Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of Race On Admission, Clinical Outcomes, And Disposition In Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights From The National Inpatient Database, Tijin A. Mathew, Teresa M. Varghese, Nithya Krishnakumaran, George M. Varghese, Khwaja S. Haq, Akshita Khosla, Rojymon Jacob, Gina Vaccaro

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma, malignancies arising from the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, has increased in incidence in the United States over the past few decades. The reported incidence of cholangiocarcinomas is high, particularly in specific racial groups such as Asian and Pacific Islander patients. Race also significantly impacts disparities in healthcare utilization and clinical outcomes. Our study focused on the impact of race on admission, clinical outcomes, and disposition of cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of cholangiocarcinoma-related hospital admissions, using the National Inpatient Sample for the year 2022. Patients were stratified according to race into the following groups: White, …

Big Five Personality Traits As Predictors Of Funeral Directors’ Job Satisfaction, Teresa Busick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

By 2037, annual deaths in the United States are expected to exceed 3.6 million, over 1 million more than in 2015. At the same time, the funeral service industry faces a serious staffing problem, with about 50% of funeral directors leaving the profession within 2 years. These combined challenges highlight the need to understand what contributes to job satisfaction and helps to retain these workers in this essential field. This quantitative correlational study examined whether the Big Five personality traits predict job satisfaction among funeral directors. Thus, the Big Five model of personality traits was used to guide the study. …

The Human Catalyst And Extractivist Fiction: A Close Reading Of Siddhartha Sarma’S Year Of The Weeds And Pundalik N Naik’S The Upheaval, Elwin Susan John Dr

Critical Humanities

Literary narratives have been abetting the various global faces of climate crisis, ever since the disciplines of humanities and social sciences have become vocal about the Anthropocene. The discussions have been mostly centered around the discourses of capitalism, imperialism, rights and subalterity. By reading some of these foundational grips on ecological crisis, the present essay analyses literary narratives on mining and extraction in India from the standpoint of a human catalyst; which is defined as an entity that can cause a chain reaction, that may or may not result in the annihilation of the initial catalyst. The essay will begin …

The Extraction Unconscious: Solar-Powered Utopias In Catching The Sun (2015) And In The Name Of Lithium (2021), Isidora Cortés-Monroy

Critical Humanities

By comparing the depictions of future energy regimes in the two ecodocumentaries, Catching the Sun (2015) and In the Name of Lithium (2021), this article explores representations of post-carbon futures from the US and Argentina. Read closely alongside Frederic Jameson’s notions of utopias, the article delineates the extent to which a solar powered future challenges and reiterates current neocolonial extractivist structures. Basing myself on Patricia Yaeger’s concept of an “energy unconscious,” I argue that these solar utopias maintain an “extraction unconscious” that continues to produce sacrifice zones where primary commodities needed for the energy transition can be found. By analysing …

Towards An Indigenous Climate Epistemology: Bringing The Newa Literary Tradition Of The Swasthani Vrata Katha In Conversation With The Festival Tradition Of The Macchindra Nath Jatra, Shangrila Joshi Dr.

Critical Humanities

This paper brings into conversation two Newa cultural traditions to articulate notions of climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation, to illustrate how ways of knowing, ways of being, and ways of governing are inherently linked. These articulations offer a framework for developing what the author calls an Indigenous Climate Epistemology. The two cultural traditions reviewed include: a 17^th century Newa literary tradition that advocates for keeping oil in the ground, and that instructs ordinary people to engage in ritual acts seemingly designed to develop personal and community resilience; and a 1700 year old annual community festival designed to avert catastrophes …

Imposter Syndrome And Degree Completion Among Marginalized Graduate Students, Ryan A. Finner

2025 Symposium

Imposter Syndrome is a mindset that troubles many graduate students across various countries, degree programs, ethnicities, sexualities and genders. The term Imposter Syndrome refers to the feeling of being a fraud, despite achieving success and the persistent fear of being exposed as unqualified or undeserving. While this phenomenon affects many, it can appear much worse in marginalized populations, this is due to the lack of resources, support and representation of minorities in professional and higher education environments. This research focuses on marginalized graduate students and aims to figure out what key factors are leading to incomplete or delayed degree completion. …

Blood Flow Occlusion Superimposed On Low-Volume, Low-Intensity Knee Extensions Does Not Evoke Hypoalgesia: A Pilot Study, Sophie-Jayne Morgan, Jenny Zhang, Neil Lemay, Neda Khaledi, Saied J. Aboodarda

