Digital Commons Network^™

Interventions To Improve Figurative Language Understanding For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anna C. Tedeschi, Leslie Bross, Cindy Gilson, Jordan Rierson

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically experience a variety of difficulties throughout their years in education. One difficulty that tends to be observed in students with ASD is understanding figurative language. This difficulty is applicable to both social and academic scenarios because figurative language is often used in social situations among peers, as well as in narrative texts. The goal of the following systematic review was to identify effective intervention practices for improving the figurative language comprehension for students with ASD. This study was undertaken through a four-phase review process using the Covidence program and the Preferred Reporting Items …

Lost Out At Sea On “Floating Palaces”: Examining The Overlooked Tale Of The Ocean Liner Stewardess, 1890–1919, Pierce Greer

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper examines the lives and experiences of women working aboard ocean liners during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During this era of “floating palaces,” women went to work at sea as stewardesses and nurses. By relying on the testimonies of stewardess Violet Jessop and other unnamed working women aboard ocean liners from 1890 to 1919, I argue how these women had more freedom and opportunities than their land counterparts and challenged the notion of the sea as a male-dominated space. Glossing over their stories undermines their efforts and reduces them to a secondary role in the transatlantic …

Media Portrayals Of Environmental Harms Committed In The Iraq War, Will Hoffman

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

In the context of contemporary climate debates, the accessibility of valid, relevant, and appropriate information to the public beyond the academic community is important. War and conflict are often overlooked contributors to environmental harm and climate change broadly. Given this, the present study seeks to understand how environmental harms are portrayed in newspaper articles covering war, to gain some insight on how this public opinion may have been shaped. I examine coverage of the Iraq War via a content analysis. Articles were gathered and analyzed using inductive coding, which allowed me to identify mentions of environmental harms, oil, and economic …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Drug Addiction: Insights From The Predictive Processing Framework, Sera Parag Gandhi

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Drug addiction, a globally prevalent and burdensome psychiatric disorder, poses a significant challenge to conventional treatments, necessitating a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and exploration of alternative approaches for effective intervention. Despite initial success in research trials, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been met with skepticism due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of their underlying treatment mechanisms. The present paper argues that the predictive processing (PP) framework can provide unifying accounts of addiction and MBIs, and that a closer examination of the underlying mechanisms involved in both the disorder and the treatment can offer important insights for intervention and recovery. …

Sociocultural Influence On Attitude Formation Toward Critical Race Theory, Anna M. De Garcia, Lauren Pickett, Kylie Phinney, Elania Lunyou

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study explores the influence of political and parental beliefs, location, and social upbringing on perceptions of critical race theory (CRT) among undergraduate college students above 18 years old. This study had 179 participants who submitted an online survey completing the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, Perceptions of Parents Scales: The College-Student Scale, Experience with Diversity Survey, Social and Economic Conservatism Scale, and Resistance to Change-Beliefs Scale. Participants were also asked questions about their perceptions of CRT, including their feelings about CRT, their support of teaching CRT, how they believed their parents felt about CRT, how confident they were in their …

Framing The Future: How Ai’S Media Representation Is Redefining The Entertainment Industry, Alysar Tabet

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Change, particularly through technological advancement, frequently challenges established norms and prompts a reevaluation of preexisting frameworks, especially in dynamic sectors like entertainment. As such, in an era characterized by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the representation of AI in media emerges as a pivotal narrative force. This paper examines the societal impact that the framing of AI in media has had within the entertainment sector, revealing its dual role in reflecting and distorting public sentiment, and fluctuating between two dominant narratives: the social progress frame and the Pandora’s box frame (Brewer et al.). The social progress frame depicts …

Repairing Activist-Academic Relationships: Defining Methods To Improve Reciprocity And Movement Building In Degrowth, Xiomara N. Jean-Louis

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The degrowth movement, advocating for an eco-socialist restructuring of world economies, has failed to find a political foothold in American politics. This is despite growing support in Europe and positive, yet limited, reception in Canada. Previous literature diagnoses the American degrowth movement with confused and ineffective rhetoric, inhospitable intramovement politics, and too little scholarly support. In this article, I argue differently. I focus on the relationships between academics and activists within American degrowth, understanding academic-activist relationships to be historically extractive but also generative and didactic. Using semistructured interviews with academics and activists, and discourse analysis of the press coverage of …

