Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Three Essays On Local Labor Markets, David Henry Nason

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation consists of three essays that employ applied econometric analysis to examine issues related to local labor markets. These analyses explore three distinct sources of structural change or policy interventions and evaluate their implications for regional labor markets. I examine the impact of occupational skill endowments on regional resilience to a recessionary shock, how exposure to increases in employer skill demand affects local labor markets, and whether grants extended by an existing federally chartered regional commission have a positive impact on distressed local labor markets within its service area.

The first chapter of this dissertation studies the impact that …

Assessing The Feasibility Of The Virtual Reality Training Protocol For Sport, Jarad A. Lewellen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research has supported the use of virtual reality (VR) in sport to train skills such as decision-making and anticipation, as well as aid in injury rehabilitation. Despite this, VR is not commonly used as a training tool in sport. Barriers to its adoption include a lack of understanding, low awareness, and risk of cybersickness. As such, there is a critical need to address these barriers and promote acceptance of VR in sport. The purpose of this single-arm, non-randomized, mixed-methods feasibility trial was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the Virtual Reality Training Protocol for Sport (VRTPS), which was designed …

Sensory Evaluation And Consumer Acceptance Of A Protein Enriched Energy Bar, Brennah T. Groves

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Acceptance of a Protein Enriched Energy Bar

Brennah Groves

This study evaluated the sensory properties and consumer acceptance of a protein enriched energy bar. The objectives of this study were to 1) formulate a high-protein energy bar containing at least 20 g of protein per 100 g serving, and 2) determine whether increasing the protein content in an energy bar would enhance the sensory evaluation and improve consumer acceptance among collegiate athletes. The control energy bar featured a shortbread base, date caramel with whey protein, a nougat layer, and a chocolate coating. Additional collagen protein …

Examining Low-Income Caregivers' Knowledge And Comprehension Of The Dental Caries Process, Melissa Sullivan, Denise C. Mckinney, Deanne Shuman, Qi Zhang

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose Dental caries among young children remains a public health concern in the United States (US). Children of caregivers with low oral health literacy (OHL) tend to have greater unmet dental needs and poorer oral health status. The purpose of this study was to examine the understanding of pediatric dental terms associated with the dental caries process among low-income caregivers.

Methods This study included 14 caregivers with children enrolled in a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in the Southeastern US. Through structured phone interviews, the validated Oral Health Literacy Inventory for Parents (OH-LIP) was used …

Evaluating Lethal Coyote Management In The Chicago Metropolitan Area Using A Conflict Recurrence Metric, Jeffrey T. Schultz, Scott Beckerman, Robert Erickson, Danielle Montgomery, Stewart W. Breck

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–coyote (Canis latrans) conflict in urban environments is prevalent in cities throughout the United States. Urban areas commonly use nonlethal techniques to mitigate coyote-caused conflicts but will also incorporate selective removal of individual coyotes when conflicts persist. However, little research has evaluated these management strategies. This study analyzed coyote removal efforts conducted in the Chicago Metropolitan Area from 2010 to 2020. To evaluate the management actions, we used “time without incidence”—the time elapsing from an initial conflict until either a subsequent conflict occurred in the same area, or when the data collection period ended—as an index of effectiveness. …

Digital Transformation: The Need For A Sustainable Green Culture In African Higher Education Institutions, Cheryl Akinyi Genga, Sunday Samson Babalola

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Digital transformation (DT) continuously affects individuals and organisations. African Higher Education Institutions (AHEIs) must prioritise robust IT infrastructure to enhance research, modernise teaching, and improve learning experiences in the digital era. Despite policies and programs promoting digital education, AHEIs face challenges in fully implementing DT because of unimplemented policies and the persistent digital divide. DT, driven by technological progress, is crucial for achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals. This includes integrating sustainability into curricula, assessing institutional leaders' commitment to sustainability, and adopting eco-friendly campus practices. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are strategic concerns affecting institutional culture, research, teaching, and …

