Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding Deviance Through General Strain Theory: A Study Of The Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping, Yazmin Robles

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

The following paper demonstrates the validity of Robert Agnew’s general strain theory. In particular, the paper thoroughly examines empirical support for general strain theory, applies the theory to the infamous 1976 Chowchilla bus kidnapping, and introduces policy recommendations. The paper finds support, limitations, and suggestions for general strain theory through qualitative literature analysis. Clear connections are made between the empirical findings of the theory and the motivation behind the kidnapping. In particular, the paper highlights the significance of financial strain, emotions, and opportunity as motivators in the Chowchilla case. Policy recommendations are made in connection with the theory application to …

How Mass Incarceration Has Destroyed African American Communities, Angeliki Karvounis

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Beginning with the “Tough on Crime” movement of the 1970s, policies such as mandatory minimums, the War on Drugs, and the Three Strikes law have reinforced racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Multiple historical and systemic factors have contributed to the disproportionate imprisonment of African American individuals. This paper explores the long-term consequences of incarceration, including the erosion of family structures, the economic marginalization of affected communities, and the perpetuation of poverty and crime. The repercussions of parental incarceration on children and the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking reintegration into society are examples of the long-term consequences …

Human Trafficking: An Examination Of Policies And The Impact Of Trafficking On Victims, Hannah Lyons

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex global issue that involves the exploitation of individuals. While there is also the trafficking of objects, this study solely focuses on sexual exploitation and forced labor of humans. This paper defines trafficking and examines the impact that trafficking has on victims’ physical and mental health. This paper also examines the intersection of human trafficking and policies designed to combat it, focusing on the effectiveness of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of current anti-trafficking laws and initiatives, the paper explores how policies can be improved to better address …

The Rape Kit Backlog: Problems And Solutions, Tracey Cao

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This literature review examines the ongoing issue of rape kit backlog in the United States. Rape kits are a means of evidence collection from victims of sexual assault that can be used in court. Across the nation, many state jurisdictions have hundreds and thousands of rape kits left untested and locked away in storage facilities. Consent for testing, police bias, and funding issues are the main issues that will be addressed. Many victims choose not to have their kits tested. Other kits never get tested due to police choosing not to submit a kit due to their bias against some …

Comparative Analysis Of Forensic Science Systems: Scotland Vs. America, Alec Noland

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Forensic science plays an important role in the justice system of both the United States and Scotland, but the structure, application, and effectiveness differ significantly. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of forensic science in two different legal and institutional contexts, examining differences between the two forensic science systems. This includes forensic laboratories and services, education and training, policing, court procedures, legal framework, and crime scene investigation. The analysis highlights significant differences such as Scotland’s centralized system versus America’s decentralized system, which impacts resource allocation and standardization for forensic science. Despite major differences, both countries emphasize scientific reliability, standardized …

The Lasting Effects Of Gun Violence On Victims And Communities, Anthony Do

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Gun violence is a pressing public health and criminal justice issue with lasting effects on victims, families, and communities in the United States. The psychological impact of gun violence can contribute to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and sleep deprivation. The issues are pronounced within marginalized or disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emergence of 3D-printed “ghost guns” presents further complications in the effort to regulate firearms. The United States stands out for its disproportionately high rates of firearm deaths. The findings in this paper highlight the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both the current and future impacts …

Forensic Psychology Of Serial Killers, Karla Suarez

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Many serial killers share patterns in psychological and neuropsychological disorders and behaviors. These behaviors and patterns should be recognized and acknowledged to understand why serial killers murder without remorse or guilt. It is important to discuss matters such as common patterns, typologies, and characteristics within serial killers. After looking at these essential aspects of serial killers, common neurodevelopmental disorders, brain damage, and biological epigenetics will be further explored. In order to fully assess this topic, forensic psychology and behavioral analysis are essential to aid in understanding serial killers and how their brains function to lead them to the actions that …

The Role Of Criminology In The Courtroom, Nia Mehroke

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Criminology and expert witness testimony play a crucial role in modern-day court proceedings. Scientific data and insights utilized in criminology can assist with seeking justice and fairness. This essay aims to provide a basis for the history of criminology and define the practice. It will explore the evolution of criminology practices and how theories have developed that are still utilized today. Furthermore, it will discuss criminologists’ many contributions as expert witnesses, including the role of ethics that criminologists must follow in court. Some key ideas presented include the methodologies criminologists use to present evidence and what standard criminologists must follow …

