Digital Commons Network^™

Burnout And Compassion Fatigue Within Dispatch, Emily A. Mcfarren

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Continual exposure to trauma coupled with a general lack of

administrative support contributes to greater occupational risk for burnout and

compassion fatigue among first responders, causing many to leave the

profession. As the first line of communication for emergencies, dispatchers,

specifically emergency call takers are no exception. Yet, few studies have

investigated the prevalence and impact of burnout and compassion fatigue on

dispatchers in comparison to other first responders such as police, fire, or

emergency medical services (EMS). This study aimed to extend this line of

inquiry by surveying a stratified random sample of dispatchers working in

California dispatch centers …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On National Hockey League Fan Attendance, Ramon E. Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic struck swiftly around the world, causing several societal functions and normalcies to adapt or shut down completely. This culminating project explores the effects of COVID-19 on arena fan attendance of the National Hockey League (NHL). This project was guided by the following three research questions: Q1 – How did the NHL arena closures affect fan attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic? Q2 – What factors influenced NHL fan arena attendance before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic? Q3 – What factors impacted the NHL arena fan attendance after the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic? An empirical model developed …

Rethinking The Performance Evaluation, Jason C. Crowley

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This paper delves into the complexities of performance evaluations within community college settings, aiming to inform a more effective approach specific to the unique characteristics of staff attracted to this work. Grounded in the understanding of validity in psychometric measurement and management theories, it seeks to identify evaluation criteria that prioritize enhancing the working environment which is known to impact overall organizational performance over traditional results-driven metrics to measure individual staff performance. Key theoretical underpinnings include discussions on validity, highlighting that measuring validity against the underlying goal of the performance evaluation (i.e., increased organizational performance) has been largely ignored in …

Motivating Through Assessment: Exploring Best Practices In Continuation High Schools, Stephanie Milton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This qualitative exploratory case study examined how continuation high school teachers perceive and implement assessment practices that foster student motivation and accurately measure learning. Grounded in Assessment for Learning (AFL) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the study sought to identify assessment strategies that promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness among students who are at risk of academic disengagement. Seven teachers from a Continuation High School in the Coachella Valley participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences, beliefs, and classroom practices regarding assessment and motivation. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method, with triangulation across interviews and literature to …

Writing The Script: Shaping Korean National Identity, Media Imperialism And The Revolution Of K-Dramas, Isai J. Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This thesis explores the role of South Korean television dramas (K-dramas) as cultural artifacts that the Korean creators have created and become agents, which in turn has constructed and projected globally the modern South Korean national identity. Positioned at the crossroads of cultural imperialism, nationalism, resistance and appropriation, K-dramas have become extremely critical to reshaping South Korea’s place in the global media landscape. Through the lens of the Hallyu (The Korean Wave), this study analyzes how K-drama’s navigate an ambiguous cultural space which simultaneously resists Western media dominance while appropriating global forms including platform-based distribution, tailoring original content to …

Investigating The Role Of Motivation On The Effectiveness Of Computerized Cognitive Training Among At-Risk Youth, Emely N. Lugo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Student motivation plays a central role in academic success, influencing persistence, engagement, and performance across grade levels. Within situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT), motivation is shaped by students’ beliefs about their ability to succeed (expectancy), the importance or usefulness they assign to a task (value), the perceived effort or trade-offs involved (cost), and the situational context in which learning occurs. Although the link between motivation and academic performance is well known, there is limited research on how motivational factors, like those proposed by SEVT, influence the extent of cognitive gains from school-based cognitive interventions designed to improve abilities related to academic …

Untangling Familicide: A Comparison Of Three Definitions, Lesley M. Vega

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Familicide is generally defined as the killing of multiple family members by a relative. However, there is no single, universally accepted definition of familicide, and different studies use varying definitions with different inclusion criteria. Sometimes, very restrictive definitions are used that exclude many similar cases (e.g., father kills spouse and children). Conversely, broader definitions sometimes overlap with other phenomena, such as mass murder. Only a few studies have examined this phenomenon, primarily from an exploratory standpoint.

