MDPI publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10657/15459

This collection gathers materials published by University of Houston authors in MDPI journals

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LncRNA LOC730101 Promotes Darolutamide Resistance in Prostate Cancer by Suppressing miR-1-3p
(2024-07-20) Zhou, Tianyi; Nguyen, Steven; Wu, Jacky; He, Bin; Feng, Qin
Antiandrogen is part of the standard-of-care treatment option for metastatic prostate cancer. However, prostate cancers frequently relapse, and the underlying resistance mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study seeks to investigate whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to the resistance against the latest antiandrogen drug, darolutamide. Our RNA sequencing analysis revealed significant overexpression of LOC730101 in darolutamide-resistant cancer cells compared to the parental cells. Elevated LOC730101 levels were also observed in clinical samples of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) compared to primary prostate cancer samples. Silencing LOC730101 with siRNA significantly impaired the growth of darolutamide-resistant cells. Additional RNA sequencing analysis identified a set of genes regulated by LOC730101, including key players in the cell cycle regulatory pathway. We further demonstrated that LOC730101 promotes darolutamide resistance by competitively inhibiting microRNA miR-1-3p. Moreover, by Hi-C sequencing, we found that LOC730101 is located in a topologically associating domain (TAD) that undergoes specific gene induction in darolutamide-resistant cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates the crucial role of the lncRNA LOC730101 in darolutamide resistance and its potential as a target for overcoming antiandrogen resistance in CRPC.
Decoding the Effect of Synthesis Factors on Morphology of Nanomaterials: A Case Study to Identify and Optimize Experimental Conditions for Silver Nanowires
(2024-07-16) Najjari, Aryan; Namisnak, Mary; McCormick, Massimo; Du, Dongping; Du, Yuncheng
Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are one kind of nanomaterials for various applications such as solar panel cells and biosensors. However, the morphology of AgNWs, particularly their length and diameter, plays a critical role in determining the efficiency of energy storage systems and the transmittance of biosensors. Thus, it is imperative to study synthesis strategy for morphology control. This study focuses on synthesizing AgNWs through the solvothermal approach and aims to understand the individual and combined effects of three nucleants, NaCl, Fe(NO₃)₃ and NaBr, on the morphology of AgNWs. Using a modified successive multistep growth (SMG) approach and fine-tuning the nucleant concentrations, this study synthesized AgNWs with controllable aspect ratios, while minimizing the presence of undesirable byproducts like nanoparticles. Our results demonstrated the successful synthesis of AgNWs with favorable morphologies, including lengths of approximately 180 µm and diameters of 40 nm, thus resulting in aspect ratios of 4500. In addition, to assess the quality of the synthesized AgNWs, this work developed computational tools that uses MATLAB to automate the analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images for detecting silver nanoparticles. This automated approach provides a quantitative analysis tool for material characterization and holds the promise for long-term evaluation of diverse AgNW samples, thereby paving the way for advancements in their synthesis and application. Overall, this study demonstrates the significance of morphology control in AgNW synthesis and presents a robust framework for material characterization and quality analysis.
Decarbonizing Maritime Transport through Green Fuel-Powered Vessel Retrofitting: A Game-Theoretic Approach
(2024-07-13) Liang, Chengji; Sun, Weiwei; Shi, Jian; Wang, Kailai; Zhang, Yue; Lim, Gino
Addressing the urgent global challenge of man-made greenhouse gas emissions and climate change necessitates collaborative action between shipping lines and government regulatory agencies. Aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s emissions reduction strategy, this paper presents a novel bi-level programming model that unifies these stakeholders. On the upper level of the proposed bi-level model, a number of shipping lines optimize retrofitting plans for their vessels to maximize economic benefits. On the lower level, the regulatory agency responds to the carbon reduction efforts by setting retrofitting subsidies and emission penalty rates. This framework represents a multi-leader–single-follower game involving shipping lines and the regulatory agency, and its equilibrium is determined through an equilibrium problem with equilibrium constraints (EPEC). The EPEC comprises multiple single-leader–follower problems, each of which can be formulated as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). The diagonalization algorithm (DM) is employed for its solution. Simulation studies performed based on a ten-year planning period show that the proposed approach can effectively promote vessel retrofitting and the use of green fuels, which leads to an annual emission reduction of over 50%.
