Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Predicting Groundwater Spring Locations From Topographic And Climatic Data Using Maxent Modeling, Ayten Ece Koc

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The World Resources Institute reveals that 17 countries face extremely high levels of water stress. Moreover, with increasing population and industrialization, the gap between water supply and demand increases day by day around the world. Groundwater is a key freshwater source, and springs are important resources as they enable to access groundwater. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor, protect, and manage groundwater springs. The first step in spring management is to recognize and define freshwater resources and to determine the locations of groundwater springs that serve as natural discharge points. Traditionally, field studies have been employed to determine the locations …

Peer-Supervision Of Nursing Professionals: A Shield Against Burnout, Kyle Gamache, Sarah Gamache, Joseph Robillard

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Burnout is a major risk in healthcare professions and is a significant contributor to the current nursing shortage. Strategies to combat burnout of healthcare professionals are in desperate need. The purpose of this project is to introduce the clinical peer supervision model as a method to alleviate burnout in nursing professionals.

Approach: Eight nurses from in-patient settings participated in a peer-supervision support group, modeled after existing European nursing and mental health provider-support protocols. To assess the effect of this intervention, qualitative data analysis was conducted on the transcripts of session and the results described. All participants reported statistically high …

An Empirical Analysis Of Foreign Trade And Institutional Quality On Economic Growth In Asian Countries, Ruixi Huang

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This investigation explores the connections between foreign commerce, institutional quality, and economic growth in 11 Asian nations, utilizing panel data spanning 2000 to 2021. The countries are classified into Central Asia and Southeast Asia groups. Economic growth serves as the dependent variable, while trade openness, FDI, institutional quality, human capital, and terms of trade act as independent variables. The outcomes reveal that only total life expectancy at birth significantly influences Central Asian countries' economic growth. Furthermore, trade openness, FDI net inflows, and governance indicators considerably affect Southeast Asian nations. The results also indicate that institutional quality's impact on economic growth …

An Empirical Analysis Of The Impact Specific Crimes Have On Property Values In Massachusetts, Jake Scott

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This research paper examines the impact of specific crime types on property values in urban areas. Using a dataset of property sales and crime data from several cities in Massachusetts, a regression analysis is applied to estimate the effect of different crime types on property values. Our findings suggest that certain types of crime, such as violent crimes and drug-related offenses, have a significant negative impact on property values, while other types of crime, such as property crimes and white-collar crimes, have a relatively small effect on property values. We also find that the effect of crime on property values …

Educations Effect On Income Inequality: A Panel Data Analysis, Nicholas Garbarino

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the effects of education amongst other factors on income inequality in Europe. This study examines if countries who have higher educational attainment have lower income inequality or if having higher educational attainment has no effect on income inequality. The study will include data from several European countries over two different time periods and the results will then be compared at a country level and at an overall level to see how education affects income inequality. The regression results show that a country that has higher educational attainment is more likely to have lower income inequality. These findings …

Granger Causality Test For Agricultural Production To Economic Growth In Thailand, Joshua Soares

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This study will dive into looking at the relationship of GDP growth and agricultural production in Thailand. In order to complete this study, we will use a Unit Root test, a Johanson Cointegration Test, a Granger Causality test, and finally an Impulse response function. The results will be able to show us whether or not there is a causal relationship between agricultural production and GDP growth. The results of the tests showed us that our only variable that had any significance was Thailand’s Net Trade.

Exploring The Relationship Between Exchange Rate Pass-Through And Cpi Inflation In Mainland China And India, Edward Zhou

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

By examining the link between exchange rate transmission and cpi inflation across countries, we investigate whether there is a considerable link between the two. In this paper, we examine data for two representative Asian countries, mainland China and India, to determine whether there is a relationship between the two. The study finds no significant link between exchange rate and cpi inflation for China by comparing 40 years of data for these two countries, but for India, there is a particularly clear link. The difference between the two is mainly due to the different exchange rate control systems implemented by the …