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 9, 2025. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a transient decrease in pain perception that can be observed following various tasks, including low-intensity and high-intensity exercise. The application of blood flow occlusion (BFO) can help enhance exercise adaptations while being able to exercise at a low intensity, which has important implications for clinical and rehabilitative settings. Through descending inhibitory pathways, BFO-induced pain can potentially alleviate exercise-induced pain. This study aimed to assess whether the superimposition of BFO – and its associated augmented perceived responses – during low-intensity, low-volume resistance exercise could …

Los Mapas Gráficos Multi-Dato De Los Viajes Científicos De Humboldt Como Precedente De Los Modernos Sistemas Socio-Ecológicos, Norberto Muñiz Martínez

Homage to Alexander von Humboldt: Travels to and from Spain Throughout the Centuries / Homenaje a Alexander von Humboldt: Viajes hacia y desde España de todos los siglos

Este artículo analiza el papel visionario de Alexander von Humboldt como científico geógrafo que sentó las bases de la integración de los análisis geográfico-ecológicos y los humano-sociales. Humboldt fue precursor de la interdisciplinaridad científica, integrando la observación científico-empírica basada en la recogida de datos, con un subjetivismo compatible con el sentimiento hacia la naturaleza y los seres vivos. Humboldt aunó metodológicamente ese enfoque dual en análisis gráficos que captaban las complejidades derivadas de los sistemas complejos y emergentes, donde el todo en su conjunto es más que la suma de partes fragmentadas. Su visión combinaba análisis de ámbito local y …

Artificial Intelligence Policies In Bioethics And Health Humanities: A Comparative Analysis Of Publishers And Journals, Christopher Bobier, Daniel Rodger, Daniel Hurst

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) pose novel ethical and practical challenges for scholarly publishing. Although AI-related policies are emerging in many disciplines, little is known about the extent and clarity of AI guidance in bioethics and health humanities journals.

METHODS: A search of publicly available journal lists from the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, Health Humanities Consortium, and Association for Medical Humanities was supplemented with Google Scholar's top 20 bioethics journals ranked by h5-index. This yielded 54 unique journals, of which 50 remained after excluding those without a functional website or recent publications. AI policies were reviewed …

Introduction To Sociology: Sociology - An Introduction, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

This comprehensive overview explores the foundational concepts, historical evolution, and seminal theorists of sociology, tracing its origins from the transformative revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries to its modern-day significance. Central themes include the sociological imagination of C. Wright Mills, the complex interplay between individual experience and societal structure, and the pivotal roles of social structure, action, functional integration, power, and culture in shaping human relations. The discussion highlights the lasting contributions of early sociologists such as Auguste Comte, Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, Max Weber, and George Herbert Mead, examining how their theories continue to inform contemporary …

Introduction To Sociology: Interaction And Social Structure, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate interplay between micro- and macro-sociological perspectives on social interaction, identity, and structure. Through an examination of theoretical approaches such as symbolic interactionism, dramaturgy, and social exchange, it highlights how individuals construct and perform identities within complex webs of social expectations—particularly shaped by factors like race, status, and role dynamics. The discussion extends to the function of social networks in influencing opportunities, notably in the context of employment, underscoring the nuanced role of weak ties. The analysis further delves into the significance of social status, distinguishing between ascribed, achieved, master, and salient statuses, and examines …

Effects Of Self-Monitoring On Teachers’ Behavior-Specific Praise And Students’ Behavior In A Center-Based Classroom, Samantha Walsh

Theses

The current study explores the effects of self-monitoring on teachers' use of behavior-specific praise (BSP) and its impact on student behavior in a center-based classroom. Self-monitoring, a cost-effective and time-efficient intervention, has been proven effective in previous research for enhancing educator performance. However, previous studies have often combined self-monitoring with other interventions, leaving a gap in understanding its effects in isolation. This study aims to replicate the work of Justus et al. (2023) by examining the impact of self-monitoring on paraprofessionals in a center-based classroom with students aged 6-10. Using a multiple baseline design across participants, three paraprofessionals were trained …

Using Web Scraping As A Tool To Collect School Nutrition Data, Aaron Brown

Student Works

Web scraping, a technique for collecting publicly available online data, may facilitate collecting school meal data from large, national samples of school districts in a timely, cost-effective manner. We explore its potential by examining the variation in sodium content of 2 popular entrees served through the US Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program—pizza and chicken nuggets. Daily school menu data were obtained from a national sample of school districts via web scraping. Linking web scraped data to publicly available data on school districts permitted examination of entree sodium content variation across school district geographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Such …

Our Ethical Duty: Assessing The Competencies Of Counselors-In-Training For Counseling With Transgender And Gender Expansive Clients, Deanna N. Cor, M. N. Saltis, Megan Doughty Shaine, Lauren Streeter

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Counselors report a lack of competence in working with transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals. TGE people report a lack of competent and affirming care. This study used the Gender Identity Counselor Competency Scale- Revised (GICCS-R) to understand self-reported competence and training levels in working with this population. Participants were 90 masters-level counselors in training who had at least started practicum in CACREP-accredited programs. Hierarchical linear regression was utilized to determine factors that predict competence including identities and training levels. Results highlight a lack of perceived competence in skill-based training. Counselor education programs must focus on improving TGE affirmative skills.

