Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond The Clinic: Characterizing The Long-Term Individual And Familial Implications Of Art-Linked Birth Defects, Grace Ellerbeck, Delano Gonzalez

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Infertility, the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, affects millions of couples. As a result, individuals often turn to assisted reproductive technology (ART) to grow their family. Despite great success, ARTs have been associated with a higher risk of birth defects compared to natural pregnancy. Furthermore, isolating the factors that contribute to this increased risk has been a challenge thus far. Our research has characterized the factors that have been identified as potential modulators and proposed critical ethical concerns related to informed consent and longitudinal care for ART infants and their families “beyond the clinic.”

Indigenous Political Rights: Constitutional Comparison Of Colombia, Guatemala And Bolivia, Michael L. Mathews

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

How does constitutional language consecrate the protection of political representation for marginalized groups? What historical, social and political factors affect constitutional development with respect to indigenous groups. These questions are increasingly important as the past 40 years have been characterized by increasing pressure on governments to give voice to indigenous peoples. This article focuses on the cases of Bolivia, Colombia, and Guatemala countries with recently revised constitutions that have changed the indigenous political structure. The study examines each countries’ constitutional development in indigenous representation and the resulting political and social aftermath of constitutional ratification.

Agco Investment Pitch, Alexander Liczwek

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This is an analysis of the company AGCO and the performance of their stock. This provides the data and my anaylsis of the company and sector as a whole along with valuations, and my overall opinion and target price for the company in the upcoming year.

From Federal Policies To Social Work Practice: Examining Aging Services And Support, Mason Garcera

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation outlines my Social Work internship with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living (ACL). I will examine ACL's initiatives, shedding light on the impact of federal support on aging services. I will discuss the workings of State Units on Aging/Area Agencies on Aging and the strategic allocation of funding under the Older Americans Act. This discourse offers perspectives on the convergence of federal policy and Social Work practice. I will explain the integral role ACL plays in shaping impactful aging services, contributing to the dialogue on effective Macro-Level Social Work and community well-being.

The Work Of Creating A Digital Archive Database On Eating Disorders: An Intern’S Experience, Andrew Ms Zero

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will describe the experience of working on an in-progress digital archival database of primary sources related to eating disorders and other related issues and their role in how eating disorders are discussed. Over the course of the Fall semester, I worked on metadata creation for hundreds of different types of sources. This process of source metadata creation involved thorough reading in order to accurately create specific metadata, even when the content would be extremely disturbing, and determine what would be best to make these sources most accessible through specified “tags”. This type of work improved my technical and …

Bridging Law And Politics: My Engaged Learning Journey, Ximena Paola Castaneda

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In this video, I will share my engaged learning journey in the field of law and politics. I will discuss how my personal experiences and academic background have shaped my interest in immigration law. Engaged learning opportunities have provided me with hands-on experience, insight into legal practice, and a clearer understanding of my career goals. I will also highlight the challenges I faced during my internship and the key learnings and impacts of my experience. Watch this video to gain insights into the importance of engaged learning in the field of law and its real-world applications.

The Office Of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Internship Experience, Sophie Botzet

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation details my unpaid internship experience at the Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and emphasizes my development through this experience and takeaways from the semester. During the Spring 2024 semester, I primarily worked with constituents, assisting them with their legislative opinions and casework questions. Though this experience was a learning curve, it allowed me to develop personally and professionally while aiding in specifying my future career goals and aspirations.

Cosmic Ray Anisotropy Using Ten Years Of Data Collected With Icetop, Gunwati Agrawal, Savannah Lehrman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In this study, we investigate large-scale cosmic ray anisotropy across four distinct energy tiers: 310 TeV, 1.1 PeV, 2.4PeV, and 6.6 PeV, utilizing data collected by the IceTop air shower array spanning from 2011 to 2021. While prior research was conducted during the construction of IceTop, this work aims to provide an updated and more comprehensive distribution of cosmic ray arrival directions in the Southern Hemisphere using IceTop. Through these enhancements, our study aims to contribute valuable insights into the cosmic ray anisotropy landscape, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of high-energy phenomena in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pedestrian-Involved Traffic Signal Optimization Using Decentralized Graph-Based Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning, Vijayalakshmi Kumarasamy, Abhilasha Jairam Saroj, Joseph Duhamel, Yu Liang, Dalei Wu, Michae P. Hunter, Mina Sartipi

UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference

In urban transportation systems, integrating pedestrian movements into traffic signal timing optimization is crucial for smooth and safe traffic flow. This study investigates the Decentralized Graph-based Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (DGMARL) method for signal timing optimization, considering both pedestrian and vehicle traffic states. Evaluating fixed and adaptive pedestrian accommodation strategies, the study assesses their impact on traffic flow and signal timing. Using a Digital Twin microscopic traffic simulation model of the MLK Smart Corridor in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the approach's effectiveness is analyzed. Results show that the strategy of signal timing optimization with adaptive pedestrian request improves Eco_PI by significantly compared to …

Integration Of Decentralized Graph-Based Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning With Digital Twin For Traffic Signal Optimization, Vijayalakshmi Kumarasamy, Abhilasha Jairam Saroj, Yu Liang, Dalei Wu, Michael P. Hunter, Angshuman Guin, Mina Sartipi

UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference

Machine learning (ML), especially reinforcement learning (RL), has garnered significant attention for optimizing traffic signal control in intelligent transportation systems. However, existing ML approaches face scalability and adaptability challenges, especially in large traffic networks. This paper proposes an innovative solution by integrating decentralized graph-based multi-agent reinforcement learning (DGMARL) with a Digital Twin (DT) to enhance traffic signal optimization, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and network-wide fuel consumption associated with vehicle stops and delays. DGMARL agents learn traffic state patterns and make informed decisions on traffic signal control, further facilitated by the Digital Twin module simulating real-time traffic behaviors. Evaluation utilized …

Parental Leave Policies As Structures Of Inequality, Elizabeth Weems, Megan Hartline Dr.

UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference

Parental leave policies should be a key aspect of ensuring reproductive justice for all families as they choose to expand. Unfortunately, in relation to university policies, the reproductive health of birth givers in the United States is not ensured and takes a backseat to the needs of the business rather than their employees. When Parental Leave policies are created to further the investment and protection of the college, complex terminology takes over what should be an understandable document. When work-based policies are unclear or do not cover the full range of birth and family outcomes, inequality reaches new heights in …

Micro Vs. Macro Level Simulation And Performance: A Comparative Analysis With Application To Intelligent Transportation System, Vijayalakshmi Kumarasamy, Ritu Patel, Yu Liang, Dalei Wu

UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference

This paper compares micro and macro-level simulation approaches within the context of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Micro-level simulations model individual vehicle interactions, while macro-level simulations capture system-wide dynamics. We assess their performance, computational efficiency, and applicability in addressing ITS challenges such as traffic management and route optimization. Additionally, we explore hybrid approaches combining both paradigms. Our findings offer insights for researchers and practitioners in selecting suitable simulation methodologies for ITS applications.

Exploring The Research On The Transformative Power Of Narrative Therapy, Hajar Ouakrim, Craft Baine

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

Narrative therapy is a dynamic method that highlights the importance of individual narratives in forming personalities and perspectives. When going through the process of communicating your struggles and removing existing dominant narratives, narrative therapy allows individuals to cultivate preferred narrative including their identities, connections, and emotions. Although there have been numerous studies of narrative therapy in various contexts, to date, no study has attempted to summarize these findings. Therefore, we are conducting a meta-analysis to identify trends in the effectiveness of narrative therapy. Our analysis includes 87 empirical studies of narrative therapy.

Implications Of Borderline Personality Disorder Cluster Symptoms For Suicide Risk, Eve Sudberry, Erin Mcmeekin, Keyne Law

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

We explored the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptom clusters and the likelihood of a history of suicidal ideation (SI). Those with BPD are at a significantly higher risk for suicide. Many symptom clusters such as negative relationships and affective instability have been implicated in suicide risk. Undergraduates (n=126; Mage=20.85, SD=5.29) completed self-report measures assessing BPD symptoms and suicide history. We plan to run a logistic regression to accomplish our aim of uncovering the risk for SI associated with different BPD symptom clusters. We hope our findings will provide clarity on the mechanisms behind SI in those with BPD.

The Oneal Project: Negotiation Education For Library Workers, Courtney Fuson

Library Faculty Scholarship

Come and learn about a new open educational resource and community to support library workers as they develop their negotiation knowledge and skills. Designed to help all library workers learn negotiation best practices and strategies for both their personal and professional lives, this OER includes lectures, readings, assessments, and hand-on assignments. In addition to learning about this resource, attendees will learn about the community being created to provide support for library professionals responsible for negotiations and about key issues and trends uncovered during an interview research study. While the content developed around licensing is geared toward an academic audience, the …

Servant Leadership In The Periodical Literature Of Librarianship, Simone Clunie, Darlene Parrish