Case data was collected from the Gun Violence Archive, an online database that records shooting incidents in the United States, for familicidal events that …

The Impact Of Eyewear On Early And Mid-Latency Erp Components Of Face Processing, Alewa T. Anaya

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Facial recognition plays an important role in human survival and social communication. It relies on fast and efficient visual processing in the brain, as reflected by the P100 and N170 event-related potential (ERP) components. These ERPs are early and mid-latency stamps of facial recognition that reflect visual detection and structural processing of faces. Previous studies have shown that the N170 is sensitive to disruptions in facial configuration, such as inversion or partial face obscuration caused by masks. The present study, however, examines a common yet overlooked visual addition that may influence the N170: eyewear. Specifically, this study investigates how regular …

Bridging Assessment And Implementation A Toolkit For Improving Quality In Preschool Settings, Virginia M. Roundy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

High-quality early childhood education (ECE) is foundational to children’s development and long-term success, yet ensuring consistent quality across diverse programs remains a persistent challenge. This project examines how assessment data, particularly from the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), 2nd Edition, can be transformed from static evaluations into dynamic tools for professional growth. While CLASS observations provide reliable measures of teacher–child interactions, their greatest potential emerges when these data are translated into actionable guidance that informs daily practice.

To bridge the gap between assessment and implementation, this paper presents a comprehensive Assessment Toolkit composed of three integrated components: assessor-written summary reports, …

Bilingualism Matters: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of California Language Policy, Benjamin V. Roath

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In June 1998, California voters passed Proposition 227, a ballot initiative mandating that all public school instruction be conducted in English, with over 61% approval. This policy imposed additional challenges on students with limited English proficiency (LEP), many of whom are immigrants or children of immigrants. At the margins of these political and educational agendas lies the issue of bilingual education. This study examines the role of bilingual education in multilingual contexts and critiques the continued reliance on monolingual frameworks that marginalize linguistic diversity. Focusing on Proposition 227 (1998) and its repeal through Proposition 58 (2016), the research explores shifting …

School-Based Mental Health Services For Students With Disabilities: Exploring Benefits, Barriers, And The Role Of A Multi-Tiered System Of Supports, Veronica R. S. Meiners Perez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Schools play a significant role in the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of children. Students with disabilities have legal rights to all necessary support for their educational success, including mental health supports. School-based mental health and its implementation are a work in progress, facing many barriers, but the benefits speak for themselves. Research suggests that the use of a multi-tiered system of supports ensures equal and equitable interventions for all students, especially students with disabilities. This literature review analyzes 16 studies regarding school-based mental health, special education, students with disabilities, and the MTSS framework. Support students' mental health, regardless of …

Predictors Of Math Identity In U.S. High School Students, Edwin Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored factors related to high school students’ sense of math identity. Data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 was used which is a nationally representative dataset from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). The sample is representative of U.S. high schoolers who began ninth grade in 2009. Multiple regression analysis was performed and factors relating to students’ prior mathematics coursework and attitudes about mathematics were found to predict students’ mathematics identity.

Keywords. Mathematics, identity, high school students

Parental Involvement In Bilingual Language Learning In Early School-Aged Children, Jennifer Y. Arroyo Morales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project examines the critical role of parental involvement in supporting bilingual language learning (BLL) among early school-aged children in kindergarten through third grade. Bilingualism offers extensive cognitive, social, cultural, and economic benefits, yet many families face barriers that limit their ability to foster bilingual development at home. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Social Interactionist Theory and Kuhl’s research on sensitive periods of language acquisition, this project developed the Parent Handbook for Supporting Bilingual Language Learning in Early School-Aged Children. The handbook provides parents with accessible, research-based strategies that transform everyday routines into opportunities for bilingual growth. Designed to address barriers such …

Housing Programs And Resources Available For Transitional Age Youth Population: A Scoping Review, Amanda N. Esquivel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transitional Age Youth (TAY), are defined as individuals aged 16 to 24 transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. TAY face unique challenges in securing stable housing and developing the life skills necessary for independent living. This population often encounters significant barriers such as a lack of affordable housing, limited access to supportive services, and the residual effects of childhood trauma, systemic inequities, or time spent in foster care or juvenile justice systems. Without adequate support, TAY are at a heightened risk of homelessness, unemployment, poor mental health outcomes, and continued cycles of instability. This research paper explores and identifies effective housing …

Potential Adverse Effects On Lifestyle And Food Intake Pattern In Night Shift Workers, Stacie L. Coleman

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Abstract

Night shift work is prevalent in healthcare and other industries, yet its effects on lifestyle factors such as food intake, sleep quality, and mental health remain underexplored. This study investigates the impact of night shift schedules on nurses’ wellness, focusing on eating patterns, sleep, physical activity, and mood. A sample of 13 nurses were divided into two shift groups: day (n=5) and night (n=8); and they completed a questionnaire to assess the variables related to their behavior, food choices, eating habits, sleep patterns.

