Digital Commons Network^™

Transcultural Courts, Scott Dodson

Faculty Scholarship

Although countries commonly divide their judicial systems along geographic and subject-matter divisions, the idea of creating specialized courts based on culture has not taken root. Instead, courts are generally transcultural. Functionally, the lack of culture-specific courts is surprising because cultural diversity within a population often creates legally significant distinctions. Focusing primarily on the U.S. judicial system, but incorporating attributes of other judicial systems where appropriate, this paper offers three explanations for why courts tend to eschew cultural specializations in favor of transculturality. It also hazards some opportunities for experimenting with cultural specializations in discrete areas of the law that most …

Post-Prohibition Changes In Cannabis Genetics, Caleb Y. Chen

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This research examines changes in Cannabis genetics with a focus on Cannabis genetic bottlenecking. Significant knowledge gaps exist in the study of how and why Cannabis genetics have changed over time. To fill these gaps, a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with self-identified Cannabis breeders around the world. Previous qualitative Cannabis research has centered around users, growers, and dealers with few studies looking exclusively at Cannabis breeders. Results include insights into becoming a Cannabis breeder, Cannabis ideotypes, as well as Cannabis genetic bottlenecking due to unanticipated genetic linkages combined with the emphasis on breeding for agronomic factors such …

Language, People, Classrooms, World: Blending Disparate Theories For United Language Education Practices, Masatoshi Sato, Steven L. Thorne, Marije Michel, Theodora Alexopoulou, John Hellermann

World Languages and Literatures Faculty Publications and Presentations

With a forward‐looking and problem‐solving mindset, this article aims to combine theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence from different schools of thought in the field of second language (L2) learning and teaching—namely, instructed second language acquisition, generative linguistics, and an ecological perspective that includes multiple frameworks. Acknowledging numerous fundamental differences in our theoretical and methodological perspectives on how to conduct research, we are united on two fronts: First, we believe that researchers with differing theoretical commitments can and should work together to advance L2 research. Second, differing theoretical beliefs are potentially of limited relevance to those who will implement our pedagogical …

Evading A Post-Truth World: Rorty’S Foundationless Philosophy For An Acculturating Education, Madhu Narayanan

Educational Leadership and Policy Faculty Publications and Presentations

A challenge for educators is how to teach in a “post-truth” world. Lies, fake news, and a gleeful disregard for facts – what I collectively term mis/information – all seem to undermine the very project of education. The pragmatism of Richard Rorty holds promise to address such issues. I first argue that Rorty’s philosophy of education is of limited use, whereas his broader thoughts on a philosophy without foundations are more relevant. I then suggest that a way forward is to evade the fight against post-truth dynamics altogether. An insistence on rational objectivity and foundational truth are at the root …

Growing Together: Strategies For Attracting And Retaining Community-Reflective Early Learning Professionals, Tonya Jo Coker

Educational Leadership Professional Doctorate Dissertations

The recruitment and retention of a diverse early learning workforce remains a critical challenge in special education. This study explores the multifaceted issues of workforce shortages, turnover rates, and the disparity between the demographics of educators and students in the Department of Early Learning within an education service district in Oregon. Through a detailed analysis of historical and current data, this study identifies systemic challenges contributing to the difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified staff, especially those who are representative of the communities they serve. Using improvement science as a methodological framework, the study tested change ideas focused on recruitment, …

Rising Tides Lift All Boats: Significant Disproportionate Identification Of Latine Students In The Eligibility Category Of Specific Learning Disability, Erica Gordon

Educational Leadership Professional Doctorate Dissertations

The study explored the complex problem of practice (POP) of significant disproportionate identification of Latine multilingual learner (ML) students in the special education eligibility category of specific learning disability (SLD). The study employed improvement science as its methodological framework. Integral partners and a leadership team from a rural Oregon district reviewed the literature and used a root cause analysis to identify six causes behind these outcomes. Iterative plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles test with concise data collection, enabling real-time adjustments and improvements within the improvement cycle was used to implement two change ideas. These prioritized change ideas resulted in the implementation of …

