Digital Commons Network^™

Comments On Proposed Regulations Reg-117002-25: Trump Accounts Contribution Pilot Program, Jin Huang, Margaret Clancy, Michael Sherraden, Lissa Johnson, Stephen Roll

Center for Social Development Research

In March 2026, the Internal Revenue Service announced issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on the Trump Accounts Contribution Pilot Program and solicited comments on the proposed regulations. This testimony presents comments submitted in response to that call. The comments focus specifically on auto¬matic enrollment as addressed in the proposed regulations and provide recommendations for regulatory amendments to imple¬ment automatic enrollment within the existing legal framework for 530A accounts (known as Trump Accounts).

Evaluating Impact Of Sustainability Practices And Operational Efficiency On Firm Value In Indonesia’S Mining Sector, Erika Windyasari, Yosman Bustaman

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Sustainability practices are increasingly prominent in investor assessments of firm value Nevertheless, empirical evidence regarding which specific environmental practices are incorporated into capital market valuations remains inconclusive, particularly within mining sectors in emerging markets. This study investigates the correlation between sustainability practices energy efficiency, water management, waste management, renewable energy adoption and environmental quality (PROPER rating) together with operational efficiency and firm value in Indonesian listed mining firms. The analysis uses panel data for 23 firms over 2017–2023. Firm value is measured by Tobin’s Q, while operational efficiency is measured using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The correlation is estimated using …

Mental Health Rates Across Ethnic Groups In A Small Midwestern Christian University, Arianna Torres

Honors Theses

This study aims to find if there is a significant difference in depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality among students of different ethnic backgrounds at Andrews University. By focusing on ethnic disparities, this research aims to target the mental health issues rising among college students and bring to light the importance of cultural competency in relation to mental health. Results from this study may aid Andrews University in developing more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services and inform broader discussions about mental health equity in higher education. It can also add insight into how mental health rates may vary by …

Examining The Influence Of Organisational And Leadership Knowledge On Resilience During Economic Downturns-A Case Study For Sme Success, Dr. Aloma Jayasundera, Dr. Rubhesh Jha

Arab Economic and Business Journal

This study investigates how organisational and leadership knowledge impacts the resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during economic downturns, focussing on a foreign-owned business processes and Information Consulting (IT) consulting company in Bahrain. This is a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative data, including thematic analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This study shows that an emphasis on external problems caused the company to disregard important internal challenges. The findings highlight the need for better crisis management and digital strategies to strengthen the organisation from within and create a better workplace culture. This study contributes new insights into …

From Lino To Luxury: Class, Taste And Identity In The Mid-Twentieth Century Irish Provincial ‘Good Room’, Angela Mehegan

Irish Communication Review

The aim of this paper is to position issues of class and taste within the context of the home and through the lens of the domestic in mid-twentieth century provincial Ireland from the early 1950s to the early 1970s. This was a time of unprecedented economic growth and heralded a period of social and cultural change. Our homes and the artefacts we surround ourselves with are central to our sense of self and how we wish to be seen by others. Issues of class, taste, status, gender, and aesthetic possibilities are unpacked by focusing on the ‘Good Room’ as a …

The Influence Of Mentoring On Educational Attitudes, Beliefs, And Behaviors (Eabbs): A Scoping Review, Amanda L. Davis, Jennifer Koide, Savannah B. Simpson, Samuel Mcquillin, Michael D. Lyons

Faculty Publications

Youth mentoring is a popular means for preventing negative psychosocial outcomes (e.g., high-risk behaviors, school dropout) and promoting positive ones (e.g., matriculation, goal setting). Mentors matched with youth through formal programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, are uniquely positioned to promote the development of the mentee’s positive educational attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (EABBs; e.g., academic engagement, grit, growth mindset). While school staff, such as school psychologists, are often unable to directly serve all students in need of support due to lack of time or large caseloads, youth mentoring may be a means to target EABB development. However, a critical …

Patricia A. Tomson Center For Violence Prevention Spring 2026 Newsletter, University Of Northern Iowa. Patricia A. Tomson Center For Violence Prevention.

Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention Newsletter

Contents:

--- MVP Student Retreat
--- Spring 2026 MVP Workshop
--- Dan Marburger MVP Advocacy Award Ceremony
--- Youth Workplace Violence Prevention Council Summit
--- UNI COE 2026 Social & Emotional Learning Conference
--- Iowa Safe Schools Annual Governor's Conference
--- Stand Up Guy Panel Event
--- Tomson Scholars
--- Rape Prevention & Education Grant Administrators for Iowa

The Power Of Asking: A Feasibility Assessment Of Incentive Social Worker-Led Screening For Sexual Violence Against Children In Humanitarian Settings In Ethiopia, Yadeta Dessie, Abir Nur, Dagim Habteyesus, Bonnie Wandera, Gloria Seruwagi, George Odwe, Peter Kisaakye, Francis Obare, Et Al.