Cutlasses And Crucifixes: The Christian Denominational Conflict’S Influence On Seventeenth-Century Buccaneers, Donavon P. Millington

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

This article examines how the political and religious context of seventeenth-century Europe influenced the actions of state officials and sea raiders who worked with the state. It argues that the tensions between Catholic and Protestant Christians between and within states influenced the mostly Protestant buccaneers to be more violent against the clergy and symbols of Catholic worship. Additionally, the religious affiliation of state officials influenced the perception of the buccaneers and the subsequent policies pursued concerning piracy. It tracks how religious conflict affected the buccaneers from the arrival of French Huguenots to Tortuga, to Cromwell’s Western Design and the restoration …

The Main Portal Of St. Mark’S Basilica: An Amalgam Of Venetian Pride And Success And Foreign Influence, Danielle J. Sung

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice stands as a testament to the city’s complex historical and cultural narrative, intertwining elements of conquest, religion, and artistry. This essay delves into the western façade of the basilica, focusing particularly on the main portal—richly adorned with Byzantine bronze doors, marble columns, and mosaics of the Last Judgement. These elements not only serve as relics of Venetian pride and power but also signify the city’s historical relations with the Byzantine Empire, especially following the Fourth Crusade. The façade’s elaborate decoration showcases Venice’s capability to integrate spoils of conquest with local architectural traditions, reflecting both a …

Prevention Of Bank Failure And The Role Of Social Media In Banking, Alexis Duncan, America Adams, Galvin Sparks

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (California) in 2023 was the second-largest bank failure in US history. A lack of diversification (a higher number of customers were high-tech and healthcare venture capitalists) and a classic bank run (too many customers withdrew their deposits simultaneously) were considered the primary causes of that bank's failure. Silicon Valley Bank’s case clearly illustrates that no bank is too big to fail, and there should be specific preventive measures to combat bank failures. As the backbone of the economic development of the vulnerable rural community, community banks certainly have no luxury to entertain a …

Trends In Esg Rating Changes Following Corporate Risk Incidents, Carissa A. Gayle

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this research is to understand how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings have evolved over the past decade. To explore the proposed research question, this thesis will discuss the history of ESG, determine the current state of ESG ratings, and study the change in ESG ratings over the past decade. Through an analysis of ESG rating changes following a corporate risk incident, this paper will determine if ESG ratings have become more sensitive to risk incidents over the past eight years. Increased emphasis on the topic has led to an increase in public awareness about the importance …

A Grotesque Beacon Of God’S Grace In “A Temple Of The Holy Ghost”, Shayleigh Pape

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The faith of Flannery O’Connor, a Catholic writer, creates a unique tension within her short stories, between the grotesque aspects of the natural world and the sanctity of the divine. Her work “A Temple of the Holy Ghost” exemplifies this tension as a young female narrator encounters an unexpected transformative experience after her two cousins see a “hermaphrodite”[1] at a local “freak show.” In “A Temple of the Holy Ghost,” Flannery O’Connor employs the hermaphrodite character as a vessel for the narrator to explore the mysterious virtue of purity as she matures both literally and spiritually. In doing so, O’Connor …

Grey’S Anatomy College Of Medicine: How Modern Medical Dramas Have Contributed To Patient Healthcare Anxiety, Haylee R. Tilley

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Having run for nearly 20 seasons averaging over 37 million viewers, it is no surprise that Grey’s Anatomy has been a captivating medical melodrama, one that has sustained popularity in an ever-changing society during its nearly two decades in production. Modern medical dramas have sparked popularity because of their captivating themes of suffering and healing: the modern happy ending or, in this case, cure. With a comprehensible mix of medical jargon and lighthearted drama, audiences around the globe are claiming an MD-level proficiency due to their dedication and engagement in this Shonda Rhimes award-winning series. The increase in patients made …