The Real-Time Impact of Political Risk on Market Valuations: Evidence from Peru
(2024-07-13) Micozzi, Juan Pablo; Navia, Patricio; Pinto, Pablo; Saiegh, Sebastian
This study examines the impact of political risk on financial markets by leveraging high-frequency (minute-by-minute) price data and precise event timestamps from media outlets’ Twitter feeds during Pedro Castillo’s failed coup attempt in Peru. Unlike previous research that relies on low-frequency data and protracted political changes, our analysis demonstrates that daily closing prices may misleadingly suggest negligible impact. In contrast, high-frequency data reveal that markets promptly and accurately incorporated news of the coup attempt and, in turn, its failure into asset prices. Our analysis shows that breakdowns in democratic governance negatively affect asset prices, while the restoration of the rule of law, in the form Congressional checks on the Executive branch, boosts them. Moreover, our analyses suggest that domestic companies and sectors with less mobile assets are more vulnerable to these political risks. Our findings underscore the crucial role of high-frequency data in accurately capturing how institutions and political risk affects equity markets.
Modeling the Role of Courtyards with Clusters of Buildings in Enhancing Sustainable Housing Designs
(2024-07-08) Al Haddad, Mwfeq; Al Shawabkeh, Rami; Arar, Mai; Rjoub, Abdelmajeed; Alhammad, Raghad; Senouci, Ahmed; Maherzi, Walid
As urbanization increases, buildings require greater amounts of energy for heating and cooling, thereby necessitating the search for effective solutions. The courtyard is often considered a viable option; however, the limited availability and high cost of land resulting from rapid urbanization hinder its widespread use. Consequently, a courtyard with a cluster of buildings is proposed as a feasible solution to address land scarcity. Nonetheless, further investigation is required to effectively integrate this solution into neighborhood urban planning. This study examines the influence of three variables—courtyard orientation, courtyard size, and the arrangement of buildings around the courtyard—on the provision of cooling and heating for buildings. The research focuses on 216 experimental scenarios simulated using Revit software, which excels in its ability to accurately interpret input data and conduct real-time analysis depending on the variables of the building design. The results were recorded for the facades and ground, and the shaded area was computed for each scenario; following these measurements, the shadow areas on both the facade and ground were converted into percentages. The testing involved a group of buildings surrounding courtyards of four different shapes (square, rectangle, triangle, and circle). This approach aimed to identify the most efficient design for implementation in neighborhood planning contexts. The findings indicate that the shape of the courtyard significantly impacts cooling and heating of buildings. Specifically, the square courtyard is unsuitable for countries with Mediterranean climates, such as Jordan, as it can reduce shade coverage by 30%, leading to higher temperatures. Conversely, employing a rectangular courtyard results in a higher proportion of shadows compared to other shapes. The study further demonstrates the influence of the examined variables on the efficacy of the courtyard in cooling and heating of buildings.
The Influence of Children’s Discrimination Experiences on Parents’ Mental and Self-Rated Health: Results from the National Health Interview Survey
(2024-07-08) Jelsma, Elizabeth; Kebbeh, Nema; Ahmad, Mahnoor
Background: This study assessed the associations between children’s experiences of discrimination based on race/ethnicity and sexual orientation/gender identity and their parents’ anxiety, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health. Methods: Our sample included 3910 parents with at least one child between 12 and 17 years of age. Data were pooled from the 2021 and 2022 waves of the National Health Interview Survey. Path analysis with maximum likelihood (ML) estimation and bootstrapping were used to examine the indirect pathways from child-experienced discrimination to parental self-rated health through parental anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: Child-experienced discrimination based on race/ethnicity was associated with worse parental self-rated health via pathways through higher parental anxiety (p = 0.003) and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Child-experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation/gender identity was also associated with worse parental self-rated health via pathways through higher parental anxiety (p = 0.002) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results show a strong association between children’s experiences of discrimination and parental self-rated health through pathways of poor parental mental health. Findings demonstrate the need to reduce discrimination directed at children and to facilitate mental health support for parents of children experiencing discrimination to improve family well-being.
Directed Evolution of Protein-Based Sensors for Anaerobic Biological Activation of Methane
(2024-06-30) Bahrami Moghadam, Ehsan; Nguyen, Nam; Wang, Yixi; Cirino, Patrick C.