Humanitarian Task Force

Sexual violence against children (SVAC) is an acknowledged concern in humanitarian contexts. In response to recent findings on the prevalence of SVAC in refugee camps in Ethiopia, coupled with low levels of disclosure and service-seeking by child/adolescent survivors, the Baobab Research Programme Consortium collaborated with humanitarian stakeholders in Ethiopia to establish mechanisms for promoting sexual violence disclosure and service uptake among young survivors in refugee settings.

This study employed a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation study design (involving a combination of service statistics, group interviews, and fieldnotes) for evaluating the feasibility of the aforementioned intervention, which specifically entailed sexual violence screening (of …

National Fund For Children In Kazakhstan: Vision And Purpose, Askhat Aimagambetov

Center for Social Development Research

This Perspective presents the address given by Askhat Aimagambetov, honorable member of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the occasion of “The National Fund for Children of Kazakhstan: Policy Innovation and Potential for Global Impacts,” an international symposium held at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, on October 30, 2025. The Center for Social Development is honored to publish his remarks.

Navigating End-Of-Life Decisions: Cultural Considerations For Latine Patients, Michelle Carbajal Hernandez

Honors Capstones

Healthcare professionals face many challenges when communicating terminal illness prognoses for individuals. This responsibility to address a terminal prognosis is further complicated when communicating with Latine patients who may face multiple barriers within the healthcare system and whose cultural preferences influence end-of-life care planning (Carrion, 2010). For example, Latines are less likely to enroll in end-of-life (EOL) care services (e.g., hospice) (Barragan-Carrillo et al., 2022). As well as engage in end-of-life care planning than White Non-Latines (Shen et al., 2016). To understand this hesitancy towards EOL care options, this literature review aims to explore how terminally ill Latine and …

Physical And Behavioral Health Diagnoses And Comorbidities Associated With Transition From Military Health System To Veterans Health Care Among Post-9/11 Veterans, Nikki R. Wooten, Megan E. Amaun, Madeleine Myers, Price N.O. Addo, Jeffrey Bowers, Felicia R. Carey, Rudolph P. Rull, Edward J. Boyko, Nathaniel Bell Ph.D., Ana Defede-Lopéz, Mary Jo V. Pugh

Publications

Objective

To identify factors associated with transitioning from Military Health System (MHS) to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care in post-9/11 veterans.

Study Setting and Design

Retrospective cohort study from the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium Phenotype Study.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

Population-level data were analyzed from MHS and VHA electronic health data (FY2000-2020). Participants received ≥ 3 years of MHS care and separated from the military before October 1, 2016. The primary outcome was transition from MHS to VHA care after military separation. Covariates included demographic, military, and deployment characteristics at military separation; physical, mental, and substance …

Exploring The Mental Health Experiences Of First-Time Parents: A Qualitative Study., Taylor Ryan

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

While transitioning into parenthood, one in five mothers will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), and fathers are more likely to experience mental health disorders than their non-parenting counterparts. Although PMADs are experienced by many first-time parents, it is unclear if parents receive sufficient education on how to identify these symptoms and how to access the necessary resources. The current qualitative study explores the experiences of individuals who identify as first-time parents (N = 7) aged 25 to 34, with a child under 2 years old. Applied thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to first-time parents’ experiences …

Beyond The Individual: Exploring Structural Explanations Of Homelessness Through Thematic Analysis Of Extant Research, Madison R. Mcclain

Senior Theses

This thesis examines how homelessness is defined, explained, and addressed within contemporary U.S. research using Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality as guiding frameworks. Through a qualitative, deductive thematic analysis of 16 peer-reviewed articles, this study identifies six key themes related to structural causation, policy governance, measurement practices, racial inequality, dominant narratives, and intersecting systems of disadvantage. Findings reveal that while structural explanations of homelessness are widely acknowledged, they are inconsistently defined and often insufficiently theorized. Institutional systems primarily function to manage rather than resolve homelessness, while measurement practices and definitions actively shape who is recognized and prioritized. Additionally, structural …

Csbs Kudos, Spring 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--- Faculty Accolades
--- Retirements - Ken Atkinson, Gregory Bruess, Todd Evans, Mark Grey, James Hall, Wallace Hettle, Mary Losch
--- Promotions - Disa Cornish, Tyler O'Brien, Jayme Renfro, Eran Hanke, Kyle Endres
--- In Memoriam - Mary Louise Franken, John Johnson, Susan Welch, Charlotte C. Wells
--- $1.22 million grant to UNI’s Center for Civic Education
--- University of Northern Iowa receives $2.4 million grant to launch Humanities Hub
--- UNI announces restructuring to strengthen humanities and public service education
--- UNI launches online non-thesis Master of Arts in Geography
--- UNI teacher education program continues to boast …