Gender Moderation On Students’ Adoption Of Whatsapp For Learning-Support Communication In Sub-Saharan Africa, Douglas Yeboah, Paul Nyagorme, Brandford Bervell, Godfred Yaw Koi-Akrofi, Awo Esaah Bempong

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Gender moderation in students’ adoption of WhatsApp for supporting distance learning has not been explored. This study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model to analyze the moderation effects of gender on students’ adoption intentions of WhatsApp for learning. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to obtain 273 participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results showed that gender significantly moderated the effects of(a) performance expectancy on behavioral intention such that the effect was stronger for males than females, and (b) social influence on behavioral intention such that …

The Demand For Educational Functions Of Study Tour Products: From Students’ Perspectives, Yaqi Yu, Azizan Marzuki

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Few academic studies have comprehensively examined the actual demands of students regarding the educational function of study tours. This paper develops a demand index system based on three dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral demands. A questionnaire survey was administered to 397 students. Initially, student demands were categorized using the Kano model. Subsequently, the “dependence” and “expectancy” characteristics were analyzed through the dissatisfaction index (DI) and satisfaction index (SI). The impact of fulfilling each demand on dissatisfaction and satisfaction levels was then determined. The results indicated that among the three dimensions, there were 7 must-be demands, 6 one-dimensional demands, 8 attractive …

Match Accuracy Of Burned Teeth: A Pilot Study Of Allied Dental Professionals, Brenda T. Bradshaw, Marsha A. Voelker, Samantha C. Vest, Sinjini Sikdar

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess allied dental professionals' match accuracy of burned teeth; a skill required by disaster victim identification (DVI) team members.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of registered dental hygienists (RDH) (n=15) and dental assistants (DA) (n=15) to assess their match accuracy of burned teeth with simulated antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) images. Fifteen human teeth were heated at 400°C for 15 minutes. Prior to and following heat alteration, each tooth was photographed and radiographed. Images were presented to participants in randomized order, and they were instructed to correctly match …

A Content Analysis Of Doubt: How Latter-Day Saints Interact Online When One Of Their Own Seeks Answers, Leilani Naomi Mascio, Ronald Smith

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

This content analysis examines how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) interact with doubting members in online forums, focusing on Facebook and Reddit. Analyzing 1,115 comments from four public posts (August 2024–January 2025), six emergent themes characterize these interactions: (1) normalizing doubt, (2) thought-terminating clichés, (3) bringing back to the fold, (4) hierarchical escalation, (5) attributing doubt to Satan, and (6) emotional reasoning. Findings reveal that LDS members overwhelmingly dominate these discussions, employing doctrinal language, personal narratives, and appeals to authority to reintegrate doubters. Notably, non-member interference was rare, suggesting moderated or self-selected engagement. The …

Reviewers And Referees

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

George C. Roberts Award Recipients

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

Call For Papers

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

Queer In & Out Of Montana: Oral Histories Of The Lgbtq+ Exodus From Montana, Erin T. Heaton

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This project will summarize findings from six oral histories of LGBTQ+ people who lived in Montana, but have left or are leaving in the near future. This project will explore the questions: Why are queer and transgender people leaving Montana? What are common experiences for LGBTQ+ people living in Montana? The answer to these questions will be derived from the stories of the Narrators who provided their oral histories. The questions utilized in the oral histories covered topics of identity, “coming out,” living history, cultural observations, community experiences and perceptions, well-being, healthcare, laws, and reasons for leaving. Thematic Analysis was …

Social Determinants Of Mental Health Outcomes, Ariana Fein

Honors Theses

Mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, are a growing global concern with profound consequences on individuals' well-being and societal functioning. The burden of these disorders is not only psychological but also economic, affecting quality of life. Mental health outcomes are heavily influenced by a range of social determinants, such as financial status, education, and access to healthcare. While extensive research has focused on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) countries, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these determinants affect mental health in low-resource settings or non-WEIRD countries. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the …

The Role Of Remote Sensing And Gis Techniques In Analysis Of Southern California Wildfires In January 2025, Sara Fitzgibbon