Addressing Disparities Among Latine Students In Special Education, Jesabel Jannette Centeno

Educational Leadership Professional Doctorate Dissertations

This study used Improvement Science to understand and address the overrepresentation of Latine students identified with specific learning disabilities (SLD) in elementary school settings. It highlighted the processes and systems that impacted Latine students' educational opportunities and services--emphasizing the need for culturally and linguistically aligned instructional practices. The study was set in a suburban school district in the Pacific Northwest, where many Latine students received special education services. It investigated the root causes of SLD over-identification among these students. It suggested that enhancing educational outcomes required a focused effort to reduce over- and under-identification in special education. The document now …

Telemedicine For Under-Resourced Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Views And Experiences Of Patients And Their Healthcare Team, Savannah Bowman, Sandeep K Agarwal, Keshia C Ferguson, Maryjo J Maliekel, Maria A Lopez-Olivo, Maria E Suarez-Almazor, Maria I Danila, Jinoos Yazdany, Sebastian Bruera

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: There is scarce knowledge on the benefits, limitations, and acceptance of telemedicine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly in those from under-resourced groups. We aimed to assess the experiences and views on telemedicine of people with SLE, clinicians, and nursing staff from a safety net healthcare system in Harris County, Texas, defined as a hospital network that primarily serves low-income, uninsured, and vulnerable populations.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured 1:1 in-person interviews of patients with SLE and their clinical team members, in Harris County, Texas. Using Levesque's conceptual framework for healthcare access, semi-structured interviews and content analysis were …

Original Discontent, William Magnuson

Vanderbilt Law Review

There are many theories of constitutional interpretation. Most, but not all, assert that, in interpreting the U.S. Constitution’s provisions, we should start by taking seriously the intentions of the enactors, meaning, roughly speaking, its drafters, defenders, and ratifiers. This Article argues that, in doing so, judges, scholars, and policymakers have underestimated an important feature of the process of constitution-making: the discontent of the enactors themselves with the Constitution they were enacting. Time and again, during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, during the penning of the Federalist Papers, and during the state ratifying conventions, the enactors expressed deep reservations about the …

Association Of Item-Level Responses To Cognitive Function Index With Tau Pathology And Hippocampal Volume In The A4 Study, Idris Demirsoy, Elham Ghanbarian, Babak Khorsand, Bhargav T Nallapu, Kellen K Petersen, Richard B Lipton, S Ahmad Sajjadi, Laura A Rabin, Ali Ezzati

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a long preclinical phase in which individuals may accumulate amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology without noticeable cognitive impairment. Subjective cognitive impairment reports can provide early insights into cognitive decline.

METHODS: In the A4 Study, 339 cognitively unimpaired, Aβ-positive individuals underwent tau positron emission tomography imaging. Tau status was classified based on medial temporal lobe tau standardized uptake value ratios (tau

RESULTS: Higher tau

DISCUSSION: These findings support the utility of participant- and study partner-reported concerns as early indicators of preclinical AD pathology, with potential value for early detection and trial enrichment strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS: Higher …

Growing The Abriendo Oportunidades® Ecosystem: Sowing Seeds Of Change Within Government Systems, Population Council

Adolescents and Young People

Population Council-Guatemala (PC-Guatemala) is supporting and shaping a movement led by young Indigenous leaders to expand inclusive education and civic participation opportunities. Through mechanisms such as professional internships, school re-integration programs, and other government collaborations, young Indigenous women are building the knowledge, skills, and relationships to lead community development efforts and inform inclusive national policies. This brief is part of the Abriendo Oportunidades^® Legacy Series, celebrating and highlighting 20 years of impactful program implementation.

