Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Investigating Outcomes For English Language Learners In Arkansas Better Chance (Abc) Pre-K, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Josh B. Mcgee, Emily Jordan, Charlene A. Reid

Policy Briefs

Students with limited English proficiency face a number of educational challenges, and there are dramatic achievement gaps between these students and their English proficient peers. This brief describes the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade outcomes of English Language Learner (ELL) students who attend Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) pre-Kindergarten, a state-funded program that is free to income-eligible families. Results indicate that ABC has the potential to improve academic outcomes for ELL students in Arkansas.

A Phenomenological Examination Of The Experience For Deaf Faculty Members In A Post-Secondary Institution In America, Amy Anne Schilling

Online Theses and Dissertations

The experience of Deaf tenure track or tenured faculty in post-secondary education is largely unknown. This qualitative phenomenological examination afforded six Deaf tenure track or tenured faculty to share their experiences. The purpose of this study is to share the day-to-day lived experience of Deaf tenure track or tenured faculty in post-secondary institutions. The goal of the study was to reveal areas of growths and strengths to allow institutions to better recruit, support, and retain Deaf tenure track faculty. Deaf faculty shared their experiences and have overcome barriers leading to success in their field. Interviews were conducted with each participant …

Global Perspectives On Harmful Algal Blooms: Impacts And Responses, Ryan Mitchell

Sustainability and Social Justice

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, economies, and communities. In general, their effects are also likely to worsen and become more frequent because of climate change. This paper will examine contemporary attempts to predict, prevent, monitor, control, and adapt to HABs.

Undergraduate Student Attitudes About Search Data Privacy In Academic Libraries: A Qualitative Research Study, Laura Gariepy

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Purpose and goals

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study on undergraduate students’ attitudes about search data privacy in academic libraries, and their preferences for how librarians should handle information about what they search for, borrow, and download. This is an important topic due to the increasingly data-driven nature of assessment in higher education, contrasted with libraries’ professional commitment to privacy which has historically limited the amount of data collected about student library use. Although the literature is rich with evidence of librarians’ commitment to user privacy, very few studies address user perspectives on this matter.

The central …

Qualities Of Academic Librarians Who Advance Into Middle Management: An Exploratory Factor Analysis, Megan Hodge, Nicole Spoor, Cassidy Sheehan

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

The path to management is difficult for academic librarians without formal supervisory experience, especially in public services. However, little research on how frontline librarians without supervisory experience advance into middle management has been conducted. To determine the extent to which a relationship between certain personal characteristics and librarians’ likelihood to advance exists, a survey was administered to public services librarians who had been promoted into middle management within the previous 5 years. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that charismatic presence, long-term thinking, instruction experience, customer service orientation, interpersonal skills, and ability to achieve tenure/promotion in rank contributed to librarians’ successful advancement.

The Spread Of International Borders As A Prelude To The Spread Of International Borders During Covid-19, David E. Toohey

International Journal of Peace Studies

This article analyzes how Covid-19 has impacted borders and xenophobia. In particular, it looks at how four countries with generally right-wing politics, but not necessarily right-wing viewpoints, have used xenophobia to deal with Covid-19: The United States, Japan, Brazil, and Australia. This paper chronicles the expected rise in blaming other countries for the spread of Covid-19 with unexpected consequences. Rather than solidifying national borders and constituencies in the face of an international threat through xenophobia, right-wing countries have instead created a successful border creation process with little room to expand. The options seem to be a fragmentation of these countries …

Material Deprivation And Human Wealth: The Importance Of The Local In Peacebuilding, Mauricio Meschoulam, Michelle Kawa, Tania Naanous, Sofía Quintanilla, Luisa Castillo, Stefany Rocha, Fernanda Águila, Armando Van Rankin, Arturo Duque, Paola Zuart, Arianne Dalma, Fernanda Baños, Shannon Kenny

International Journal of Peace Studies

Mexico is one of the least peaceful countries in the world. Peace, however, is not limited to the absence of violence for it includes many other aspects related to attitudes, institutions, and structures in a society (IEP, 2021). In this regard, the municipality of Ecatepec in the State of Mexico is an illuminating case study not only for the absence of conditions for structural peace, but also for the impact this has on the perceptions and conceptions of its residents. This paper presents the results of qualitative research carried out in Ecatepec at the request of a dialogue group for …

Information About The Authors

International Journal of Peace Studies

No abstract provided.

