Plymouth State University

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of rural, first-generation college (RFGC) students in relation to dominant culturally normative expectations about postsecondary educational and workforce trajectories. The study adopted patterns of engagement with a master narrative as both a conceptual framework and unit of analysis, examining both biography and cultural ecologies as well as highlighting agency in the lives and choices of study participants. Evidence is drawn from 4 in-depth narrative interviews with each of 14 RFGC students, conducted both at school and students’ homes, from rural and small-town communities. Results show that a master narrative of College for All (CFA) is a widespread and dominant life course ideology that shapes the postsecondary experience of RFGC students. The study found three distinct patterns of engagement with this master narrative: faithful, hybrid, and utilitarian alignment. Moreover, these types of engagement seemed related to distinct patterns of agency-driven psychological wellbeing. The study contributes an anti-deficit understanding of RFGC students’ experiences and identity by focusing on the ways individuals negotiate and selectively align with dominant cultural narratives as well as the ways rural youth work to imagine new stories and possibilities.

Background Compassion fatigue is a significant problem in health care as higher degrees of compassion fatigue are associated with psychical, emotional, and work-related negative outcomes in professionals. Despite the significance of the problem, research has yet to establish how this problem can be ameliorated. Our study aimed at investigating if an educational program including a serious game, could be a feasible avenue to pursue. Method We developed an educational program “The Compassion Equation: Find Your Formula”, inspired by theory and evidence on compassion fatigue and serious games. It consists of a short lecture, a serious board game, as well as group and individual reflections conducted in small groups with colleagues. We examined the feasibility of the educational program by obtaining reports from health care workers employed in psychiatric hospitals. They reported on levels of compassion fatigue, self-care beliefs and behaviors, as well as questions on feasibility of the game. Results A total of 212 health care workers from 12 wards participated in the study. Of these 79% recommend the educational program as a way to prevent compassion fatigue. Less than 20% disagreed with the feasibility of the game being effective. Conclusion Despite methodological issues, our study provides the first suggestion that an educational program with a persuasive game may be feasible to prevent compassion fatigue. Further studies are, however, needed to establish the mechanisms as well as the educational program’s effect on levels of compassion fatigue, and self-care beliefs and behaviors.

Behavioral factors of pain catastrophizing and perceived injustice are associated with pain intensity in chronic pain. Diminished heart rate variability (HRV) is also strongly associated with chronic pain. These factors have been less explored earlier in the pain experience and it is unclear whether they play a role in the transition from acute to chronic pain. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pain catastrophizing, perceived injustice, pain intensity, and HRV in naturally occurring acute pain. Ninety-seven patients were recruited from local outpatient physical therapy clinics. Seated HRV was captured on 94 patients via Polar chest strap while patients were taking a survey via iPad. In addition to sociodemographic data, the survey included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The natural log of high-frequency power (lnHFP) HRV was used in the statistical analysis. Multiple linear regression modeling revealed that lower pain catastrophizing, higher perceived injustice, and lower pain intensity were associated with lower HRV, and accounted for 11.4% of the variance in HRV. While greater chronic pain intensity is associated with lower HRV, the relationship is reversed in the setting of acute pain. These findings highlight the need to better understand the unique factors that contribute to lower HRV in the acute phase.

Abstract Among the most ancient living species on earth the Limulus polyphemus has evolved extraordinarily effective survival strategies. Covered by a shell of chitin exhibiting physical properties that set it apart from other shell bearing animals: including a low density of 0.15 [g/cm3], a complex gradient of thickness, and a closed porous structure. It is reasonable to assume that the role of the shell is to shield the soft tissue of the crab from predators; however, one would expect that its mechanical strength would be high and yet this shell is comparatively weak. At the same time, it displays a structural complexity yielding a high acoustic impedance mismatch with water. These observations raise the prospect that the shell may be contributing in other ways to the crab’s survival. Harnessing ultiple measurement approaches we study physiological sources of sound including the magnitude of heart and gill movement as expressed close to the source of excitation itself as well as its vibrational impact on the motion of the shell surface. Gill motion and heartbeat, which generate large macroscopic displacements below the shell result in sub microns vibration of the shell surface. Given the large impedance mismatch with water, we show through sound transmission measurements that that the shell has very high acoustic reflectivity below 1000 Hz corroborated by a finite element analysis. These observations raise the prospect that the Limulus polyphemus shell may serve as an acoustic and vibration attenuator, lowering the vibration and acoustic signature of the horseshoe crab and conferring a potential survival advantage.

Abstract Substance misuse during adolescence is an issue, and engaging parents in prevention efforts has significant positive impacts; yet barriers to engagement exist. The purpose of this qualitative parent focus group study was to understand the perspectives of participants (n = 5) about information and delivery platforms that will promote, engage, and support parents in prevention efforts. Thematic analyses identified five key themes from the semistructured interview: (1) educational support, (2) community support, (3) venues and platforms, (4) influences of other countries, and (5) potential barriers. Implications for clinical mental health and school counselors, and future research are discussed.

The disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its global reach and unique impacts. While the literature has addressed the disruption effect on FDI at the country level, we provide a unique dive into the presence and development of FDI at a subnational location. We use detailed data on spatial and industrial distributions of FDI in the U.S. state of New Hampshire and find support for all our hypotheses related to post-disruption recovery and resilience. Given the varied impact of the pandemic on FDI across locations, and the heterogeneity in local conditions, we contend that the subnational recovery depends on the impact of the disruption and happens at varying levels and timelines. While the literature documented that foreign businesses choose to embed in their local host environments, few studies have considered empirically how the level of local integration affects FDI recovery after disruption. We propose that subnational locations with a high level of integration maintain relative strength in FDI post-disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic disruption presents an opportunity to evaluate FDI resilience. We postulate that existing FDI and spatial agglomerations of FDI-related activities impact the post-disruption resilience of FDI at a subnational location. The analysis concludes on actionable insights for researchers and practitioners regarding how to navigate the FDI inflows and activities at their specific location.

Abstract To delay Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance, southern US corn growers are required to plant 20% of their total corn acres to non-Bt hybrids. However, most do not, possibly due to negative perceptions or the lack of availability of non-Bt hybrids. We surveyed 174 corn growers and 32 corn seed dealers in eastern North Carolina, an area that historically has planted little non-Bt corn. Our questions focused on planting behavior and hybrid choice, barriers to planting non-Bt corn, and preferences and challenges for non-Bt corn sales. Only 32% of growers surveyed planted the mandated non-Bt refuge acres. Growers from counties with smaller crop operations and in counties where growers had less graduate education planted less non-Bt seed. Grower perceptions of yield differences between Bt and non-Bt hybrids were ambiguous, but only a few had limited availability or knowledge of non-Bt seed options. Seed dealers were familiar with non-Bt corn hybrids in their portfolio, but not as familiar with non-Bt refuge requirements. Furthermore, dealers indicated obstacles in providing diverse herbicide packages and seed treatments for non-Bt hybrids. We highlight the need for enhanced communication and education initiatives. Strengthening educational outreach to clarify refuge requirements and addressing perceived yield disparities between Bt and non-Bt hybrids could also increase planting of non-Bt refuge. Finally, incentivizing seed dealers to offer and promote non-Bt seed options, coupled with diverse herbicide packages, might increase refuge planting. Our surveys underscore the complexity surrounding grower behaviors, seed dealer dynamics, and the importance of educational efforts and incentives to non-Bt refuge.