Perceptions Of Perinatal Depression Among Immigrant Mothers: Screening Practices In Nurse Home Visitation, Silvia E. Arabia

Doctoral Projects

Screening for perinatal depression is a recommended strategy aimed at prevention and timely management of mood disruption in pregnancy and the postpartum (ACOG, 2024). Screening for perinatal depression is often integrated in evidence-based home visitation curriculums. The aim of this qualitative descriptive quality improvement project was to explore perceptions of perinatal depression among immigrant mothers engaged in nurse home visitation to identify barriers, if any, to disclosure and treatment of perinatal depression among a group at increased risk of developing perinatal depression (Gennaro, S., et al, 2016). Immigrant mothers residing in a large urban county in the San Francisco Bay …

Cross Cultural Mentoring: Including Diversity Awareness Strategies Into Healthcare Leadership Mentor Curriculum To Support Career Advancement Of Underrepresented Racial And Ethnic Groups, Deidra R. Burris

Doctoral Projects

Background: Mentoring programs in healthcare organizations can establish clear pathways for advancement through various management and leadership levels to senior-level positions. While mentoring develops leaders, many healthcare organizations do not offer mentoring programs that address unique issues experienced by members of racially and ethnically underrepresented groups. A study was conducted using a single-group, repeated-measures design to assess the impact of an intervention aimed at improving mentor attitudes, behaviors, and confidence regarding cultural awareness in the mentoring relationships of healthcare leaders. Methods: The study was conducted in a large California healthcare organization. The Cultural Diversity Awareness related to Race/Ethnicity (CDA-R/E) subscales …

Navigating Accountability: The Role Of Paradata In Ai Documentation And Governance, Scott Cameron, Patricia C. Franks, Isto Huvila, Norman Mooradian

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Purpose: The increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has prompted governments internationally to provide guidance and legislation to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing the risks to humans and organizations. This paper explores how published requirements for documentation in a sampling of authoritative texts address the challenges of creating, capturing and preserving records of the design, implementation and use of AI tools for accountability and transparency, and how the analytical concept of paradata can help to meet the recordkeeping challenges presented by the design, development and implementation of AI systems. Design/methodology/approach: Inductive reading and conceptual analysis of a set …

What Is The Impact Of An Education Program Designed To Remove The Healthcare Professional As A Barrier To Care For The Transgender And Gender Diverse Community?, Richard D. Dansereau

Doctoral Projects

Healthcare disparities disproportionately affect transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, often due to implicit biases among healthcare providers. This study examines the impact of an educational intervention designed to address these biases and improve care for TGD patients. Using the Biased Care Model as a guiding framework, the intervention targeted three critical phases of bias: pre-visit assumptions, in-visit interactions, and post-visit decisions. Conducted in the intensive care unit of a mid-sized hospital in Northern California, the study employed a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design involving multidisciplinary healthcare workers. Participants completed a modified Jefferson Scale of Empathy survey to assess changes in cognitive and …

Yoga Therapy For Psychological Safety In Healthcare Staff, Kristen Fabiszewski

Doctoral Projects

Establishing a culture of psychological safety is a necessary foundation for creating a High Reliability Organization. Healthcare professionals must practice emotional self-regulation to maintain equanimity and facilitate positive communications with their colleagues. This can be exceptionally challenging when increasing numbers of healthcare professionals are experiencing burnout. Using the framework of Polyvagal Theory, yoga practices have been demonstrated to support emotional self-regulation and reduce symptoms of burnout. The purpose of this project was to implement yoga therapy to increase the perception of psychological safety in healthcare staff. Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) staff invited to attend one 45minute yoga …

Book Review: Overdue: Reckoning With The Public Library, Amanda C. Davidson

School of Information Student Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Using Video Education To Improve Patient Knowledge Of Cellular Therapy Side Effects: Cytokine Release Syndrome, Neurological Toxicities, & Prolonged Pancytopenia, Leslie Bennett

Doctoral Projects

This project evaluated the effectiveness of short educational videos on CAR T-cell therapy, cytokine release syndrome, neurological toxicities, and prolonged pancytopenia for blood cancer patients. At Stanford Health Care in California, in the ambulatory clinic of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (BMT-CT), we obtained a convenience sample of individuals with multiple myeloma or lymphoma preparing for CAR T-cell therapy. A pre-and post-questionnaire assessed the patients' knowledge of CAR T-cell therapy and its side effects. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to determine changes in knowledge. Thirteen patients enrolled, eight completed post-surveys, and four watched the videos. The median knowledge …

