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The Physical Characteristics Linked To The Perception Of Criminality Of Female Offenders, Jennifer Anne Chapman Jul 2025

The Physical Characteristics Linked To The Perception Of Criminality Of Female Offenders, Jennifer Anne Chapman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Gender disparities can be seen throughout the criminal justice system, where females are seen as weak and incapable of causing harm. This quantitative study sought to add to the existing research regarding physical characteristics linked to criminality. The labeling theory explains how physical characteristics labeled as deviant can alter a person’s perception when deciding whether an individual is violent. The research questions explored the physical characteristics linked to the perception of violent female offenders as well as the relationship between the gender of the participant and their ability to successfully identify a violent female offender. A mixture of statistical designs …


Parthenocarpic Cucumber Cultivar Susceptibility Varies Among Common High Tunnel Insect And Mite Pests, Leslie Aviles, Elizabeth Maynard, Wenjing Guan, Laura Ingwell Jul 2025

Parthenocarpic Cucumber Cultivar Susceptibility Varies Among Common High Tunnel Insect And Mite Pests, Leslie Aviles, Elizabeth Maynard, Wenjing Guan, Laura Ingwell

Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications

High tunnels (HTs) are a protected agriculture tool used by specialty crop farmers. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativa L.) are well suited for HT production because of their vertical growth habit, allowing for space optimization, and repeated flowering, providing multiple harvest opportunities. However, twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch; TSSM), striped cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum Fabricius), and melon aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) are common pests of cucumbers in HT systems, limiting production. The unique environment of HTs lacks regulation of temperatures, which can reach high levels during summer, facilitating the rapid development of pests. Here, we present results …


Research On Policy Representation In Deep Reinforcement Learning, Zhen Chen, Zhuoyi Wu, Lin Zhang Jul 2025

Research On Policy Representation In Deep Reinforcement Learning, Zhen Chen, Zhuoyi Wu, Lin Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has achieved remarkable success in various domains. Nevertheless, existing policy networks in DRL still face significant challenges in areas such as generalizability, multi-task adaptability, and sample efficiency. Policy representation, as a crucial research direction for enhancing DRL capabilities, aims to improve an agent's adaptability to environmental changes and novel tasks by constructing more efficient and generalizable forms of policy expression. This paper provided a concise overview of key research advances in the field of policy representation. It introduced diverse policy architectures, ranging from traditional multi-layer perceptron (MLP) -based policies to those based on pointer networks, …


Optimization And Simulation Of Adaptive Production Scheduling Based On Hybrid Decision-Making Mechanism, Zhicheng Ji, Zhen Quan, Yan Wang Jul 2025

Optimization And Simulation Of Adaptive Production Scheduling Based On Hybrid Decision-Making Mechanism, Zhicheng Ji, Zhen Quan, Yan Wang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To optimize flexible production scheduling with the objectives of the longest makespan, mean tardiness, and bottleneck machine processing load rate, a hybrid decision-making mechanism scheduling algorithm was proposed based on the decision complexity and constraint characteristics of machine assignment and task sequencing. The algorithm adopted a two-dimensional chromosome to encode machine assignment and a heuristic rule to evaluate task sequencing priority, enhancing the adaptability of the method to decision-making optimization. In order to further improve the performance of the proposed scheduling method, an adaptive rule strategy was designed based on the distribution of processing time required for waiting scheduling …


The Flash Technique As An Effective Low-Intensity Intervention For Migrants At The U.S. Point Of Entry, Selma D. Yznaga, Sik-Lam Wong, Suzanne Maniss Jul 2025

The Flash Technique As An Effective Low-Intensity Intervention For Migrants At The U.S. Point Of Entry, Selma D. Yznaga, Sik-Lam Wong, Suzanne Maniss

Counseling Faculty Publications

Migrants often face severe trauma before and during their journey, leading to mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress. This study explores the Flash Technique (FT) as a one-time intervention for newly arrived migrants. Twelve healthcare professionals and 11 student interns trained in FT provided interventions to 55 migrants, who showed substantial improvements in subjective units of distress scores. The findings highlight the efficacy of a low-intensity intervention in a humanitarian context, which can serve to mitigate the long-term psychological impact of trauma.