Physical And Behavioral Health Diagnoses And Comorbidities Associated With Transition From Military Health System To Veterans Health Care Among Post-­ 9/11 Veterans, Nikki R. Wooten, Megan E. Amaun, Madeline Meyers, Prince Nii Ossah Addo, Jeffery Bowers, Felicia R. Carey, Rudolph P. Rull, Edward J. Boyko, Nathaniel Bell, Ana Defede-Lopéz, Mary Jo V. Pugh

Faculty and Staff Publications

Objective

To identify factors associated with transitioning from Military Health System (MHS) to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care in post-9/11 veterans.

Study Setting and Design

Retrospective cohort study from the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium Phenotype Study.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

Population-level data were analyzed from MHS and VHA electronic health data (FY2000-2020). Participants received ≥ 3 years of MHS care and separated from the military before October 1, 2016. The primary outcome was transition from MHS to VHA care after military separation. Covariates included demographic, military, and deployment characteristics at military separation; physical, mental, and substance …

Race-Based Violence Against Educators And School Personnel: The Roles Of Race And Harm, Jared Hunt

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Educator-directed violence is a serious problem that has adverse effects on the careers and lives of those victimized. Educators and school personnel in the United States experience this violence within institutions that are shaped by long-checkered histories of racism and racial discrimination (Bickford and Clabough, 2021) that continue today (Carver-Thomas, 2018). Thus, there is a need to consider the roles of race and racism in the violence educators and school personnel experience. This study investigated educators’ and other school personnel’s experiences of physical and verbal/threatening violence, harm, and psychological distress. Through a racial stress and trauma framework, this study also …

Careers In A Box: A Promising Career Exploration Curriculum For Rural Youth, Kristine M. Ramsay-Seaner, Amber Letcher, Elizabeth Koob, Meagan Scott Hoffman, Laura Hasselquist

The Rural Educator

This article highlights a career exploration curriculum that was developed to support the vocational guidance needs of school counselors working in six rural, high-need communities in North Dakota and South Dakota. Based on social cognitive career theory, Careers in a Box was created to bridge existing gaps in career exploration curricula for rural middle school youth. This grab-and-go curriculum introduces participants to specific careers across the spectrum of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences and provides them with hands-on activities associated with these careers. While program evaluation is ongoing, preliminary results indicate an associated increase in personal resilience in …

The Impact Of Spatial Disparities On Transportation To Dialysis: A Quantitative And Gis Analysis, Haylee Kirschner

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Access to dialysis treatment is a major concern for the over 500,000 people who suffer from End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). There are many factors that may affect one's ability to access treatment, but one that affects almost every in-center dialysis patient is transportation. This study examines how various spatial disparities, such as population density, Medicare coverage, Medicaid usage, poverty, commute times, and vehicle ownership, affect missed and shortened treatments due to transportation. To examine the relationship between spatial disparities and transportation-impacted treatment adherence, a random sample of 400 clinics were emailed to participate in the study, with 113 agreeing …

“El Concilio De Buen Manejo” Spmdtu Council No. 2, Capulín, Colorado, José A. Rivera Ph.D

Faculty Publications

From among the sixty-four local councils affiliated with the Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU), Council No. 2 at Capulín was among the earliest organized, quickly grew in membership, and was known for its attention to recordkeeping of minutes, financial ledgers, and attendance logs. The council was established around 1901, and by midcentury a history of the SPMDTU noted: “Este concilio siempre ha tenido buen manejo. Tiene buena propiedad con su propio salón y ha llegado a tener buen número de miembros.” (This council has always enjoyed good management. It has a nice property with its own …

Nh Ece Data Collection Efforts Running Inventory, Jess Carson, Evan England, Tyrus Parker

New Hampshire Early Care and Education Research Consortium

Updated April 2026!

The NH ECE Research Consortium maintains an inventory of current and complete NH ECE-relevant data collection efforts. Included are surveys, interviews, focus groups, needs assessments, and other ways people in the field collect information. The inventory strengthens public access for data users, improves awareness and coordination among researchers, and minimizes duplication.

Interventions For Reducing Barriers To Future Employment Success In First-Generation College Students., Kellie M. Burke

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

First-generation college students (FGCS) comprise a significant and diverse segment of the U.S. undergraduate population, yet they remain disproportionately vulnerable to barriers that impede both academic achievement and career advancement. These challenges, rooted in intersecting factors (e.g., race & gender), are amplified by institutional structures that inadequately address the realities faced by FGCS. Despite the proliferation of career development programs, internship participation, and subsequent employment, among FGCS remains notably low, revealing persistent gaps in support, access, and program efficacy.

