Matching Items (175)
Description
Visual perceptual learning (VPL) is defined as visual performance improvement after visual experiences. VPL is often highly specific for a visual feature presented during training. Such specificity is observed in behavioral tuning function changes with the highest improvement centered on the trained feature and was originally thought to be evidence for changes in the early visual system associated with VPL. However, results of neurophysiological studies have been highly controversial concerning whether the plasticity underlying VPL occurs within the visual cortex. The controversy may be partially due to the lack of observation of neural tuning function changes in multiple visual areas in association with VPL. Here using human subjects we systematically compared behavioral tuning function changes after global motion detection training with decoded tuning function changes for 8 visual areas using pattern classification analysis on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals. We found that the behavioral tuning function changes were extremely highly correlated to decoded tuning function changes only in V3A, which is known to be highly responsive to global motion with human subjects. We conclude that VPL of a global motion detection task involves plasticity in a specific visual cortical area.
ContributorsShibata, Kazuhisa (Author) / Chang, Li-Hung (Author) / Kim, Dongho (Author) / Nanez, Jose (Author) / Kamitani, Yukiyasu (Author) / Watanabe, Takeo (Author) / Sasaki, Yuka (Author) / New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2012-08-28
Description
As science has progressed, sleep deficiency has been discovered to be associated with declines in both mental and physical health, and similarly, sleep deficiency has been noted as a public safety concern with 20 percent of motor vehicle crashes linked to driving while drowsy. The National Sleep Foundation has identified that 62 percent of Americans do nothing to address their sleep deficiency, and with a society that normalizes coping mechanisms such as napping and caffeine consumption, it is easy to see why nothing has been done to resolve this issue. Nevertheless, with sleep technology falling in the hands of more and more Americans this thesis aims to explore how these technologies are being adopted and how the introduction of sleep-oriented features for established products may lead to more sleep conscious consumers.
ContributorsSmith, Keaton (Author) / Burgman, Roland (Thesis director) / Buman, Matthew (Committee member) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-12
Description
The purpose of this research project was to implement a staff development program that would assess and strengthen the level of emotional intelligence of the teachers at a local low-income middle school. A goal of the project was to increase a teacher's level of emotional intelligence such that they could strengthen effective relationships and better ground them in trust with their students. Teachers participated in a 9 week program. Pre- and post emotional intelligence scores were reported.
ContributorsCarpenter, Breanna (Author) / Lietz, Cynthia (Thesis director) / Ferguson, Kristin (Committee member) / Rittenhouse, Sarah (Committee member) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / College of Public Service and Community Solutions (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
The rates of anxiety, depression, and attempted suicide for transgender individuals are extremely elevated relative to the general population. Yet, little research has been conducted about the transgender population regarding social transition (an individual presenting as their authentic/true gender, one different than the gender they were assigned at birth, in the context of everyday life) and parental acceptance. Both of which have been shown to impact the mental health of transgender individuals. The purposes of this study were: (1) To characterize a sample of transgender adults on their age of awareness of their authentic gender identity and their age of social transition. (2) Examine whether age of social transition, (3) parental acceptance, and (4) the gap in time between age of awareness and age of social transition (awareness-transition gap) were related to mental health. (5) Examine whether parental acceptance was related to age of social transition or to awareness-transition gap. (6) Examine whether age of social transition or awareness-transition gap interact with parental acceptance as correlates of mental health. The sample consisted of 115 transgender adults, ages 18 to 64. Measures were separated into 7 subheadings: demographics, transgender
on-cisgender identity, age of awareness, age of social transition, primary caregiver acceptance, secondary caregiver acceptance, and mental health. Hypotheses were partially supported for age of social transition with mental health, parental acceptance with mental health, and awareness-transition gap with parental acceptance. This study investigated under studied concepts of social transition and parental acceptance that appear to have an effect on the mental health of transgender adults.
on-cisgender identity, age of awareness, age of social transition, primary caregiver acceptance, secondary caregiver acceptance, and mental health. Hypotheses were partially supported for age of social transition with mental health, parental acceptance with mental health, and awareness-transition gap with parental acceptance. This study investigated under studied concepts of social transition and parental acceptance that appear to have an effect on the mental health of transgender adults.
ContributorsRosenberg, Beth Ann (Author) / Gonzales, Nancy (Thesis director) / Saenz, Delia (Committee member) / Davis, Mary (Committee member) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor) / College of Public Service and Community Solutions (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
Urban centers worldwide face the escalating challenge of urban heat islands (UHIs), which exacerbate public health issues and energy consumption due to increased temperatures. This thesis focuses on the Phoenix metropolitan area, recognized for its high summer temperatures, to explore innovative computational strategies for mitigating urban heat through optimized tree placement. The research integrates high-fidelity microclimate modeling with advanced computational techniques to strategically position trees and enhance urban climate resilience. Utilizing the SOLWEIG and TreePlanter models, this study simulates the effects of tree planting on mean radiant temperature (MRT), crucial for thermal comfort in outdoor spaces. The models process geospatial data, including LiDAR and high-resolution thermal maps, to produce actionable insights for reducing urban temperatures. Results indicate that strategic tree planting significantly lowers MRT, enhancing urban livability and sustainability. This thesis contributes to urban planning by demonstrating how targeted greening interventions can alleviate the heat burden in cities, providing a replicable framework for other urban areas experiencing similar challenges.
ContributorsGarg, Shrey (Author) / Middel, Ariane (Thesis director) / Buo, Isaac (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2024-05