Introduction To Sociology: The Family, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of modern family structures, analyzing their diverse forms, core functions, and the challenges they face within contemporary society. Drawing on recent research and theoretical frameworks, it examines the transformation of parenthood—especially single fatherhood—the shifting definitions of family and kinship, and the influence of family structure on emotional security, socialization, and reproductive roles. The discussion highlights the rise of dual-career households, increased grandparental involvement, the complexities of blended and single-parent families, as well as the growing acceptance of cohabitation and child-free couples. Special attention is given to persistent social problems, such as the cycles …

Introduction To Sociology: Sex And Gender, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the complex interplay between sex and gender, focusing on how societal structures, historical contexts, and cultural norms shape gender roles and expectations. Drawing on the works of influential theorists such as Margaret Mead and researchers like Maccoby and Jacklin, the discussion distinguishes between biological sex differences and socially constructed gender distinctions. The analysis highlights the pervasive influence of gender socialization through agents such as family, peers, educational institutions, and media, which collectively reinforce stereotypes and stratify opportunities for individuals. The evolution of gender stratification is traced from the post-World War II era to the present, documenting …

Introduction To Sociology: Culture, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

A Synthesis of Sociological Perspectives on Culture and Social Evolution This paper provides an in-depth exploration of culture as a foundational element in the study of sociology, dissecting its central components—knowledge, language, symbols, values, norms, and material objects—and their profound impact on society. Through the examination of cultural integration and diversity, the analysis foregrounds the dynamic tensions between assimilation and the preservation of subcultures, illustrating how these forces shape identities, relationships, and social cohesion in contemporary contexts. The discussion offers nuanced insights into the processes by which dominant and minority cultures interact, negotiate power, and navigate the challenges of …

Nursing Homes As Total Institutions: Applying The Concept Of Quality Control To Improve Patient Care, Josephine A. Ruggiero

Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Sociology: Class And Stratification, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate dynamics of class, stratification, and social inequality, emphasizing the interplay of wealth, power, and prestige in shaping individual opportunities and societal outcomes. Drawing on foundational theories from Marxist and functionalist perspectives, it examines the mechanisms by which economic and social structures reinforce or challenge class divisions. The analysis extends to the evolution of American economic disparity, particularly during the transformative 1980s, and examines policies aimed at addressing poverty, such as those articulated by Sar Levitan and the implementation of the Social Security Act. Through a nuanced discussion of cultural capital, the role of …

A Multidimensional Preclinical Investigation Of The Biogenic Amine Depletion And Subchronic Swim Models Of Fibromyalgia, Cassie M. Argenbright, Ian F. Scully, Damaris Flores, Perry N. Fuchs

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Pain is a multidimensional phenomenon, encompassing affective-motivational, cognitive-evaluative, and sensory-discriminative domains. Understanding these components is crucial for effective diagnosis and management, particularly in conditions like fibromyalgia (FM), where pain is of unknown etiology. However, attempts to replicate FM through preclinical models often fail to replicate the disorder’s multidimensionality. These studies evaluated the multidimensionality of two primary preclinical FM models—biogenic amine depletion(reserpine) and subchronic swim stress—across all three pain dimensions, and these models assessed predictive validity using the FDA-approved pharmacologic duloxetine (Cymbalta®). Additionally, the combinations of these models assessed whether their integration better mirrors clinical manifestations. The biogenic amine depletion model …

A Systematic Review Of Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (Rest), Elnaz Lashgari, Emma Chen, Jackson Gregory, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) is a therapeutic technique that involves immersing an individual in an environment with minimal sensory input or stimulation. The goal of REST is to induce a state of relaxation that is deeper than what can be achieved through other forms of relaxation techniques. Research suggests that REST can help reduce anxiety, alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep, and enhance creativity and cognitive function. Flotation-REST is a popular type of REST that utilizes an enclosed tank filled with buoyant saltwater to facilitate relaxation. This study aimed to synthesize the evidence on studies that investigate the effects …

External Challenges For Individuals Who Need Or Use Aac Who Are Learning Language: Lived Experiences, Key Research Findings, And Future Directions, Christine Holyfield, Janice Light, Dana Nieder, Jamie Preece