Relationship Experiences And Parenting Attitudes, Mckayla Overton, Colleen Biri

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Attachment styles are a popular topic of study in psychology. Despite there being a lot of research available on how one’s attachment style as a child influences other relationships, there is a lack of research available on the relationship between one’s attachment style and one’s subsequent parenting attitudes. To study this, an online survey was distributed containing questions about attachment style and parenting attitudes. This study hypothesized that participants with a secure attachment style will score higher on both the warmness scale and rules scale of the parenting attitudes section of the survey. Data was collected from 164 respondents. Results …

The Potential Economic Impact Of The Trans Pacific Partnership: The Relationship Between Free Trade Agreements And Gdp Growth Rates, Kaylee Wilson, Jeanie Thies

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This research proposal intends to assess the relationship between economic growth rate and participation in free trade agreements. The study will examine the potential economic impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership(TPP) by first considering the economic impact of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP). While the TPP presented several challenges for congress, significant evidence reveals the U.S. may now be at a disadvantage for not remaining in the agreement. Within a 4-year time frame, this research proposal will determine if CPTPP participants have experienced considerably greater real GDP growth rates than the U.S. (who did not participate). Drawing comparisons …

Implementation Of A Marshall-Style Plan For Africa As Part Of U.S. Development Policy And Foreign Assistance, Joselle Mensah, Jeanie Thies

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this proposal project is to evaluate current U.S. development policy and foreign assistance, with a specific emphasis on Africa. Recent research indicates that the original Marshall Plan, implemented in 1948 to rebuild postwar Europe through economic aid, provides a framework for future development policies. In order to successfully foster long-term establishment of democratic structures and economic prosperity, this study design, a natural experiment, focuses on pre-selected African countries, studying the implementation of a Marshall-style Plan for Africa. The findings are to be examined in an in-depth analysis and will conclude to what degree U.S. development policy ought …

Gis Observations Of Missouri Amphibian Diversity, Kat Townsend, Tara Vansell

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Over the past decade, amphibian populations have been noticeably declining. As struggles between climate change, human development, and sustaining healthy ecosystems grows, it is vital to understand how these threats impact amphibians. Missouri has a rich diversity of toads, frogs, and salamanders but some of these species are struggling, such as the spring peeper and Ozark hellbender. Projects such as the St. Louis Zoo’s Frog Watch and iNaturalist observations have been implemented to involve citizens of Missouri in collecting valuable data pertaining to where amphibians are present and establishing where populations are struggling to thrive. The goal of this project …

The Human And Environmental Concerns Of The Ohio Train Derailment Using Geographic Information Systems, Lillian M. Nix, Tara Vansell

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio poses many long term concerns for humans and the environment. Over a hundred thousand gallons of hazardous chemicals were released into the air, soil, and waterways after the train derailed and started a fire. Norfolk Southern performed a controlled burn of the chemicals after residents were told to evacuate. Was this really the best solution? Geographic Information Systems (GIS) datasets and tools can be used to get a better understanding of the impact the accident has had on the community. Overlaying datasets of waterways and cropland onto a map can help …

Kng Furniture: A Social Media Strategic Plan, Nicolas Martinez, Gavin Winders

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

In Defense Of Imperfect Solutions, Victoria Hoover

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Type 1 Diabetes Education And Familial Connections – Bonds Beyond Appearance, Tristan Bonilla

Undergraduate Research Conference

Type 1 Diabetes is becoming exceedingly normalized in modern day society. Diabetes is one of the most common genetic , chronic conditions of the 21st century Because diabetes shuts down the pancreas, causing little to no insulin to be produced by the body , diabetics require costly insulin and other medications to live. When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they face costly treatments, stress, anxiety , and an array of health problems. Now, what about a family where more than half of the members are type 1 diabetics? This case study highlights the effects and relation between a family consisting …

Substance Misuse Intervention Proposal For Harrison County, Tristen Alvarez, Lanetta Williams, Kate Mares, Val Modisette, Keren Fuentes, Matilyn Liles

Undergraduate Research Conference

Background: A report produced in 2021 analyzing substance misuse in Panola, Harrison, and Gregg counties emphasized the need for intervention on substance misuse in the area. We decided to create a therapeutic community program to be implemented in the Harrison County Jail to target the specific need of the inmates with substance charges and Harrison County as a whole. Our approach was guided by the Community Partnership Model.