Microbial alkane degradation pathways provide biological routes for converting these hydrocarbons into higher-value products. We recently reported the functional expression of a methyl-alkylsuccinate synthase (Mas) system in Escherichia coli, allowing for the heterologous anaerobic activation of short-chain alkanes. However, the enzymatic activation of methane via natural or engineered alkylsuccinate synthases has yet to be reported. To address this, we employed high-throughput screening to engineer the itaconate (IA)-responsive regulatory protein ItcR (WT-ItcR) from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to instead respond to methylsuccinate (MS, the product of methane addition to fumarate), resulting in genetically encoded biosensors for MS. Here, we describe ItcR variants that, when regulating fluorescent protein expression in E. coli, show increased sensitivity, improved overall response, and enhanced specificity toward exogenously added MS relative to the wild-type repressor. Structural modeling and analysis of the ItcR ligand binding pocket provide insights into the altered molecular recognition. In addition to serving as biosensors for screening alkylsuccinate synthases capable of methane activation, MS-responsive ItcR variants also establish a framework for the directed evolution of other molecular reporters, targeting longer-chain alkylsuccinate products or other succinate derivatives.
Pedagogical Translanguaging in Content Areas: Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Lesson Plans for Emergent Bilinguals
(2024-06-28) Elshafie, Marwa; Zhang, Jie
The increasing linguistic and cultural diversity in K-12 schools necessitates preparing preservice teachers [PSTs] to address the unique needs of Emergent Bilinguals [EBs]. This study examined elementary preservice teachers’ (PSTs) lesson plans in English Language Arts, social studies, math, and science, focusing on integrating pedagogical translanguaging strategies. The research questions were the following: (1) What translanguaging practices are evident in PSTs’ lesson plans? (2) How do PSTs integrate these practices into their instructional planning for EBs? Fifty-six PSTs enrolled in a second language methodology course at a large urban research university participated in this study. This course, taken in their senior year or during student teaching, aimed to equip PSTs with skills for delivering linguistically and culturally appropriate instructions and assessments for EBs. For the final assignment, 56 lesson plans were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding methods with the Dedoose 4.2 software. The findings reveal that while PSTs effectively identified key vocabulary and used multimodal resources to support EBs, they need more training in leveraging EBs’ home languages, strategic grouping, multilingual collaboration, and translanguaging assessments in their instructional planning.
Problem-Based Teaching: An Exploratory Analysis of Discourse Methods of Peer Facilitators in a Summer Engineering Bridge Program
(2024-06-21) Sims, Eric; Horton, David; Steele, Jaiah; Jarvis, Jeanette; Greer, Tomika W.; Stokes, Donna W.; Henderson, Jerrod A.
As engineering educators attempt to develop solutions to increase student retention and graduation rates and decrease student departures from their majors during the first two years of study, findings from a summer bridge program at a large minority-serving institution (MSI) show promise for practices that could potentially help to mitigate these issues. Summer bridge strategies have been shown to be effective in assisting in college students’ transition from first to sophomore year. This study comprises a case study of a chemical engineering summer bridge program in which undergraduate peer facilitators introduced sophomore-level chemical engineering material and energy balance course material to their peers. The goal of this study was to understand the types of discourse methods used during problem-solving sessions by peer facilitators and how students’ learning experiences were impacted. Data for this study were collected via video observations and a post-program open-ended survey. Authors found that peer facilitators created an environment where students felt encouraged and supported and could relate to facilitators and course materials in new ways. This work further illustrates promising practices of using peer facilitators that need further attention, along with the potential for how engagement and learning could be enhanced by the more formal preparation of peer facilitators.
Recent Advances in Geochemical and Mineralogical Studies on CO2–Brine–Rock Interaction for CO2 Sequestration: Laboratory and Simulation Studies
(2024-07-08) Khan, Muhammad Noman; Siddiqui, Shameem; Thakur, Ganesh C.
