Digital Commons Network^™

Human-Chatbot Interaction Patterns: A Topic Modeling Analysis Of 3,275 Conversations With Chatgpt, Hannah Sussman

IPHS 200: Programming Humanity

This research presents a topic modeling analysis of the WILDCHAT-FULL dataset, examining user interactions with ChatGPT across over one million conversations. The study focused specifically on extended conversations (five or more exchanges) between U.S.-based users and ChatGPT in English. Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), I identified 50 distinct conversational topics with coherence scores ranging from -1.5 to -14.92 (mean: -4.47). The analysis revealed diverse interaction patterns spanning creative writing, jailbreaking (attempting to get ChatGPT to do something against its guidelines), technical discussions, business applications, and educational queries. A particularly striking finding was that creative writing and role-play scenarios dominated the …

Intertextual Sentiments In Ulysses And The Odyssey, Aidan Jordan, Katherine Elkins

IPHS 200: Programming Humanity

James Joyce’s masterpiece novel Ulysses is a text built upon its relationship to other texts. The very title is a reference to the Greek hero Odysseus and the epic poem that contains his story. The form of Ulyssesrelies heavily on the structure of the Odyssey for its movement. With chapters taking key events from the Odyssey as inspiration for their themes, characters, and events. One chapter for example is based on the episode where Odysseus travels into the underworld and Joyce’s stand-in character Bloom goes to a funeral. These structural and tonal suggestions have lead me to ask if this …

Hippocampal Gray Matter Volume In Young Adulthood Varies With Adolescent Alcohol Use, Juliann B Purcell, Nathaniel G Harnett, Sylvie Mrug, Marc N Elliott, Susan Tortolero Emery, Mark A Schuster, David C Knight

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Adolescent substance use is linked with negative future outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use disorder). Given that the brain undergoes significant maturation during adolescence, this developmental period may represent a time of particular vulnerability to substance use. Neuroimaging research has largely focused on heavy or binge patterns of substance use; thus, relatively less is known about the neural impact of a broader range of adolescent substance use. Characterizing the neural impact of a broader range of adolescent substance use may inform prevention and treatment efforts. The present study investigated relationships between adolescent substance use trajectories (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) …

Pparγ/Etv2 Axis Regulates Endothelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition In Pulmonary Hypertension, Dong Hun Lee, Minseong Kim, Sarah S Chang, Raham Lee, Andrew J Jang, Juyoung Kim, Jing Ma, Michael J Passineau, Raymond L Benza, Harry Karmouty-Quintana, Wilbur A Lam, Benjamin T Kopp, Roy L Sutliff, C Michael Hart, Changwon Park, Bum-Yong Kang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) plays an important role in pulmonary hypertension (PH) but the molecular mechanisms regulating EndoMT remain to be defined. We demonstrate that the axis of the transcription factors PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma) and ETV2 (ETS variant 2) play important roles in the pathogenesis of PH. Decreased levels of the expression of PPARγ and ETV2 along with reduced endothelial and increased EndoMT markers are consistently observed in lungs and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, in hypoxia-exposed mouse lungs, human PAECs, and in induced-EndoMT cells. Etv2 +/- mice spontaneously developed PH and right …

Measuring Anxiety Among Latino Immigrant Populations: Within-Country And Between-Country Comparisons, Sumeyra Sahbaz, Ronald B Cox, Pablo Montero-Zamora, Christopher P Salas-Wright, Mildred M Maldonado-Molina, Melissa M Bates, Augusto Pérez-Gómez, Juliana Mejía-Trujillo, Saskia R Vos, Carolina Scaramutti, Patrizia A Perazzo, Maria Duque, Maria Fernanda Garcia, Eric C Brown, Seth J Schwartz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder among adults worldwide. Given its increased prevalence among migrants due to their marginalized position in the societies where they reside, psychometric evaluations of anxiety measures such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) are needed for use with migrants. The present study is the first attempt to compare the structure of GAD-7 scores for (a) different Latino groups in the same country and (b) the same Latino group in two different countries. Using three samples of Mexican and Venezuelan migrants (total N = 933), we provide reliability and validity evidence of the GAD-7 …

