Digital Commons Network^™

Examining Spatial Inequality In Covid-19 Positivity Rates Across New York City Zip Codes, Tse-Chuan Yang, Seulki Kim, Yunhan Zhao, Seung-Won Emily Choi

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

We aim to understand the spatial inequality in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positivity rates across New York City (NYC) ZIP codes. Applying Bayesian spatial negative binomial models to a ZIP-code level dataset (N = 177) as of May 31st, 2020, we find that (1) the racial/ethnic minority groups are associated with COVID-19 positivity rates; (2) the percentages of remote workers are negatively associated with positivity rates, whereas older population and household size show a positive association; and (3) while ZIP codes in the Bronx and Queens have higher COVID-19 positivity rates, the strongest spatial effects are clustered in Brooklyn and …

Illinois State University, One Hundred And Sixty-Second Annual Commencement, May 2021, Illinois State University

Commencement Programs

Illinois State University
One Hundred and Sixty-Second Annual Commencement
May 2021

How Workplace Attire Affects Employee Perceptions And Organizational Culture, Ethan Surrett

Honors Theses

Companies invest millions of dollars into developing workplace attire policies in their organizations to control outcomes (Rafaeli & Pratt, 1993). This research focuses on seeing the impact that workplace attire plays on employees' perceptions of themselves and their organization's culture. Through Qualtrics, an online survey instrument, information was gathered from respondents in various industries and workplaces all over the United States. These employees answered questions about the attire in their workplace, the impact of attire, the organization's policies, characteristics of their organization, the management of the organization, and execution of policies. Results illustrated that most respondents felt that workplace attire …

Negotiating Balance, Oscar Adolfo Soto

Graduate Theses

When we enter a room with a bed and dresser, we imagine that someone goes there to sleep. When we enter a larger room, with rows of uniform desks facing a whiteboard or lectern, we understand that people go there to learn. In most cases, the intention for the space and how we are to conduct ourselves in it is determined before the furniture is selected. When we are not privy to those intentions, the furniture itself can offer clues that help us understand what we are to do. As a contemplative device, I apply this framework to the world …

Development Of Spiritual Competency In Counseling: A Pilot Research Study Of Graduate Students At End Of Training, Rebecca Dawn Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Researchers suggested religious practice and spirituality are multicultural or diversity counseling competencies. Professionals who treat religious and spiritual concerns are sought by a majority of clients. Religious and spiritual training is critical for the ethical treatment of the client, a part of developmental wellness and integrated holistic health theories, and also vital to optimum physical and mental health development. Yet, spiritual and religious competencies are often neglected in graduate studies, leaving counselors fearful and inadequately trained to address spiritual and religious concerns with clients. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) requires training in graduate education …

Cervical Cancer-Associated Suffering: Estimating The Palliative Care Needs Of A Highly Vulnerable Population, Eric L. Krakauer, Xiaoxiao Kwete, Khadidjatou Kane, Gauhar Afshan, Lisa Bazzett-Matabele, Danta Dona Ruthnie Bien-Aimé, Sarah Byrne-Martelli, Stephen Connor, Raimundo Correa, C R Beena Devi C R Beena Devi

Department of Anaesthesia

Purpose: To enable design of optimum palliative care for women with cervical cancer, we studied the most common types of suffering and their severity, prevalence, and duration.
Methods: We first reviewed the literature on the major types, severity, prevalence, and duration of suffering associated with cervical cancer. We then conducted a modified Delphi process with experts in cervical cancer care to supplement the literature. For each type of suffering, we distinguished between decedents (those who die from cervical cancer in a given year) and nondecedents (those who have cervical cancer in a given year but do not die). By applying …

A Video To Empower And Engage Youth In Santa Cruz County, Marisol Cisneros

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

A video to empower and engage youth in Santa Cruz County

United Way of Santa Cruz (UWSCC) is a non-profit organization that provides programs to improve the well-being of the community, such as the Community Assessment Project (CAP), Jóvenes Sanos, 2-1-1 Santa Cruz, United 4 Youth, and the Youth Action Network (YAN). These programs assist with economic development, health, public safety and support the youth community. The macro-level problem is that too many youth are unmotivated or alienated from their community. The micro-level problem that will be addressed by this project is adults in Santa Cruz County undervalue youth engagement …

The Rise Of Spanish Speaking Advocates At Casa Of Santa Cruz, Jackelin Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