International Journal Of Peace Studies Volume 26, Number 2, Winter 2021

International Journal of Peace Studies

No abstract provided.

Illusion Vs. Disillusion: Chinese Viewers' Articulation Of "House Of Cards", Zhaoxi Liu

Communication Faculty Research

This study explores how Chinese viewers articulate the meaning of the Netflix series “House of Cards” through analyzing viewer comments posted on Sohu Video, which streamed the show in China. A qualitative textual analysis of the comments reveals that the Sohu viewers turned the commenting of the show into articulations of democracy and China’s political conditions. In their articulation, some endorsed American democracy as a superb political system, while others resented it as being dark and corrupt, similar to the one in China. Still other viewers made a connection between “Cards” with China’s lack of freedom of speech. These connections …

Race And Jobs At Risk Of Being Automated In The Age Of Covid-19, Kristen E. Broady, Darlene Booth-Bell, Jason Coupet, Moriah Macklin

CCU Faculty Books

No abstract provided.

When To Stop Computing And Start Investing, Sean R. Aguilar, Olga Kosheleva

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze when -- while predicting the future price of a financial instrument -- we should stop computations and start using this information for the actual investment.

Design/methodology/approach: We derive the explicit formulas explaining how the resulting gain depends on the duration of computations.

Findings: We provide an algorithm that enables us to decide the computation time that leads to the largest possible gain.

Originality/value: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first solution to the problem. Following our recommendations will allow investors to select the computation time for which the …

Global Trends In Women’S Employment In Renewable Energy: Continuities, Disruptions, Contradictions, Bipasha Baruah

Data and Test Instruments

Despite clear evidence of the importance to global sustainable development of both SDG 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) and SDG 7 (ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all), and the many synergies between the two goals, empirical data on the status of gender equality in the renewable energy (RE) sector remains sparse. In this chapter, we share findings from an online survey administered by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2018 to understand global trends, opportunities, and constraints for women’s employment in RE. The survey elicited a total of 1,440 …

Navigating Sticky Floors And Glass Ceilings: Barriers And Opportunities For Women’S Employment In Natural Resources Industries In Canada, Bipasha Baruah

Data and Test Instruments

Women make up almost half the Canadian labour force and more than 50% of post-secondary students. However, in natural resources (NR) industries (energy, mining, forestry), they represent less than 20% of the workforce, face persistent wage gaps, hold traditionally gendered roles (in sales, administrative and support services) instead of technical or managerial positions, and are persistently absent from leadership roles. Retention of women is also a big challenge in these industries: many tend to leave their jobs within the first five years of employment, and/or after one or more maternity leaves. Women are very poorly represented in leadership positions (as …

Silent Holy Spirit, January-March 2021

Silent Holy Spirit

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in St. Louis, MO

Silent Holy Spirit Finding Aid

Silent Holy Spirit, January-March 2022

Silent Holy Spirit

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in St. Louis, MO

Silent Holy Spirit Finding Aid

Bimodal And Bilingual: Language Characteristics Of Asl And English Users In Deaf Education, Caitlin Bumpass

2021 Honors Symposium

Background:
• Understanding how language develops in children who are learning two languages can provide a better understanding of language development in general.
• There is an abundant amount of research regarding language skills of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (d/hh); however, it is unclear if researchers are using a similar definition when describing the characteristics of bimodal/bilingualism.
• Bimodal bilingualism is the use of both an oral language and a sign language, which in the U.S. often includes the ability to perceive and produce both American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken and/or written English.

