECTMRI brain imaging system based on scintillation detectors with a SiPM readout. Here we demonstrate its use within a clinical MRI environment for the first time. Using a standard transmit-receive head coil, and with an appropriate selection of a custom MRI sequence (GRE), we overcome mutual interference. The INSERT and its bulky 50 kg tungsten collimator introduce magnetic field inhomogeneity. Due to the specific MRI-compatible collimator design, inhomogeneity is compensated by shimming, leading to simultaneous acquisition. We process the SPECT data acquired alongside the MRI sequence to evaluate the SPECT system performance and the impact of the MRI. Finally, we present a set of simultaneous SPECT-MRI acquisitions, demonstrating multimodal imaging capabilities, albeit with a limited MRI sequence

Unravelling the atomic and electronic structure of nanocrystals on superconducting Nb(110): Impact of the oxygen monolayer

The Niobium surface is almost always covered by a native oxide layer which greatly influences the performance of superconducting devices. Here we investigate the highly stable Niobium oxide overlayer of Nb(110), which is characterised by its distinctive nanocrystal structure as observed by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Our ab-initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that a subtle reconstruction in the surface Niobium atoms gives rise to rows of 4-fold coordinated oxygen separated by regions of 3-fold coordinated oxygen. The 4-fold oxygen rows are determined to be the source of the nanocrystal pattern observed in STM, and the two chemical states of oxygen observed in core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are ascribed to the 3-fold and 4-fold oxygens. Furthermore, we find excellent agreement between the DFT calculated electronic structure with scanning tunnelling spectroscopy and valence XPS measurements.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, plus 3 pages of Supporting Informatio

Desired clearance around a vehicle while parking or performing low speed maneuvers

AVM and Low Speed Maneuvers: Human Factors Issues ProjectThis experiment examined how close to objects (such as a wall or another vehicle) people would drive when parking. The findings will to be used as a basis for visual and/or auditory warnings provided by parking assistance systems. A total of 16 people (8 ages 18-30, 8 over age 65) served as subjects. Data were collected both for the subjects sitting in the driver’s seat of a 2004 Infinity Q45 and standing outside the vehicle (as if directing someone else to park). Data were collected for the desired clearance distance between the test vehicle and a wall (for safety concerns, the wall was moved instead of the vehicle) in ascending and descending thresholds, for 8 cardinal clock positions. The overall mean distance was 20.4 in for the 640 data points collected, with a range of 2.5 to 48.5 in. As an example of the specific results, when the wall was moved towards the driver and the subject was an observer (outside the car), the desired distances were 17.0, 18.9, 19.1, 20.3, 17.4, 18.7, 14.7, and 15.8 in for 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 and 12:00 clock positions. Using the regression method, 1 of the 2 methods developed, desired distance in inches was equal to 9.5 + 1.6 (if the position was to the side or rear) + 6.7 (if a door was to be opened) + 5.7 (if the object was approaching the car) + 4.9 (if the driver’s clearance was estimated) + .07 times the driver’s age.Nissan Research Centerhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64471/1/102435.pd

Oxidation of Nb(110): atomic structure of the NbO layer and its influence on further oxidation.

NbO terminated Nb(110) and its oxidation are examined by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STS). The oxide structures are strongly influenced by the structural and electronic properties of the underlying NbO substrate. The NbO is terminated by one-dimensional few-nanometer nanocrystals, which form an ordered pattern. High-resolution STS measurements reveal that the nanocrystals and the regions between the nanocrystals exhibit different electronic characters. Low-dosage oxidation, sufficient for sub-monolayer coverage of the NbO, with subsequent UHV annealing results in the formation of resolved sub-nanometer clusters, positioned in-between the nanocrystals. Higher dosage oxidation results in the formation of a closed Nb2O5-y layer, which is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The pentoxide is amorphous at the atomic-scale. However, large scale (tens of nanometers) structures are observed with their symmetry matching that of the underlying nanocrystals