Sjsu Erfa Board Minutes, April 7, 2025, San Jose State University, Emeritus And Retired Faculty Association

SJSU ERFA Minutes

SJSU ERFA Executive Board Minutes

April 7, 2025

Healthcare Provider Comfort Surrounding Adverse Childhood Events (Aces), Cameo Culcasi

Doctoral Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to long-term health outcomes, yet discussions around ACEs in clinical settings remain inconsistent. This study investigates the comfort levels of healthcare providers in addressing ACEs with their patients, identifying barriers and facilitators to such conversations. Using a Quasi-experimental, single group, pretest-post test experimental design, we surveyed a diverse group of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working in a primary care setting, providing ACE training, and an opportunity for learning reflection. Preliminary results indicate that while most providers acknowledge the importance of discussing ACEs, many report discomfort due to time constraints, lack of …

Telegroup Parent Behavior Management Training For Disruptive Behavior: Mixed-Methods Comparison Of Effectiveness And Engagement For White And Bipoc Caregivers, Li Shen Chong, Nicole B. Groves, Erin S. Gonzalez

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: Parent Behavior Management Training (PBMT) is the first-line psychosocial intervention for child disruptive behavior, though research documents disparities in PBMT engagement and effectiveness between Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and White families. Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively compare clinical outcomes and satisfaction ratings of telegroup PBMT and qualitatively identify themes related to engagement and challenges among White and BIPOC caregivers. Method: Data from 177 caregivers (78% White; 22% BIPOC) of children aged 5 to 12 referred for treatment of disruptive behavior and/or ADHD were collected as part of measurement-based care (MBC) before and after participation in …

Patient Perception Of Nurse Practitioner Care, Nurse Practitioner Scope Of Practice And How That Influences Provider Choice, Naomi Hemp

Doctoral Projects

This project investigates patients' perceptions of nurse practitioner (NP) care versus physician (MD) care, the factors influencing these perceptions, and patients' understanding of NP scope of practice. A cross-sectional design was used, gathering quantitative data through an anonymous one-time survey distributed via Qualtrics, open for three months. Questions were based on The Watson Caritas Patient Score (WCPS) and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (HCAHPS). Data were analyzed using Intellectus Statistics software™, with descriptive statistics summarizing the findings. A two-tailed paired samples t-test revealed statistically significant differences in favor of patients' perceptions of NP care versus …

Spartan Daily, May 6, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 164, Issue 41

School Resources And Teen Suicide Risk, 1991–2016: A Longitudinal Analysis At The State Level, Megan Thiele Strong, Javier Corredor

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Purpose: Research shows that teachers’ salaries influence educational and non-educational outcomes. And still, too few studies explore whether teacher compensation patterns correlate with student mental health outcomes. This research attends to this gap and asks: at the state level, does the average K-12 teacher salary predict teen suicide risk? Design/methodology/approach: We use an original panel time-series dataset which includes average teacher salary, teen suicide rate and economic, religious and sociocultural control variables at the state level. We analyze this data using two analytical strategies. First, we build mixed models with teachers’ salaries and the covariates as fixed effects and state …

Models Of Inquiry And The Learner: A Fresh Look, David Vickers Loertscher, Michelle Young

Learning Hub

This article re-examines models of inquiry through a learner-centered lens, challenging traditional notions of how information fluency is taught in school libraries. Drawing from decades of inquiry research and current developments like artificial intelligence, design thinking, and student motivation science, the authors advocate for a more personalized, visual, and student-driven approach to inquiry instruction. Key examples include student-generated inquiry models and visual representations of learning journeys as tools for assessment and reflection. The article also explores the librarian’s role in embedding inquiry across disciplines and collaborating with educators to foster critical, creative, and self-directed learners. Practical proposals include the use …

Improving Communication And Job Satisfaction: Utilizing Team Strategies And Tools To Enhance Performance And Patient Safety (Teamstepps) For Interventional Service Areas, Sukhbinder Kaur Sangha

