Seton Hall Preparatory School

This paper aims to provide an analysis of income inequality going beyond the Gini coefficient and discuss its economic, political, and social roots. It focuses on factors like globalization, automation, taxation, lobbying, labor relations, education, and discrimination. By comparing the United States, Scandinavian countries, and developing economies such as China and India, it shows how various governance and social structures affect inequality. The findings indicate that neoliberalism and minimal social policies widen the gaps, while high-tax welfare states and universal services can reduce them. Solutions are proposed such as progressive taxation, better labor laws, universal basic income, education for all, anti-discrimination laws, and corporate social responsibility. This study maintains that addressing income disparity is a complex process that requires the collaboration of governments, educational institutions, corporations, and civil society to build better societies. This is based on the complexities that surround economic inequalities, observed from the inter-sectional manner as opposed to the binary approach of Gini coefficient.

This article aims to explore the interaction between sound knowledge and sound perception, especially in subjects with absolute pitch (AP). The study used fMRI scanning technology to explore two specific objectives: first, to test whether the brain system related to sound perception was actually activated when retrieving knowledge related to pitch through language stimuli; The second is to compare the speed and accuracy of subjects with absolute pitch perception and those without absolute pitch perception in terms of sound perception and sound memory retrieval association. The research results are expected to provide support for the view that there is a direct overlap between conceptual knowledge and perceptual systems, and further verify the correctness of the "embodied simulation" theory. In addition, the study also proposed further research directions, namely exploring the influence of absolute pitch ability on spatial perception ability of pitch and the similarities and differences in the neural basis between absolute pitch test subjects and other subjects when corresponding to CMC across modalities.

Abstract Clinical and athletic settings demonstrate that heat stress influences various physiological processes, including muscle regeneration. The study investigates the impact of heat stress on muscle activation (electromyography/EMG activity) and Myogenin (MYOG) levels in the Tibialis Anterior muscle. This study aimed to determine optimal heat stress to enhance neuromuscular activity by applying heat stress (30°C to 42°C) to the Tibialis Anterior. At the same time, indirect Myogenin data levels were analyzed to determine muscle regeneration. Data analysis (ANOVA) was performed and showed no correlation between heat stress and muscle activation in the Tibialis Anterior Muscle (F(3, 16) = 0.959, p = 0.436). Instead, t-tests revealed that neuromuscular activity increased between 30°C and 42°C (t(2) = -2.67, p = 0.058, one-tailed). Moreover, analysis done by paired t-tests indicated a decrease in MYOG expression levels when heat stress was present (t(2) = -6.5, p = 0.011, one-tailed). These results show that although heat stress may not impact neuromuscular activity to the point of variation, it could downregulate MYOG expression levels. Downregulating MYOG levels could limit muscle regeneration. The research shows the potential application of heat stress in neuromuscular function in the Tibialis Anterior to optimize recovery in athletic and clinical conditions.

With the rapid advancement of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, its application in the gaming sector has introduced an unprecedented level of immersion for players. This paper aims to explore the integration of VR technology in game design and assess its potential and challenges in enhancing player experiences. The motivation for this research stems from the fundamental differences between VR and traditional games in terms of immersion, interactivity, and multisensory feedback. The paper provides an overview of the basic concepts and principles of VR technology, compares it with traditional gaming technologies, and discusses its role in delivering immersive gaming experiences, enhancing player interaction, and providing multisensory feedback, particularly in multiplayer online gaming contexts. Despite the rapid growth of the VR gaming market, high hardware costs, lack of content, and technical challenges remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The conclusion of this paper underscores the significance and potential for future development of VR technology in the gaming field, while also identifying key areas for improvement necessary for mainstream acceptance.

This study delves into the multifaceted challenges confronting children from vulnerable or fragile families, with a specific focus on learning disabilities, resilience (measured by grit), and material hardship—a factor intricately linked with children’s disabilities. Leveraging the predictive capabilities of machine learning (ML), our research aims to discern the determinants of these outcomes, thereby facilitating evidence-based policy formulation and targeted interventions for at-risk populations. The dataset underwent meticulous preprocessing, including the elimination of records with extensive missing values, the removal of features with minimal variance, and the imputation of medians for categorical data and means for numerical data. Advanced feature selection techniques, incorporating mutual information, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and tree-based methods, were employed to refine the dataset and mitigate overfitting. Additionally, we addressed the challenge of class imbalance through the implementation of the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to enhance model generalization. Various ML models, encompassing Random Forest, Neural Networks [multilayer perceptron (MLP)], Gradient-Boosted Trees (XGBoost), and a Stacking Ensemble Model, were evaluated on the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) dataset, with fine-tuning facilitated by Bayesian optimization techniques. The experimental findings highlighted the superior predictive performance of Random Forest and XGBoost models in classifying material hardship, while the Stacking Ensemble Model emerged as the most effective predictor of grade point average (GPA) and grit. Our research underscores the critical importance of tailored policy interventions grounded in empirical evidence to address childhood disabilities within fragile families, thus offering invaluable insights for policymakers and practitioners alike.

Few Black nurses occupy positions of leadership, and even fewer Black female nurses advance to careers as nurse executives. The purpose of this 2018 study was to explore the lived experience of being Black and female when becoming a nurse executive, specifically the nuances of being both a racial and gender minority. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological method, this study explored the experiences of a purposive sample of 10 Black female nurse executives through semistructured telephone interviews. van Manen's approach and Collins' Black feminist thought as the theoretical framework guided data analysis. Three themes emerged: (a) living in a constant state of readiness; (b) embracing the responsibility beyond the job description; and (c) overcoming. Participants testified of the psychological dynamics of Black womanness, and the burdens of the intersectionality of race, gender, and class discrimination, while managing the complexities and rigors of a thriving career. Discussing the results of this research will help leaders in nursing, health care, and related professions to understand further the experiences of Black female nurse executives, which will inform efforts to (a) increase minority representation in positions of nursing leadership and (b) improve health equity.