Stoners, Walnuts, Stockings, And Guns: A Material History Of Modern Firearms, Aiden Mashaal Jul 2025

Stoners, Walnuts, Stockings, And Guns: A Material History Of Modern Firearms, Aiden Mashaal

History Summer Fellows

The study of firearms as material objects is notably rare among academic historians. It is relegated mainly to the pages of firearms magazines and carried out by journalists, gun collectors and enthusiasts, and gun manufacturers. Although they provide valuable information to readers outside of academia, it is long past due to observe the history of guns according to scholarly standards. This study provides a concise analysis of firearms history, focusing on the materials used in the manufacture of modern firearms—aluminum alloy and polymers. It explores the successes and failures of guns that used such materials in order to explain how …


The Blurry Line: Examining The Balance Between Feminism And Nationalism For Women In Early 20th Century Ireland, Seamus M. Clune Jul 2025

The Blurry Line: Examining The Balance Between Feminism And Nationalism For Women In Early 20th Century Ireland, Seamus M. Clune

History Summer Fellows

The early 20th century in Ireland was a complex and confusing period. Between British Imperialism, The Gaelic Revival, World War I, the suffrage movement, and the Irish War of Independence, the period was fast and turbulent. Above the shifting ground, Irish women activists balanced two key political causes: feminism and Irish nationalism. Past scholarship has examined the coexistence of these two ideals. At times, one suppressed the other. At other times, they worked in tandem. This project offers a new interpretation of Irish women's political activity through a close reading of the letters and memoirs of three people: Constance Markievicz …


Correlation Between Asprosin And Irisin In Iraqi Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Or High Blood Pressure, Shaimaa Imad Ali, Qutban Ibrahim Hasan, Layla Imad Ali, Fayhaa M. Khaleel, Farah I. Ali Jul 2025

Correlation Between Asprosin And Irisin In Iraqi Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Or High Blood Pressure, Shaimaa Imad Ali, Qutban Ibrahim Hasan, Layla Imad Ali, Fayhaa M. Khaleel, Farah I. Ali

Baghdad Science Journal

Diabetics are twice as likely to experience high blood pressure as non-diabetics. Asprosin a protein hormone has 140 amino-acids, is secreted by white adipose-tissue in response to fasting. When the cAMP, protein kinase-A pathway is activated, it causes a fasting-induced increase in hepatic glucose release into the bloodstream. Irisin, a peptide consisting of 112 amino-acids, is produced by cleaving a protein in the plasma membrane to release an adipocytokine. Enhanced lipid and glucose metabolism, along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are among the advantageous impacts of irisin. The purpose of this study is to determine the function of Asprosin and …


Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Effects On The Mesolimbic Dopamine Circuitry And Adaptations With Chronic Ethanol Exposure, Rachel Ji-Hyae Campbell Jul 2025

Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Effects On The Mesolimbic Dopamine Circuitry And Adaptations With Chronic Ethanol Exposure, Rachel Ji-Hyae Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system contributes to reward and reinforcement learning for ethanol (EtOH). The nucleus accumbens (NAc) receives DA input from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) encoding rewarding information. Acute EtOH increases NAc DA levels, and this DA response is attenuated with chronic EtOH exposure. Furthermore, chronic EtOH results in reduced DA release, increased DA clearance and presynaptic D2-type auto-receptor sensitization. Further research into EtOH-induced neural adaptations that modulate NAc DA release is explored herein, including changes in cholinergic interneurons (CIN), which are known regulators of DA transmission. One potential class of regulators are immune related cytokines, that can …


Current Situation Of Simulation Course Offerings In Colleges And Universities In China And Abroad, Xiaogang Qiu, Zhengqiu Zhu, Kai Xu, Guanghong Gong Jul 2025

Current Situation Of Simulation Course Offerings In Colleges And Universities In China And Abroad, Xiaogang Qiu, Zhengqiu Zhu, Kai Xu, Guanghong Gong

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: As fundamental teaching units, courses serve as vital carriers of disciplinary knowledge transmission and critical bridges for converting research outcomes into educational content. The construction of simulation courses plays a pivotal role in developing the simulation discipline. The inaugural "Intelligence+ " symposium on simulation discipline and specialty construction focused on exploring the current state of simulation courses and pedagogy in China while examining future development directions. This report presented the key findings and discussions from the symposium regarding simulation courses and pedagogy. The analysis covered four parts: first, an overview of simulation course offerings and characteristics at European and …


Research On Requirements And Methods For Intelligent Assessment Of Simulation Credibility, Bingheng Wang, Tingrui Liu, Fan Yang, Huan Zhang, Wei Li, Ping Ma, Ming Yang Jul 2025