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

California is no stranger to wildfires, with them becoming more frequent and larger in recent years. In early January 2025, Southern California had one of the worst outbreaks of wildfires in its history, with the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Fires being considered among the most destructive in state history. To help prevent this from happening in the future, remote sensing techniques are essential in combating these issues. In this report, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing data utilized to explore fire behavior by various organizations were investigated. By using this data, this study aims to predict and monitor fire …

Effectiveness, Coherence, And Justice Implications Of Clean Energy Policies In The United States, Josephine Amponsem

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Public policies have been adopted and implemented at various government levels in the United States, aiming to facilitate the clean energy transition process. This dissertation examines three distinct but related dimensions of clean energy policies: policy effectiveness, policy coherence, and distributional policy impact. First, I evaluate the impact of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) on clean energy adoption at the utility level using a quasi-experimental design: the Difference-in-Difference estimation. Secondly, I use the state of California as a case study to investigate the role of policy coherence in public policy success. Thirdly, I investigate whether communities with different …

Remixing Oer Assignment: "Advantges And Disadvantages Of State-Level Policies", Katie Zuber

Open Educational Resources

This assignment, created by Katie Zuber, uses OER readings to help students understand how federalism impacts their everyday lives. Using the United States’ response to the Coronavirus as a case study, students will see firsthand that where decisions get made (i.e., the state or federal level) often dictates who gets what, when, and how. This assignment was made as part of a workshop on remixing OERs at John Jay College in 2025.

Remixing Oer Assignment: Incarceration And Homicide Trends, Veronica Michel

Open Educational Resources

In this assignment, Professor Veronica Michel asks students to look for data in two different open access sources and combine them into a new, remixed dataset that they will use to conduct analysis and write a report. The assignment encourages students to play an active role in selecting, formatting and interpreting openly available data. This assignment was created as part of a seminar on remixing OER that ran in 2025.

Climate Change And Parenthood: Impact On Family Size Decision-Making, Minha Hossain, Jennifer Lai, Mindy Engle-Friedman

Publications and Research

This study explores how parental status relates to childbearing decisions in the context of climate change and builds on prior research linking climate anxiety to reduced family size intentions. A survey of 114 participants revealed that non-parents were significantly more likely than parents to plan to have fewer children and to express concerns about climate change. These findings underscore differences in how parents and non-parents approach future reproductive decisions and highlight the role of climate-related concerns in shaping family planning intentions.

Review Of Marginality And Global Lgbt Communities: Conflicts, Civil Rights, And Controversy, Patrick Barchett

Nebraska Anthropologist

Review of Marginality and Global LGBT Communities: Conflicts, Civil Rights, and Controversy (2020) by Sheri R. Notaro.

Review Of 3d Data Acquisition For Bioarcheology, Forensic Anthropology, And Archeology, Alexander E. Curry

Nebraska Anthropologist

3D Data Acquisition for Bioarcheology, Forensic Anthropology, and Archeology (2019) by Noriko Seguchi and Beatrix Dudzik is a first of its kind text that looks to educate the buddings 3D analyst on the popular methods and practices of data acquisition within contemporary 3D imaging software. While the text does assume a lot of the reader heading into it, especially so mathematically, the authors do a wonderful job explaining how 3D imaging works, and then how to accurately and precisely collect data from these images. Being sure to explain potential sources of error and how to present and interpret the data …

Rights As Remedies: Using Latin American Legal Channels To Halt U.S. Border Externalization, Natalie Lerner

Lewis & Clark Law Review

The first Trump Administration saw intense border crackdowns and a ramping up of restrictions on asylum. While some of these policies shifted under President Biden, many were recreated under new names. The second Trump Administration has functionally closed the border and deported asylum seekers to third countries such as Costa Rica and Panama, leaning heavily on Latin American countries to accept expelled migrants. As U.S. courts fail to preserve asylum law domestically, international law, as integrated into the constitutions of Latin American countries, can provide a valuable litigation tool to block those countries from participating in the U.S. border externalization …