Colony Collapse disorder (the CCD) is the term used to describe the global decline in bee populations. The research mission of this article is to identify which factors contribute to the CCD and understand how these factors contribute to the decline of bee populations, which may provide methods for restoring global bee populations. Two parts of the study will be mentioned in this article. The first half of our study was to understand such collective intelligence (and habits such as seasonal behavioral change) and use a mathematical model to simulate it. We then input the variables that we used to simulate honeybee collective intelligence into a time-dependent model to predict the population of a honey colony over time. In this model, we excluded the factors that might cause the CCD on purpose, so we could use it as a controlled set of honeybee natural population dynamics. We compared the results of this population model to experimental data we found, and they matched within certain degrees. The second half of our study was to perform a sensitivity analysis by introducing back the three factors that might cause the CCD to the population model including climate change, pesticides, and habitat destruction. The paper further discussed the strength and weaknesses of the mathematical model and used this model to predict how many honeybee hives were needed to support the pollination of a 20-acre parcel of land containing crops that benefit from pollination. Additionally, an infographic of our method was illustrated.

Although current recommendations support vaginal breech birth as a reasonable option, access to breech birth in US hospitals is limited. This study explored the experiences of decision-making and perceptions of access to care in people who transferred out of the hospital system to pursue home breech birth. We conducted a mixed methods study of people with a singleton, term breech fetus who transferred out of the US hospital system to pursue home breech birth. Twenty-five people completed an online demographic and psychosocial survey, and 23 (92%) participated in semi-structured interviews. We used an interpretive description approach informed by situational analysis to analyze qualitative data about participants' experiences and perceived access to care. Of 25 individuals who left the hospital system to pursue a home breech birth, most felt denied informed choice (64%) and threatened or coerced into cesarean (68%). The majority reported low or very low autonomy in decision-making (n = 20, 80%) and high decisional satisfaction using validated measures. Many participants felt safer in a hospital setting but were not able to access care for planned vaginal breech hospital birth, despite extensive efforts. Participants felt "backed into a corner" and "forced into homebirth," perceiving a lack of access to safe and respectful care in the hospital system. Some service users believe that home birth is their only option when they cannot access hospital-based care for vaginal breech birth. Current barriers to care for breech birth limit birthing people's autonomy and may be placing them and their infants at increased risk.

Introduction: Anemia in alcoholics is often multifactorial. Zieve’s syndrome (ZS) is a triad of jaundice, hemolytic anemia, and hyperlipidemia that develops secondary to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Anemia is very common in alcoholics, and it is often multifactorial. Here we are reporting a case of ZS causing persistent hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia in alcoholic patient. Case Description/Methods: 47-year-old F prior medical history hypertension, fibroids, AUD was sent to the ED for evaluation of low Hb 6.4 (MCV 90). Last menstrual period was normal one month ago. Denied any melena or hematochezia. Recent EGD showed grade D esophagitis and colonoscopy done 1 month ago showed internal hemorrhoids. She used to drink 3 to 4 beers daily since age of 18 and quit 2 weeks ago. She was admitted 3 times in last 8 months for anemia. Afebrile and hemodynamically stable with no evidence of overt bleeding. Anemia workup done during this and previous admission consistent with nonimmune hemolytic anemia. Labs showed haptoglobin < 31 mg/dl, LDH 440, negative coombs test, total bilirubin 8.6 mg/dl (direct bili 2.2), AST/ALT 43/11 with ALP/GGT WNL, PT/INR 22/1.92, ferritin 862, low TIBC, iron sat 43.1, folic acid/vit B12 WNL, platelets were 108, albumin 2.6. APRI and fib 4 score consistent with advanced fibrosis secondary to AUD. Lipid panel unremarkable except total cholesterol 251. Adam TS13 activity, G6PD (Quant), lupus anticoagulant, autoimmune panel, antimitochondrial antibody, hepatitis panel, HIV were negative. Peripheral blood smear showed anisocytosis with some burr cells. US abdomen showed echogenic liver with hepatofugal venous flow and no biliary dilatation. In view of non-immune hemolytic anemia, jaundice in a patient with alcoholic liver disease with negative above-mentioned workup, diagnosis of Zieve's syndrome was made. She was transfused with 2 units of PRBC during this admission and was counseled regarding importance of alcohol abstinence in treating the anemia due to Zieve's syndrome. She was discharged with outpatient follow-up. Discussion: Treatment of ZS includes supportive management with blood transfusion and abstinence from alcohol. Even though ZS is rarely reported, it should be suspected in patients with worsening hemolytic anemia with no apparent explanation, especially in alcoholics. Being aware of ZS can limit workup, cost and help avoid using unnecessary drugs that can worsen the condition.

In modern society, due to the development of human technology and video games, many people have started to know and play video games. One of the main reasons is that video games are a form of entertainment that only requires a computer or a phone, making them a popular activity to do when tired, relaxing, or just passing time. Additionally, there are many types of video games, including sandbox, real-time strategy, shooters, multiplayer online battle arenas, role-playing games, simulations, sports games, puzzlers, party games, action-adventure games, survival games, and platforms. However, survival games are not as well-known as some other types of games. They are a wide category of games that are set in a wide map and force the player to start an adventure with limited equipment. The main parts of a survival game include the background, character, plot, art design, game concept, and design. The way to investigate survival games is through a review of relevant literature and articles. Therefore, the conclusion of this research paper will be a summary of the game design and art style of survival games.