Digital Commons Network^™

Validation Of Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (Hcap) In Egypt: A Sub Study Of The Egyptian Longitudinal Study Of Aging (Al-Seha), Sara Ayman Moustafa

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Building upon the insights gained from the AL-SEHA pilot study, which underscored the pressing need for comprehensive cognitive assessment tools in Egypt, a subsequent research initiative was launched. This initiative sought to address the escalating burden of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD) by adapting and validating the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) for the Egyptian context. The validation study, conducted with 300 participants aged 55 and over, drawn from diverse backgrounds and healthcare settings in Cairo, Mansoura, and Beni Suef, demonstrated the HCAP's effectiveness across different age and education levels within the Egyptian population. The tool exhibited …

Impact Of Similarities In Gender And Physical Appearance Between User And Embodied Conversational Agents On Trustworthiness, Empathy, And Service Evaluation, Sookyoung Park

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) have significantly enhanced human-machine interactions and show considerable potential in various industries such as customer service, education, healthcare, entertainment, and finance [1, 2]. This study explores the impact of similarities in gender and physical appearance between ECAs and users on the perceptions of trustworthiness, empathy, and service evaluation within the context of counselor ECAs. We conducted a within-subject experiment (n=50), using a 2x2 factorial arrangement, that varied the gender and the physical appearance of four distinct AI avatars. Participants interacted with each avatar, completing a post-experiment survey and participating in semi-structured interviews. Our findings indicate that …

Gathering Gardens: Identifying Land For Community Gardens In Portland, Aswatha Raghunathasam, Gail Chastain, Alan De Anda-Hall, Tyler Smith, Elias Peters

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Workshop Projects

The project’s ultimate goal was to create at least 5 new community garden sites in the city of Portland for people to grow their own culturally relevant foods. To focus on parts of the city with some of the highest equity and food security needs, Agate chose to narrow the project scope to neighborhood areas located east of SE 57th Ave. Through direct engagement with the community, the team developed a site inventory for new potential community garden locations, as well as recommendations for optimal garden management, inclusion, and longevity. The community gardens are expected to be established by APANO …

Effective And Sustainable Strategies For Federally Qualified Health Centers To Engage Young Adults, Olivia Mcnulty

Master's Theses

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are instrumental in providing top tier healthcare and other resources to underserved populations. Whether they administer services in house or refer patients to other providers, FQHCs aim to provide comprehensive primary and preventative care services to people of all ages. They offer a range of services, from doctor and dental appointments to mental health and substance abuse counseling, regardless of a patient’s insurance status. To receive funding, FQHCs must follow the regulations and quality standards set forth by groups like the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Health Resources and Services …

Exploring The Impacts Of Genai On English And Applied Linguistics: Implications For A Future-Ready Journal, Jasper Roe

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Since publishing our review in JEAL on AI-powered writing tools in 2023, a lot has changed, and will continue to change in the field of English and Applied Linguistics. Primarily, this is a result of the ‘AI Spring’ that global industrialised society is currently experiencing. In this editorial, I will discuss my perspective on some of the major developments over the last year in reference to teaching and research with GenAI, and attempt to chart what seems to be the most salient points of these technologies for our journal, in the hope that it will stimulate discussion, argument, experiments and …

Exploring The Effects Of Coronary Artery Disease As A Preexisting Comorbidity On Mortality In Hospitalized Septic Patients: A Retrospective Observation Study, Anmol Multani, Greg Stahl, Kerry Johnson, Scott Goade, Robert Arnce

Student Publications

Background: Sepsis has high prevalence and mortality rate, and it is imperative to identify populations at risk of poor sepsis outcomes. Septic patients with preexisting chronic comorbidities are shown to have worse sepsis outcomes. By identifying comorbidities with greater influence on sepsis progression, we can direct limited resources to septic patients with comorbidities and reduce health care costs. Chronic comorbidities can impact the risk of developing sepsis and having worse outcomes. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common comorbidity, especially in the elderly, and a leading cause of death globally. We wished to investigate the influence of CAD as a …

“I Know A Place Where You Don’T Need Protection, Even If It’S Only In My Imagination:” 21st Century Queer Politics And Cultural Positions Through Pop Music, Abbey Coe

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

From Madonna to Britney Spears to Beyoncé, women have dominated and defined pop music for decades. Pop music is a vital part of American culture; it is both shaped by and capable of shaping the broader sociopolitical landscape. Thus, women in pop can utilize the deep relationship between music and culture to convey a stance on the role of women in American society. However, queer women in pop music are somewhat scarce, even in 2024 when acceptance of queerness is relatively high. As such, the queer women and queer themes that are present in pop necessitate nuanced analysis to understand …

Trace Element Contamination In Urban Soils: Testing And Management, Melissa Chilinski, Melanie Stock, Paul R. Grossl, Eli Oliver

All Current Publications

Trace elements, often referred to as heavy metals, naturally occur in the soil at low levels. Certain land use histories can elevate the concentrations of trace elements to levels that present health risks. Understanding which elements and soil test values may impact human or crop health is an important aspect of gardening and micro-farming, particularly in urban environments that are at increased risk of soil contamination. This fact sheet provides instructions on interpreting soil test results for trace elements through the Total Element Composition EPA 3050B Soil Test (#S19) at Utah State University Analytical Laboratory.