Research On Requirements And Methods For Intelligent Assessment Of Simulation Credibility, Bingheng Wang, Tingrui Liu, Fan Yang, Huan Zhang, Wei Li, Ping Ma, Ming Yang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The accuracy of simulations in representing real-world systems is a critical concern for users. Simulation credibility assessment ensures trustworthiness by evaluating the correctness and effectiveness of simulations to meet application requirements. As simulation technologies are widely adopted, and new simulation paradigms emerge, traditional assessment methods are increasingly showing limitations in their dependence on experts, data processing capabilities, and assessment efficiency. This paper systematically reviewed the research demands, current progress, new technologies, and future trends of intelligent simulation credibility assessment. Based on the simulation credibility assessment process and problem analysis, the requirements for intelligent credibility assessment were discussed. Intelligent technologies …


Research On Simulation Training Technology For Special Vehicle Command Based On Gesture Behavior Cognition Interaction, Xiangyang Li, Zhili Zhang, Rui Wang, Xiao Wang, Cheng Chi Jul 2025

Research On Simulation Training Technology For Special Vehicle Command Based On Gesture Behavior Cognition Interaction, Xiangyang Li, Zhili Zhang, Rui Wang, Xiao Wang, Cheng Chi

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To overcome the practical shortcomings in the driving command training of special vehicles, a simulation training technology framework based on gesture behavior cognition and command interaction was proposed. A somatosensory interactive motion capture device and human skeleton model were used to conduct the real-time dynamic recognition and spatial coordinate transformation of the gesture actions of the command training personnel. The median filtering method was applied to eliminate the abrupt data and random noise. The spatial coordinates were processed consistently by using the human skeleton centralization and normalization method. Based on the command gesture action behavior model library and the …


Dynamic Data Driven Simulation Based On Macro-Microscopic Hierarchical Simulation Models, Xu Xie, Yuqing Ma Jul 2025

Dynamic Data Driven Simulation Based On Macro-Microscopic Hierarchical Simulation Models, Xu Xie, Yuqing Ma

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract:This paper proposed a dynamic data driven simulation approach based on macro-microscopic hierarchical simulation models. This approach enabled the measurement data from the real system to affect the macroscopic simulation and microscopic simulation in sequence and made the two simulations evolve together so that it could provide decision makers with the state evolution prediction of the real system at the macroscopic level to assist decision making and provide a microscopic testbed similar to the real system, on which decision makers could deduce and evaluate their strategies. This paper established a formal description of the approach and designed a data …


Staff Education To Improve Preceptors’ Knowledge Base To Adapt Teaching Methods Across Generations, Lucretia Dennise Sanders Jul 2025

Staff Education To Improve Preceptors’ Knowledge Base To Adapt Teaching Methods Across Generations, Lucretia Dennise Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Today’s nursing workforce consists of individuals from multiple generational cohorts, which creates a dynamic mix of nurses whose behavior and work reflect the cultural and historical events that shaped their generation. As the nursing workforce becomes increasingly multigenerational, nurse educators and leaders face growing challenges in ensuring that onboarding practices meet the needs of diverse learners. In the local organization, leaders and clinical educators observed inconsistencies in preceptorship practices and onboarding experiences, particularly for newly hired nurses. As a result, leaders determined that an educational intervention focused on generational teaching strategies was needed. Thus, the purpose of this Doctor of …


On The Use Of Wearable Continuous Glucose Monitors (Cgms), Jovita Ozonnadi Jul 2025

On The Use Of Wearable Continuous Glucose Monitors (Cgms), Jovita Ozonnadi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This DNP project implemented an educational module on the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGM) to increase staff knowledge of diabetic care and glycemic control for the diabetic population in a community healthcare clinic. Diabetes mellitus is a significant health concern that poses a substantial challenge to the community and the American healthcare system with a higher burden of diabetes complications found among the low income, uninsured, and minority populations. Poor glycemic control is a major health issue that significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as heart and kidney diseases, and obesity. The adoption of CGM …


Perspectives Of Childcare Center Directors Regarding Barriers To Naeyc Accreditation, Jessica Baffoe Jul 2025

Perspectives Of Childcare Center Directors Regarding Barriers To Naeyc Accreditation, Jessica Baffoe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

NAEYC accreditation is a hallmark of quality in early learning and lack of accreditation suggested a gap in practice. The problem that was the focus of this research is that only 12% of early childhood center-based programs in the United States are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the study was to explore perspectives of childcare center directors regarding NAEYC accreditation. Knowles’s adult learning provided the conceptual framework for this study and guided 3 research questions about directors’ perspectives of barriers, benefits, and the necessary support they associated with NAEYC accreditation. …


