Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Integrating Multiscale Geospatial Analysis For Monitoring Crop Growth, Nutrient Distribution, And Hydrological Dynamics In Large-Scale Agricultural Systems, Olatunde D. Akanbi, Deepa C. Bhuvanagiri, Erika I. Barcelos, Arafath Nihar, Brian Gonzalez Hernandez, Jeffrey M. Yarus, Roger H. French

Faculty Scholarship

Monitoring crop growth, soil conditions, and hydrological dynamics are imperative for sustainable agriculture and reduced environmental impacts. This interdisciplinary study integrates remote sensing, digital soil mapping, and hydrological data to elucidate intricate connections between these factors in the state of Ohio, USA. Advanced spatiotemporal analysis techniques were applied to key datasets, including the MODIS sensor satellite imagery, USDA crop data, soil datasets, Aster GDEM, and USGS stream gauge measurements. Vegetation indices derived from MODIS characterized crop-specific phenology and productivity patterns. Exploratory spatial data analysis show relationships of vegetation dynamics and soil properties, uncovering links between plant vigor, edaphic fertility, and …

“There’S A Connection That Is Just Beyond Words”: A Qualitative Study Of Therapy Dogs In A Child Trauma Assessment Center, Angela M. Moe

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

The utilization of animal-assisted interventions with trauma survivors is a growing field of practice and research. This study explored staff perceptions of the impact of therapy dogs in comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments of children who have experienced significant maltreatment. Such victimization causes devastating and long-term consequences across physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains. Trauma assessments have been used as a means of understanding the impacts of maltreatment and in guiding treatment. Following a go-along qualitative approach, the study occurred over 16 months wherein experienced therapy dogs were incorporated into assessments of 323 children. Data were collected through field interviews and participant …

Entire Issue Vol. 12 No. 1, Stacy L. Creel, Ph.D., Teresa S. Welsh, Ph.D.

SLIS Connecting

No abstract provided.

Selection Of Spring And Fall 2023 Master’S Project Posters, Stacy L. Creel, Ph.D.

SLIS Connecting

Students are required to create academic research posters on their capstone research project and present them in class. The following selection of the Master’s Project Capstone Posters are from LIS 695 in the Spring 2023 and Fall 2023.

Historical Qualitative And Quantitative Overview Of Classic Literature Embraced By Rock N’ Roll, 1960-2000, Winifred J. Boyd

SLIS Connecting

Rock music lyrics are often denied their status as influential pieces of literature in much the same way, it seems, as graphic novels, but both are no less effective in conveying a message or eliciting a powerful feeling. Not until October 2016, when Bob Dylan became the first songwriter to win the Nobel Prize in literature since 1913, did lyrics truly get a step closer to being recognized as literature within the boundaries of rock music (Chaudhuri, 2016)? This study was designed to help inspire others to take up the torch to further research: the influence and the power that …

Novel Outreach: A Report Of Public Library Engagement Within Virginia Communities, Joy Doukas

SLIS Connecting

This study seeks to showcase how Virginia Public Libraries have harnessed the power of innovative outreach to service populations traditionally resistant to library adoption. It examines concepts such as community partnerships, the library as a Third Place (Thiele & Klagge, 2020), and the increasing function of social services in the public libraries sphere. It highlights the evolution of modern public libraries from mere book repositories to thriving community centers for education and personal growth. Mining current website data, this study explores each of the 94 public library systems in Virginia websites, determining their reach throughout their communities to show what …

Fanfiction Today: An Analysis Of Publishing Trends On Archive Of Our Own, Lauren Moore

SLIS Connecting

Fan spaces offer a unique opportunity for fans to come together and interact with people who share their interests. Today, you can find fandoms for almost every piece of media, person, or group (Ewens, 2020). These can be rich communities that produce both digital and physical works related to their interest. The physical works that predated the digital have included things like fan-published zines which were often shared at a convention. While these are still popular, the last few decades have seen more and more digital spaces emerging. Artists are selling works on sites like Etsy, Redbubble, and Gumroad. Digital …

Libraries On The Inside: A Study Of Public Library Outreach To Correctional Institutions, Annaliese Melvin