Sex Toys In The City: Pleasure, Profit, And Sex-Positive Cultures In Portland, Abigail Jobe

University Honors Theses

Since the development of sex stores, the product appeal has been directed toward cisgender men and excluded minority groups including women and queer people, creating an experience exclusive to the male gaze. With this, products sold at early sex stores often did not appeal to these minority populations and it was often uncomfortable for women to shop in traditional stores. However, in the 1970s, feminists began to create sex stores directed toward women and they in turn became hubs for information. Through my research process, which included ethnographic work both in Portland and online, I have considered the past challenges …

It's Disco, Baby: Queer Possibilities And Conservative Outrage, Lottie Bromham

University Honors Theses

From 1974 to 1979, disco music was a cultural phenomenon, gracing radio airways and dance clubs across the United States. Just as disco music reached peak popularity, growing disapproval from rock fans and other Americans who saw the genre and scene as overly lavish, too effeminate, and too racially inclusive, forced disco out of American mainstream favor. This paper proposes a viewpoint that contextualizes disco culture as integral to the lives of queer people in New York City, analyzes the prejudices that accompanied the anti-disco movement, and situates the mainstream death of disco as an early cultural consequence of America's …

Early Detection Of Alcohol Related Dementia Across The Lifespan: An Integrative Literature Review For Primary Care Providers, Kaylee A. Chapman

University Honors Theses

Introduction: Alcohol related dementia (ARD) is a long-term, heterogeneous cognitive impairment that can develop in the course of excessive and prolonged use of alcohol. This integrative literature review evaluated the relevant research, preventative measures, and early detection of brain changes leading to memory impairment as a result of the chronic consumption of alcohol.. Widespread prevention and detection of ARD can be achieved through the support of healthcare professionals in understanding, observing, and catching behavioral patterns ahead of time to properly direct treatment. The risk factors associated with an early diagnosis of dementia include, but are not limited to, abnormal brain …

"Crush The Monster": Homosexuality And Moral Panic In 1950s Idaho, Ian Hadrick

University Honors Theses

On October 31, 1955, three men were arrested and accused of performing homosexual acts in the quiet, suburban community of Boise, Idaho. The arrests set off a sweeping investigation of Boise's "widespread homosexual underground" that made national news and resulted in more than one thousand police interrogations and the conviction of fifteen homosexual Boiseans. Though Boise's moral panic and the ensuing investigation are among the largest of the sex panics of the 1950s, the city's 1955 homosexuality scandal has attracted relatively little scholarly attention. An in-depth analysis of the social, economic, and political forces that combined to produce hysteria in …

Comparing Erwartung And Die Glückliche Hand Through The Female Gaze, Angela Tinio

University Honors Theses

During the early 20^th century, the rise of psychoanalysis impacted society by offering a revolutionary approach to the mind. This rise occurred due to the work of the work of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), who believed many mental disorders were rooted in the subconscious. Psychoanalysis revolutionized how we approach the brain and offered a new perspective on patient treatment. Artists in the early 20^th century also explored and insisted on new ways to view society through art. Schoenberg and Freud were both pioneers in their field of work, and Freud even inspired Schoenberg's early atonal music. Freud may have …

At The Intersection Of Domestic Violence And Mass Shootings: A Qualitative Analysis Of The Relationship Between Ipv And Gun Violence, Troy Bleau

University Honors Theses

The intersectional study of domestic violence and mass shootings has only recently been the subject of inquiry within the psychology field. Within the past ten years research has been developed to examine the relationship between these two epidemics. What authors have found is that DV does play a role in shooting perpetration. This study aimed to identify domestic violence as a risk factor to predict, and subsequently intervene before future instances of shootings. 112 shootings were analyzed between the years of 2020 and 2023--they were then categorized as DV-related, non-DV related, and/or History of DV. The tested hypothesis was that …

How Reuse Rooms Can Reduce Waste On University And College Campuses, Zoe Slabodnik