Effects Of Political Ideology On Perceptions Of Group Ideology, Taylor Vachon

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Party polarization is increasing and is especially evident in American politics. Among normal, everyday people, however, there is less clarity about how this affects their daily lives. While it may be obvious that many Democrats do not like most Republicans and many Republicans do not like most Democrats, it is not obvious how these internal biases and group identifications within partisanship affect how people see others. The gap in current research is how phenomena such as negative polarization and affective polarization can extend onto people’s social identities. More specifically, my research question asks how individuals’ political ideologies and partisanship affect …

Table Of Contents And Front Matter, Bjur Staff

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Stephen I. Vladeck’S The Shadow Docket: How The Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings To Amass Power And Undermine The Republic, Lucas Gottlieb

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

The Shadow Docket by Stephen Vladeck is an overview of the Supreme Court’s emergency docket and how “non-merit” cases move through the Court’s docket. Vladeck’s discussion of the history, practice, and powers of the emergency docket is in-depth and well researched. However, it fails to objectively discuss the growing practice of non-merits decisions from a neutral view. Rather, Vladeck focuses on the actions of what he calls the Court’s “conservative” wing. While Vladeck’s failure to objectively review the non-merits decisions of the Court makes for an incomplete analysis, it does not take away from the importance of his research regarding …

Parenting The State: A Constitutional Case For Parental Notification Policies In California School Districts, Sofia K. Van Arsdale

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

In July 2024, the State of California passed the Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth Act (SAFETY Act). This law prevents school districts from implementing policies that would require school personnel to disclose information related to a student's gender identity to their parents without that student’s consent. The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to consider the constitutionality of such a law and the parental notification policies it aims to invalidate. In light of U.S. Supreme Court precedent, this note will argue for the unconstitutionality of the SAFETY Act and the constitutionality of parental notification policies by primarily utilizing …

Is Speech Speech?: Speech As Conduct After National Institute Of Family & Life Advocates, Joshua N. Broome

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

In National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra, the Supreme Court held that there was no First Amendment exception for professional speech, but noted there remained an exception for speech incidental to professional conduct. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit are split on the nature of this exemption, namely whether it includes legislation banning conversion therapy for minors when said therapy consists of only speech. This split highlights a deeper divide whether speech, in and of itself, can be considered conduct and thereby …

Partisan Politics And The Supreme Court: A Crisis Of Judicial Independence, Katie M. Cassady

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

Every nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States must undergo an extensive confirmation process to evaluate his or her qualifications to serve as a Justice. While the Founders designed the federal judiciary to be an independent institution, changes in the confirmation process and American political climate have resulted in increasingly polarized nomination and confirmation proceedings. This Comment will discuss the history of this process, focusing on the slim margins by which recently confirmed Justices have secured their seats on the federal bench. These contentious proceedings are exacerbated by outside influences such as the media and interest groups that …

Table Of Contents, Katie M. Cassady

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

Masthead and Table of Contents

A Modern Look At Tampa's Museums: Sustainability, Evening Socials, And Exploring The Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ozlem Kucuk

International Visiting Researcher Showcase

This study focuses on enhancing sustainability and expanding the reach of selected museums in Tampa amidst a competitive landscape. It emphasizes the need for transformative changes and effective marketing strategies to maintain relevance and financial viability. The research promotes the adoption of self-sustaining social marketing techniques to generate economic returns and foster deeper community engagement. Central to this investigation is a novel museum concept aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and cultural awareness while facilitating social interactions among diverse populations. By doing so, it seeks to attract a broader audience to Tampa, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning …

How Do Firms Manage The Tension Between Innovating For The Future And Achieving High Returns For Shareholders In The Present?, Gokhan Sener

International Visiting Researcher Showcase

Firms face the challenge of balancing short-term financial performance with long-term innovation. While innovation is crucial for sustaining competitive advantage, shareholder pressures often push firms toward immediate returns. This study will explore how firms manage this tension by examining corporate governance mechanisms, financial decision-making, and strategic resource allocation. Grounded in Agency Theory, this conceptual research will investigate how shareholder expectations, executive incentives, and managerial decision-making influence firms’ ability to sustain innovation while delivering strong financial performance. By analyzing factors such as executive compensation structures, investor composition, and corporate governance practices, the study will provide insights into how firms align managerial …

Contributor News, Jen Hirt

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

Editor Jen Hirt shares a collection of contributor updates, highlighting successes in publications and careers following articles published in the Journal of Creative Writing Studies.