The Social Life Of The Abriendo Oportunidades® Program In Guatemala: Three Decades Of Enabling Community And Civic Spaces For Indigenous Girls And Women, Population Council

Adolescents and Young People

Since 2004, Abriendo Oportunidades^® (Opening Opportunities, AO) has emerged as a gender transformative social program to support Indigenous girls and young women in Guatemala’s post-war context. Following an evidence-based, community-anchored approach, AO began as a program and has evolved into a social movement. AO has continuously demonstrated its impact in reducing girls’ exposure to gender-based violence and pioneered alternative education through utilizing mentors as tutors. Over time, AO has successfully reached more than 25,000 Indigenous girls and adolescents across 500+ rural Guatemala communities and built a pathway of professional opportunities for the young women who lead the program. AO …

Is There A Future For The Missiological Study Of Worldview?, Paulo Oliveira

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Ethno-Psychometry: The Measurement Of Personality In Mexico, Rolando Diaz-Loving

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

Following in the tradition of ethno-psychological research proposed by Diaz-Guerrero (1986, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995), this manuscript delineates the process toward obtaining statistically and conceptually valid and reliable personality measures, that at the same time are also culturally relevant and sensitive to the Mexican culture. The methods and construct development for the creation of multidimensional measures of achievement orientation, empathy, locus of control, assertiveness, masculinity, femininity, and self-concept are presented. Further information on the specific characteristics of measures, their construct and convergent, divergent, and predictive validity can be found in Diaz-Loving (2019).

Investigation Of Under-Frequency Load Shedding Prevention Of Isolated Medium-Sized Power Systems Using Energy Storage, Dilan Indoopa Manamperi

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Due to the rapid uptake of distributed photovoltaic generation, the visible load to transmission operators in distribution feeders is reducing. Traditional load-shedding schemes are facing challenges due to this low-load situation. The required amount of load reduction cannot be achieved with the same load-shedding scheme as before. In some situations, with reverse power flows, load shedding can further increase the generation reduction. On the other hand, increased Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) due to low inertia can result in false activation of under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) relays. These challenges can cause a serious problem with the power system security. …

“Thank You For Hearing Me”: Listening To Stories Of Linguicism, Caroline Asher Webb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This dissertation examines the effects of linguicism on nonnative speakers of English who are currently studying in higher education in the United States or other English-dominant countries. Linguicism, also called linguistic discrimination, others and discriminates against people based on their oral or written language use. Rooted in master narratives of Standard English, monolingualism, and the native speaker, linguicism, unlike other forms of discrimination, such as gender or racial discrimination, is subtle and unmarked, thus permeating the consciousness of even the most well-intentioned of people.

Using a Critical Race Theory framework, the present study utilized a storytelling methodology to gather first-hand …

Meta’S Ai Bias To What Extent Do Meta's Algorithmic Processes For Classifying And Processing Information Related To Acts Of Racism Impact Fairness, Bias, And Social Justice Across Its Platforms?, Shanique Foster

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Algorithmic processing and classification of racism-related content have become increasingly prevalent across Meta's platforms. While these algorithms aim to create safer online environments, their effectiveness and impact on fairness remain understudied. This research examines how Meta's algorithmic processes for classifying racist content affect fairness, bias, and social justice across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Using qualitative research methodology, the study conducted focus groups with diverse platform users to understand their experiences with content moderation. The research also analyzed theoretical frameworks related to algorithmic bias, fairness metrics, and social justice in digital spaces.

Key findings revealed significant variations in algorithmic effectiveness across …

Psychometric Properties Of A New Acculturation Scale For Latinos/Hispanics, Alicia Goytizolo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the newly developed Multi-Ethnic Acculturation Scale (MAS), a multidimensional instrument designed to assess behavioral and cognitive aspects of cultural adaptation among Hispanic/Latino individuals in the United States. A sample of 208 adults from diverse Hispanic backgrounds completed the MAS alongside two validated acculturation measures: the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics and the Vancouver Index of Acculturation. Exploratory factor analyses revealed a partially distinct but moderately correlated factor structure for both American and Latino cultural orientation subscales, supporting a bidimensional conceptualization of acculturation. Internal consistency was high across both subscales (Cronbach’s α > .90), …

Institutional Learning And International Student Enrollment: A Case Study Of Perceptions Of Practice, Debra Szabo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This dissertation examines the application of Peter Senge’s Learning Organization Theory at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), focusing on administrators' perceptions of institutional learning amid increasing international student enrollment. Higher education institutions must balance market-driven behaviors with collaborative learning environments as they navigate a competitive global landscape.