This qualitative study evaluates the Rising Leaders Program, an agency-driven intervention designed to promote career readiness for FGCS at Kentucky universities …

Exploring The Professional Quality Of Life Of Female Collegiate Head Coaches., Jennifer Marie Boa

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Before Title IX passed in 1972, most female college sports teams were coached by women. Today, only 42% of head coaches are women, even though participation in women’s collegiate sports has increased by 637% since 1971. This study explored the factors influencing the professional quality of life of female college coaches. Variables considered in this study included parenting and work, organizational culture, women’s role in the workforce, unique issues faced by female collegiate coaches, and professional quality of life. The study used a mixed-methods cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, resulting in 107 valid responses. The results indicate that respondents felt …

Assessing The Relationship Between Professional Discipline And Perceptions Of Team Functioning Within Hospital-Based Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Teams., Nikki Roth

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Abstract

Assessing the Relationship Between Professional Discipline and Perceptions of Team Functioning Within Hospital-based Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Teams

Nicolle Roth

04/03/2026

The multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, professionals from various disciplines collaborating to solve a problem, has been used for decades in both child welfare and medicine. Benefits of the multidisciplinary approach have been documented through studies in both in the field of child abuse and the medical field and include improved outcomes, shortened intervention timelines, and economic advantages. Although multidisciplinary teamwork has been shown to be effective, not all professionals have the same level of skill in working within a …

Msw Portfolio: Grounded In Perpetuity And Well-Being Of The Future Generation, Silver A. Little Eagle

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The MSW Portfolio, Grounded in Perpetuity and Well-being of the Future Generation, by Silver Little Eagle (Northern Cheyenne), is an Advanced Integral Practice portfolio submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master of Social Work degree at the University of Montana. Integrating the core competencies outlined by the University of Montana School of Social Work and the Council on Social Work Education, this portfolio draws on the author's identity as an Indigenous social work practitioner, as a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, as a Tsé-tsėhéstaestse naa Só'taeo'o woman, as an eldest sister raised by her grandmothers, and as a Youth …

Clinical Psychology: Related Careers Library Guide Evaluation Activity, Whitney Brown Ph.D.

School of Arts & Sciences

This assignment was developed by SUNY Geneseo Professor Whitney Brown during the spring 2026 semester.

Learning Objectives 

• Describe clinical psychology as a discipline & distinguish it from related helping professions. 
• Identify career paths of interest to investigate further. 

An Exploratory Analysis Of Student Attitudes Towards Punishment: Punitive Vs Rehabilitative Orientations, Leah Johnson

Honors Theses

This study examined differences in punishment orientation among undergraduate students, paying particular attention to variations across academic major, degree progression, and connectivity to law enforcement and corrections. This study explored how individual characteristics may influence attitudes toward crime and appropriate punishment. Data were collected through surveys which were administered in person to students enrolled in criminal justice or social science courses at the University of Southern Mississippi. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement on a variety of statements regarding punishment. These responses were used to calculate punitive and rehabilitative orientation scores. Statistical analyses were conducted to test …

Bridging Communities Through Sport: A Social Work Study On Refugees Teaching Cricket To American Citizens, Nafees Alam

Social Work Faculty Publications

This qualitative study explores the psychosocial and communal impacts of a reciprocal integration initiative where refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia taught cricket to Americans in New York City, New York and Boise, Idaho (2022–2024). Grounded in Erikson's psychosocial theory and Bandura's self-efficacy framework, the study examines how sport fosters dignity, self-determination, and cross-cultural cohesion. This study recruited 15 refugee coaches and 30 American learners using qualitative methods through interviews, focus groups, and observations. Findings reveal refugee coaches gained self-worth and resolved Eriksonian conflicts, while 78% of American learners reported reduced stereotypes. Cricket fostered social capital, transforming public parks into …

Social Support And Mental Wellbeing Among Veterinary Clinic Employees, Madison Koons

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Mental wellbeing is a significant concern for veterinary professionals and the subject of much discussion in the veterinary and academic fields. To determine whether social support is an effective protective factor for the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals, I administered a survey to 879 veterinary clinics in Ohio, with ninety-two responses received for final analysis. The scales assessed mental wellbeing, organizational support, and nonorganizational support. I found organizational support, friends support, and family support to be positively correlated with mental wellbeing. Significant other support was not correlated with mental wellbeing. A linear regression evaluating social support as predictors of mental …

Review Of Reinventing Food Banks And Pantries: New Tools To End Hunger, 2021, By Katie S. Martin, Washington, Dc: Island Press. Paper, 253 Pages., Thomas Hansen

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Review of book which makes recommendations on setting up and conducting successful food pantries and food banks to help persons suffering from food insecurity issues.

Eyes Wide Shut: Sex Trafficking In The Black Community, Stephany Powell

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.