University Honors Theses

This undergraduate honors thesis discusses the importance of how reuse rooms on university and college campuses can reduce waste by providing an alternative method of disposal other than landfills. There is currently no definition in use that exists for the term reuse room. This thesis defines a reuse room as a community room where anyone with access can donate and take free items that can be reused, recycled, repurposed, repaired and reworn. The goal of a reuse room is to encourage waste reduction, promote and destigmatize the use of second-hand materials, and save money and items from going to landfills. …

Exploring Gender In Classical Music Through Coded Weaving, Laura Helgeson

University Honors Theses

This paper explores the concept and creation of the thesis artwork Mozart-Symphony No. 1. This work is a woven tapestry that uses a method of translation that converts sheet music into textile. This paper first explores historical examples of textiles being used to encode or archive information and then compares the contrasting historical gender dynamics of classical music and textile arts. Finally, it then breaks down the translation key used to create the final work. By exploring these concepts, this thesis artwork aims to demonstrate how the act of encoding classical composition into woven tapestry demonstrates textiles' ability to be …

Talking Yourself Up: Multimodal Conversation Analysis Of Status In An Improvised Setting, Aubrey Lewarne

University Honors Theses

A single-case analysis looked at two individuals performing a scripted exercise during an Applied Improvisational workshop. The analysis examined how performers modify their linguistic and embodied actions in order to perform an assigned status role. The analysis was undertaken to better understand how social status can be constructed in everyday talk-in-interaction. I first outlined the three major theoretical frames that are relevant to the analysis: Applied Improvisation as a pedagogical approach, the use of Conversation Analysis (CA) for the analysis of language in educational contexts, and the concept of status from a sociological perspective. I then present a single-case study, …

Improving School Discipline, Climate, And Culture: Interactive Guidance For Schools And Districts, Gwendolyn Murray

Reports

This interactive guide is designed to support K-12 school districts and schools to proactively improve school environments by supporting teacher development and building systems to promote positive student behaviors. Practices and strategies in the guide can be used to reduce exclusionary discipline and improve school climate and culture. Activities enable users to think critically about school discipline and invest in data-driven and prevention-oriented systems to address students' challenging and problematic behaviors.

Associations Between Disordered Eating Behaviour And Sexual Behaviour Amongst Emerging Adults Attending A Tertiary Education Institution In Coastal Kenya, Stevenson Chea, Adama Kazienga, Eunice Oyugi, Isaac Menza, Carophine Nasambu, Fauz Ibrahim, Osman Abdullahi, Amin Hassan, Amina Abubakar, Kristien Michielsen

Institute for Human Development

Background Sexual behavior (SB) is a well-documented pathway to HIV acquisition in emerging adults and remains common amongst African emerging adults. Previous research in high-income countries indicates a correlation between disordered eating behavior (DEB) and engaging in sexual behaviors. We aimed to describe the relationship between DEB and SB amongst emerging adults attending a tertiary educational institution at the Kenyan Coast.

Methods We applied a cross-sectional design nested in a young adults’ cohort study. Eligibility included sexually active emerging adults aged 18–24 years. Three DEBs (emotional, restrained and external eating) were assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and analysed …

Immigration, Machismo, And Cultural Stigmatization; Causes Of Lack Of Mental Health Treatment Utilization Among Mexican Men In The U.S., Cynthia M. De La Torre-Lopez

University Honors Theses

Within academia, the topic of Latino men’s mental health treatment utilization does not gather enough discussion. Even less, the area of Mexican men’s mental health which although part of the Latino population, has specific stressors and implications. The following thesis will present a literature review method in order to answer the following research question, “How does machismo, stigma, and immigration affect the utilization of mental health treatment among Mexican men living in the U.S.?” These three predictors: machismo, stigma and immigration will be discussed in order to find an explanation as to why Mexican men are less likely to search …

Predictive Power Of Machine Learning Models On Degree Completion Among Adult Learners, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

The integration of machine learning (ML) into higher education has been recognized as a transformative force for adult learners, a growing demographic facing unique educational challenges. This study evaluates the predictive power of three ML models—Random Forest, Gradient-Boosting Machine, and Decision Trees—in forecasting degree completion among this group. Utilizing a dataset from the academic years 2013-14 to 2021-22, which includes demographic and academic performance metrics, the study employs accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score to assess the efficacy of these models. The results indicate that the Gradient-Boosting Machine model outperforms others in predicting degree completion, suggesting that ML can significantly …

Measurement Invariance Of The Pandemic Anxiety Inventory In Different Demographic Groups, Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Tasmyn Prytherch, Mark Cropley, Jay Verkuilen, Renzo Bianchi

Publications and Research

Background The Pandemic Anxiety Inventory (PAI) was developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its content allows it to assess anxiety in connection to any pandemic. Previous research has demonstrated the instrument’s reliability and validity. An important question for clinicians and researchers, however, remains open: Does the PAI have similar meaning for members of different demographic groups? The finding of measurement invariance would allow clinicians and researchers to comparatively assess pandemic-related anxiety across demographic groups, including favored and disfavored groups.