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Language skills are essential to effective communication, but learning language is by no means a simple process for individuals with developmental disabilities who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood. Research demonstrates that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions positively impact development across language domains (e.g., pragmatics, semantics, morphosyntax) and may also benefit speech production. However, these gains can only be realized if people have timely access to effective AAC and have meaningful opportunities to interact with others. This paper integrates the lived experiences of individuals who need or use AAC and their families with key research …

The Use Of Burt’S Method In Rationalizing The Cost Of Time And Evaluating The Performance Companies: An Applied Study In State Company For Textile And Leather Industries - Hilla Textile Factory, Aqeel Jaber Kadhim

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Burt’s method is a significant process research method that provides information that directly affects the scheduling process of complex projects and planning and monitoring their completion. As a result, it has gained notoriety among practitioners in the field of specialization and offers additional advantages through computer systems for completion. It seeks to finish the project as quickly as possible while using the resources and capabilities that are available and at the lowest feasible cost. The evaluation of the performance of companies is represented in the extent of the ability of the company’s management to evaluate the performance of its activities …

Developing Affirmative Housing And Building Community For Older Lgbtq+ Adults In Spokane, Washington, Katie Diane Miller

2025 Symposium

This qualitative, exploratory study seeks to propose potential community interventions that will increase access to inclusive housing and decrease social isolation among LGBTQ+ individuals over 50 years of age based on currently available data. Social isolation has been recognized as a public health issue widely impacting communities across the United States. The older LGBTQ+ population is especially impacted by social isolation because of systemic discrimination and limitations. LGBTQ+ older adults in the US have historically faced a lack of legal protections, gaps in healthcare access, and structural and interpersonal inequity because of system development that support binary beliefs. These factors …

Gaining Insights Into Community Engagement Efforts: Learning From Preservice Stem Educators, Amy G. Maples, Lynn L. Hodge, Nick Kim

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study seeks to extend research in the field by exploring literature examining preservice teachers’ perceptions of community engagement efforts. We then report findings from a thematic analysis of a survey conducted with teacher candidates at a university in the southeastern U.S. who took part in school- and community-based STEM events, and provide implications and suggestions for utilizing community engagement opportunities as a means of enriching preservice teachers’ understandings of local school and community contexts.

This Is Why We Do It: Faculty Motivations For Embracing Community-Engaged Pedagogy, Magdalena Denham, Lee M. Miller, Joyce K. Mccauley, Danica Schieber, Taylor L. Morrison, Chuck Drumm

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Institutions of higher education are increasingly highlighting community engagement activities to make the benefits of higher education more visible. The most transformational community engagement is linked to curriculum, so it is faculty who must incorporate community-engaged pedagogy. This content analysis of faculty narratives about community engagement reveals motivations for faculty to engage in this work. These findings connect to social capital theory and suggest a new direction for faculty development efforts to promote community engagement.

The Role Of Cultural Brokers In Community-Based Research, Rachel Boit, Joy Birabwa, Dhoha Altaki, Savannah Bayer, Michele Kamau, Linda Hestenes

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Cultural brokers play a critical role of helping researchers navigate cultural and language barriers to gain insight into communities. This paper focuses on one cultural broker who helped facilitate community-based research among the refugee community. Her professionalism, expertise and knowledge of the community made her a valuable resource for both the researchers and the community. This work acknowledges the position of power and privilege that cultural brokers hold in community research.

Town And Gown: Engagement And Collaboration Between Local Municipalities And Institutions Of Higher Education, Vivian González Cueto

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The role of the local government within the context of engagement and collaboration with universities has largely been understudied. Employing a cross-sectional design, this study of 67 universities and 78 municipalities from 29 states examines how collaborative capacity impacts university and local government perceptions of engagement and collaboration with each other. The findings indicate that local government trust is the primary catalyst for both engagement and collaboration between the parties.

Community Engagement In Music Therapy: Reflections From The Field, Jess Rushing, Denise M. Cumberland

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper reflects on a music therapy community engagement project that incorporates clinical training, service learning, and community music therapy. Two faculty members and a practicum student in a Midwestern university engaged community members connected to Parkinson’s disease to create a music-based program. We offer a conceptual framework that connects approaches situated within community music therapy (CoMT) qualities and community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. We share project processes, findings, and recommendations, emphasizing all as equal stakeholders.

Positively Impacting Traffic Safety Culture For Indigenous Youth: A Heritage-Focused Approach, Jacob Steven Pehrson, Ahmed Abdel-Rahim, Logan Prescott

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper presents the development of heritage-focused outreach materials with the objectives of positively impacting traffic safety culture for Indigenous youth to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes impacting these communities. The approach presented in this paper includes involving local community leaders in traffic safety education and incorporating culturally based material in outreach education. This could empower Tribal communities to preserve their cultural identities while acquiring the expertise needed to promote traffic safety.