A beam-beam monitoring detector for the MPD experiment at NICA

The Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD) is to be installed at the Nuclotron Ion Collider fAcility (NICA) of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). Its main goal is to study the phase diagram of the strongly interacting matter produced in heavy-ion collisions. These studies, while providing insight into the physics of heavy-ion collisions, are relevant for improving our understanding of the evolution of the early Universe and the formation of neutron stars. In order to extend the MPD trigger capabilities, we propose to include a high granularity beam-beam monitoring detector (BE-BE) to provide a level-0 trigger signal with an expected time resolution of 30 ps. This new detector will improve the determination of the reaction plane by the MPD experiment, a key measurement for flow studies that provides physics insight into the early stages of the reaction. In this work, we use simulated Au+Au collisions at NICA energies to show the potential of such a detector to determine the event plane resolution, providing further redundancy to the detectors originally considered for this purpose namely, the Fast Forward Detector (FFD) and the Hadron Calorimeter (HCAL). We also show our results for the time resolution studies of two prototype cells carried out at the T10 beam line at the CERN PS complex.Comment: 16 pages, 12 figures. Updated to published version with added comments and correction

The importance of reliability in the Multidimensional Poverty Index for Latin America (MPI-LA)

We recently proposed a Multidimensional Poverty Index for the Latin America (MPI-LA) region implementing a broadly used methodology developed by Sabina Alkire and James Foster. The present note is a response to Hector Najera and David Gordon’s paper (published in this volume), in which they claim that the MPI-AL is an ‘unreliable measure of poverty’ because it does not pass some statistical tests that they consider applicable to multidimensional poverty measurement. In this note we address each of their critiques in turn and explain why Najera and Gordon’s claim is not correct

Optical nanofibers and spectroscopy

We review our recent progress in the production and characterization of tapered optical fibers with a sub-wavelength diameter waist. Such fibers exhibit a pronounced evanescent field and are therefore a useful tool for highly sensitive evanescent wave spectroscopy of adsorbates on the fiber waist or of the medium surrounding. We use a carefully designed flame pulling process that allows us to realize preset fiber diameter profiles. In order to determine the waist diameter and to verify the fiber profile, we employ scanning electron microscope measurements and a novel accurate in situ optical method based on harmonic generation. We use our fibers for linear and non-linear absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of surface-adsorbed organic molecules and investigate their agglomeration dynamics. Furthermore, we apply our spectroscopic method to quantum dots on the surface of the fiber waist and to caesium vapor surrounding the fiber. Finally, towards dispersive measurements, we present our first results on building and testing a single-fiber bi-modal interferometer.Comment: 13 pages, 18 figures. Accepted for publication in Applied Physics B. Changes according to referee suggestions: changed title, clarification of some points in the text, added references, replacement of Figure 13

Mental Health Needs and Services Utilization among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Texas during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 created a global crisis, exacerbating disparities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and mental health (MH). Research on pandemic-related MH and help-seeking is scarce, especially among high-risk populations such as college/university students. We examined self-rated MH and psychological distress, the perceived need for MH services/support, and the use of MH services across the SDOH among college/university students during the start of the pandemic. Data from the COVID-19 Texas College Student Experiences Survey (n = 746) include full- and part-time undergraduate/graduate students. Regressions examined self-rated MH, psychological distress, perceived need, and service use across SDOH, controlling for pre-pandemic MH, age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Economic stability was associated with higher risk of poor MH and need for MH services/support. Aspects of the social/community context protected student MH, especially among foreign-born students. Racial discrimination was associated with both greater psychological distress and use of services. Finally, beliefs related to the sufficiency of available institutional MH resources shaped perceived need for and use of services. Although the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the inequitable distribution of the SDOH among students is unwavering. Demand for MH support is high, requiring higher education institutions to better mobilize MH services to meet the needs of students from diverse social contexts

Modal Interferometers Based on a Tapered Special Photonic Crystal Fiber for Highly Sensitive Detection

The use of a tapered special photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with collapsed air holes in the waist (the thinnest part of a taper) for highly sensitive detection of strain, high temperature, and fast detection of hydrogen with concentrations between 1.2 and 5.6 vol.% and biosensing is demonstrated. In the tapered PCF, a fundamental core mode couples to a few modes of the solid taper waist. Owing to the beating between the waist modes, the transmission spectra of the tapered PCF exhibit several interference peaks, which are sensitive to refractive index changes of a medium that surrounds the taper and also to changes of a taper length. The changes can be visualized as a shift of the peaks in the output spectrum pattern

Measuring media-related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States

Objectives We developed and evaluated new media-related health information acquisition measures for U.S.-based Latino populations. Methods In 2021, a sample of U.S.-based Latino adults (N = 1574) self-completed a 20-min survey of health information acquisition measures across three language/cultural dimensions: Spanish media, Latino-tailored media in English, and general media in English. Socio-demographics were also ascertained. Means and standard deviations for the health acquisition measures were adjusted for age and sex and reported across nativity status. Results The sample was diverse across age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, migration, and language competency. Internal consistency reliability of developed scales was excellent overall and within age, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic subgroups (Cronbach\u27s alphas = 0.86–0.94). English media scales had higher means overall indicating higher prolonged quantity (i.e., dosage) than Spanish media scales. In contrast, standard deviations for Spanish media scales were higher overall indicating broader reach at lower doses than English media scales. Conclusions Findings suggest English-language media is popular among Latino populations overall. However, Spanish-language media retains broad reach through both passive and active exposure. Our findings demonstrate the value of including more nuanced measurement of health information acquisition such as the scales developed in this study to improve health promotion among Latino populations