SLIS Connecting

In 1911, the American Library Association (ALA) formed its first committee on prison libraries. While this committee opened the door to important conversations on correctional libraries, the ALA did not actively become involved in correctional systems until 1944, when the Objectives and Standards for Libraries in Adult Prisons and Reformatories were approved (Austin, 2019). The real catalyst for creating nationwide libraries for the incarcerated came in 1971, when “Congress passed the Law Enforcement Administration Act, which funded prison law libraries and provided budgets for other reading materials” (Sullivan, 2000, p. 57). This led to what was coined the “golden age …

Teen Services In Public Libraries: A Bibliometric Research Study, Ashlee Lykansion

SLIS Connecting

Public libraries have an essential mission to offer high-quality services, programming, and materials to individuals across all age groups. While these institutions typically provide many programs and services catering to children and adults, teenage patrons' needs are often overlooked (Bernier et al, 2014). To rectify this, it is essential to establish dedicated spaces within the library tailored to teenagers' interests and preferences. By incorporating engaging programming and curating materials and resources specifically geared toward this demographic, libraries can effectively convey a message of inclusivity and appreciation, making teenagers feel welcome and valued (Joseph, 2010). The purpose of this research study …

Physical Preservation Of 35 Mm Slides: Methods And Standards, Julia Meier

SLIS Connecting

With 35 mm slides being such a widely popular format throughout the 20th century, it is no wonder why they hold a great deal of history from that era within their tiny frames. As pieces of history, 35 mm slides are valuable documentary materials, and to keep the history they contain alive, they must be physically preserved. The purpose of this content analysis study was to gather and determine physical preservation methods and standards for the preservation of 35 mm slides from peer-reviewed journals and other published sources from 1980-2021.

May I See Your Library Card? A Study Of Mississippi Public Libraries’ Library Card Policies, Cynthia E. Hudson

SLIS Connecting

As houses of information, libraries provide multiple services to individuals that enter their doors. These services may be limited at many libraries unless the individual possesses a library card. By successfully applying for a library card, that individual receives access to all available library services. According to the American Library Association (2022), libraries use these cards for two main purposes. First, a library card helps library staff identify the library user. Second, the library uses library cards to maintain records of circulated materials. It is estimated that two-thirds of the United States population possess library cards (ALA, 2022). This study …

Public Library Websites In The Reaching Across Illinois Library System: A Webometric Examination, Amy Vangoethem

SLIS Connecting

A public library’s website is often the first introduction that a user has to the library. Users come to the website looking for information about the library’s location, hours, how to get a library card, library programs, search the library catalog, or other services. As Poll writes, “Libraries have started to offer a new virtual ‘entrance’ to their services: the library website” (2007, p. 1). As such, a library’s website must provide users with the information they are seeking simply and clearly. People expect websites to be simple to use and to be able to find the information they are …

The Pack Horse Library Initiative And Kentucky's Librarians In The Great Depression: An Academic Essay, Jessica Omer (University Of Missouri)

SLIS Connecting

The history of libraries is a complex story of ups and downs. There have been times in American history when libraries almost ceased to exist (Boyd, 2009). One of those moments was during the American Great Depression of the 1930s. During this time, American institutions failed, jobs disappeared, homes were lost, and American libraries began to disappear. This paper aims to discover the Pack Horse Library Project's role in Kentucky history and its legacy. This paper answers two questions—How did The Pack Horse Library Project save libraries in Kentucky? And how did women save library services in eastern Kentucky?—by exploring …

From The Gas: Congratulations, Publications, And Presentations, Stacy L. Creel, Ph.D., Teresa S. Welsh, Ph.D.

SLIS Connecting

Includes book reviews by the graduate assistants for Finch House, Mall Goth, Maid for It, and Your Personal Penguin. Highlights what SLIS faculty are reading, alumni updates, faculty publications and presentations, and student congratulations.

Spotlights: Faculty, Alumni, Festival, Stacy L. Creel, Ph.D., Mary A. Osborne

SLIS Connecting

Meet Dr. Welsh, Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science, and Adjunct Faculty for SLIS. Meet MLIS SLIS alum, Marjorie Hills, the Library Director for Iberia Parish Library. Learn about the exciting speakers for the 2024 Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival.

Slis Director's Report, Stacy L. Creel, Ph.D.

SLIS Connecting

Welcome to the Fall/Winter issue of SLIS Connecting. It has been a busy time here in SLIS. The faculty have been hard at work developing new courses based on feedback from the most recent survey and focus groups. Several new courses and curricular changes have been approved to begin in the Fall of 2024.