CASA of Santa Cruz County is a nonprofit organization that serves youth in the foster care system, by pairing them with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA’s are volunteers who devote their time by supporting youth through dependency court. The Hispanic/Latino foster youth that requires a Spanish-speaking advocate wait twice as long for a CASA, compared to a youth who is non-Spanish speaking. This research project gathered information regarding the importance of Hispanic/Latino youth in foster care being paired with a Spanish-speaking advocate. Interviews were conducted with former youth who were matched with a CASA. The interviews showed when …

The Harm Reduction Project, Meghna Agarwal

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Sobriety Works is a privately owned agency that is in the DMC-ODS (Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System) Network. It is located in Santa Cruz and provides services to adults in Santa Cruz with a substance use disorder. The rates of overdose and transmission of bloodborne pathogens from drug use is too high in Santa Cruz County. The substance-using population in Santa Cruz County faces barriers in improving the quality of their life. The project will increase the knowledge of the participants on harm reduction strategies and coping skills through the use of evidence based practices. The findings from the harm …

Community Gardening & Nutrition Education Event To Improve Healthy Living, Silvia Yunuen Torres Ochoa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Catholic Charities (CC) is a non-governmental organization that is a part of a network of charities that focuses on immediate disaster response and helps to stabilize impacted communities. Their humanitarian-aid includes housing assistance, funding for health care services, disaster relief and distribution of food. The macro-level problem is too many people in Monterey County are at risk of diabetes. The micro-level problem is that residents of Eden Housing have a higher risk of not eating healthy foods. This project serves Eden Housing residents in Seaside where a gardening and nutrition education event was held to assist residents to plant vegetables …

Lowering The Bar: The Effects Of Misogyny In Rap Music, John-Paul Mackey

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My senior capstone project will explore the reasons for the extreme prevalence of misogyny among African-American male rappers. More specifically, it will discuss the origins of rap, misogyny, and the insertion of the latter into the former; examples of common misogynistic themes in rap; and the effects of misogyny on society and individuals. Additionally, the paper will explore the comparison of misogyny in rap to misogyny in other genres and an evolving climate that respects black women. Also, this project includes an EP featuring songs uplifting black women and criticizing misogynoir among their male counterparts.

While the paper will align …

Are You Really Okay?: The Truth And Reality Behind Mental Illness In Middle School Students, Genesis M. Amaro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus issue addressed in this Capstone Project is the effects of mental health disorders on the education of middle school students. This is an important issue for students, parents, and educators because there is a critical connection between mental health and the academic performance of middle school students. It is argued that mental disorders have drastic, negative effects on the success of students in education. The primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were two parents, two middle school students, and one middle school educator, because their personal thoughts, experiences, and opinions give an insight into the relationship between mental health and …

Fun Park Activities And Resources For The Whole Family!, Kimberly Escarrega

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Yoga for All Movement is a non-profit organization that makes yoga and mindfulness available to marginalized communities. The agency collaborates with organizations to provide needed services to the families of the Live Oak and Emerald Bay communities. The macro level problem is that children and youth in Santa Cruz County are experiencing the negative effects of being isolated at home during the COVID pandemic. The micro level problem is that the children and youth of the Live Oak and Emerald Bay communities are facing barriers to social development opportunities and lack knowledge on available resources to help them. The capstone …

Using Facebook Live To Raise Awareness About Abuse And Available Resources, Claudia Ramirez Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Community Solutions is a non-profit organization that works with victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The agency provides programs and support for children, individuals, and families in San Benito and Santa Clara counties. The macro level problem is people lacing education and awareness of the types of abuse which can potentially increase the abuse rates in the community. The micro level problem is cases or incidents of abuse or assault are unreported. The project purpose is to provide the community with an online resource where people can educate themselves and increase their awareness on topics …

Trauma-Sensitive Training For Yoga Teachers Serving Individuals Experiencing Incarceration, Roberta Hines

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Yoga For All Movement is a non-profit agency that facilitates yoga programs in underserved communities. This project delivered a trauma-sensitive training for yoga teachers to learn how to best serve individuals experiencing incarceration. The macro-level social problem is that the justice system perpetuates trauma for incarcerated individuals. The agency problem is that yoga teachers are untrained and unprepared to work with this population. The project purpose was to increase yoga teachers’ knowledge and skills to prepare them to lead effective yoga classes in an incarcerated environment such as in jails and prisons. Participants in the training reported that they increased …