Purpose:
• …

The Diffusion Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication: A Qualitative Application Of Everett Rogers’S Theory Of Diffusion To Aac Refusal And Abandonment Literature, Foster Ellis

2021 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• Empirical evidence demonstrates benefits of AAC communication for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• However, trends of refusal and abandonment of AAC systems by these populations have been documented
• Diffusion of Innovations by Everett Rogers introduces a framework conceptualizing why some innovations encounter uptake while others suffer abandonment or refusal
• The framework includes four factors that are cited as contributing to uptake: the innovation, communication channels, time, and the social system
• This study examines the characteristics important to the innovation factor in order to provide data specific to the innovation of AAC systems
• …

Aac Intervention In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: The Experts’ Perspective, Elizabeth Fulton

2021 Honors Symposium

INTRODUCTION
• There is a lack of research on augmentative and alternative communication in low- and middle income (LAMI) countries. Without research, people in LAMI countries with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are left without effective services.
• Currently, there are high levels of disparities in speech intervention for individuals with IDD in LAMI countries.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• What do you see as the most pressing disparities limiting communication outcomes for individuals with IDD who require AAC in LAMI countries?
• What do you see as the largest barriers precluding LAMI countries from addressing those disparities?
• What do you …

The Effects Of Chemotherapeutic Agents On Cognitive Function: A Literature Review, Corinne Menz

2021 Honors Symposium

Chemotherapy is commonly the first-line treatment for various types of cancers. However, adverse effects resulting from treatment can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life while receiving chemotherapy as well as once the therapy course has been completed. The most commonly experienced effect is chemotherapy related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and is often referred to as “chemobrain”. This review attempts to explore the potential causes of cognitive decline, effects of chemotherapy treatment, and subjective patient reports. Relevant research was compiled in order to understand CRCI and its implications for the care of cancer patients.

Defining Bimodal Bilingualism Within The Field Of Speech-Language Pathology, Jaycie Strunk

2021 Honors Symposium

BACKGROUND
• Speech-language pathologists work with a variety of individuals that each uniquely have their own journey in learning and using language for communication. Many times, professionals are working with those with hearing loss, who are diverse in their use of communication.
• 14.9% of children in between the ages of 6-19 years suffer from hearing loss (Niskar, 1998). This is a large group of individuals that speech-language pathologists serve, each with different goals and needs.
• According to the CDC, around 90% of children born with a congenital hearing loss are born to parents who are not deaf, which …

Facilitating Transition: Moving Beyond High School As A Member Of The Autism Spectrum Community, Cameron Sturgeon, Anna Krizman, Brittany Tran

2021 Honors Symposium

This research seeks to investigate the transition process of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from high school to post graduation life from the perspective of the transitioning youths’ caregivers. Data has been collected through an online survey, providing qualitative research, of parents’ perception of their children’s transition processes. This research is an important insight on how to better help individuals with ASD gradually navigate new school and lifestyle changes. On this poster you will find an introduction, list of material, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, direction of future research, references, and acknowledgements.

Perspectives Of Caregivers On Early Onset Dementia: An Investigation Of The Role Of Attachment And Shifts In Identity, Claire Wood

2021 Honors Symposium

Early onset dementia (EOD), diagnosed earlier than 65, is an incurable, neurogenic disease that impacts every aspect of individual and family life as it progresses through three stages. The scope of caregiving broadens from initially helping with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and progressing to assistance with essential activities of daily living (ADL) as dementia deepens. The physical demands of caregiving and emotional demands of caring about a loved one who is losing themselves are challenges that impact quality of life. Understanding the role that identity preservation plays as dementia deepens becomes a quality-of-life priority for caregivers and …

Loss And Attainment Of Identity For Individuals Experiencing Early-Onset Dementia, Benjamin Wright

2021 Honors Symposium

Dementia is a progressive neurogenic disease impacting individuals younger than 65 years old who often are working, raising families, and contributing to society. Individuals experiencing early-onset dementia (EOD) gradually lose selfperception, and others including family may no longer perceive them as the people they once were. How can caregivers and therapists protect and preserve a sense of identity that will contribute to quality of life? Narrative research claims storytelling stitches together fragments of life and is a tool for understanding oneself and negotiating this with others. Understanding the impact of narrative shifts that reflect changing identity and personhood could facilitate …

The Role Of Dehumanization In The Nazi Era In Activating The Death Drive Resulting In Genocide, Stewart Gabel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dehumanization can be defined in part as a process by which a powerful individual or group (the victimizers) actively denies or withdraws a second individual’s or group’s (the victim’s) sense of human worth or personal value. Dehumanization is an especially virulent form of denigration of the Other and is known to have harmful psychological consequences on victims.

