Digital Commons Network^™

Remembering A Mensch— Dr. Waseem A. Malick: In Memoriam, C. Naseer Ahmad

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Dr. Waseem A. Malick, who spent over 30 years working for Swiss Pharmaceutical giant Hoffman-La Roche, was a mensch. He passed away in December 2022 in New Jersey. On February 5, 2023, about 150 of his friends, colleagues and family members gathered to remember him. Being by the side of Dr. Malick’s wife and his children, his Roche colleagues were a source of comfort for the family.

Informal Practices Of Localizing Open Educational Resources In Ghana, Emily Durham Bradshaw, Jason K. Mcdonald

Faculty Publications

Research on the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) often notes the potential benefits for users to revise, reuse, and remix OER to localize it for specific learners. However, a gap in the literature exists in terms of research that explores how this localization occurs in practice. This is a significant gap given the current flow of OER from higher-income countries in the Global North to lower-income countries in the Global South (King et al., 2018). This study explores how OER from one area of the world is localized when it is used in a different cultural context.

Findings indicated …

How Female Bipoc Students At A Predominantly White Institution Think About Belonging: A Multiperspective Study, Delirio Juarez

Theses and Dissertations

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) report decreased sense of belonging compared to White students (Hunn, 2014; Hurtado & Carter, 1997; Museus et al., 2018; Strayhorn, 2019). The study aimed to answer, "What are the daily lived experiences of BIPOC students at a PWI?" and "How do BIPOC students at a PWI describe feelings of belonging (if at all)?" The study was conducted at a private, religiously affiliated, PWI, in the Western United States. The University Belonging Questionnaire (Slaten et al., 2018) was used to sort students' feelings of belonging. Female participants who …

"I Think They're Poisoning My Mind": Understanding The Motivations Of People Who Have Voluntarily Adopted Secure Email, Warda Usman

Theses and Dissertations

Secure email systems that use end-to-end encryption are the best method we have for ensuring user privacy and security in email communication. However, the adoption of secure email remains low, with previous studies suggesting mainly that secure email is too complex or inconvenient to use. However, the perspectives of those who have, in fact, chosen to use an encrypted email system are largely overlooked. To understand these perspectives, we conducted a semi-structured interview study that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mindsets underlying adoption and use of secure email services. Our participants come from a variety of countries …

Racial Empathy Gap In The Workplace: The Existence Of And Consequences For Racial Workplace Disparity Through Lack Of Empathy, Kathleen Bahr

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Extensive research has been done on racial disparities in the workplace and the racial biases and discrimination that causes and contributes to said disparities. This research explores the existence of and causes for a racial empathy gap in the workplace, focusing on empathy between peers. An experimental study was conducted with a sample of 451 people in the United States and the United Kingdom. Using a scenario experiment, I manipulated the gender and race (randomized between male or female and Black or White) of a co-worker who had a negative event occur in their life. The study showed that there …

Copus Profiles Paper Data, Jamie Jensen, Rebecca L. Sansom, Jennifer B. Nielson, Richard E. West, Geoffrey Wright, Bryn St. Clair

ScholarsArchive Data

COPUS profile data, interview transcripts

Making Space Behind The Veil: Black Agency Within A Predominantly White Religion, Michael Wood, Grace Ann Soelberg, Jacob Rugh

Faculty Publications

The work of W.E.B. Du Bois highlights the significance of Christian religion in Black American life. According to Du Bois, the Black Church serves as a site of self-formation and affirmation, and the White Church as a source of racist beliefs and justifications for inequality. In this paper, we expand Du Bois’ inquiry about the influence of religion with a study of Black Americans who belong to a predominantly White religion. For those whose religious experience is almost wholly within the “white world,” what role does religion play in their lives? We analyze a set of 52 public accounts by …

The Criminalization Of Female Genital Mutilation In Ohio: A Social And Political Analysis, Madsyn Selph

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research examines the public attitudes towards the criminalization of female genital mutilation (“FGM”) in Ohio in 2018 with the passage of S.B. 214. Content from The Columbus Dispatch, testimony in favor of the bill, and an oral history with a current Ohio Senator who was a House Representative in 2018 were used as data in this research. Data are examined using group threat theory to better understand the attitudes of the Columbus public towards trends in immigration and FGM. Results find that anti-Islam and anti-African sentiments (and specifically anti-Somali sentiments) were widely found in these data, as well as …

