UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal 

About: UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal is an academic journal published by eScholarship Publishing, University of California. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 2373-809X. Over the lifetime, 168 publications have been published receiving 160 citations. The journal is also known as: University of California, Merced undergraduate research journal & UCM undergraduate research journal.

Classifying Nomophobia as Smart-Phone Addiction Disorder

Abstract: Can people become addicted to using their smart phones? To explore this possibility, this literature review summarizes previous research on smart-phone addiction, nomophobia, and addictive personality disorders. Specifically, this review defines smart-phone addiction and its symptoms along with comorbid disorders and uses disciplines from a cognitive, behavioral, neurobiological, and anthropological disciplines as evidence of its existence. Although this review also found that there is little research on nomophobia and smart-phone addiction, it argues that this should be a call for recognition of growing use smart-phone and potential behavioral addictions they pose. This review also suggests that nomophobia, the anxiety experienced from loss of a smart-phone, is not a specific phobia but rather a withdrawal symptom and proposes that “Smart-phone addiction disorder” be included in future revisions of the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders.

Exploring Middle Eastern Immigration: History and Contemporary Diaspora of Middle Eastern Immigrants to Latin America and Culinary Practices Influenced by Their Culture

Abstract: Author(s): Delgado, Susana Vejar | Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the flow of Middle Eastern immigrants to Latin America during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and how the Porfirio Diaz prosperity era became a pull factor that drew millions from Middle Eastern countries to South America, specifically Mexico. The presence of Arab culture, language, habits, customs, and foods in countries like Mexico, Veracruz, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia left a log lasting impression which is still present to this day. Their successful settlement was possible by the development of centers and associations in Mexico which created an interconnected system that enabled immigrants to meet with people from the same background, making their transition smoother. Their impact was evident in the creation of new food practices that embraced both Mexican and Arab influences and created a new platform for savory fusions.

Virtual Reality in the Medical Field

Abstract: The objective is to analyze the use of the emerging 3D computer technology of VirtualReality in the use of relieving pain in physically impaired conditions such as burn victims,amputees, and phantom limb patients, during therapy and medical procedures. Virtualtechnology generates a three dimensional visual virtual world in which enables interaction.Comparison will be made between the emerging technology of the Virtual Reality and methodsusually used, which are the use of medicine. Medicine have been the main use in relieving painin these surgical and medical procedures, however since people gain tolerance to the medicineand higher dosage could lead to addiction, therefore this method of Virtual Reality Technologyhave been developed in order to lessen the harmful effect and possibly improve in relieving thepain. The review will present the notable researches, clinical trials, and developments of thetechnology in the medical area. This paper will outline the research and current technology ofVirtual Reality technology and the role in modern health care. The review showed that theVirtual Reality technology is applicable in the modern healthcare and showed significantimprovement in pain reduction during the procedure. From the fast-paced development of newtechnology, much more improvements could be observed in the future.