Effects Of Social-Emotional Learning On Student Perceptions Of Themselves, Their Academics, And Their Behaviors, Tera Broderick

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Schools across the country are working with students who face numerous challenges in their daily lives, often leading to disengagement and a lack of readiness to learn. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the school day and its impact on students’ academic and social-emotional development. A literature review of existing literature on SEL’s influence on student well-being provided the foundation for this research. Based on this review a self-assessment was given to fourth grade students in a public school in Iowa. Analysis of the results, following the implementation of SEL, revealed that increased …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Restorative Practices In The Classroom, Susan Brown

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based research project evaluates the effectiveness of restorative practices in addressing student misbehavior and improving school culture within elementary classrooms. The study examines the impact of restorative practices, such as restorative circles and conferences, on reducing reported behaviors and exclusionary disciplinary measures such as suspensions, while fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment. The research was conducted at Libby Booth Elementary School, with a focus on two classrooms during the 2023- 2024 academic year. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative data on student behavior and qualitative surveys from a teacher survey were collected and analyzed. The findings reveal that …

Do The Winners Really Get To Write History? The Use Of Perspective-Taking Journaling In Teaching Multiperspectivity, Rylie Stanton

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Understanding multiple perspectives is an essential skill students in a Social Studies classroom need to understand historical events. It is vital for students to understand how these different perspectives drive the cause-and-effect relationship of history. Research notes the importance of teaching multiperspectivity, however, multiperspectivity can be a difficult task for teachers to address and teach effectively. While there are some pedagogical methods to effectively teach multiperspectivity, more methods are needed. This study aims to examine if the use of perspective-taking journal activities can help students understand those multiple perspectives leading to a greater understanding of the causes and effects of …

Cooperative Learning And The Effects On Knowledge Retention And Positive Peer Relationships, Cathy Ray

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Teachers have long utilized different classroom collaborative learning strategies such as think-pair-share, partner work, or group projects to enhance student engagement and learning. However, effective implementation remains a challenge, requiring teachers to balance collaborative efforts with individual accountability. Teachers need to balance effective group work while maintaining an expectation of individual work. This study investigates the impact of cooperative learning on knowledge retention and the development of positive peer relationships among students. Based on a literature review about the effectiveness of cooperative learning in education, research was done with two groups of fourth-grade students in a rural, public school in …

Problem-Based Learning Vs. Direct Instruction: A Case For Independence, Nicholas Heider

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This research study compares problem-based learning (PBL) and direct instruction, to determine which teaching method will increase fourth grade students’ learning independence and problem-solving ability. This quantitative study analyzed pre-test and post-test results, alongside survey responses from two separate fourth-grade classes. One class was taught a unit using problem-based learning, while the other received instruction on the same unit using a direct instruction approach. The statistical analysis revealed no major differences between the two teaching methods, suggesting that teachers should consider their students’ learning styles before selecting a teaching method for a given unit. Although the sample size was small, …

Enhancing 4th Grade Classroom Engagement Through Flexible Seating And Interactive Learning Strategies., Hannah Goetler

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based research study explores the impact of flexible seating and interactive learning strategies on student engagement and academic performance in a fourth-grade classroom. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, using both pre- and post-surveys and classroom observations, over four weeks to assess changes in student comfort, focus, and collaboration. The findings showed significant improvements in engagement, with students self-reporting higher levels of comfort and collaboration, as well as reduced off-task behavior. Flexible seating options included wobble stools and floor cushions and fostered autonomy and enhanced focus during lessons. Additionally, interactive learning strategies complementing flexible seating setups, further promote active …

The Role Of Trauma And Social-Emotional Learning On Academic Achievement, Kayela Gearhart