Matrix Molecules Associated With Both Regulation Of Inflammation And Pathogenic Outcomes Associated With The Surface Of The Lens In The Eyes Of Eau Mice, Phuong M. Le, Jodirae Dedreu, Mary J Mattapallil, Rachel R Caspi, Ryan Tomlinson, Mary Ann Stepp, A. Sue Menko Jul 2025

Matrix Molecules Associated With Both Regulation Of Inflammation And Pathogenic Outcomes Associated With The Surface Of The Lens In The Eyes Of Eau Mice, Phuong M. Le, Jodirae Dedreu, Mary J Mattapallil, Rachel R Caspi, Ryan Tomlinson, Mary Ann Stepp, A. Sue Menko

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Immune cells with immunoregulatory properties are recruited to the surface of the lens in the Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis (EAU) mouse and remain linked through resolution of EAU inflammation. Since protein components of the extracellular matrix provide biochemical and mechanical signals that regulate immune cell migration and phenotype, we investigated whether EAU inflammation caused matrix molecules to become associated with the lens surface. We focused on matrix proteins known to influence leukocyte phenotype and behavior, and/or lead to pathological outcomes in uveitis. We found that fibrinogen became associated with the lens capsule surface by the peak of EAU inflammation and increased …


Reliability Simulation Testing And Verification Technologies For Intelligent Systems: Frontiers, Progress, And Challenges, Zili Wang, Yuntian Gao, Dezhen Yang, Yeyang Liu, Yi Ren Jul 2025

Reliability Simulation Testing And Verification Technologies For Intelligent Systems: Frontiers, Progress, And Challenges, Zili Wang, Yuntian Gao, Dezhen Yang, Yeyang Liu, Yi Ren

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Intelligent systems are extensively deployed in domains such as transportation, energy and water resources, smart healthcare, and aerospace, where their reliability is directly linked to public safety and social stability, thus requiring thorough and scientifically rigorous verification. This article conducted an in-depth exploration of the current state of reliability simulation and verification techniques for intelligent systems. It defined the concept of reliability specific to intelligent systems and identified key challenges they face in areas including mission scenario modeling, characteristic modeling and simulation, evaluation and verification, and simulation platforms. Future development requirements were proposed to guide research toward more trustworthy, …


Modeling And Simulation Of Complex Systems Based On Graph Neural Networks, Jinhu Lü, Hongyi Jiang, Deyuan Liu, Shaolin Tan Jul 2025

Modeling And Simulation Of Complex Systems Based On Graph Neural Networks, Jinhu Lü, Hongyi Jiang, Deyuan Liu, Shaolin Tan

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Modeling and simulation of complex systems are critical issues for understanding their structural and functional properties. The ability of graph neural networks (GNNs) to learn and represent the internal correlations within data provides a new approach for modeling and simulating complex systems. Currently, there are various types of GNN models involving frequency-domain, spatial-domain, generative, heterogeneous, and spatio-temporal models. These models are widely applied in complex system modeling and simulation research in multiple fields such as industrial internet, social networks, and supply chains based on specific tasks and scenarios. Starting from three representative tasks: network topology representation, dynamic evolution modeling, …


Intelligent Transition Of Automotive Industry Driven By Autonomous Driving Simulation Testing Technology, Jianping Wu, Guanzhou Li, Shuai Zhao, Ling Huang Jul 2025

Intelligent Transition Of Automotive Industry Driven By Autonomous Driving Simulation Testing Technology, Jianping Wu, Guanzhou Li, Shuai Zhao, Ling Huang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: As a pivotal approach supporting the safety verification and commercial implementation of intelligent driving systems, autonomous driving simulation testing has achieved remarkable progress in technical methodologies and application scenarios. Conventional real-world road testing faces critical limitations including prohibitive costs, inadequate coverage of corner case scenarios, and efficiency bottlenecks, rendering it insufficient for safety validation of high-level autonomous driving systems (L4 and above). To address these challenges, simulation testing frameworks have evolved into a multi-layered verification system encompassing mathematical modeling, virtual scenarios, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), mixed reality, and cloud-based simulation clusters. Specifically, mathematical modeling accelerates algorithm development; virtual scenario simulation enhances …