Library Scholarship

Leadership is one of the most critical factors in the success or failure of an organization and can greatly impact the health and well-being of all participants, especially lower participants. (Kendrick, Kaetrena Davis, 2020). In Robert Greenleaf’s 1970 book, The Servant as Leader, he posits that a leader should be a servant first, seeking the health and development of all participants in an organization. This research project investigates the number of articles published in the periodical literature of librarianship about servant leadership, the nature of the coverage, and if servant leadership is being implemented in libraries as it was …

Advancements In South Korea's Multilingual And Multicultural Initiatives: Perspectives From Bilingual Immigrant Coaches And Korean Government Officials Working In Health Family Support Centers, Seongyo Gwon, Jayoung Choi

Symposium of Student Scholars

Health Family Support Centers in South Korea play a pivotal role in promoting multilingualism and multiculturalism in South Korea that practices Korean-only assimilation policies. With an increased influx of multicultural immigrants, these centers provide assistance and services to immigrants. These centers also serve as a hub for both immigrants who have gained proficiency in the Korean language and culture also work there as bilingual coaches and translators, and dedicated Koreans fostering cultural harmony. Thus, it is crucial to examine experiences and perspectives of employees striving for immigrant equity in South Korea at these centers.

This study explores the perspectives and …

Propensity-Score Matching Beginning And Experienced Farmers On Stress And Coping Mechanisms To Predict Suicidal Ideation, Anne Montgomery, Stephanie M. Basey, Chris T. Scoggins, Lily Baucom

Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Conference

This presentation is an extension of a roundtable from last year; we added propensity-score matching thanks to suggestions from the roundtable:

The suicide rate among farmers is much higher than that of the overall working population. Literature on farmer mental health in Georgia has been scarce and mostly focused on farmer suicide. This study looks at the influence of being a beginning farmer (less than 10 years of experience) on farm-related stressors and coping mechanisms.

This cross-sectional study inventories mental well-being, stressors, and coping mechanisms for different types of farmers. Participants (N=1,328) were asked demographics, household composition, work descriptors, healthcare …

Let's Talk About Sex & Prep: District 2 Does!, Chrissa M. Shaffer

Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Defining what a PrEP Service Program entails and how it could benefit your district or county health center. Discussing methods that have been used to set up PrEP Services within a district – including training, resources, and promotion. Identifying the challenges and working through them. Reviewing the results of the PrEP Services over the past year, and the ongoing goals to encourage and increase our PrEP Services.

Gender-Based Differences In Stress And Coping Among Farmers: A Cross-Sectional Study With Propensity Score Matching, Anne Montgomery, James B. Dunaway, Stephanie M. Basey, Chris T. Scoggins, Lily R. Baucom

Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Conference

This cross-sectional study compares the mental health experiences of male and female farmers, with a particular focus on stress levels, stressors, and coping mechanisms. The research aims to shed light on gender-based differences in stress experiences and coping strategies among agricultural workers. The study involved 1,394 farmers (67.7% male, 32.3% female) from Georgia, USA, who completed an online survey on aspects of mental well-being.

Findings indicate that female farmers were more likely to hold farm manager roles and less likely to be farm owners. Notably, a higher proportion of female farmers were first-generation farmers, indicating potential unique challenges for this …

Low-Cost Shortwave-Infrared Spectroscopy (Swirs) For Stroke Risk Screening In Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease, Katie Cho

Symposium of Student Scholars

Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a profound effect on the brain. In sub-Saharan Africa where most SCD patients (~75%) live and access to medical care is limited, ~11% of SCD children will develop a stroke by the age of 20. Although early identification is critical to treatment, transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD), the standard screening tool, is not widely available in low-resource settings due to its high cost and need of trained personnel. Speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) may provide a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to this unmet need. SCOS is an emerging optical technique that can quantify blood flow in …

Ceo Compensation And Csr Linked Initiatives: An Exploratory Study, Neema Desamu Thorpe, Nik Nikolov, Pramod Iyer

Symposium of Student Scholars

Using a hand collected sample of annual corporate ESG reports, I propose to study the link between CEO compensation and ESG performance and its implications for firm performance. Using stakeholder theory, I propose that companies that link CEO pay with ESG outcomes would perform better in the stock market. This is conditional on other variables, such as diversity of the board and ESG report status.