Nonprofit Data Management: A Stage Model, Ashley M. Hernandez-Hall

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Managing nonprofit data is both complicated and essential. Nonprofits, while struggling to manage and utilize data to its fullest potential, are increasingly required to do so for funding purposes. Despite the increased pressure on nonprofit managers to report more outcomes to grant funders, little research is available to guide the data management process in nonprofits. Research that does exist is primarily focused on the for-profit or business sector, which is operationally and fundamentally different than nonprofits. For example, for-profit entities typically do not have the same restrictions on how to use funds, such as a percentage cap on spending for …

Nursing Toolkit For Care Of The Pediatric Patient With Suicidal Ideation, Christine Young

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Nevada’s pediatric suicide rate is one of the highest in the country. Many patients require inpatient stabilization, either in an emergency department setting or on a pediatric unit, until they are ready for discharge to home or a subsequent behavioral health facility. In many instances, patients are assigned to nurses who have had no formal training on caring for pediatric patients with suicidal ideation. Providing care for these patients can increase nurses’ emotional stressors. Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to increase the knowledge of pediatric nurses in Nevada using a nursing toolkit containing information to aid in …

Redesigning Schools Of Social Work Into Schools Of Social Work And Social Justice: Opportunities For Civic And Organizational Renewal In A Justice Reform Environment, Bowen Mcbeath, Michael J. Austin

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper explores the re-envisioning of a school of social work into a School of Social Work and Social Justice. The thought experiment identifies how a school can meet its educational and social justice mission in response to the historic crises of 2020. An outgrowth of the aspirational strategic vision statement is the proposed strengthening of democratic learning spaces involving students and faculty members, better alignment of school curricular reform with human service workforce dynamics and social work practice needs, and an emphasis on culturally responsive leadership. The overall intention is to identify opportunities for social work schools and departments …

An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study Of Diabetes Self-Management In Blind Americans, Nazanin M. Heydarian, Allyson S. Hughes, Osvaldo F. Morera

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

This study used mixed methods to investigate the experiences of 33 participants who are blind (PWB) and have diabetes in managing their diabetes, support (or lack thereof) from their health care providers, and diabetes distress as PWB. Participants most frequently reported barriers to check blood glucose (55%), maintaining a healthy diet (45%), and distress due to their intersectional status of having blindness and diabetes. Those who mentioned intersectional distress of managing diabetes as a PWB tended to be Braille illiterate and less likely to use mobility tools that are symbolic of blindness (e.g., white cane, guide dog). These results illuminate …

The Biblical Model Of Marriage In Preventing Divorce: Maintaining Healthy Relationships Among Couples, Aviva B. Gafford Williamson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to provide methods for married couples to follow as it relates to Ephesians 5:25-33 and Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling. As divorce rates increase and couples struggle to remain in their marital union, this project brings relevant data, information, research, and solutions to couples so they can maintain. This project provides insight from the perspectives of couples and ministers as it relates to characteristics of a healthy marriage, the current state of marriages, common marital issues, biblical principles, and solutions to resolve problems so that couples can have healthier marriages based on what God envisioned …

The Impact Of Short-Term Mission Trips On Religiosity And Motivations For Helping In College Students, Patricia Minerva Cepeda-Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is an abundant amount of research on the negative aspects of short-term mission trips; however, there is a lack of literature that reflects the religiosity of college students and studies using religious assessments for the specific age range of 18-25. The current research intends to answer the following three questions: Does going on short-term mission trips make a difference in religiosity in the lives of college students who participate? What is the mean difference in religiosity practices between college students that participated in short-term mission trips compared to those that did not? What are the motivating factors that lead …

The Cases They Carry : A Narrative Analysis Of Crisis Counselors Working In Behavioral Health Emergency Settings, Rachel E. Sugerman

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Utilizing a qualitative approach informed by narrative inquiry, this study considered the ways in which eight crisis counselors working in behavioral health emergency settings make meaning of their experiences. Participant narratives focused on the intense, multidimensional, and often emotionally demanding nature of crisis work, something they understood to be inherent to working within these settings. The findings revealed that these crisis counselors often felt isolated, unsupported, and unprepared for their positions, leaving them to negotiate the demands of the work and to make meaning of their experiences on their own. Participants developed various methods of coping, yet these techniques were …

Mental Health Resources For The Pediatric And Adolescent Populations In The Rural Setting, Devon Shafer, Kyle Aldridge, Amy Lilly

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a mainstay of treatment for problems such as anxiety and depression. However, access to this form of psychotherapy treatment is limited in rural areas, especially in pediatrics. The purpose of this project was to increase access to CBT through the use of smart phone CBT applications for patients at one rural midwest pediatric clinic. An extensive literature review revealed that mobile cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) applications can be an effective option for adjunct therapy when provider access is limited. Two CBT mobile applications were selected for the project and training was provided to clinic providers. …