Animal Assisted Play Therapy® For Childhood Animal Abuse Following Exposure To Family Violence: A Case Example, Katharine Wenocur, Rise Vanfleet

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Intentional harm to nonhuman animals in childhood often correlates with histories of witnessing, experiencing, or perpetrating violence. Without appropriate intervention, children and adolescents who abuse animals following exposure to family violence risk long-term behavioral health challenges. While some treatment models have been specifically designed to reduce the risk of future violence among children displaying this behavior, interventions involving nonhuman animals represent a novel approach and show promise in addressing behavioral challenges associated with this behavior. Framed through the lens of a clinical case study, this article presents the potential benefits of implementing Animal Assisted Play Therapy® to treat symptoms of …

Stress, Anxiety, And Depression In Aerospace Students, Harley L. Waters

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This study investigates and compares the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among a sample of 574 undergraduate students in the Aerospace Professional Pilot concentration, Aerospace majors in concentrations other than Professional Pilot, and Non-Aerospace students at Middle Tennessee State University. This study sought to determine if Aerospace students exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The participants of this study completed the DASS-21, a survey instrument that measures three separate constructs: depression, anxiety, and stress. The scores from this survey were used to compare depression, anxiety, and stress levels between the three groups of students using ANOVA and …

Gender Diversity In Aviation: What Is It Like To Be In The Female Minority?, Mallory Casebolt

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This qualitative phenomenological study sought to explain what it is like to be a gender minority in the aviation industry to bring awareness of the personal experiences lived by women in aviation to identify if the experiences of gender minorities in aviation contribute to the lower number of women in aviation. This research sought to bridge the existing gap in the literature related to women in aviation by seeking the personal perceptions and experiences of 10 women in aviation to understand what it’s like to be a gender minority (female) in aviation, to help improve the gender imbalance in the …

A Double Taboo? An Exploratory Study Of Mental Health Perceptions Amongst Black Aerospace Professionals, Theodore W. Johnson Ph.D., Arlean Timmons, Kenisha V. Ford, Harriet Sanya

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This exploratory study delves into the often-overlooked realm of mental health perceptions among Black aerospace professionals, shedding light on a double taboo within a historically stigmatized industry and community. In response to the escalating mental health crisis in the U.S. and scarcity of research focusing exclusively on the mental health experiences of Black aerospace professionals, this research endeavors to uncover their unique perspectives.

The findings from the study indicate that Black aerospace professionals navigate not only the universal challenges of mental health but also complex socio-cultural and workplace factors, such as discrimination, underrepresentation, and the historic reluctance to discuss mental …

Hazardous Attitudes: A Study Identifying Mental Healthcare Avoidance Behaviors And Attitudes In A Collegiate Aviation Student Population, Harley L. Waters, Paul Mosey, Collin Mcdonald

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Mental health is a topic that has rapidly gained traction in the aerospace education community, specifically in collegiate aviation programs. Previous research has shown that college students are a population that is prone to mental health issues that can adversely affect their academic success and quality of life (Jennings et al., 2017). College students choosing to study aerospace have a unique set of stressors in addition to anxiety associated with the college experience.

The current research seeks to identify perceived barriers to mental health service utilization by the collegiate aviation student population. This study seeks to uncover students’ perceptions that …

High Times, Higher Stakes: Mental Health Impacts In New Recreational Marijuana Legal Landscape, Jason T. Lorenzon J.D., Chris Pezalla, Diana Semilia

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This presentation delves into the societal and mental health consequences arising from the increasing trend of legalizing recreational marijuana. Specifically, we will examine the potential normalization of unconventional behavior among aviation college students, who may grapple with substance use challenges due to stress, sleep difficulties, and the demands of college life. Given the rigorous nature of flight training, prioritizing the mental well-being of pilots becomes imperative.