Digital Twinned Industrial Robot: Conceptual Framework, Key Technologies, And Case Study, Yongkui Liu, Kang Yang, Benben Tuo, Yaduo Pan, Xinyu Wang, Yihan Wang, Yongqian Gong, Lin Zhang, Lihui Wang, Tingyu Lin, Bin Zi, Yuan Li, Wei You, Xun Xu Jul 2025

Digital Twinned Industrial Robot: Conceptual Framework, Key Technologies, And Case Study, Yongkui Liu, Kang Yang, Benben Tuo, Yaduo Pan, Xinyu Wang, Yihan Wang, Yongqian Gong, Lin Zhang, Lihui Wang, Tingyu Lin, Bin Zi, Yuan Li, Wei You, Xun Xu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To effectively enhance the value and full life cycle management level of industrial robots, this paper integrated deeply digital twin with industrial robots and discussed a new concept, namely digital twinned industrial robot (DTIR). It defined the concept, composition, and typical characteristics of DTIRs and proposed their system architecture. From the perspective of the full life cycle of "design, manufacturing, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning", the key technologies of DTIRs were systematically sorted out. Furthermore, the validity of the proposed conceptual framework was verified through a case study. Finally, the paper summarized the findings and discussed the future development …


Large-Scale Social Simulator: Frontiers And Perspectives, Jinghua Piao, Chen Gao, Fang Zhang, Jun Su, Yong Li Jul 2025

Large-Scale Social Simulator: Frontiers And Perspectives, Jinghua Piao, Chen Gao, Fang Zhang, Jun Su, Yong Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Social experiments, as a typical research method in social sciences, aim to study specific social phenomena or the impacts of policies by observing the behaviors of individuals, organizations, or social groups in real or simulated environments. However, traditional social experiment methods often face challenges such as random bias, high costs, and ethical risks, making them inadequate to address increasingly complex research demands. Against this backdrop, computational social experiments have emerged, enabling researchers to conduct social experiments within computational simulation environments that are free from random bias, cost-efficient, and ethically manageable. Meanwhile, China is currently undergoing a critical period of …


Integration Of A Pedometer-Based Physical Activity Intervention With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Adults With Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, Amy K Silberbogen, Jeffrey A Cully, Erica R Checko, David Coultas, Brent R Schell, Jennifer Moye Jul 2025

Integration Of A Pedometer-Based Physical Activity Intervention With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Adults With Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, Amy K Silberbogen, Jeffrey A Cully, Erica R Checko, David Coultas, Brent R Schell, Jennifer Moye

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Physical activity interventions effectively improve physical activity (i.e., daily step count) and reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but effects on depression and anxiety are poorly understood. Behavioral interventions concurrently targeting both physical activity and mood symptoms are needed in this population. This paper describes acceptability testing and refinement of Step-CBT, a synchronous, video-delivered, pedometer-based physical activity intervention integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve step count in individuals with COPD; physical disability and depression and anxiety symptoms are secondary outcomes. Adults (N = 5) with COPD and clinically significant …


Creating A Narrative About Human Choice And Experience Through Short Fiction, Sidney D. Belleroche Jul 2025

Creating A Narrative About Human Choice And Experience Through Short Fiction, Sidney D. Belleroche

English and Creative Writing Summer Fellows

Originally based on my story titled, ‘Scenes of a Typical Life,’ which I wrote for Professor Kowalski’s Fiction Writing class, I wanted to explore the idea of human experiences and emotions. The original ‘Scenes of a Typical Life’ centered around a character named Bernard Etienne and I imagined what key moments in his life would look like. While I originally planned to continue with this idea, I pivoted toward more general and mature short stories based on experiences from my life. Ultimately, the goal of the project became to examine the humanity of myself and others to effectively convey emotions …


The Silent Identity: Asexuality, Aromanticism, And Convention In Le Roman De Silence And The Story Of Silence, Anita Farrell Jul 2025

The Silent Identity: Asexuality, Aromanticism, And Convention In Le Roman De Silence And The Story Of Silence, Anita Farrell

English and Creative Writing Summer Fellows

Le Roman de Silence is a 13th-century French romance about Silence, a woman raised as a man to protect their family’s inheritance. Heldris of Cornwall, the author, develops a rich inner world to help the audience connect with Silence, allowing them to experiment with gendered, sexual, and romantic boundaries. This romance intrigues modern scholars, especially feminist and queer researchers due to narrative pressure on conventions like gender and sex. In 2020, Alex Myers, a transgender author, updates Silence’s tale in The Story of Silence, where Silence explores their identity in greater detail. Silence eventually identifies themselves as non-binary and …