The urgent need to find mitigating pathways for limiting world CO₂ emissions to net zero by 2050 has led to intense research on CO₂ sequestration in deep saline reservoirs. This paper reviews key advancements in lab- and simulation-scale research on petrophysical, geochemical, and mineralogical changes during CO₂–brine–rock interactions performed in the last 25 years. It delves into CO₂ MPD (mineralization, precipitation, and dissolution) and explores alterations in petrophysical properties during core flooding and in static batch reactors. These properties include changes in wettability, CO₂ and brine interfacial tension, diffusion, dispersion, CO₂ storage capacity, and CO₂ leakage in caprock and sedimentary rocks under reservoir conditions. The injection of supercritical CO₂ into deep saline aquifers can lead to unforeseen geochemical and mineralogical changes, possibly jeopardizing the CCS (carbon capture and storage) process. There is a general lack of understanding of the reservoir’s interaction with the CO₂ phase at the pore/grain scale. This research addresses the gap in predicting the long-term changes of the CO₂–brine–rock interaction using various geochemical reactive transport simulators. Péclet and Damköhler numbers can contribute to a better understanding of geochemical interactions and reactive transport processes. Additionally, the dielectric constant requires further investigation, particularly for pre- and post-CO₂–brine–rock interactions. For comprehensive modeling of CO₂ storage over various timescales, the geochemical modeling software called the Geochemist’s Workbench was found to outperform others. Wettability alteration is another crucial aspect affecting CO₂–brine–rock interactions under varying temperature, pressure, and salinity conditions, which is essential for ensuring long-term CO₂ storage security and monitoring. Moreover, dual-energy CT scanning can provide deeper insights into geochemical interactions and their complexities.
Urban–Rural Disparities in Food Insecurity and Weight Status among Children in the United States
(2024-07-04) Dave, Jayna M.; Chen, Tzuan A.; Castro, Alexandra N.; White, Mamie A.; Onugha, Elizabeth A.; Zimmerman, Sloane; Thompson, Debbe
Place of residence (urban versus rural) is a contextual determinant of health that has received less attention in the food insecurity literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the urban–rural disparity in the prevalence of food insecurity and weight status among US children. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 with three age groups of children (2–5, 6–11, and 12–17 years old), the associations of weight status and child and household food security status by urban–rural residence were examined using Rao–Scott Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Children living in urban areas were significantly more likely to experience household food insecurity (29.15%) compared to their rural counterparts (19.10%), among those aged 6–11 years. The associations between children’s weight status and child and household food security status were significant for children living in urban areas overall and different age groups but not for children living in rural areas. These trends were more pronounced in older age groups. Given the link between food insecurity and higher obesity rates, particularly among urban children, this study highlights the importance of incorporating food security interventions into future obesity prevention programs.
TGF-β-Based Therapies for Treating Ocular Surface Disorders
(2024-06-26) Ogata, Fernando T.; Verma, Sudhir; Coulson-Thomas, Vivien J.; Gesteira, Tarsis F.
The cornea is continuously exposed to injuries, ranging from minor scratches to deep traumas. An effective healing mechanism is crucial for the cornea to restore its structure and function following major and minor insults. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), a versatile signaling molecule that coordinates various cell responses, has a central role in corneal wound healing. Upon corneal injury, TGF-β is rapidly released into the extracellular environment, triggering cell migration and proliferation, the differentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts, and the initiation of the repair process. TGF-β-mediated processes are essential for wound closure; however, excessive levels of TGF-β can lead to fibrosis and scarring, causing impaired vision. Three primary isoforms of TGF-β exist—TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. Although TGF-β isoforms share many structural and functional similarities, they present distinct roles in corneal regeneration, which adds an additional layer of complexity to understand the role of TGF-β in corneal wound healing. Further, aberrant TGF-β activity has been linked to various corneal pathologies, such as scarring and Peter’s Anomaly. Thus, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which TGF-β1-3 regulate corneal wound healing will enable the development of potential therapeutic interventions targeting the key molecule in this process. Herein, we summarize the multifaceted roles of TGF-β in corneal wound healing, dissecting its mechanisms of action and interactions with other molecules, and outline its role in corneal pathogenesis.
Subsurface Imaging by a Post-Stimulation Walkaway Vertical Seismic Profile Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing at the Utah FORGE Enhanced Geothermal System Site
(2024-06-25) Wang, Yin-Kai; Stewart, Robert R.