Methods We conducted a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis to assess the measurement invariance of the PAI using data obtained …

Better Together, Jack Dumala

Masters Theses

“Better Together” comprehensively explores the spectrum of play from early childhood to adulthood, presenting how play has always been a means of connection and communication. Although the research encompasses all age groups, particular attention is given to teenagers, a community often overlooked. The artifacts and investigations portray how a combination of purposefully designed household objects and readily available items within the home environment can be leveraged to facilitate connection through gaming and various activities. The overarching goal is to offer practical tools and insights to enhance togetherness within families with teenagers.

忘年交 / A Friendship That Transcends Age, Zichen Zhou

Masters Theses

In today’s swiftly aging society, China grapples with the challenge of elderly individuals gradually becoming disconnected from the social fabric, often leading to the phenomenon of empty-nesting, especially in China’s eastern urban areas. Understanding and addressing the needs of the elderly is crucial for designing environments, that give continued meaning to the lives of the elderly, and create connections with the rest of society. Further, the elderly are a resource for families, capable of providing childcare and even housing to younger generations, whether the younger generations want this help or not. In response to the challenge of keeping the elderly …

Transition Plans: A Critical Phenomenological Study Of The Young Black Men’S Parents’ Experiences At Admission Review And Dismissal Meetings, Bobby Durst

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the narrative shared in individualized education planning meetings for young black men with learning disabilities who are transitioning from high school. The individualized education plan (IEP) process, essential in addressing the specific educational needs of children with learning disabilities, can be particularly challenging for Black parents, as evidenced by recent data. This study was designed to shed light on the intricate dynamics of the IEP process and the unique challenges faced by parents. The study aimed to provide insight into various aspects of their experiences through interviews designed with open-ended questions and detailed analysis of the …

Evolution Of Morning Sickness And How It Relates To Maternal Nutrition And Fetal Development, Leena Macias

University Honors Theses

A multitude of pregnant mothers throughout the world experience some sort of nausea and vomiting symptoms while pregnant. There is a large body of literature that has examined the evolutionary significance of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), and why it continues to persist within our society. The purpose of this thesis is to perform a literature review and to add onto the current literature present within this multidisciplinary field. In order to do so, the field's published works were compiled and examined, being careful to only choose credible and significant sources in order to understand why pregnant mothers experience …

Threading With Hair // Intertwined Stories, Cloris Ding

Masters Theses

“Threading with Hair // Intertwined Stories” is a poignant exploration that navigates the nuanced landscape of women's growth and identity recognition amidst biased societal influences, tracing the trajectory from the artist’s mother's generation to her own. Through a deeply personal lens, the thesis transcends individual narratives to articulate some shared female experiences. Employing reflective works in the form of jewelry, objects and writings, the study delves into female-centric topics, including the fluidity of identity, the transformative journey through various life stages, and the profound impact of societal expectations and family heritage. At the heart of this exploration is the metaphorical …

Intangible Shells, Elena Bulet

Masters Theses

The following essay mimics the constant disruption of a fragmented memory. It reflects on intergenerational gendered family dynamics since the civil war and dictatorship-era Spain and how memory articulates narratives of belonging within the matrilineal lineage. A process of excavation departs from personal memories, familial archives, contemporary interviews, theoretical readings, photographic reenactments, and observations of traces in the landscape of Almayate’s town. The author attempts to retrace her roots, as well as her family history, acknowledging the impossibility of making personal histories tangible.

Unruly And Unresolved: A Shared, Precarious Survival, Sara Inacio

Masters Theses

I'm just a little rat trying to survive,

To exist and not be perceived.

Building a home,

In a place unnatural to me.

Destroyed and rebuilt again,

I've learned to live in the toxic world you've created.

In a world that is not made for my belonging, I’ve had to find my way, to exist and build with what’s within reach. Such a constant state of construction feels oddly familiar and comfortable to me, home is always in the process of becoming. As I build, I think about how the home building process always takes up the space of others, …

Always Been This Way, Joanna Booth

Masters Theses

Always Been This Way is an exploration of the layers of self that become embedded within the home. My work seeks to explore themes of preser- vation and how I, as an artist, can document and solidify my personal and familial stories which are often created within the home. For my thesis, I have incorporated a combination of printmaking, textiles, furniture design, and performance as an examination of the generational information found inside the domestic space.