Lgbt Young Adults’ Experience Of Exiting Foster Care, Shaylon Joseph Jul 2025

Lgbt Young Adults’ Experience Of Exiting Foster Care, Shaylon Joseph

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The scholarly community understands little about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young adults as they transition out of the foster care system. This study explored the lived experiences and difficulties encountered by LGBT young adults after exiting foster care. Grounded in Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, this qualitative dissertation employed a phenomenological design to interpret how participants made sense of their transitions. Recruitment was conducted through a flyer posted on Facebook and the Department of Children and Family Services; 10 LGBT young adults participated in 60-minute interviews. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study revealed six overarching …


Limited Soil Water Recharge In Summer Affects Seasonal Isotopic Signatures Of Tree Xylem Water, Marius G. Floriancic, Gregory R. Goldsmith, Harsh Beria, Scott T. Allen, James W. Kirchner Jul 2025

Limited Soil Water Recharge In Summer Affects Seasonal Isotopic Signatures Of Tree Xylem Water, Marius G. Floriancic, Gregory R. Goldsmith, Harsh Beria, Scott T. Allen, James W. Kirchner

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Recent studies have reported that xylem waters in forest trees during the summer growing season are often isotopically similar to winter, rather than summer, precipitation. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this observation, which can be viewed as a form of ecohydrological separation, but empirical tests spanning space and time remain limited. We hypothesise that variations in the seasonal origin of precipitation found in tree xylem waters can be explained by seasonal differences in soil water recharge. We test this hypothesis by evaluating to what extent climatic aridity can explain seasonal signals in extensive surveys of the isotope ratios …


Breaking The Odds: A Gendered Analysis Of Women And Gambling Behaviors, Rowland Edet Jul 2025

Breaking The Odds: A Gendered Analysis Of Women And Gambling Behaviors, Rowland Edet

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Gambling is increasingly recognized as a complex public health issue with wide-ranging implications for individuals, families, and communities. While traditionally male-dominated, recent shifts reveal a growing participation among women, facilitated by gender-specific gambling products, targeted marketing, and evolving societal norms. This paper critically examines the prevalence, motivations, and harms associated with gambling among women, drawing on theoretical perspectives such as social capital theory, cultural geography, and gender role theory. By synthesizing existing literature, this review highlights distinct gendered patterns in gambling behaviors, including the use of gambling as a coping mechanism for stress, isolation, and caregiving burdens, and the role …


A Qualitative Exploration Of Self-Harm Among Autistic Women, Jessica Rebbettes, Alison Bacon Jul 2025

A Qualitative Exploration Of Self-Harm Among Autistic Women, Jessica Rebbettes, Alison Bacon

School of Psychology

Background: Autistic individuals, particularly females, demonstrate a higher prevalence of self-harm compared to those who are not autistic. Core cognitive, affective, and sensory differences inherent to autism are linked to the increased vulnerability within autistic populations. However, these factors are not sufficiently explored in relation to individuals’ social and environmental contexts, resulting in a gap in understanding the self-harm experiences of autistic females. Methods: Eleven autistic women participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences of self-harm. Data was transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes were identified: Regulation of Emotional States, highlighting self-harm as a …


What Drives Weight Status Among Female University Students? A Machine Learning Analysis Of Sociodemographic, Dietary, And Lifestyle Determinants, Radwan Qasrawi, Abir Ajab, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Ayesha Al Dhaheri, Sharifa Alblooshi, Razan Abu Ghoush, Stephanny Vicuna Polo, Malak Amro, Suliman Thwib, Ghada Issa, Haleama Al Sabbah Jul 2025

What Drives Weight Status Among Female University Students? A Machine Learning Analysis Of Sociodemographic, Dietary, And Lifestyle Determinants, Radwan Qasrawi, Abir Ajab, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Ayesha Al Dhaheri, Sharifa Alblooshi, Razan Abu Ghoush, Stephanny Vicuna Polo, Malak Amro, Suliman Thwib, Ghada Issa, Haleama Al Sabbah

All Works

Background: Obesity and underweight are increasingly common among young adult women, often resulting from complex interactions between diet, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. This study addresses that gap by applying machine learning to a wide range of behavioral, dietary, and demographic data. The main research question asks: What are the key factors influencing weight status among female university students, and how accurately can machine learning models identify them? We hypothesize that different factors are significantly associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity, and that machine learning can reliably detect these patterns. The aim is to identify the strongest predictors and support more …