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Trauma and social-emotional learning are important issues in today’s educational institutions. This study looked at the impact that childhood trauma and social-emotional learning have on academic achievement so that students who have experienced trauma will benefit. The following research question was explored: What impact does social-emotional learning instruction have on academic achievement? Thirty-two fourth-grade students in two classrooms in one school district in rural Northeast Iowa participated in this study. FAST reading, math, and mySAEBRS data from prior to the implementation of a schoolwide SEL curriculum were compared to data from the same assessments after the SEL curriculum was implemented. …

Trauma-Informed School Improvement Plan, Amy Lundell

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Studies show that adopting trauma-responsive approaches in educational settings can lead to a significant decrease in behavioral problems. By responding to challenging behaviors with more empathy and support, school staff can increase their capacity to understand the “why” behind what children display. This school improvement plan will examine the cornerstones of implementing a trauma-informed practice in a K-5 elementary school. To begin with, adopting trauma-informed approaches requires a shift in the organization's culture, policies, and procedures to ensure that every aspect of the system is aligned with the principles of trauma-informed care. This will not only reduce concerning behaviors but …

Implementing Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports, Emily Jamison

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study examines the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in schools and its impact on student behavior and school climate. Recognizing the need for effective, positive discipline frameworks, this research analyzes both quantitative data, such as disciplinary referrals and attendance rates, and qualitative feedback from teachers and students. In the school, behavior that require office referrals are at an all-time high. A system is needed to be put in place to ensure that students are receiving behavior instruction. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered data from different leveled schools; elementary, middle and high schools, to test …

Integrating Stem/Steam Learning Into The Preschool Classroom, Kaitlyn Van Sickle

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan was developed to address that STEAM integration is an essential component of preschool student’s learning and education. This school improvement plan will also show that STEAM is not a curriculum but a way of thinking. In order to integrate STEAM effectively there needs to be change towards students’ and teachers’ thinking. Research has shown that when students are exposed to STEAM teaching starting at an early age it will positively impact student achievement. The two main components of this improvement plan include indicating the instructional strategies and teachings needed for STEAM integration and the professional development …

Social Emotional Learning (Sel) Instruction: The Effects On Students With Learning Disabilities (Ld), Courtney Schulte

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has been researched for over 20 years, yet it has become the focus of policy makers over the last several years. SEL competency has proven to increase student relationship building skills, emotional control, academic success and overall self-esteem. Research has shown SEL instruction benefits all students, even students in special education when taught in an explicit and direct manner.

Integrating Technology Into The Secondary Spanish Classroom, William E. Glienke

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

As educators navigate the complexities of modern classrooms, engaging students, especially English language learners, in meaningful learning experiences has become increasingly critical. This action research paper explores effective strategies for integrating technology in the middle school Spanish classroom, specifically targeting seventh graders at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. By implementing a blended learning model combining traditional teaching methods with digital tools, this study seeks to assess the impact of technology on student engagement and language acquisition. The research employs a comparative analysis between classes utilizing digital platforms—such as language learning applications and collaborative online tools—and those adhering to conventional pedagogical approaches. …

Data-Based Decision Making: Improving School Intervention Systems, Simone Sterling

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

ol improvement plan focuses on prioritizing student data and equity in the development of Peakview Elementary's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). The goal is to reform the existing MTSS framework by implementing research-based strategies to enhance Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), discipline practices, and the special education referral process. A comprehensive review of effective support systems and identified disproportionalities informed the analysis of Peakview’s student data and MTSS practices, revealing key areas for improvement. The proposed action plan adopts a collaborative, data-driven approach to address these needs. In addition to the establishment of Data Teams, the plan emphasizes the …

Sight Word Retention Through Cross-Age Tutoring, Stacie D. Morken

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study explores the effectiveness of cross-age tutoring as an intervention for improving sight word retention in elementary students. Sight words, essential for early literacy development, can be challenging for some students to master, but evidence suggests that tutoring from older peers may enhance retention. In this study, fourth-grade tutors were paired with first-grade students to engage in structured tutoring sessions using flashcards, sight word bingo, and connected text designed to reinforce sight word recognition. The intervention aimed to provide personalized, one-on-one support to struggling readers while offering older students the opportunity to develop teaching and leadership skills. Results showed …

