Digital Commons Network^™

Public Men's Rooms And The Legal Construction Of Gender And Privacy, Steven J. Macias

University of Cincinnati Law Review

This Article examines how the law is complicit in educating and socializing children into the cultural practices of gender and privacy. It accomplishes this by analyzing case law that involves minors and men’s public bathrooms. The men’s room is a place rife with social ambiguity, an ambiguity that has come to a head in recent transgender school bathroom cases. Although this Article is primarily concerned with the men’s bathroom as an important legal site in the development of gender and privacy for all youth, it discusses transgender (trans) rights cases as presenting the most fundamental challenge to the hegemonic logic …

Waking Up Before We Die: Aging And Spirituality, Marcelline Hutton

Zea E-Books Collection

In retirement, I have more time for prayer and reflection, to rest in the Lord, and hence to have my spirit renewed. We choose how we interpret our situations. Positive, spiritual aging ideas enhance our sense of well-being. Of course, the loss of loved ones decreases our sense of self-worth at times, but the Spirit can renew us. As Genesis reminds us, God was still working in the lives of Sarah and Abraham in old age, and they can serve as models for us. Indeed, Sarah laughed at the angels and shows us how humor exists even as we age. …

A Fluid Frontier: Cholera Throughout Latin American History, Sarah Auletta

Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics

No abstract provided.

Aromatase, Testosterone, Tmprss2: Determinants Of Covid-19 Severity, Eric C Mohan, Jude P J Savarraj, Gabriela D Colpo, Diego Morales, Carson E Finger, Alexis Mcalister, Hilda Ahnstedt, Huimahn Choi, Louise D Mccullough, Bharti Manwani

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Male sex has been identified as a risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes. This sex difference has been mostly attributed to the complex role of sex hormones. Cell surface entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) which is under transcriptional regulation by androgens. P450 aromatase enzyme converts androgens to estrogens. This study measured concentrations of aromatase enzyme, testosterone, estradiol, and TMPRSS-2 in plasma of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to elucidate the dynamics of sex-linked disparity in COVID-19 and correlate them with disease severity and mortality.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, a total of 265 …

Modest Changes In Rural Voting Could Have Significant Implications In 2024, Dante Scala, Kenneth M. Johnson

Carsey Publications

In this brief, authors Dante Scala and Kenneth Johnson estimate how much a slightly better (or worse) performance by the candidates in the rural areas of seven battleground states could influence the outcome of the 2024 election. They focus on partisan polarization along the rural-urban continuum and on the significant decline in support of Democratic Presidential candidates in these states over the past several elections. Rural voters are a modest share of all voters in the battleground states ranging from just 5 percent in Arizona to 26 percent in Wisconsin. How much would a small incremental change of plus or …

How Can We Improve Educational Experiences For Refugee Students In Poland?, Iwona B. Franczak, Amy C. Lutz

Center for Policy Research

Schools play an important role in safety and stability for refugee students, including the Ukrainian school-age children who fled the war after Russia’s invasion in 2022. This brief summarizes findings from a study that used data from 24 interviews conducted in 2022 with teachers and mothers of Ukrainian refugee children attending elementary schools in Poland to examine the impact of forced migration on academic progress and socio-emotional well-being of refugee students. The authors find war and forced migration disrupt children’s school routines, but that schools can foster positive outcomes by teaching in the children’s native language, using cultural assistants, and …

Risk-Contamination And Dilution: Advancing The Rnr Model In Prison Settings, Baylee Allen-Flores, Zachary Hamilton, John Ursino, Alex Kigerl

Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

The Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model posits separating lower from higher-risk individuals to avoid “risk contamination.” In a prison setting, policies and restrictions lead to mixing different populations within a housing unit. While this may pose a threat, it may allow higher-risk individuals to gradually promote through security levels, reducing risk. We term this “risk dilution.” The current study compares the infraction behavior of individuals that are over-classified (housed higher than their risk) and those under-classified (housed lower than their risk). Using mixed-effect models with a large (N = 52,000) sample of incarcerated men, findings demonstrate support for both contamination and …

Efficacy Of An Online Mindfulness Training For Adolescents: A Pilot Study, Gus C. Salazar

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Adolescence represents a period in a person’s life where they develop skills and competencies necessary to flourish in the physical, social, emotional, and academic areas of their lives. Additionally, adolescents are facing unprecedented social and mental health challenges. As such, it is important to equip adolescents with tools to help them succeed. Mindfulness is one resource which has been shown to improve symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, while also improving mindfulness ability and overall well-being. Aims: The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot study to examine the efficacy of a self-guided, internet-delivered mindfulness training with …