Hydrologic and Institutional Water Availability in the Brazos River Basin

Statement of the Problem Effective management of its surface water resources is essential to the continued growth and prosperity of the state of Texas. Rapid population and economic growth combined with depleting ground water reserves are resulting in ever-increasing demands being placed upon the surface water resources. The climate of the state is characterized by extremes of floods and droughts. Reservoirs are necessary to control and utilize the highly variable streamflow. Numerous reservoirs have been constructed to facilitate management of the water resources of the various river basins of the state. Effective control and utilization of the water resource supplied by a stream/reservoir system requires an understanding of the amount of water which can be provided under various conditions. Estimates of reservoir yield are a key element in practically all studies and decisions involving development and management of surface water supplies. Yield is defined as the amount of water which can be supplied by an unregulated stream, reservoir, or multiple reservoir system during a specified period of time. The stochastic nature of streamflow must be reflected in methods for quantifying yield. The approaches for expressing yield which traditionally have been used in water supply planning and management are firm yield and, to a lesser extent, reliability. Firm yield is the estimated maximum release or withdrawal rate which can be maintained continuously during a repetition of the hydrologic period-of-record. A number of definitions of reliability are cited in the technical literature. A common definition is that reliability is the percentage of time that a stream/reservoir system is able to meet a specified demand. Precise textbook definitions of firm yield and reliability can be formulated for a simple river basin with one reservoir and one water user. However, in actual practice, for a complex multiple reservoir, multiple user system, firm yield and reliability must be defined in terms of the basic assumptions and approaches used in handling various complicating factors. Water supply planning and management involves complex institutional, environmental, hydrologic, and physical systems. Streamflow, reservoir sedimentation, evaporation, water demands, and other variables pertinent to yield determinations are highly stochastic. Measured historical data is limited in extent and accuracy. The future is always uncertain. Mathematical models only approximate the complexities of reality. Consequently, reservoir yield studies necessarily involve uncertainties and approximations. The availability of water to particular users depends upon legal rights and contractual commitments as well as physical facilities and hydrologic conditions. Reservoir yield is subject to institutional as well as hydrologic constraints. Evaluation of the relationships between water rights and reservoir yield is particularly important at this time in Texas with the recent completion of the water rights adjudication process. Scope of the Study The objective of the study documented by this report was to evaluate and improve state-of-the-art capabilities for estimating reservoir yield. Institutional as well as hydrologic aspects of water availability were investigated. Evaluation of increases in yield achieved by multiple reservoir system operation, rather than separate operation of individual reservoirs, was a major emphasis of the study. The river basin was viewed as an integrated system. The hydrologic and institutional availability of water was investigated for a case study reservoir system. However, the study approach and computer programs used are generally applicable to any reservoir system. Study findings have pertinent implications for water resources management throughout Texas and elsewhere as well as for the specific river basin studied. Water availability is dependent upon institutional constraints and capabilities. The study included a review of water law and other institutional aspects of surface water management in Texas. A literature review was made assessing modeling capabilities for estimating reservoir yield. The reservoir system simulation models HEC-3 and HEC-5 were adopted for use in the case study. These generalized computer programs provide comprehensive capabilities for analyzing the hydrologic aspects of reservoir system operations, but lack the capability to simulate water rights priorities. Consequently, a generalized water rights simulation computer program was developed in conjunction with the study. Other computer programs were used for developing input data and analyzing output from the HEC3, HEC-5, and water rights models. A system of twelve reservoirs in the Brazos River Basin provided a case study. Nine multiple purpose flood control and conservation reservoirs are owned and operated by the Fort Worth District (FWD) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Brazos River Authority (BRA) has contracted for most of the water supply storage capacity of the nine federal projects. The BRA owns and operates three other conservation reservoirs. In addition to the 12-reservoir USACE/BRA system, Hubbard Creek Reservoir, owned by the West Central Texas Municipal Water District, was modeled in detail because of its relatively large storage capacity. The numerous other smaller reservoirs in the basin were considered primarily from the perspective of approximating their impacts on the 12 USACE/BRA reservoirs. Individual reservoir and system firm yields were computed based on alternative conditions of reservoir sedimentation and alternative assumptions regarding multiple reservoir and multiple user interactions. The sensitivity of firm yield estimates to these and other factors was evaluated. A series of yield analyses were made from a strictly hydrologic perspective, without consideration of water rights. Yield analyses were then repeated incorporating water rights constraints. In addition to the firm yield simulations, a basinwide water rights analysis simulation study was performed. The simulations were based on monthly historical period-of-record hydrologic data. The modeling studies provided a basis for evaluating the hydrologic and institutional availability of water in the Brazos River Basin. Organization of the Report An overview of water law and institutions in Texas, from the perspective of surface water Management, is presented in Chapter 2. Surface water Management in the Brazos River Basin is described in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 is 8 discussion of reservoir system yield analysis models in general and the models used in the present study in particular. The Brazos River Basin simulation studies are documented by Chapters 5 through 9. Chapter 5 describes the compilation of basic data used in the study. A detailed hydrologic yield study is documented by Chapter 6. The analyses outlined in Chapter 6 were performed with HEC-3 and HEC-5 and are from a strictly hydrologic perspective, without consideration of water rights. The water rights analyses, utilizing the TAMU Water Rights Analysis Progra , are presented in Chapters 7 and 8. Chapter 7 discusses the results of a simulation of hydrologic and water rights aspects of surface water management in the basin. Firm yields constrained by senior water rights are documented in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 provides a critical evaluation, including sensitivity analyses, of the key factors affecting firm yield estimates. The study summary and conclusions are presented as Chapter 10