Doctoral Projects

Purpose: Improved communication and job satisfaction among staff are essential for those working in high-stress critical care environments like the cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab). The purpose of this investigation was to utilize the quality improvement initiative Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) to improve attitudes and job satisfaction in the Cath Lab. Method: A total of 30 subjects participated in a TeamSTEPPS educational intervention. After obtaining informed consent, a demographic survey, a pre- and post-test TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T-TAQ) and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) were administered. The post-test included open-ended questions for feedback …

Assessing Perceived Safety Of Non Motorized Travel With Virtual Reality, Vahid Balali, Sahand Fathi

Mineta Transportation Institute

Cycling is increasingly advocated as a healthier and more sustainable mode of transportation, as reflected in both scholarly literature and policy initiatives. Nonetheless, the escalation in bicyclist crash fatalities underscores deficiencies in extant roadway designs that inadequately safeguard these vulnerable users. A persistent challenge in the examination of bicyclist safety, behavior, and comfort is the paucity of comprehensive cycling data. To enhance understanding of cyclists' behavioral and physiological responses safely and efficiently, this investigation utilizes a bicycle simulator within an immersive virtual environment (IVE). Off-the-shelf sensors are employed to evaluate cyclists' performance metrics (speed and lane position) and physiological responses …

Improving Nurse Confidence Around Communication With Physician Partners Through The Caritas Processes, Deborah M. Yracheta

Doctoral Projects

Nurses are the eyes and ears at the bedside during a patient’s hospital stay. They are responsible for communicating significant changes in a patient’s health status, mainly to their physician partners. Unfortunately, good communication between nurses and doctors is a shortcoming of the nursing profession. Seven thousand reviewed malpractice lawsuits were directly related to poor provider communication, resulting in $1.7 billion in malpractice cases and 2,000 preventable deaths. These communication errors also lead to prolonged hospital delays in care, underscoring the need for improved communication. These poor outcomes compromise patients’ lives, safety, and well-being and decrease patient satisfaction scores, ultimately …

How To Use Social Media And Artificial Intelligence To Promote Mental Health Among Chinese And Chinese American College Students In The U.S., Ni Zhang, Jingru Guan, Terry Zou, Tianqin Shi, Kaikai Liu

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This study explored the potential of using social media and artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle language and cultural barriers in order to promote mental health among Chinese and Chinese American college students. Ten bilingual (Chinese Mandarin and English) focus group sessions were conducted over Zoom with 26 Chinese and Chinese American students at a university on the west coast of the United States between October 2023 and February 2024. Thematic analysis of the focus group meeting transcripts was conducted via deductive coding and then inductive selection of quotes on Google Document and Nvivo. Social media provides a platform for providing …

Maternal Drinking, Stress And Use Of Aggressive Parenting Over The Course Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jennifer Price Wolf, Bridget Freisthler

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic had a demonstrated impact on parenting but little is known about how parental drinking, stress, and use of aggressive discipline (a parenting behavior associated with abusive parenting and negative outcomes for children) have changed over time. We examine rates of alcohol use, stress, and aggressive discipline at three time points during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate what maternal, child, and time-varying factors predict weekly use of aggressive parenting. Methods: We use longitudinal data from the Central Ohio Family Study (COFLS), including women (n = 234) with a child between the ages of 0–12 and recruited via …

Exploring Self-Dehumanization As A Factor In Misinformation Belief And Spread, Andrew Weiss, Souvick Ghosh, Frances Johnson

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The role of dehumanization is little explored in the literature of misinformation studies, primarily seen as a mechanism of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) to denigrate members of targeted outgroups. One noted aspect of dehumanization is the unexpected impact it has on the person enacting it as well as victims, resulting in the noticeable phenomenon of self-dehumanization, in which persons deny their own humanity. Notably, a link to self-dehumanization in information behavior may be evident in the foundational research of Eflreda Chatman, whose examination of information poverty, life in the round and normative behavioral theory resulted in sometimes perplexing findings where those …

Staff Development And Job Motivation As Predictors Of Job Performance Of Library Staff In Selected Universities In Ogun State, Oluwaseyi Esther Afolabi, Mary Olanike Awogbami, Daniel Whenayon Hundo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examined the influence of staff development and job motivation on the job performance of library staff in selected universities in Ogun State. The study utilised a descriptive survey research design of the correlation type. The population of this study comprised 146 library staff, and a total enumeration was employed for this study. Out of 146 copies of the questionnaire administered, 113 copies were returned, collated and found valuable for the study. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software version was used to analyse data using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation, and regression. Results showed …

Spartan Daily, April 23, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 164, Issue 36