A 2D walkway vertical seismic profile (VSP) survey was conducted using a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system in southwest Utah, which is part of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) project. The VSP was undertaken to obtain detailed structural information for a better understanding of the area’s subsurface geology and associated fracture development. By combining a 3D composite velocity model from previous studies and considering the complex geological structure beneath this region, we processed the data to create P-P depth image. We also modified the interval Q calculation using a moving window over the gauge-length corrected DAS record to generate the velocity profile and the comparable interval attenuation curve. The correlated P-P images from two DAS records successfully indicate not only the main contact between shallow unconsolidated sediments and the metamorphic basement rocks at 2650 ft (807.72 m) but also several distinct reflections related to the geological contacts. The refined velocity profiles and the depth images can provide baseline results for further seismic modeling and time-lapse imaging.
Fixed-Point Results of Generalized (ϕ,Ψ)-Contractive Mappings in Partially Ordered Controlled Metric Spaces with an Application to a System of Integral Equations
(2024-06-20) Akram, Mohammad; Alshaikey, Salha; Ishtiaq, Umar; Farhan, Muhammad; Argyros, Ioannis K.; Regmi, Samundra
In this manuscript, we prove numerous results concerning fixed points, common fixed points, coincidence points, coupled coincidence points, and coupled common fixed points for (ϕ,Ψ)-contractive mappings in the framework of partially ordered controlled metric spaces. Our findings introduce a novel perspective on this mathematical context, and we illustrate the uniqueness of our findings through various explanatory examples. Also, we apply the main result to find the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the system of integral equations as an application.
Data and Energy Impacts of Intelligent Transportation—A Review
(2024-06-17) Rajashekara, Kaushik; Koppera, Sharon
The deployment of intelligent transportation is still in its early stages and there are many challenges that need to be addressed before it can be widely adopted. Autonomous vehicles are a class of intelligent transportation that is rapidly developing, and they are being deployed in selected cities. A combination of advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence are being used in these vehicles to perceive their environment, navigate, and make the right decisions. These vehicles leverage extensive data sourced from various sensors and computers integrated into the vehicle. Hence, massive computational power is required to process the information from various built-in sensors in milliseconds to make the right decision. The power required by the sensors and the use of additional computational power increases the energy consumption, and, hence, could reduce the range of the autonomous electric vehicle relative to a standard electric car and lead to additional emissions. A number of review papers have highlighted the environmental benefits of autonomous vehicles, focusing on aspects like optimized driving, improved route selection, fewer stops, and platooning. However, these reviews often overlook the significant energy demands of the hardware systems—such as sensors, computers, and cameras—necessary for full autonomy, which can decrease the driving range of electric autonomous vehicles. Additionally, previous studies have not thoroughly examined the data processing requirements in these vehicles. This paper provides a more detailed review of the volume of data and energy usage by various sensors and computers integral to autonomous features in electric vehicles. It also discusses the effects of these factors on vehicle range and emissions. Furthermore, the paper explores advanced technologies currently being developed by various industries to enhance processing speeds and reduce energy consumption in autonomous vehicles.
Concept Mapping STI/HIV Prevention and Condom Use among Young African American Adults
(2024-06-14) Carmack, Chakema; Nganga, Sarah; Ahmed, Eisha; Coleman, Taylor
Theory-based HIV prevention programs have resulted in increased condom use, which remains the best method for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active heterosexual individuals. Particularly, the integrative model of behavior prediction theorizes that attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and socioenvironmental factors influence intention and behavior and has been useful in understanding STI risk among adolescents. However, more research is needed regarding young African American adults. Given the increased freedom and decision-making independence afforded to young adults compared to adolescents, it is important to consider the STI/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention messages that would resonate with them, particularly regarding condom use. The present study sought to explore how attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacies, and socioenvironmental factors may influence condom use and STI/HIV prevention, as conceptualized by the participants. We conducted a group-based concept map, a systems-thinking mixed methodology that resulted in a geospatial map reflecting the conceptualizations of the participants. Self-identified young heterosexual African American adults (N = 43) aged 20–26 engaged in an interactive concept mapping procedure in order to “map out” their overarching concepts about STI/HIV risk and condom use. Seven overall conceptual domains emerged: self-efficacy for partner communication, condom use self-efficacy, social media/sociocultural influences, condom use/STI knowledge, condom use cons, condom use pros, and subjective and social norms about condom use. We presented the concept map and discussed the conceptual interpretations and the relationships among the overarching concepts. We also discussed how the social environment, including the social media environment, was conceptualized regarding STI/HIV risk and prevention among young African American adults. Concept mapping can be viewed as a way to determine worthwhile messages for intervention development. The findings may provide information for prevention programs aimed at reducing the incidence of STIs among young adult heterosexual persons within African American communities.