Simplified Regional-National Dsge Models For U.S. State-Level Analysis, Michael Telkamp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops a series of simplified Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model variants to analyze macroeconomic dynamics at the U.S. state level. Using South Dakota as a case study, I extend the Smets and Wouters (2007) mediumscale framework by implementing state-specific output, labor, consumption, investment, and wages into a dual-economy structure, where the state is modeled as a closed economy influenced by national-level shocks. The models are estimated using Bayesian techniques on quarterly data from 2007 - 2020. Model performance is evaluated through impulse response functions and variance decompositions. A key result is that South Dakota exhibits firm habit …

Frequency And Perceived Influence Of Menopausal Symptoms On Training And Performance In Female Endurance Athletes, Heather M. Hamilton, Natalie M. Yarish, Kristin E. Heron

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Menopause is associated with several negative health concerns and common menopausal symptoms. Physical activity is essential to mitigate these negative effects, but menopausal symptoms may interfere with participation in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and the perceived negative effect of menopausal symptoms among female endurance athletes. Female runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes 40–60 years of age were recruited (N = 187). Participants completed an online, anonymous survey that included self-reported menopausal status; the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), a validated measure for assessing menopausal symptoms; and the perceived effect of menopausal symptoms on …

Reflections On Crafting A Framework Companion Document For And By Science And Technology Librarians, Dawn Cannon-Rech, Allison B. Brungard, Rachel Hamelers, Rebecca Kuglitsch, Rebecca Renirie

University Libraries: Faculty Publications

Abstract unavailable.

Exploring Educator Burnout: Experiences And Perceptions Of Teachers And Principals In Canadian K-12 Seventh-Day Adventist Schools, David Anthony Elias

Dissertations

Problem

Burnout among educators is a growing concern, particularly within faith-based school systems where teachers often balance high professional expectations with spiritual commitments. In K-12 Canadian Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) schools, limited research has explored how burnout manifests, the factors contributing to it, and its impact on teacher retention. This study aimed to examine the levels and causes of burnout among SDA educators, as well as the systemic factors influencing their experiences.

Method

This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey (MBI-ES) to measure emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced …

Predictors Of General Education Teachers' Self-Efficacy For Educating Autistic Students: Enactive Mastery Experiences, Vicarious Experiences, Verbal/Social Persuasions, And Physiological And Affective States, Renette Portecop-Prentice

Dissertations

Problem

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that presents challenges not only for autistic individuals, but also for their families, healthcare providers and school professionals. A significant number of children with autism spend most of their school day in general education classrooms with teachers who may lack autism-specific training and are unfamiliar with evidence-based practices for supporting autistic students. This lack of training or relevant resources specific to autism may impact teacher self-efficacy for educating autistic students, which in turn may affect instructional decisions and student outcomes. Guided by Bandura’s theoretical framework, this study examined the relationships among autism-specific training …

Burnout In Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, Casey J. Kane

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Burnout is a pervasive challenge among board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) due to the high performance demands and extensive workload associated with their roles. This study investigated the effectiveness of a self-advocacy intervention in mitigating burnout among BCBAs. Using a waitlist control design with repeated measures, nine BCBAs participated in an asynchronous intervention focused on communication, organization, and self-care strategies. Burnout levels were measured at baseline, post-waitlist, and post-intervention using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Results showed a reduction in burnout levels, with improvements in disengagement and exhaustion scores across participants. Additionally, the intervention increased the frequency of behaviors associated with burnout …

Parasocial Relationships And Women’S Friendship Expectations, Perceptions, And Satisfaction, Renee N. Plaza

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Television (TV) and film have increasingly become meaningful ways for people to connect, whether through discussing content, engaging with celebrities online, or forming imagined relationships with fictional characters. These one-sided connections are known as parasocial relationships (PSR). While prior research has mainly focused on how PSR influence romantic relationships—affecting ideals, expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction—the current study expands this examination to non-romantic relationships, specifically friendships.

The aim of this research is to explore how stronger non-romantic PSR might influence an individual's expectations, beliefs, perceptions, and overall satisfaction with their real-life friendships. Participants completed several assessments, including the Parasocial Relationship Measure, Relationship …