Depression and Physical Activity Affect Diet Quality of Foreign-born Latina Women Living on the U.S.-Mexico Border

There is increasing evidence that depression may affect diet. However, little is known about the association between depression and diet quality among foreign-born Latinas. We hypothesized that depressive symptoms would be associated with poorer diet quality in foreign-born Latinas. Furthermore, we believed that physical activity (PA) would have a protective effect on diet quality for individuals experiencing depressive symptoms. Our study evaluated the diet (Healthy Eating Index) and PA (Actigraph GT3X activity monitors) of 534 foreign-born Latinas with and without depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). A series of logistic regression models were estimated to examine our hypotheses. As predicted, Latinas who were depressed had significantly lower odds of having a high-quality diet than non-depressed Latinas. Unexpectedly, among Latinas who met PA guidelines, depressed Latinas had a significantly lower probability of having higher-quality diets than their non-depressed counterparts. Our findings support current research stating that depressive symptoms are associated with lower Healthy Eating Index scores. More research is necessary to elucidate the relationship between PA and dietary quality of depressed Latinas. Innovative approaches to address mental health and the stressors that can compound its severity are needed to improve diet quality among foreign-born Latina women

Emotional Wellbeing of Asylum-Seeking Children After Release From Immigration Detention

Families seeking asylum in the United States are often placed in detention centers after fleeing crime, violence, and government ineffectiveness in their countries. Migration brings more hardship, terror, and trauma. The cumulative psychological and social effects from detention need to be better understood. This exploratory study examines the effects of detention and family separation on immigrant children’s psychosocial wellbeing after released. We recruited 81 Central American children previously detained with their parents to assess their wellbeing since release. A third of the children had been separated from their parents during detention. Over a third of parents and less than a fifth of children reported verbal and psychological abuse by staff and other detainees. Children who reported abuse showed higher anxiety and sense of inadequacy than those who did not. About 12.5% of children met clinical criteria for anxiety while 25% were at high risk, and those who had been released from detention for over a year had more depressive symptoms. To reduce psychological harm, changes in detention policies are needed. Community-based, child-directed, and family-centered interventions can assist with settlement to a new environment and psychological adjustment. Research with larger samples, longitudinal follow-up, refined measures, and qualitative data is needed

Inequities gone or enduring? Evaluating the effects of a school-based antistigma intervention on race/ethnic and gender intersectional disparities in mental illness stigma

While significant mental illness stigma disparities across race/ethnicity and gender exist, little is known about the efficacy of antistigma interventions in reducing these intersectional disparities. We examine the 2-year effects of school-based antistigma interventions on race/ethnic and gender intersectional stigma disparities among adolescents. An ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sixth-grade sample (N = 302) self-completed surveys assessing stigma before randomly receiving an antistigma curriculum and/or contact intervention versus no intervention. Surveys were also self-completed 2-year postintervention. Stigma measures assessed general mental illness knowledge/attitudes, awareness/action, and social distance. Stigma toward peers with specific mental illnesses was examined using vignettes—two adolescent characters were described as having bipolar (Julia) and social anxiety (David) disorder. Race/ethnicity and gender were cross-classified into six intersectional groups (Latina/o, non-Latina/o Black, and non-Latina/o White girls and boys). Linear regressions adjusting for poverty and mental illness familiarity examined antistigma intervention effects across intersectional groups in sixth and eighth grade. The school-based antistigma intervention reduced intersectional stigma disparities over the 2-year study period. While non-Latino Black boys and Latino boys/girls reported greater disparities in stigma at baseline compared to non-Latina White girls, these disparities (14 total) were predominantly eliminated in the 2-year follow-up following receipt of the curriculum and contact components to just one remaining disparity postintervention among non-Latino Black boys. By identifying differences in how school-based antistigma interventions reduce mental illness stigma for unique race/ethnic and gender intersectional groups, we can better understand how to shape future antistigma interventions for diverse intersectional populations

Adolescent views of mental illness stigma: An intersectional lens

Differences in mental illness (MI) stigma among adolescents were examined cross-sectionally across race, ethnicity, and gender to identify target populations and cultural considerations for future antistigma efforts. An ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of sixth graders (N = 667; mean age = 11.5) self-completed assessments of their MI-related knowledge, positive attitudes, and behaviors toward peers with MI and adolescent vignettes described as experiencing bipolar (Julia) and social anxiety (David) symptoms. Self-reported race, ethnicity, and gender were combined to generate 6 intersectional composite variables: Latino boys, Latina girls, non-Latina/o (NL) Black boys, NL-Black girls, NL-White boys, and NL-White girls—referent. Linear regression models adjusting for personal and family factors examined differences in stigma using separate and composite race, ethnicity, and gender variables. In main effects models, boys and Latina/o adolescents reported greater stigma for some outcomes than girls and NL-White adolescents, respectively. However, intersectional analyses revealed unique patterns. NL-Black boys reported less knowledge/positive attitudes than NL-Black and White girls. NL-Black and Latino boys reported greater avoidance/discomfort than NL-White girls. Moreover, NL-Black girls and boys and Latina/o girls and boys wanted more social separation from peers with mental illness than NL-White girls; NL-Black boys also reported more separation than NL-White boys, NL-Black girls, and Latina girls. Finally, NL-Black boys and Latina girls wanted more distance from David than NL-White and Black girls. Vital for informing future antistigma interventions, this study generates new knowledge about how differences in views about MI exist across racial and ethnic identity, and how gender intersects with these perceptions