Social Determinants of Health and Other Predictors in Initiation of Treatment with CDK4/6 Inhibitors for HR+/HER2− Metastatic Breast Cancer
(2024-06-07) Goyal, Ravi K.; Candrilli, Sean D.; Abughosh, Susan; Chen, Hua; Holmes, Holly M.; Johnson, Michael L.
In hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) have replaced endocrine therapy alone as the standard of care; however, several barriers to treatment initiation still exist. We assessed social determinants of health (SDOH) and other factors associated with the initiation of CDK4/6i for HR+/HER2− MBC in the Medicare population. Using a retrospective cohort design, patients aged ≥65 years and diagnosed during 2015–2017 were selected from the SEER-Medicare database. Time from MBC diagnosis to first CDK4/6i initiation was the study outcome. The effect of SDOH measures and other predictors on the outcome was assessed using the multivariable Fine and Gray hazard modeling. Of 752 eligible women, 352 (46.8%) initiated CDK4/6i after MBC diagnosis (median time to initiation: 27.9 months). In adjusted analysis, SDOH factors significantly associated with CDK4/6i initiation included high versus low median household income (HHI) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.03–2.81) and the percentage of population with high versus low Medicare-only coverage (HR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.04–2.27). In summary, older Medicare patients with HR+/HER2− MBC residing in areas with high median HHI and a high proportion of Medicare-only coverage had higher rates of initiating CDK4/6i, suggesting inequitable access to these novel, effective treatments and a need for policy intervention.
Gratitude Predicts Meaning in Life in Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease
(2024-05-30) McGee, Jocelyn Shealy; Polson, Edward C.; Myers, Dennis R.; McClellan, Angela M.; Ke, Weiming; Zhao, Holly Carlson; Meraz, Rebecca
Gratitude is a well-known and researched internal positive psychological resource. Empirical data, however, on the association between gratitude, meaning in life, and burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease is scant. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationships among these variables in a sample of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s; and (2) determine if gratitude mediates the effects of perceived burden on meaning in life in this population. One-hundred and twenty-six adult family caregivers, most of whom were an intimate partner or adult child of a person with Alzheimer’s, completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and other relevant measures. A series of OLS regression models, guided by the caregiver stress process model, were conducted. These analyses demonstrated that gratitude was a predictor of the presence of meaning in life among the caregivers in this study even when other key variables were considered. Furthermore, analyses revealed that gratitude fully mediated the effects of caregiver burden on the presence of meaning in life in this sample. Thus, clinicians should consider gratitude as an important internal resource for cultivating meaning in life in this population, especially when caregiver burden is present. Gratitude-bolstering clinical interventions should be further developed and tested as both stand-alone and complimentary additions to empirically supported psychoeducational approaches for supporting health and well-being in this population.
On the Kantorovich Theory for Nonsingular and Singular Equations
(2024-05-28) Argyros, Ioannis K.; George, Santhosh; Regmi, Samundra; Argyros, Michael I.
We develop a new Kantorovich-like convergence analysis of Newton-type methods to solve nonsingular and singular nonlinear equations in Banach spaces. The outer or generalized inverses are exchanged by a finite sum of linear operators making the implementation of these methods easier than in earlier studies. The analysis uses relaxed generalized continuity of the derivatives of operators involved required to control the derivative and on real majorizing sequences. The same approach can also be implemented on other iterative methods with inverses. The examples complement the theory by verifying the convergence conditions and demonstrating the performance of the methods.
Abraham’s Faith: Both the Aesthetic and the Ethical in Fear and Trembling
(2024-05-24) Westfall, Joseph
In this paper, I examine Johannes de Silentio’s presentation of the faith of Abraham, deriving therefrom a new way of conceiving his notion of faith as a paradoxical co-inhabiting of both the aesthetic and the ethical stages, rather than as a rejection, synthesis, or overcoming of them. Relying largely upon Silentio’s account of Abraham’s faith as anxious but not doubting, I argue that the interpretations of Fear and Trembling by Alastair Hannay and Mark C. Taylor fail to account for some essential aspects of Silentio’s depiction. I conclude that faith, as it is described in Fear and Trembling, cannot be philosophically understood as it is not an object for thought but an existential perspective one lives.

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