With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio, this presentation integrates insights from Diana Semilia's 2022 study on Kent State Flight Students Ages 19-26. The study's objective was to extract practical recommendations applicable …

Barriers To Mental Health Seeking Among Army Aviation Personnel: A Preliminary Report, Aric J. Raus

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This research explores barriers to mental health seeking, self-reported symptoms, and perspectives on self-help mental-wellness options among U.S. Army Aviation Personnel. Safe aviation operations require constant focus and mental clarity. These requirements expand when considering the implications and added stress of military operations, especially in combat scenarios. Yet, recent studies demonstrate that aviation personnel avoid seeking healthcare due to fears of losing their medical certification. This report provides preliminary results from the first known study on barriers to mental health seeking among U.S. Army aviation personnel. Utilizing an anonymous survey instrument, facilitated primarily through Social Media recruiting of current and …

Up In The Air: A Human Factors Approach To Enhancing Evtol Passenger Experience, Brandon D. Dreslin, Michael C. Falanga, Juksana Mai Ngam, Alex Chaparro, Barbara S. Chaparro

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Although electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are an emerging mode of transportation, current research indicates that the general public may be unwilling to ride in them due to unfamiliarity and uncertainty about their trust in the technology. This research aimed to better understand potential passenger concerns as well as the factors related to eVTOL design and ride journey that contribute to people’s willingness to ride in them. Understanding these human factors considerations are crucial for addressing issues surrounding the end-to-end passenger experience. Passenger safety, comfort, and acceptance were identified as important areas that influence users’ experience. These areas …

The Sky Is Falling… Or Is It?, Sarah Nilsson, Mike Canada

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

There are two sides to the issue of societal acceptance of advanced/urban air mobility when it comes to mental health. One is that of the pilots’ mental health, and a topic for another day. The other is that of society’s mental health, the topic of this paper. More specifically, this research seeks to uncover what causes society the most angst when it comes to these operations. Literature review shows that stress increases with noise levels of aircraft flying overhead, as well as vehicle safety. Furthermore, for passengers, the stress caused by fear of flying may be compounded when a pilot …

Airline Pilot Perceptions Of Stress And Self-Reported Fatigue: A Cross-Sectional Study, Michelle P. Hight, Stephanie G. Fussell, Eline Kok, Debbie S. Carstens Phd,

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

In the air transportation sector, fatigue is a known problem influencing safety. Over the past two decades, fatigue mitigation has gained increased regulatory emphasis. The psychosocial construct of perceived stress, however, has been less studied and emphasized, though decades of research demonstrates stress’s impact on psychosocial and physiological wellbeing and safety performance. This observational, cross-sectional study measured airline pilots’ perceived stress levels alongside selected fatigue factors. Data was gathered from a sample of 144 airline pilots and analyzed using non-parametric statistics to explore the relationship between pilots’ perceptions of their own stress levels over the previous month with their answers …

Using Natural Language Processing To Identify Mental Health Indicators In Aviation Voluntary Safety Reports, Michael Sawyer, Katherine Berry, Amelia Kinsella, R Jordan Hinson, Edward Bynum

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Voluntary Safety Reporting Programs (VSRPs) are a critical tool in the aviation industry for monitoring safety issues observed by the frontline workforce. While VSRPs primarily focus on operational safety, report narratives often describe factors such as fatigue, workload, culture, staffing, and health, directly or indirectly impacting mental health. These reports can provide individual and organizational insights into aviation personnel's physical and psychological well-being. This poster introduces the AVIation Analytic Neural network for Safety events (AVIAN-S) model as a potential tool to extract and monitor these insights. AVIAN-S is a novel machine-learning model that leverages natural language processing (NLP) to analyze …

Editor's Note, Joseph A. Cernik

Missouri Policy Journal

No abstract provided.

Deep Retinal Layer Microvasculature Alterations In Schizophrenia, Samantha Fradkin, Deepthi Bannai, Paulo Lizano, Adriann Lai, Christen Crosta, Judy L. Thompson, Steven M. Silverstein

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

A subset of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) are thought to have a microvascular component to their illness with studies demonstrating alterations in retinal superficial, deep, and choroidal microvasculature networks. However, the direction and location of these alterations have differed across studies. In a recent study, we reported that individuals with SZ demonstrated lower superficial layer perfusion density than a healthy control (HC) group. The current study investigated characteristics of the deep vascular layer in SZ. We included 28 individuals with a diagnosis of SZ or schizoaffective disorder, and 37 HCs. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) data was collected to measure …

Creating An Interactive Guide To Support Health Disparities Competency, Lauren E. Robinson, Stephanie Henderson, Cayla M. Robinson, Rebecca J. Morgan, Beth Reeder

2024 R&I Day

Authors share their educational resource developed for the health sciences, that guides users in awareness of health disparities, vulnerable populations, and social determinants of health, directing them to specific guidance and resources available through the library.