The Rise And Fall Of Caribbean Piracy: A Socio-Technical Analysis Of The War Of Spanish Succession, Maritime Innovation, And Edward Randolf’S Policy, Dominique M. Salinski

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

This paper argues that the mode and historical context in which piracy ascended in the Caribbean after the War of the Spanish Succession, as well as the historical interrelation between maritime technology and pirate tactics, coalesced into a diachronic Damocles Sword that resulted in the downfall of piracy in the Golden Age. Sanctioning piratical enterprises as a subconventional maritime strategy displayed a geopolitical reliance on piracy by great powers. However, the depraved treatment conventional sailors received across all major European navies generated a social stratum that eventually bore the Golden Age of Piracy, while simultaneously contributing significantly to British naval …

Demographic Characteristics, Perinatal Smoking Patterns, And Risk For Neonatal Health Complications Among Pregnant Smokers In The United States Who Begin Using Electronic Cigarettes During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study Using Population-Based Surveillance Data., Hui Nian, Rachel Odland, Samantha Mindlin, Lin Ammar, Hilary Tindle, Angela M Miller, Kelli K Ryckman, Ethan Xie, Tina V Hartert, Brittney M Snyder, Steven M Brunwasser, Pingsheng Wu

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Health agencies have called for research evaluating e-cigarette (EC) use in supporting prenatal smoking cessation. This study aimed to describe (1) the characteristics of smokers who begin using electronic cigarettes (ECs) during pregnancy, (2) how frequently smokers reduce or eliminate pre- and post-natal combustible cigarette (CC) use, and (3) the risk for neonatal health complications among smokers who initiate ECs during pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS: Pregnant women using CCs exclusively during prepregnancy, who participated in a U.S. surveillance study, were classified by their reported late-pregnancy smoking behavior as CC-exclusive users, EC initiators, or quitters. EC initiators were further subclassified …

Mental Illness Amongst Incarcerated Individuals And Its Effect On Gaining Employment, Tionna S. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

More than half the correctional population has a mental health disorder (NIH, 2022). Having a mental health disorder can severely interfere in one’s transition back into the community, specifically surrounding their access to employment. This dissertation analyzes the extent to which the mental health of previously incarcerated individuals affects their employment upon release. Results from this study concluded that having a mental health diagnosis did interfere with previously incarcerated individuals’ access to employment, especially if those individuals were black. This dissertation concludes with a discussion of the findings, limitations, contributions, as well as implications for practitioners, policy makers and researchers.

American Capitalism And The Decline Of Debtors’ Prison In The 19th Century, James Parisot

Sociology Faculty Publications

This paper examines the dynamics of capitalism and the penitentiary system through an analysis of the decline of debt imprisonment in 19th-century United States. It argues that class transformations in the early to mid-1800s created a context for social experiments with new forms of punishment. The penitentiary systems that formed developed logics that contingently fit with the rising mode of production. The decline of debt imprisonment, in this context, was much in part the result of transformations in class power and class structure.

Open Access In The Age Of Ai: The Journal Of Appalachian Health And Hurricane Helene Recovery, Noah Wren, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

The recent destruction brought upon the Appalachian region by Hurricane Helene has emphasized the importance of the Journal of Appalachian Health. As an open-access peer-reviewed source of information, the Journal plays a critical role in not only facilitating public health research about Hurricane Helene, but also combating misinformation regarding the event. In the days following Hurricane Helene, misinformation about the federal government’s response, along AI generated images, have left many in the region confused and misled about what had happened. Going forward, the Journal will play an necessary part in making sure accurate information is shared to understand how …

Credentialing Care: Covid-19 And The Bureaucratization Of Doulas, Ellen Block, Julie Johnson Searcy, Angela N. Castañeda

Sociology Faculty Publications

Doulas in the United States offer embodied, informational, and continuous one-on-one care to birthing people. Doulas have historically sought certification to gain knowledge through training and to gain legitimacy for healthcare providers and clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals required doulas to provide proof of certification. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the proliferation of state-sponsored doula programs, has sparked a shift in how doulas are viewed and regulated, enabling new forms of bureaucratic oversight and control. Based on participant observation, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, we examine the connection between certification and care including motivations doulas have for certification, the perceived value …

West Bengal’S Puja Carnival Politics And The Need To Slay All Evil, Debangana Chatterjee

Popular Media

Excerpt:

'Kolkata witnessed two contrasting ‘carnival’ scenes on October 15, barely three kilometres apart. A human chain of the protesters on one side, barricades erected by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on the other. A display of exasperation versus power-blind arrogance — a figuratively and literally poignant moment as a rebellious carnival of protesters juxtaposed a stark reality against the grand star-studded puja procession by the West Bengal government.'