The results of previous research studies indicate that night shift nurses are more likely to adopt …

Scaling Down Safe: Can The Scaled Agile Framework Be Adopted By Small And Medium Enterprises? A Multiple Case Study, Ritchie Piessens, Pascal Ravesteyn, Benny De Waal

Communications of the IIMA

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has gained significant traction in recent years as a strategy to mitigate the risks associated with traditional front-end planning, which often results in downstream development challenges. The adoption of SAFe is not common for Small- and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as its implementation is often perceived as complex, time-consuming and resource-intensive. However, the application of SAFe can add value for SMEs as well, when adapted and scaled down for use in those organisations. This qualitative multiple case study was undertaken to deepen our understanding of the applicability of the seven core competencies of SAFe in business …

Skill Evolution In The Age Of Ai-Utilizing Text Analytics For Skill Gap Analysis To Prepare Women For Leadership Roles, Blenda G. Mutuma, Marcelline Ouma, Beth Kanyiri

Communications of the IIMA

ABSTRACT
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the global workforce, presenting both opportunities and challenges for leadership development, particularly for women. As AI automates routine tasks and redefines skill requirements, there is a growing demand for uniquely human capabilities such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and strategic thinking, qualities that are inherently strong and often highly associated with women. Research indicates that women typically score higher in emotional intelligence, particularly in areas such as empathy and relationship management, which are critical for effective leadership (Goleman, 2020). Furthermore, studies by McKinsey & Company (2022) highlight that gender-diverse leadership teams, …

An Empirical Investigation Into The Effect Of Brain Drain “Japa Syndrome” On Agile Practitioners Developing Healthcare Information Systems Software In Nigeria, Yazidu Buba Salihu, Julian M. Bass, Gloria E. Iyawa

Communications of the IIMA

Within the software engineering context, agile approaches encourage customer collaboration, iterative development, and flexibility. However, the mass exodus of highly skilled professionals, known as the “brain drain” or "Japa Syndrome," has emerged as a significant challenge, especially in Nigeria. This phenomenon has particularly impacted agile software development practitioners by undermining project continuity, knowledge transfer, and team dynamics. This study empirically examines the effect of brain drain, “Japa Syndrome,” on agile practitioners developing healthcare information systems software in Nigeria. It employed a qualitative, multi-method approach to gather empirical data from 13 agile practitioners in Nigeria’s healthcare information systems sector. The study …

Graduate Studies Newsletter (Fall 2025), Csusb - Office Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Operating Fund Budget/ Expenditure Summary Report 1st Quarter 2025-26, Csusb Budget Office

University Budget Office records

No abstract provided.

Operating Fund Budget/ Expenditure Summary Report 2025-26, Csusb Budget Office

University Budget Office records

No abstract provided.

Film Review: Hijack 1971, Martin Perez

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

To Leave Or Not To Leave: Organizational Support Types, Utility And Employee Commitment, Zhe Dong

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Organizational support research has shown it to be a significant predictor of organizational commitment; however, specifying labeling support types and grouping them has rarely been done, let alone the utilization of the supports. In this study, undergraduate students were recruited to investigate how different types of organizational support and their utilization influence organizational commitment (OC), specifically the six types of support groups (monetary/financial, developmental, work-life balance, health and wellbeing, social, recognition, and reward). Using hierarchical regression and moderation analyses, this study examined 1. Whether specific support types predict organizational commitment, 2. Whether specific support types can explain more variance in …