The study stresses the need to investigate institutional learning outcomes and the impact of rising international student enrollment on university policies, procedures, and organizational learning. It explores the relationship between espoused theories, strategic goals designated by FAU, and theories-in-action, which reflect actual practices in recruiting and supporting international students. By integrating Argyris and Schön's …

Naming Abilities In Aging Monolinguals And Bilinguals: Longitudinal Analyses Of The Multilingual Naming Test, Kyara Y. Velez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Individuals who can speak more than one language may score lower than monolinguals on verbal naming tasks. The Multilingual Naming Task (MINT) is a 32-item assessment that is used at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in the USA. This study looks at the impact of monolingualism and bilingualism on language abilities over three years in three clinical groups (cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia), using the MINT as a measure. The results show that bilingual individuals perform worse on the MINT than monolinguals at each time point, after controlling for demographic factors; however, there is no difference between language …

Investigating The Portrayal Of Native Americans In Florida’S K-12 Social Studies/History Textbooks: A Critical Content Analysis, Marisa Miceli Schnirman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Textbook bias is an enduring and contentious issue in the United States. U.S. textbooks have long been criticized for perpetuating bias and reinforcing dominant narratives that marginalize minority groups, such as members of Indigenous nations. This study confirms that biases continue to exist in textbooks and promote the harmful narrative that Indigenous peoples are people of the past. This narrative undermines the survivance (Vizenor, 1998), contributions, and very existence of Indigenous peoples. Using a critical lens, this content analysis examines the portrayal of Indigenous peoples in select fourth-grade, eighth-grade, and high school social studies and history texts used in Florida …

Community, Placemaking, And Preservation: Historic Neighborhoods In West Palm Beach, Florida, Aislinn Cruz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Historic preservation: the act of protecting landmarks and buildings, often through active participation with the community. The project aims to explore perceptions of those living in historical neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, Florida about:1) Neighborhood cultural connection, 2) Placemaking locations, 3) Relationship with the city, and 4) Knowledge of preservation projects. Using digital and in-person surveys, the project utilized Likert-scale and short-response questions to collect data. Results showed residents had mixed feelings about their cultural connection. Though a majority described their neighborhood positively, some negative responses came from a specific northern neighborhood. Locations of placemaking notably included parks and community …

Personalized Persuasion In The Digital Age: A Data-Driven Approach To Effective Communication, Annye Braca

Doctoral

This thesis investigates the potential of Machine Learning (ML) to personalize persuasive marketing messages. It explores the identification of individuals receptive to specific persuasion techniques based on their psychometric profiles. By developing ML models that incorporate these profiles, the thesis aims to predict the impact of tailored messages and improve the effectiveness of marketing communication.

Machine Learning Applications In Epigenomics And Its Association With Health And Disease, Trevor Doherty

Doctoral

Epigenetic modifications can lead to altered phenotypes without a change in the DNA sequence itself. Disrupted gene expression regulated by epigenetic processes can result in cancers, autoimmune diseases and various other maladies. Machine learning (ML) involves the use of algorithms and models which are trained to learn patterns in data, and has demonstrated remarkable success in solving diverse, complex challenges. Epigenomic studies, such as those that use DNA methylation (DNAm) data, increasingly make use of ML techniques to process extremely high dimensional data obtained from high throughput platforms e.g., DNAm arrays. These datasets suffer from the curse of dimensionality, increased …