The impacts of telecommuting in Dublin

Telecommuting has been perceived as an effective means of reducing commuter related trips, travel time and emissions. Previously, the lack of access to broadband Internet connection and teleconferencing software from home has acted as a barrier to telecommuting regularly or at all. However, with advances in information and communication technology in recent years telecommuting is becoming a viable option for employers and employees to undertake. This paper examines the current trends of full day and part day telecommuting in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), and attempts to ascertain the most influential drivers and constraints related to telecommuting. The research presented estimates of the environmental benefits from individuals that telecommute. Finally, this paper seeks to determine the magnitude of carbon emissions savings from individuals adopting telecommuting and provides a social cost of carbon saving value. The survey results presented suggest that approximately 44% of the population of the GDA telecommute at least once a month. The findings also indicate that needing contact with colleagues is the most influential constraint to telecommuting, while greater flexibility and avoiding travelling in peak periods are the most important drivers in the propensity to telecommute. Finally, this study shows that there are substantial carbon reductions and social cost of carbon savings. Thus illustrating how telecommuting can be a viable and sustainable policy in the GDA or in other similar sized regions

Alternative images for perpendicular parking: a usability study of a multi-camera parking assistance system

AVM and Low Speed Maneuvers: Human Factors Issues ProjectThe parking assistance system evaluated consisted of four outward facing cameras whose images could be presented on a monitor on the center console. The images presented varied in the location of the virtual eye point of the camera (the height above the vehicle and forward depression angle) and the number of camera images (one or multiple) appearing together. In the experiment, 16 drivers (eight under age 30, eight over age 65) parked a 2002 Infiniti Q45 in an 8.5-foot-wide stall. Each subject parked 24 times, using the various image combinations or no assistance at all. Parking clearances (the closest approach distance on the driver and passenger side, distance to a wall in front) declined with practice, stabilizing to 4 inches laterally and 13 inches in front after about three unrecorded practice trials and 15 test trials. Overall, age and sex differences were not large, though older drivers were more variable than younger drivers in how far they parked from the end of a stall. Finally, there were no statistically significant differences among camera image combinations, or differences from no-assistance conditions. Only half of the subjects made significant use of the assistance system, which is not an unusual outcome given its early state of system development. Of the image combinations examined, those with a single image field resulted in subjects parking 2 inches closer to the wall than those with multiple fields. Overall, subjects preferred scenes presenting what appeared to be a single image. Subjects reported that the aerial view was the most helpful.Nissan Research Centerhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64470/1/102434.pd

Transforming the study of organisms: Phenomic data models and knowledge bases

The rapidly decreasing cost of gene sequencing has resulted in a deluge of genomic data from across the tree of life; however, outside a few model organism databases, genomic data are limited in their scientific impact because they are not accompanied by computable phenomic data. The majority of phenomic data are contained in countless small, heterogeneous phenotypic data sets that are very difficult or impossible to integrate at scale because of variable formats, lack of digitization, and linguistic problems. One powerful solution is to represent phenotypic data using data models with precise, computable semantics, but adoption of semantic standards for representing phenotypic data has been slow, especially in biodiversity and ecology. Some phenotypic and trait data are available in a semantic language from knowledge bases, but these are often not interoperable. In this review, we will compare and contrast existing ontology and data models, focusing on nonhuman phenotypes and traits. We discuss barriers to integration of phenotypic data and make recommendations for developing an operationally useful, semantically interoperable phenotypic data ecosystem