"What Would It Mean For Us To Seem 'Good' To Each Other?": Contemporary Black Women+ On Fat Phobia And Misogynoir, Devon Ariel Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

White supremacy's impact on Black bodies is well-known. Starting with the enslavement of millions of Africans and their descendants, to Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, the race-based War on Drugs, mass incarceration, police murders--and now, through fat phobia. Fat phobia--the hatred of and discrimination against fatness--is problematic for all bodies because it limits basic opportunities and privileges. However, it becomes particularly dangerous at the intersection of structural racism and misogyny. Francis Beale argues that as both Black people and women+, Black women+ carry a "double strike" against them; consequently, they experience both racism and misogyny, termed "misogynoir" by Moya Bailey. Language …

Developing Genotypic And Phenotypic Systems For Early Analysis Of Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Yesman Akuoko

Theses and Dissertations

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is a global health challenge with a projected fallout of 10 million deaths annually and cumulative costs of over 1 trillion dollars by 2050. The currently available tools exploited in the detection of bacteria or their DNA can be expensive, time inefficient, or lack multiplex capabilities among others. The research work highlighted in this dissertation advances techniques employed in the phenotypic or genotypic detection of bacteria and their DNA. In this dissertation, I present polymethyl methacrylate-pressure sensitive adhesive microfluidic platforms developed using a time-efficient, inexpensive fabrication technique. Microfluidic devices were then equipped with functionalized monoliths and …

The Facilitative Role Of Workplace Anxiety In Increasing Motivation And Preparation Fueled By Self-Regulation, James Hayes

Student Works

As anxiety in the workplace continues to affect a substantial percentage of employees, an understanding of the facilitative aspects of anxiety may become increasingly relevant (American Psychological Association, 2009, as cited in Cheng & McCarthy, 2018). Anxiety in the workplace is generally disadvantageous, but significant evidence supports the idea that anxiety may benefit employees in various ways (Chandra et al., 2020). Notably, anxious feelings may spark increased motivation within employees, unlocking a greater focus on future goals (Spielberger, 1985, as cited in Cheng & McCarthy, 2018). In pursuit of these goals, anxious employees may find a greater capacity for self-regulation, …

Dendroctonus Ponderosae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Observations From Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park, Justin P. Williams, Danielle Malesky

Western North American Naturalist

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902; MPB) has been causing limber pine (Pinus flexilis E. James) mortality at Great Basin National Park, Nevada, including at Wheeler Peak Campground, for many years. Research has shown that MPB voltinism and phenology are strongly influenced by climate and can vary by location and elevation, indicating the need for localized observations to inform treatment recommendations in some cases. We used emergence cages on infested tree boles, baited Lindgren funnel traps, and ambient air temperatures to describe MPB adult flight timing over 2 years. Adult MPB flight at this high-elevation site occurred …

Protections And Liabilities: Parental Attributes Of Lynch Victims, Peter Shumway Polhill

Theses and Dissertations

Minimal research has focused on how lynching was not purely an individual-level event but, at times, was a family-level process. Prior research has focused on the economic forces, social factors, and individual level attributes that changed the probability of being lynched. Research studying these topics has identified that marginalization, status, distinctiveness, and the racial threat hypothesis contribute to lynching. However, this research has not studied child victims and how parental level attributes may intersect differently with these theoretical perspectives. Using machine-learning tools, I created census linked data which identifies the families of child lynch victims and other non-victim families in …

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescents And Young Adults In Brazil, Sabrina Ruiz

Ballard Brief

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. These infections are typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can affect anyone who is sexually active. Some of the most common types of STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). STDs pose a significant global health problem, with young people in Brazil being particularly vulnerable. They are at a higher risk of contracting STDs due to several factors, including risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and sexual violence. The consequences of contracting STDs in this population include cervical cancer, chronic pelvic pain, and pelvic …

Suicide Among Adolescents In South Korea, Alyssa Kang

Ballard Brief

Suicide is a prevalent issue that widely affects all demographics in South Korea. Among adolescents, it is the leading cause of mortality with an average rate of 7 deaths per 100,000 people. Some of the most significant factors that influence the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts are cultural stigma and academic stress. Other factors, such as bullying and family structure, also increase the likelihood of suicide. There are also specific characteristics which predict suicide, including internet addiction, socioeconomic status, and substance abuse. Adolescent suicide attempts in Korea also increase the individual's risk for future attempts. Additionally, completed suicides can …