Anthropology & Aging From The Editor-In-Chief, Manonita Ghosh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Safety First: Unpacking Key Roles Of Arctic Adventure Guides, Barbara Olga Hild, Betty Weiler Professor

International Journal of Tour Guiding and Visitor Attraction Research

Building on past research on tour guides and guiding, this paper provides an in-depth examination of the safety management role of tour guides leading adventure trips. A review of previous literature identifies broad dimensions of tour guiding and, within these dimensions, specific guiding roles mainly in relation to communication. The current study’s qualitative examination of experienced Arctic guides, however, illustrates how environmental conditions contribute to near misses and points to safety management as an adventure guide’s fundamental role. The findings highlight the need for guide competence and certification and underpin recommendations for research in relation to guide education and practices …

Ai-Enhanced Qualitative Research: Insights From Adele Clarke’S Situational Analysis Of Ted Talks, Natalija Mazeikiene, Judita Kasperiuniene

The Qualitative Report

This study explores the integration of ChatGPT-4 into the qualitative research process, focusing on the methodology of Situational Analysis by Adele Clarke and analysing TED Talks transcripts. Findings show ChatGPT's ability to process data quickly in initial coding, formulating broader categories reflecting Clarke's complexity of “situation,” recognising human and non-human elements, discourses, debates, and issues, temporal and spatial. In analysing data for different map types (situational, social worlds and arenas, positional), ChatGPT-4 “understands” their different analytical purposes, recognising different levels of abstraction and theoretical structuring. The research highlighted the challenges for generative AI in translating complex theoretical frameworks into situational …

"Traditionalizing" Effect Of Parenthood On First Time Mothers: Insights From A Longitudinal Study, Vilma Ražauskienė

The Qualitative Report

Researchers have documented that transitioning to parenthood may have a "traditionalizing“ effect on the gendered division of housework and childcare. The goal of this research is to enhance an understanding of the factors that influence this change in behaviour and attitudes swaying it to the side of traditional gender roles. To achieve this objective, two waves of individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten women during pregnancy and four to six months postpartum. Although convenience sampling was employed for data collection, the research participants displayed variation in terms of marital status, educational level, number of children, breastfeeding practices, and other …

Methodological Combinations In Qualitative Research In Music Education: Autobiography And Grounded Theory, Monica Marques, Teresa Mateiro

The Qualitative Report

This article explores the theoretical and methodological approaches of (auto)biographical qualitative research and grounded theory, based on their historical and epistemological characteristics. This study in music education aimed to gain an understanding of the process of becoming a primary school music teacher. The Supervised Internship course in teacher education for a music degree was analyzed using the methodological and formative (auto)biographical dispositifs of the Biographical Project Workshop (Delory-Momberguer, 2006) and situational analysis (Clarke, 2005), constructed through the students’ oral, written, and musical narratives based on their experiences as music teachers in the public elementary schools. As a result of the …

Modern Governance System For Global Sustainable Development Goals, Bojie Fu, Jinghai Li, Junze Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as a key global framework for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, have drawn widespread attention due to the slow progress in their implementation. Despite the international community’s high regard for the SDGs, current research predominantly focuses on the assessment of progress and the analysis of interlinkages among the goals, with insufficient discussion on how to improve governance systems aimed at achieving the SDGs. Based on the system classification framework of SDGs, which includes “essential needs”, “objectives,” and “governance” categories, this study develops a governance system for the comprehensive realization of the SDGs. It analyzes …

Reviewer Acknowledgements, Randy Wykoff, Emily Wilson

Journal of Appalachian Health

We at the Journal of Appalachian Health would like to thank the multitude of reviewers who have volunteered their time, talents, and attention to the journal. Reviewers help us consider the rigor and quality of the submissions we receive, and their willingness to read material ahead of publication ensures we can bring timely research to our readers in Appalachia and further afield.

Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Intimate Partner Violence And Child Maltreatment Services In Rural Northwest North Carolina, Elisabeth G. Galphin, Adam Hege, Amy Dellinger Page

Journal of Appalachian Health

The current study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IPV and child maltreatment services in rural northwestern North Carolina. Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight professionals representing six service organizations across four counties. The findings highlighted challenges these agencies faced throughout the pandemic, new risks for the clients served, and positive outcomes. In addition, it has been a useful learning experience as public health and social service agencies learn to serve their communities more effectively moving forward. This is especially relevant for rural communities, as it has put public health preparedness at the forefront.

The Impact Of Primary Care Physician Capacity On Preventable Hospitalizations: Identifying Bright Spots In The Appalachian & Mississippi Delta Regions, Michael Topmiller, Peter J. Mallow, Hoon Byun, Mark Carrozza, Yalda Jabbarpour

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Several studies have documented that higher rates of primary care physicians are associated with lower rates of preventable hospitalizations. Counties with higher rates of preventable hospitalizations are found in the Appalachian and Mississippi (MS) Delta Regions.

Purpose: (1) To determine if the association of primary care capacity with preventable hospitalizations is different in the Appalachian and MS Delta regions compared to the rest of the U.S., and (2) to explore primary care capacity in counties with lower-than-expected preventable hospitalization rates.

Methods: This study modeled preventable hospitalizations with primary care physicians (PCP) per 100,000 (PCP capacity) while controlling for several …

Psychosocial Factors, Stress And Sleep Among Rural Appalachian Kentucky Residents With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Blake Dipaola, Zoe Taylor, Eric Hennemann, Brittany L. Smalls, Philip M. Westgate, Nancy Schoenberg

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural Appalachian residents experience higher rates of most chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Stress and sleep deficiency also are common in the region.

Purpose: To better understand these associated health burdens, the relationship among these conditions and psychosocial factors—such as depressive symptoms, distress, empowerment, and social support—was examined among Appalachian residents with T2DM.

Methods: Using data collected from a community-based sample of Appalachian adults with T2DM, the study examined whether psychosocial factors were associated with perceived stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and self-reported sleep deficiency (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Multilevel linear mixed effects regression modeling was used …

Nutrition Education Needs And Barriers Of Uninsured Clients Who Utilize Free Clinics In Western North Carolina, Manan Roy, Alisha Farris, Erin Loy, Lauren Sastre, Danielle L. Nunnery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Many uninsured adults rely on free health clinics for prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Little is known about the nutrition education needs of adults served by free health clinics, especially those living in counties within the Western North Carolina Appalachian Mountain Region.

Methods: An in-person survey was distributed to 202 clients of two free health clinics in western North Carolina. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine frequency distributions for food and physical activity practices, acceptable topics and strategies for nutrition education, and the acceptance and barriers for various modalities.

Results: Depending on the clinic, 49-58% of participants were …

Aftermath: A Word To Appalachia Following Hurricane Helene, Emily Wilson

Journal of Appalachian Health

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene caused massive and catastrophic flash flooding in the lower Appalachian Region, leveling towns and forever altering much of the landscape. This is an open letter to the people of Appalachia who were affected by the disaster that blindsided our region.

The Evolution Of Community Engagement Strategies In The Context Of Advancements In Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Erika Grodzki, Stefanie Powers, Gary Carlin, Hung Chum Kao

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the need for communities to nurture, inform, and challenge these technologies becomes paramount. This panel addresses the importance of traditional and AI driven strategies in terms of community engagement. Four case studies are reviewed to show how AI technologies are being implemented in communities. While AI offers numerous benefits, it is important not to overlook the value of human interaction in building and maintaining thriving community engagement. AI cannot replicate emotional intelligence and authentic relationship building - critical components of community engagement.

Refereed Research - Religiosity And Sociality As Sources Of Resilience For Women Subsistence Entrepreneurs During The Pandemic, Rozina Akther

Subsistence Marketplaces

This study examines challenges faced by subsistence women entrepreneurs during COVID-19, the crisis of 2020, and their resilience in addressing the circumstances. The results of qualitative interviews with 13 subsistence marketplace women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are presented in this article. In the current study, two themes are found to best capture the experiences and resilience of women business owners in the subsistence marketplaces. Furthermore, the study provides important insights from informant interviews, showing how women business owners navigate their operations during a pandemic. It highlights attributes such as relational strength and faith in a higher power that contribute to their …

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CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.