The thesis of this dissertation is: Dehumanization, applied in an increasingly severe manner to demean, subjugate and control Jews in Nazi dominated territories during the Nazi era (1933-1945), activated a “death instinct/drive” (Freud 1920; 1923/1960; 1930) that was used to resolve an extreme …

Intellectual Property Rights In The Seed Industry: Barriers To Sustainable Agriculture, Elena A. Filatova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The dynamics of the dominant industrial agriculture system restrict the seed industry’s innovative landscape, leading to significant negative consequences including an exacerbation of environmental risks which threaten global food security. This thesis explores how exclusionary intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the context of the seed industry constrict innovation, evolutionary pathways, and opportunities for the implementation of sustainable agriculture methods. To overcome these barriers, the application of an open source framework to seed innovation, specifically through the platform of the Open Source Seed Initiative, is evaluated as a tool for enhancing innovative capacities in seed development while broadening the accessibility and …

Challenging The Limitations Of Asserting Jurisdiction: A Case Study Of The South China Sea, Joshua Villanueva

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The South China Sea dispute challenges the future development of maritime legal order and international law. China’s behavior in the South China Sea challenges widely accepted rules governing maritime jurisdiction worldwide as it tries to expand the limits of its jurisdiction. In China’s view, the Arbitral Tribunal in Philippines v. China also challenged the jurisdiction of the UNCLOS by taking a highly political issue related to sovereignty. This thesis argues that mere rhetorical rejection of China’s actions in the South China Sea will not determine the resolution of the dispute. China’s behavior will be dependent on striking the right balance …

Exploring The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Paternal Warmth: Does Racial Identity Moderate This Relationship And Does Depression, Anxiety, And Physical Health Mediate This Relationship?, Stephanie Rachel Speer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Childhood trauma has a direct impact on parenting. Parents with a history of adverse childhood experiences are more likely to struggle with mental illness in adulthood and have children at an augmented risk for behavioral health issues. However, most of this work has focused on mothers, and few studies have explored how adverse childhood experiences influence paternal warmth and father involvement. Research on fathering has identified personal (e.g., age, race, income, parental stress, depression, and anxiety) and social (e.g., residential and relationship status, co-parenting) predictors of paternal warmth and father involvement. While poor physical health may influence parenting behaviors, …

An Examination Of Racial And Ethnic Differences In Internalized Mental Health Stigma And Perceived Mental Health Barriers Due To Stigma Among Women Veterans, Christe’An D. Iglesias

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The stigma associated with mental illness can serve as a barrier for receiving treatment. Veterans may avoid seeking care due to stigma-related negative beliefs about one’s self or others. Research suggests that the stigma of mental illness can adversely impact service utilization. Although studies have shown that racial and ethnic minoritized individuals are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes, no studies have examined how mental illness stigma differs across racial groups among women veterans. The objective of this secondary analysis is to examine how internalized mental health stigma and perceived barriers to access to care related to mental …

Twentieth Century Pandemic Narratives And Mental Health Discourse, Kristy R. Barraza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper utilizes René Girard’s theories concerning plague literature to examine twentieth century pandemic novels’ engagement with mental health discourses surrounding anxiety and melancholia. Girard argues that plague literature consists of four main elements: contamination, dissipation of differences, doubles, and sacrifice; he also argues that the plague represents violence. In 1918, a plague of influenza killed more people in the United States than all the wars from the twentieth century combined. William Maxwell’s They Came Like Swallows and Katherine Anne Porter’s Pale Horse, Pale Rider depict the trauma caused by the 1918 pandemic; Maxwell shows how the 1918 influenza disrupted …