Pornography Use Among Young Adults In The United States, Samantha Smith, Jamie Lesueur

Ballard Brief

Pornography exists in many forms across the internet including pictures, videos, audio, written materials, video games, and social media posts. A majority of the US population has intentionally viewed pornography before, with an even larger majority of US young adults viewing pornography regularly. Despite the widespread use of and support for pornography, viewing sexually explicit media can have many negative consequences. For example, pornography use has been shown to correlate with decreased sex-life satisfaction, lack of positive self-image, and increased chances of divorce. Research also shows that both pornography viewers and pornography actors are likely to experience emotional health consequences. …

Water Waste And Mismanagement In Yemen, Haile Terry

Ballard Brief

The water crisis in Yemen is caused by three main factors: the breakdown of the national government due to a civil war, the increasing prevalence of weaponization of water as a war tactic, and the domination of the agricultural sector by a plant, known as qat (which has no nutritional value or export potential, requiring a disproportionate amount of water year-round). The crisis has led to a number of devastating and life-threatening consequences, including poor WASH practices and the worst cholera outbreak in human history; some of the worst malnutrition rates in the world, particularly in children; and a general …

Lack Of Women In Government In The Mena Region, Emma Cummings

Ballard Brief

Only 24.3% of parliament seats globally are held by women, and an even lower 10.4% of parliament seats in the MENA region are held by women. With proper representation in government positions, it can be easier to further political positions such as human rights, education, and the overall development of a country. This is due in part to some of the top government positions in the family, social welfare, and gender equality areas being held by women. There is a lack in the MENA region due to popular social perception, the lack of education and experience, and limited support for …

Childhood Obesity In The United States, Emma Stohl

Ballard Brief

Childhood obesity has been a problem in the United States for decades. The rate of childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s. As of 2023, 1 in 5 children in the US are obese, with this number rising yearly. Childhood obesity is exacerbated by the lifestyle of children, where their attention is consumed by technology use at the expense of consuming nutritious foods and participating in physical activities. The lack of physical education in schools influences children’s health education and is partly responsible for childhood obesity. Genetics also play a role in childhood obesity depending on the characteristics of a …

Impacts Of Climate Change In The United States, Nathan Thompson

Ballard Brief

While every country both contributes to and feels the effects of climate change, the United States' heavy influence and high rates of contribution make this problem even more acute domestically. Climate change is primarily driven by human emission of greenhouse gases through the burning of fossil fuels and from mass-scale agriculture. Because climate change can be a polarizing issue, passing legislation to slow the harmful contributing factors has proven difficult. The effects of climate change have worsened in the past few decades, with increased instances of wildfires and extreme shifts in weather patterns. These negative consequences disproportionately affect vulnerable people …

The Underreporting And Dismissal Of Sexual Assault Cases Against Women In The United States, Jacey Passmore

Ballard Brief

Sexual assault is a highly prevalent yet rarely addressed issue within the United States. It is considered the most underreported and dismissed crime. There are a plethora of variables contributing to the underreporting and dismissal of sexual assault cases. The most prevalent factor appears to be the various understandings of sexual assault. The United States has no standard definition of rape or consent due to rape myths, victim blaming, disproportionately high perceptions of baseless allegations, and high-profile cases that are unrepresentative of the more common details of sexual assault. Other major contributing factors include knowing the perpetrator, victims’ pre-existing and …

Caveat Emptor: Scan Quality Of Elsevier’S Digital Backfile Pdf Collection, Gregory M. Nelson, Paul Kj Robbins, Dennis L. Eggett

Faculty Publications

Scans of journal articles originally published in print, otherwise known as digital journal backfiles, benefit library patrons by providing near instantaneous access to important older information and full-text searchability. Digital backfiles can serve as a reliable surrogate for their corresponding print journals which could be removed from the library, freeing up space for other patron services. Both benefits are realized when the scanned articles are of sufficient clarity to replace the print versions. Several studies have analyzed small and subject-narrow sections of Elsevier’s digital backfile. This article contains a scan-quality analysis from 1578 journals that contain nearly four million articles …

Trauma Team Communication During Trauma Resuscitation: A Literature Review, Paula Barney

Student Works

Trauma teams nationwide are tasked with stabilizing and treating severely injured patients. Their work is unpredictable and must be carried out quickly to improve patient outcomes. Effective team communication is imperative. Team members communicating to form shared understanding of patient status and care goals supports high-level team function. Clear communication is essential. Team members should use closed-loop communication when appropriate, use brief and direct statements, and limit noise in trauma rooms. Team leaders support trauma team performance by providing updates on patient status and plans of care and fostering a culture of collaboration between team leaders and team members. Team …