Parent's Play Corner: A Dramatic Play Resource For Parents Of Young Children, Matty Bakeer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Parents play a critical role in supporting their child’s early development, yet many face barriers that limit their involvement in meaningful, developmentally supportive play—particularly dramatic play. Dramatic play supports children’s language, self-regulation, executive function, and emotional competence, but most existing interventions are school-based and teacher-focused. This creates an access gap for parents, especially those experiencing time, financial, or confidence-related challenges. The present project addresses this gap through the development and implementation of ParentsPlayCorner, an Instagram-based resource that promotes parent engagement in dramatic play at home. ParentsPlayCorner delivers accessible, research-informed content using Instagram. Weekly posts include Motivation Monday (play prompts), Wellness …

Association Between Social Participation And Nonmotor Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease, Zackary B. Zanotelli

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research has shown that social participation can aid in slowing cognitive decline and is associated with cognitive functioning in older adults. Being that Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily known for its motor and cognitive symptoms, it is worth evaluating social participation in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. The aim of this project is to determine whether social participation is associated with more favorable trajectories of neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease. More specifically, this project will seek to examine how specific social activities may be uniquely associated with cognitive decline.

Participants (N = 8,389) who were …

Medical Surveillance In Custodial Jsas: Preventing Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, Kiara Gadea

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Custodians play an important role in maintaining our surroundings safe and sanitary. However, in doing so, they are their exposure to health hazards that put them at risk, yet these exposures are often overlooked. One major risk they face is contact with bloodborne pathogens, which put custodial staff at risk for infections such as hepatitis B. While Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s) outline various protective measures, many fail to incorporate medical surveillance as part of their risk management program. Overlooking this important detail leaves custodians vulnerable to health risks that can be prevented.

Adding a medical surveillance section to custodial JSA’s, …

Lgbt+ Poc Well-Being And Resilience, Terra Reynoso

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Historically, both LGBT+ individuals and People of Color have each been subjected to stressors linked to oppression, with those belonging to both groups experiencing a potentially higher degree of distress. This study examined factors that contribute to resilience and well-being in LGBT+ People of Color to highlight potential means to mitigate this distress, guided by queer theory and intersectionality theory in order to provide a relevant framework to inform preliminary research, interview questions, and content analysis. Interviews were conducted with twelve participants with subsequent content analysis revealing the use of social support networks, access to community, productive coping strategies, and …

The Use Of Sludge Content For Effective Recall Of Information, Rahaf G. Fares

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In an age where social media dominates daily consumption, the impact of engaging multi-modal media, specifically “sludge content,” on attention and memory has garnered significant interest. Sludge content, which generally combines unrelated visual gameplay with narrated audio and subtitles, has emerged as a popular form of online entertainment. This study explored whether this type of content enhances information recall by capturing users’ attention, a claim bolstered by theories of optimal arousal, non-pharmacological interventions such as fidget toys, and audiovisual redundancy. Using a within-subjects experimental design, the study investigated the effects of sludge content on effective recall through three conditions: sludge …

Breaking Barriers, Building Realities: Designing A Pedagogically Sound Onboarding Process For Immersive Media Classroom Integration, Esperanza B. Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As immersive media technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) continue to gain traction in education, the need for a roadmap for educators to adopt these new learning technologies in a manner that enhances student learning increases. This project explores essential elements of an effective onboarding process for extended reality (XR)-enabled learning environments, focusing the recommendations for an anonymous virtual reality lab located at a public, 4-year university in Southern California. The study analyzes interviews from twelve students experiencing VR for the first time under three different onboarding contexts: no onboarding, Meta’s First Steps …

The Relationship Between Perceived Racial Discrimination And Psychological Distress: The Role Of Psychological Inflexibility, Kyrah Breann Frank

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research has shown that marginalized groups experience perceived racial discrimination as traumatic, humiliating, and hurtful (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2014). Multiple studies have associated perceived racial discrimination with physical and mental health outcomes such as depression (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2014.; Shallcross & Spruill, 2017; Zapolski et al., 2018), cardiovascular problems (Watson-Singleton et al., 2019; Zapolski et al., 2018), anxiety (Zapolski et al., 2018), and stress (Graham et al., 2013; Watson-Singleton et al., 2019). Studies have also shown that mindfulness buffered/moderated the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and health outcomes (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2014; Graham et al., 2013; Shallcross & Spruill, 2017; …