Exploring The Influence Of Ethnic Studies On Latinx Students In Rural Northern California, Georgina C. Salvarrey

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Latinx students have historically encountered a traditional education system that often neglects their perspectives, histories, and epistemologies through curricula and pedagogical practices that favor hegemonic narratives. This marginalization has led to the obscuration of significant aspects of the histories of non-dominant racial and ethnic groups, effectively diminishing students’ ability to engage with both their local and global realities critically. Ethnic Studies, as an academic field, proposes an interdisciplinary educational approach that challenges the colonizing methods inherent in the Western educational paradigm by centering the narratives and experiences of People of Color. This ethnographic study investigates the experiences of Latinx high …

Can Dyslexia Diagnosis Induce A Stereotype Threat Effect? A Literature Review And Research Proposal, David H. Harris

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Dyslexia is a recognized psychiatric diagnosis in the DSM-5, categorized as a specific language disorder. Dyslexia is a hidden disability that affects how individuals process auditory and visual information. Many people have heard of dyslexia but it is largely misunderstood, even by educational professionals, and its general association with learning disability can be the basis for negative stereotyping and discrimination of people with dyslexia. The ‘Stereotype threat effect’ is a term from social psychology research referring to situations where one’s performance on a task is influenced by their identification with a social group that has a well-known stereotype about their …

Social Emotional Learning: Through A Culturally Relevant And Spiritual Lens, Albert Roman

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In today’s diverse educational landscape, the importance of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into secondary English language arts classrooms cannot be overstated. This master’s project endeavors to address this need by developing a series of innovative SEL lessons tailored specifically for secondary ELA teachers. Grounded in the principles of culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy (CRSP) and enriched with insights from spiritual pedagogy (SP), the project aims to cultivate a holistic approach to education that nurtures students’ emotional well-being, cultural identity, and spiritual growth. The project is structured around the five pillars of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible …

Hope Transforms: An Analysis Of The Novel Indiana, Jemimah "Miah" Dawn Lodes

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

George Sand’s Indiana (1832), often misread as a romance, critiques France’s failure to uphold Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité—freedom, equality, and unity—by excluding people of color, women, and peasants during its shift from the Ancien Régime’s monarchy to the democratic Nouveau Régime, now in its Fifth Republic. This study surveys the French literary canon through textual analysis, engaging writers like La Fontaine, Molière, Marivaux, Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, Danton, Duras, and Dracius. While analyzing these authors, this study also investigates Sir Ralph Brown’s transformational monologue as well as the relationship between Hamlet’s Ophelia and the Amistad voyage, where hundreds of souls were …

True Crime Podcasts As A Scene Of Feminist Reckoning: A Comparative Analysis Of My Favorite Murder And Sistas Who Kill, Rachel C.C. Matteri

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This research examines the cultural impact and ethical implications of true crime podcasts (TCPs). In recent years, TCPs have become a powerful cultural force, with White women often emerging as the primary storytellers and most visible participants in the genre. Their dominance in this space is not neutral and it carries representational weight. It explores the potential for feminist activity made possible by the auditory, self-publishing genre of podcasting. This work focuses on the buddy-comedy subgenre of TCPs. The concerns of this text are that TCPs are dominated by White feminist values and are not an intersectional feminist project. Textual …

Breaking Barriers: The First-Generation Experience In Pursuit Of The American Dream, Milagros Ortega

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This project examines the common misconceptions surrounding First-Generation Latino college students and challenges the dominant narrative that portrays them as unprepared, unsupported, and unmotivated. Through narrative and content analysis of the short films, Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá and Turns in the Road, this project explores the overlapping challenges that complicate their educational journeys. These challenges, financial instability, lack of guidance, and sociocultural dissonance, represent three core barriers commonly faced by first-generation Latino college students. Guided by theoretical frameworks such as the Immigrant Optimism Hypothesis, W.E.B Du Bois’ theory of double consciousness, Gloria Anzaldúa’s concept of Nepantla, and Yosso’s …