A Longitudinal Look: How Sleep Impacts Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Autism And Social Anxiety, Lindsay Jacalyn Regehr

Theses and Dissertations

Crucial research about suicidal thoughts and behaviors is often done in a cross-sectional manner that only considers limited risk factors. This research is limited in scope and rarely produces meaningful results to inform treatment. This study uses a longitudinal design to follow 93 participants over approximately 6 months. Participants are individuals with autism and social anxiety who were part of high-risk groups for suicidality, sleep problems, and social isolation. Participants recorded their sleep patterns and suicidal thoughts daily via the phone app MetricWire and continuously wore a GENEActiv actigraphy device to tract their objective sleep patterns. The Columbia Suicide Severity …

Social Media's Impact On The Puerto Rican Diaspora After Hurricane Maria, Heidi Lynn Steidel Ii Camacho

Theses and Dissertations

Puerto Rico has belonged to the United States for more than a century. In 1898, more than two decades after the Spanish American War, Spain formally ceded the island to the United States. Just over 20 years later, islanders officially became American citizens. Since then, the 100-mile-long by 35-mile-wide island has experienced economic and political crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and life-threatening natural disasters. These events provoked a vast fluctuation in its population. After Hurricane Maria unfolded in September 2017, more than 200,000 Puerto Ricans moved to the continental United States to start new lives (Schwartz, 2018). This qualitative study sheds …

Hope Psychology (Random Quotes & Reference), Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Learning, Teaching, & Researching Optimization

This document is for those who are interested in HOPE in educational science. If you have high hope, you will be successful in your future education or job performance. The predictive power of hope is higher than the precious GPA or entrance exam score. High hope score is also associated with less susceptibility to anxiety, depression and mental trauma. More than 500 reference information in this document may lead to deeper study on this concept. Two forms of the measurement tools are included.

On And On And On, Rachel Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

One defining root of the essay is its goal to articulate thoughts, simple and complex, into a piece that readers might deliberate and rest and even rely on. On this or that or the other-- "on" being a word suggesting sturdiness and foundation. On and On and On is a collection of personal essays which intends to examine the theories of "truth" (another word associated with sturdiness,) within personal experiences, as they are delivered through creative means. When truths in life are examined and explored in essayistic ways, we discover more profound axioms of the soul that would otherwise remain …

Non-Fatal Strangulation During Sexual Assault: A Retrospective Review, Brooke E. Stacey

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a life-threatening event in cases of sexual assault. The incidence of NFS during sexual assault is increasing on a global scale. NFS is a gendered crime as most victims are women and most assailants are men and is more common in intimate partner violence. Strangulation victims only have visible neck injuries around 50% of the time, but visible injuries are not a reliable indicator of the severity of the assault. NFS can cause neurological damage from lack of blood flow to the brain and result in physical and psychological trauma. NFS indicates a high degree …

Healing Practices And Ritual Feasts Among The Nabateans: A Study Of Absorbed Residues From Ceramics On The Ad-Deir Plateau, Jake Hubbert

Theses and Dissertations

Eastern Cistern B on the Ad-Deir Plateau is unusual in its breadth and variety of ceramic vessels represented by thousands of sherds. These sherds raised significant questions about the purpose and use of the vessels that they originally came from. This thesis argues that the ceramic vessels that were deposited in Eastern Cistern B represent the deposited remains of an ancient Nabataean ritual feast. Furthermore, this thesis also helps to answer the questions surrounding what the ceramic containers once held and their relationship to that ritual meal. This thesis identified residues absorbed within the ceramic fragments through the use of …

Online Self-Compassion Training Vs. Expressive Writing: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Lauren Benyo Linford

Theses and Dissertations

Self-compassion is associated with a variety of positive outcomes including well-being and positive body image. There is a need for accessible online self-compassion resources that can be disseminated to the general public. This study examined the efficacy of The Gift of Self-Compassion course (GSC): a 30-day internet-delivered self-compassion training within a non-clinical general population sample. Outcomes examined were self-compassion, well-being, and body dissatisfaction. Using a randomized controlled design, this study compared the GSC to an expressive writing (EW) curriculum. Participants were 215 adults from the general population. Seemingly unrelated regression models were used to estimate treatment differences between groups as …