In-Person And Virtual Adaptation Of An Interprofessional Palliative Care Communications Skills Training Course For Pediatric Oncology Clinicians, Karen Moody, Clark R. Andersen, Robert M. Arnold, Julie Bradley, Allie Carter, Lauren Draper, Timothy Garrington, Jonathan B. Gill, Douglas J. Harrison, Masanori Hayashi, Amy Heaton, Cynthia Holladay, Alex Lion, Alakh Rajan, Beatriz N. Rozo, Daniel V. Runco, Shermini Saini, Laura K. Salvador, Kathryn Sutton, Verna Ferguson

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction

Empathic communication is crucial for clinicians when discussing palliative and end-of-life (PC/EOL) care with parents of children with cancer. Unfortunately, many parents report inadequate communication at these distressing times. This study evaluates the communication skills training (CST) clinicians received to deliver a PC/EOL communication intervention as part of a multi-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Training was provided using an in-person format and then adapted to a virtual platform to accommodate remote learners.

Methods

Clinicians were trained in dyads (one physician and one nurse [RN] or advanced practice provider [APP]) over 3 days (in-person or virtually). Four pediatric oncology cases were …

Cartoon Kinship, Kelsey Bell Quinn

Master's Theses

Most people view cartoons as mindless entertainment exclusively for children. They dismiss the genre as if it only contains zany and overzealous characters who deal with simple, predictable challenges, easily resolved by the end of the episode. The negative attitude towards cartoons—or seemingly anything animated—undermines the importance of the lessons and the themes many shows do impart on their viewers, regardless of their age. Shows like Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender cover a plethora of complex themes, but due to its status as an animated work, it has been disregarded as a show for children rather than being appreciated as …

The Effect Of Boom Leveling On Spray Dispersion, Miguel Bustamante, Juan F. Vivanco, Travis A. Burgers

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Automatic boom height systems reduce the variability of agricultural sprayer boom height. When a boom is not at its target height, this can lead to uneven spray dispersion from the nozzles. Boom heights and sprayer position were previously measured in time for three commercially-available boom leveling systems for three test runs for at least three speeds over each of a mild, medium and rough terrain course. A computational model was created to use measured spray dispersion from a nozzle, measured boom heights in time, and measured sprayer position in time to calculate a spray coverage map. The model was used …

Autonomous Agricultural Equipment Evaluation For Broad-Acre Crop Production, Sofia Bahmutsky, Ashutosh Singh, Travis A. Burgers, Roy Maki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Tax Exempt Innovation Cycle, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

Executive Summary:

The U.S. innovation ecosystem thrives on a complex interrelationship between tax policy, philanthropic foundations, and entrepreneurial ventures. The tax code, particularly provisions related to private foundations and Program-Related Investments (PRIs), play a critical role in funding high-risk, high-impact innovations that address societal challenges. Wealth funds the foundation, the foundation funds innovation, and innovation enhances the founder’s lasting impact on society.

Key Findings:

1. Tax-Exempt Foundation Structure: Private foundations, established by wealthy individuals and corporations, serve as powerful vehicles for channeling substantial capital into innovation while providing tax benefits to donors.
2. The Innovation Funding Cycle: Private foundations and …

Reaganomics: History Repeats Itself, But Louder, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

Executive Summary

Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981–1989) dramatically reshaped the American economic and institutional landscape. He championed “supply-side” economics, dubbed “Reaganomics.” Through sweeping tax cuts, deregulation, and a reallocation of federal funding priorities, Reagan shifted the burden of public services, especially in education and research, from government to individuals and private markets. Public universities saw deep cuts in federal support and increasingly turned to industry partnerships and commercialization to survive. Simultaneously, Reagan expanded defense research funding, fostering a close relationship between the government and elite research institutions. Innovation policy was formalized through the Bayh-Dole Act and the creation of …

Tax Exempt Research Guide, University Of Washington School Of Law

Rule of Law Initiative

For over a hundred years, organizations have harnessed and relied on tax exempt status to serve the public. Tax exemption is a powerful tool for social, environmental, and community well-being. This Legal Research Guide on Tax Exemption serves as a navigational compass for the public seeking to learn about tax exemption.