It’S Not All Aces: The Role Of Negative Parental Influences And Criminal Thinking In Juvenile Offending Behaviors, Branna Humphrey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and criminal thinking in causing criminal behavior has been explored extensively in criminal justice research. Based on the concepts of ACEs and the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Scale, the negative parental influences and criminal thinking styles of 1,354 juvenile offenders were examined to establish that negative parental influences and criminal thinking are separately associated with juvenile problem and offending behavior, and that criminal thinking mediates the relationship between negative parental influences and juvenile problem and offending behavior. Analyses showed support for criminal thinking as a pathway from negative parental influences to juvenile …

I Matter: Understanding The Self-Care Practices Of School Counselors During The Covid-19 Pandemic And How Internal And External Factors Create Barriers, Alisha Rene Marie Jones

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Diminished self-care practices and heightened stress of school counselors is a continuing problem in education. With role ambiguity, high student-to-counselor ratios, emotional exhaustion, and others adding pressure to the roles and responsibilities of school counselors, this study investigated the self-care practices of Missouri school counselors and the internal and external factors which influence them, specifically within the context COVID-19. Clayton Alderfer’s (1972) Existence, Relatedness, and Growth theory was used as a theoretical framework for chosen self-care practices represented in this study and was supported by Robert Kegan’s and Lisa Lahey’s (2009) Immunity to Change theory to understand the competing commitments …

Racial Terror Lynching In Northwest Arkansas: Recounting Of The Story Of Three Enslaved Males Lynched In 1856 In Washington County - Documentary, Obed Lamy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While Northwest Arkansas is considered as diverse and progressive today, it also shares a common history of racial violence, and yet almost unknown, with the Southern United-States. Little is being said about the slave plantations in Elkins, racial cleansing in Springdale, or public spectacle lynchings in Fayetteville. This is because white people who hold political and economic power also control how history is written and decide what is to be learned from their perspectives. Marginalized communities, especially Black people, have not always had agency to tell their own stories. The lynchings of three enslaved males, Anthony, Aaron, and Randall, in …

Mental Health, School Climate, And The Resilience Of Lgbtqia+ Mexican/X Youth, Damon R. Carbajal

Chicana and Chicano Studies ETDs

Mental health and school climate are two critical components of youth experience and are cardinal components of creating and ensuring equitable education and spaces for youth. LGBTQIA+ Mexican/x youth are highly affected by these two entities as part of their lived realities, being multiply marginalized persons in the U.S. educational system. Thus, to best understand how these entities play into the LGBTQIA+ Mexican/x youth experience, this study utilizes a social sciences testimonio comprised of one-on-one semi-structured interviews, demographic surveys, and a focus group. Through this three-prong approach, I analyze the lived realities of LGBTQIA+ Mexican/x youth, the traumas of discrimination, …

Building Resilience In Children And Youth, Alina M. Baltazar, Gary L. Hopkins

Faculty Publications

No one is immune to life’s challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has made that clear to any doubters and raised the issue of “resilience” into the top tiers of popular news topics. Resilience is the capacity to maintain competent functioning in the face of major life stressors. Since social problems are not going away, how do we create a culture in which children can do well in spite of adverse life experiences? Resilience is not a personality trait that someone is born with, but rather a capacity that develops over time. Think of resilience as a balance with negative life experiences …

Assessment Of The Impact Of Awareness Programs On The Transmission Dynamics Of Covid-19, Maame Korsah

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

COVID-19, since its discovery in 2019, has posed a major health problem in the world. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and transmitted via infected respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. There is an urgent need to understand the transmission characteristics of the virus in response to social interventions. This is important to evaluate the overall impact of such programs in the management of the disease. We seek to develop a mathematical model that characterizes the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. The model analyzes the impact of preventive practices on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by incorporating human behavior in modeling disease …

Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Inclusion In The Military: A Qualitative Look At Military Culture A Decade After The Repeal Of Don’T Ask, Don’T Tell, Whitney Elizabeth O’Connell

Master's Theses and Capstones

In 2010, the very controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy was repealed, allowing lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) members to serve openly in the military without fear of legal persecution. Now that a decade has passed, this research seeks to find whether LGB service members feel safe and comfortable serving openly in the military ranks; whether some groups—perhaps those in more protected or privileged positions—feel more safe, whereas others feel less safe; and whether LGB military members are pressured to adhere to homonormativity to be accepted in the military.I conducted a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews to answer these …