The Role Of Sense Of Purpose In Health Navigation Among Marginalized Older Adults, Ameesha Narine

Symposium of Student Scholars

A sense of purpose is a central, self-organizing life aim that guides choices and behaviors (Lewis, 2020; Mcknight & Kashdan 2009). In older adulthood, having a sense of purpose is linked with positive health (Musich et al., 2018; Lewis & Hill, 2021). Understanding how older adults who identify as socially marginalized (e.g., racially/ ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+) leverage purpose to navigate their health, for example, when setting health values, making health decisions, or adapting to health challenges may support the development of tailored resources to combat social disparities embedded in healthcare systems. This study used qualitative thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, …

Generating Channel Morphology Data Through Arcgis Pro, Ethan Manigbas

Symposium of Student Scholars

River cross-sections are often extracted using field surveys at measured intervals. This field-oriented approach allows for a tangible relationship between the data and its collector but at the expense of finance, time, labor, and potentially the environment. With the advancement of geospatial tools, such data can be found online, extracted, and even analyzed with contemporary Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a completely virtual setting, transcending the need for fieldwork in select project topics. We tested this approach with the help of ArcGIS Pro software on the Vishnu Springs headwater stream located in the Western Illinois region of the Upper Mississippi …

The Classification Of Internet Memes Through Supervised And Unsupervised Machine Learning Algorithms, William H. Little

Symposium of Student Scholars

Memes, those captivating internet phenomena, effortlessly deliver online entertainment. By leveraging time-series data from Google Trends, we can vividly illustrate and dissect the dynamic trends in meme popularity. Previous studies have discerned four distinct post-peak popularity patterns— "smoothly decaying," "spikey decaying," "leveling off," and "long-term growth"—and elegantly modeled these using ordinary differential equations.

This research introduces a programmatic approach that harnesses both supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. The dataset, now expanded to over 2000 elements, becomes the canvas for exploration. The K-means algorithm identifies clusters, which then serve as labels for the supervised SVC algorithm. The overarching goal is …

Exploring Neural Networks For Breast Cancer Tissue Classification, Stephen Jacobs, Md Abdullah Al Hafiz Khan

Symposium of Student Scholars

Last year, more than 240 thousand women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer. These patients are benefitting from decades of data that have been collected by cancer research institutions around the world. Tissue samples are analyzed and cataloged by these institutions, and several facilities like the University of Wisconsin are sharing this historical data to promote the advancement of new cancer treatments. Deep learning and neural network models are being built for this data to help doctors diagnose faster and design treatment options for patients by comparing their tissue samples with these historical datasets. We will use …

Understanding The Needs Of Georgia’S Hispanic/Latinx Population Regarding Adolescent Health, Aylin Diaz, Evelina W. Sterling

Symposium of Student Scholars

Georgia’s Department of Public Health’s Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Program is based on the Positive Youth Development Approach as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This approach engages youth within their communities, schools and organizations, peer groups, and families in a productive and constructive manner. Overall, the AHYD program aims at preventing HIV, STIs, and pregnancy among all youth. In Georgia, the Hispanic/Latino population has grown to over 10% of our total population. However, adolescent health programs within Georgia have not specifically focused on the cultural differences among the large Hispanic/Latino community. This study takes …

Climate Change Impacts On Bridge Scour Risk In New York State, Alexis Torres

Publications and Research

Bridge scour, the erosion of sediment around bridge foundations, is the leading cause of bridge failure in the United States. This problem is exacerbated by severe storms and the impacts of climate change, which can increase the risk of scour-related bridge failures. Effective prioritization and mitigation of scour risks is crucial for enhancing the resilience of transportation networks. Addressing the level of Scour to abutments that are submerged in large bodies of water caused by climate is a monumental task and operation to facilitate.

Examining Galaxy Bulge Regions With The Sloan Digital Sky Survey, Sarah E. Draves, Ariyeh Maller

Publications and Research

Nearly all of the ordinary matter in the universe is located in galaxies, which are made up stars, gas, dust, and black holes, and range in size from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand light years across. Galaxies come in different shapes, but many of them are spiral shaped, and some of those have a central bulge region that is distinct from the rest of the galactic disk. This project used a large data set of galaxies that had their bulge and disk components separated to see what correlations those fractions of each galaxy have with other galaxy …

Evaluation Of Us Immigration Policies For Technology Professionals, Angel Contreras Cruz

Student Research Symposium

The U.S. Immigration System is complex for technology professionals seeking to relocate to the United States for employment or education. The United States relies on its employment-based immigration to attract and select the best talent to fill the shortage of skilled jobs. Technology professionals, a stream of highly skilled immigrants, tend to contribute and be more beneficial to the U.S. economy, which is one of the principles of U.S. immigration policies. Although U.S. immigration policies are constantly updating, policymakers, experts, and scholars suggest that the United States needs significant immigration reform to solve current issues, such as improving technological capabilities …