Music Training And Cognitive Function, Madilyn Waters, Michiko Nohara-Leclair

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Music training is defined as the instruction on a musical instrument, and it requires the simultaneous use of several cognitive functions: perception, memory, attention, and learning, in particular. I set out to determine if any associations exist between music training and increased cognitive function. After extensive research on various topics, I discovered that there are several significant associations between cognition and music training. Dementia, as well as other cognitive impairments, were shown to occur less in individuals that participated in music training. Attention, working memory, and intelligence showed significant positive associations with music training. Also, music training can also be …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children, Shannon Troy, Michiko Nohara-Leclair

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This research paper looks into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, specifically in children. ADHD is a disorder that influences one’s attention span and overall concentration in individuals and is a significant diagnosis involving children in the United States. This disorder has noticeable informalities regarding cognitive functions, as well as brain structure, in both adults and children with ADHD. Along with cognitive abnormalities, it also showed ADHD hinders a child’s educational experiences, making it hard for them to take in and remember information. With these stunts on the child’s cognitive, educational, and social abilities, it is imperative that the child is not …

Mental Health In Japan And The United States: A Look At Differences And Similarities, Whitney Ford, Michiko Nohara-Leclair

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Not only has research into mental health in Japan and the United States highlighted the differences between these two countries, it has also shown the many similarities they share as well. This research paper focuses on the top three disorders that were reported for each country, a comparison of disorder prevalence between the two countries, preferred treatment types, and degree of stigma expressed within each culture. The research concluded that Japan and the United States share two of their top three diagnosed mental health disorders and they also share similar preferences for treatment options. The notion that suicide rates in …

Picturing Failure And Negative Self-Talk: A Perfect Combo For Choking, Corbin Barnett, Maia Busi

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Athletes and performers can experience a phenomenon called ‘choking’ whereby skill execution and performance decrease beyond self-expected standards due to factors such as performance anxiety. We explored the relationship between choking and how athletes/performers feel their inner experience influenced their choking experience. Participants (N = 63) were recruited to complete an online Qualtrics survey measuring mental imagery and their possible experience of choking in performance. Narrowing down to just those who reported choking (N = 19), participants were asked how much they believed various internal factors influenced the choking event to occur. A repeated-measures ANOVA found that picturing failure and …

Bilingualism: A Cognitive Superpower, Maia Busi, Michiko Nohara-Leclair

2023 Student Academic Showcase

An investigation of bilingualism in terms of the acquisition of a second language (L2), the cognitive benefits shared by people who are bilingual, and academic outcomes of English Language Learners (ELL). Lenneberg’s critical period hypothesis (CPH) is applied to early life acquisition of L2 as well as both means of later life L2 acquisition. Cognitive benefits are shared in moderation by people in every category of bilingualism, and are discussed in depth with regards to executive function processes of working memory and cognitive flexibility. These benefits can be linked back to the process of code-switching, which involves switching between languages …

Sociology Of Sport: Art Analysis "The Shadows Below", Marissa Mcgraw, Suzanne Stoelting

2023 Student Academic Showcase

My painting represents a multitude of different aspects related to the sociological perspective of the issues pertaining to professional sport. These “easter eggs” throughout the painting are reflective of specific readings we discussed in Sociology of Sport class taught by Suzanne Stoelting. I chose these topics to highlight in the piece because I felt as though they had the most impact on me and how I see the world of professional sports in general. Themes such as the theoretical lens of critical and conflict theory, classism, and sexism are what I chose to focus on as they are what I …

Review Of The Effects Of Attributional Styles On Competitive Athletes, Luke Zuelke, Stephanie Afful

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This review is focused on the effects of different attributional styles for competitive athletes. Attributional style refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute behavior to several types of factors. This review analyzes the impacts of six attributional dimensions: external, internal, global, stable, intentional, and controllable (Hanrahan, et al. 1989). These dimensions, most commonly measured via the Sports Attributional Style Scale or SASS (Hanrahan, Grove, & Hattie 1989), each uniquely contribute to an individual’s perception of both individual and team performance. Attributional styles are known to effect athlete’s competitive performance and training, and current studies have indicated that four of …