Effective Use Of Technology In Elementary Classrooms, Skyler Young

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Technology use in classrooms has become popular throughout the last decade. Several factors show an increase in student learning and motivation while using technology to enhance their content knowledge. This study examines the existing benefits of using technology in the classroom and the challenges that are present to several teachers when the students can access technology at home. The researcher completed a qualitative study using reflective practices to conduct data required from a literature review, reflection journal, and a teacher and student survey to draw their conclusions. This data led to the conclusion that technology is an essential part of …

Closing The Socioeconomic Achievement Gap, Mallory Mcdermott

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study was to investigate why the achievement gap exists in order to find ways to best serve the students who fall into it. Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are showing disparities in academic achievement in areas of grades, standardized testing scores, and dropout rates. The researcher conducted a quantitative study to determine the effectiveness of a supplemental intervention on student’s mathematical understanding. The research was conducted within a fifth grade classroom at Midland Elementary. Data was collected from a pre-test and the i-Ready diagnostic screener to determine what skills the participants needed improve in. The …

Rethinking Behavior - Fall 2024, Midwest Symposium For Leadership In Behavior Disorders

ReThinking Behavior Magazine

A magazine for professionals serving children and youth with behavioral needs.

Fall 2024, Volume 8, Issue 1

The Bulletin: Sidney Kimmel Medical College At Thomas Jefferson University, Volume 102, Issue 2, Fall 2024

The Bulletin (formerly the Jefferson Medical College Alumni Bulletin)

This issue includes:

• 7 - Dean’s Column
• 8 - Time Capsule: How Jefferson Got Its Name
• 10 - ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
• 13 - By the Numbers: 2024 Incoming SKMC Class
• 14 - New Medical Students Destined to Be Leaders and Changemakers
• 16 - Jefferson Research Lab Making Progress in Battle Against Cancer by Adam Snook, PhD ’08
• 18 - That’s Why We’re Here: The Czarnecki Family’s Jefferson Journey
• 22 - His North Star by Gregory C. Kane, MD ’87, MACP
• 26 - Full Circle by Suresh G. Nair, MD ’84
• 28 -Ask the Right Question—Save a Life …

A Scoping Review Of Substance Use Brief Interventions In Africa, Florence Jaguga, Sarah Kiburi, Eunice Temet, Matthew Aalsma, Mary Ott, Rachel Maina, Cyprian Mostert, Lukoye Atwoli, Juddy Wachira, Gilliane Kosgei

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: The burden of substance use in Africa is substantial. Brief interventions (BIs) are a recommended public health strategy for the prevention and early intervention for substance use problems. The objective of this scoping review was to map the literature on substance use BIs in Africa, identify gaps, and provide directions for future research.

Methods: The scoping review was guided by the Arksey O’Malley Framework and the PRISMA-Scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search of five bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Professionals (CINAHL) and Cochrane Library) was conducted from inception until 1st November …

The Case For Eliminating Excessive Worry As A Requirement For Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Cross-National Investigation, Ayelet Meron Ruscio, Madeleine Rassaby, Murray Stein, Dan Stein, Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, Ali Al-Hamzawi, Jordi Alonso, Lukoye Atwoli, Guilherme Borges, Evelyn Bromet

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Around the world, people living in objectively difficult circumstances who experience symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not qualify for a diagnosis because their worry is not ‘excessive’ relative to the context. We carried out the first largescale, cross-national study to explore the implications of removing this excessiveness requirement.

Methods: Data come from the World Health Organization World Mental Health Survey Initiative. A total of 133 614 adults from 12 surveys in Low- or Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and 16 surveys in High-Income Countries (HICs) were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Non-excessive worriers meeting all other DSM-5 …

Accuracy Of Nine-Item Patient Health Questionnaire Against Psychiatric Diagnosis For Depression Among People With Hiv, Marcela Yotebieng, Natalia Zotova, Charlotte Bernard, Suzanne Goodrich, Ajeh Rogers Awoh, Dana Watnick, Dominique Mahambu Nsonde, Elodie Flore Tchiengang Moungang, Moussa Seydi, Lukoye Atwoli

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) against psychiatrist diagnosis in people with HIV (PWH).