Mental Imagery And Its Connection To The Universe, Alea Farmer, Michiko Nohara-Leclair

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This poster displays the concept of mental imagery and its relationship to spirituality and religion. Mental imagery is first defined, and its usages and functions are explained. The five principles of mental imagery by Finke (1989) are discussed to understand the complexity of mental imagery. This poster showcases the neurological side of mental imagery, including the role of the cerebral cortex and the pineal gland. It also explains what can stimulate and inhibit mental imagery. The overarching connection between mental imagery and spirituality is shown. Research on ancient religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism is described to show how concepts …

Assertiveness Or Antibiotics?: Self-Assertiveness As A Predictor Of Sexual Health, Zoe Sweaney

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The following study investigated the relationship between various psychological correlates and sexual health. Data was supportive of a significant negative correlation between assertiveness as a personality trait and risky sexual behaviors, indicating that the more confident individuals are in asserting themselves both in general social contexts and within intimate relationships, the less likely they are to be exposed to or engage in high-risk behaviors. The implications for college campuses are significant: future research should explore the effect of scripts and other educational resources on student assertiveness and sexual health. Although our data did not replicate the gender discrepancies found by …

Post Roe V. Wade: Evaluation Of Abortion Attitudes, Justice Jones, Rumbidzai Chisango

2023 Student Academic Showcase

With the recent overturning of Roe v Wade, abortion is at the forefront of many political discussions. This study aims to investigate how exposure to a politically charged topic (abortion) versus a general heath topic (Cancer) affects a person’s bias and social identity. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: abortion or cancer and then completed measures on collective self-esteem, global self-esteem, Conservatism, in-group bias, and demographics. The younger group rated republicans more favourable (t(198) = 2.48, p < .01)., had less abortion knowledge (t(103) = -2.51, p < .01)., and were higher in core conservatism ((t(200) = 2.9, p < .01) compared to the older group. Republicans (in a forced choice question) rated themselves higher and democrats lower, were higher in conservatism, but were lower in prochoice attitudes and abortion knowledge (all p’s < .001). There were no significant differences in conservatism, pro-choice attitudes, and political bias when comparing states with legal abortion access versus illegal abortion laws.

Mixed Methods Analysis Of Perceived Gender Identity In Heterosexual And Lesbian Couples, Ximena Gutierrez, Evan Struempth

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Despite wanting an independent identity we cannot deny that our perceived identity is heavily influenced by who our partner is. Our previous research found that black partners were perceived as significantly more black in intraracial couples (pictured with a black partner) than compared to interracial couples (Grembocki & Afful, 2019). We applied similar methodology to examine how an individual’s perceived identity varies in lesbian relationships when manipulating gender expression via clothing and posture. Our 156 participants were randomly assigned a picture of a couple followed with a short vignette in order to rate compatibility, perceived gender identity, and heteronormative attitudes. …

Review Of Born-Digital Design Records, Nicole Grady Mountjoy

Journal of Western Archives

Book review of Born-Digital Design Records part of the Trends in Archives Practice series by the Society of American Archivists.

The Zionist Mindset: How The Perception Of Israel Pushed Mormonism Toward Apocalypticism, Andrew Barber

Student Research Symposium

Since its very inception, and regardless of sect, the Mormon religious movement has always shared a similar ideology of Millennialism, the belief that Christ is preparing the world and especially Israel, for his imminent return. But especially, the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has felt a parallel between their religious persecution and exodus to the Salt Lake Valley, and the similar Jewish Exodus and religious persecution both in the Old Testament and during the Holocaust.

Analyzing State Reactions To Panserbjørne Coup: A Case Study In Realism, Athena Dupont, Lyra Belacqua Silvertongue

Student Research Symposium

In a global climate of instability and increasingly volatile political shifts in both election-based and non-election-based governments, it is critical to understand how states react to sudden changes in leadership in other nations. While there are numerous theories that try to account for the decision-making processes on an international scale, few of them withstand application to historical case studies. One such study, the 1990s overthrow of Svalbard's King Iofur Raknison by the disgraced former king Iorek Byrnison, offers unique insight into the reactions of other nations. While the Panserbjørne nation is not generally considered a world power, its regional hegemony …