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of data collected between January 2018 and July 2022 across five sites in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo. Participants were ≥18 years and receiving HIV care at the participating site. PHQ-9 was administered by study staff followed by a psychiatrist's evaluation within 3 days.

Results: Overall, 778 participants with complete data were included: 297 (38.2%) in Cameroon, 132 (17.0%) in Congo, 148 (19.0%) in Cote d’Ivoire, …

Mental Health And Quality Of Life Following Breast Cancer Diagnosis In Patients Seen At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Nairobi, Kenya: A Qualitative Study, Innocent Abayo, Noureen Karimi, Karishma Sharma, Isaiah Omedo, Sehrish Rupani, Mansoor Saleh

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

Mental health challenges are common following cancer diagnosis, negatively impacting treatment and quality of life for breast cancer (BC) patients. This pilot study provides an understanding of the impacts of BC diagnosis and care experiences on the mental health of patients seen at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. We conducted 40 in-depth interviews, including 10 women with newly diagnosed BC, 10 women with metastatic BC, 10 family members and 10 healthcare professionals. Data were transcribed, translated into English as needed and coded using Dedoose software. Following BC diagnosis, it was reported that patients faced various physical, social, …

Classification Of Isolated Versus Multiple Birth Defects: An Automated Process For Population-Based Registries, Renata H Benjamin, Joanne M Nguyen, Margaret Drummond-Borg, Angela E Scheuerle, Peter H Langlois, Mark A Canfield, Charles J Shumate, Laura E Mitchell, A J Agopian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Epidemiologic studies of birth defects often conduct separate analyses for cases that have isolated defects (e.g., spina bifida only) and cases that have multiple defects (e.g., spina bifida and a congenital heart defect). However, in some instances, cases with additional defects (e.g., spina bifida and clubfoot) may be more appropriately considered as isolated because the co-occurring defect (clubfoot) is believed to be developmentally related to the defect of interest. Determining which combinations should be considered isolated can be challenging and potentially resource intensive for registries. Thus, we developed automated classification procedures for differentiating between isolated versus multiple defects, while accounting …

Transgender Women With Hiv Demonstrate Unique Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Profiles, Jordan E Lake, Ana N Hyatt, Han Feng, Hongyu Miao, Anoma Somasunderam, Netanya S Utay, Kathleen E Corey

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence and severity may be higher in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than the general population, and vary with sex and age. We explored NAFLD characteristics by gender.

Methods: Adult transgender women (TW), cisgender women (CW), and cisgender men (CM) with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and without other known causes of liver disease underwent screening for NAFLD (2017-2020). Circulating factors associated with NAFLD were measured. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed using transient elastography by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), respectively. Analysis of variance/Wilcoxon testing compared normally/non-normally distributed variables, …

Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline For Cyp2b6 Genotype And Methadone Therapy, Katherine M Robinson, Seenae Eum, Zeruesenay Desta, Rachel F Tyndale, Andrea Gaedigk, Richard C Crist, Cyrine E Haidar, Alan L Myers, Caroline F Samer, Andrew A Somogyi, Pablo Zubiaur, Otito F Iwuchukwu, Michelle Whirl-Carrillo, Teri E Klein, Kelly E Caudle, Roseann S Donnelly, Evan D Kharasch

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Methadone is a mu (μ) opioid receptor agonist used clinically in adults and children to manage opioid use disorder, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and acute and chronic pain. It is typically marketed as a racemic mixture of R- and S-enantiomers. R-methadone has 30-to 50-fold higher analgesic potency than S-methadone, and S-methadone has a greater adverse effect (prolongation) on the cardiac QTc interval. Methadone undergoes stereoselective metabolism. CYP2B6 is the primary enzyme responsible for catalyzing the metabolism of both enantiomers to the inactive metabolites, S- and R-2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (S- and R-EDDP). Genetic variation in the CYP2B6 gene has been investigated in the context …