Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

From The Podium To The Press: Coverage Of Kamala Harris's 2024 Convention Address, Sean Ewing, Julia R. Azari

Political Science Faculty Research and Publications

Kamala Harris's nomination at the 2024 Democratic National Convention was both unusual and historic. Not only was she the first woman of color to be nominated for the presidency by a major party, but she also emerged as the party's choice without having competed in any nominating contests, an outcome made possible by Joe Biden's withdrawal from the candidacy. National nominating conventions are important opportunities for parties and candidates to draw media attention, and this coverage shapes the political impact of conventions. This was especially important in 2024, given the shortened nature of the Harris campaign. Using a sample of …

Digitizing Pre-1978 Dissertations At Binghamton University Libraries, Erin Rushton, Caitlin Holton, Jamey Mcdermott

Library Scholarship

In 2023, Binghamton University Libraries initiated a project to digitize its pre-1978 dissertations and make them available in its institutional repository. This Communication on Practice provides an overview of the key decisions made before embarking on the project, the workflow, and the challenges encountered. We drew upon the experiences and lessons learned from other institutions to guide our process, and hope this paper will serve as a resource for those considering similar projects at their institutions.

Crisis, Pressure, And Policy: Can Central Banks Set Boundaries?, Baba N. Yaaba Phd

Bullion

Evolving from simple entities designed to issue national currencies and manage government debt to sophisticated institutions responsible for conducting monetary policy, central banks have had a fascinating journey that has shaped the functioning of modern economies. Today, they are involved in issues outside their original roles and beyond the scope of monetary policy, which may affect credibility in the long run. This study submits that central bankers should learn to professionally resist attempts to get them to take on tasks that are outside their statutory functions. Admittedly, saying no may not be as easy as it sounds, but there is …

Competition And Financial Performance Of Insurance Companies In Nigerian, Toluwa C. Oladele Phd

Bullion

Competition among Nigerian insurance companies has intensified following the consolidation exercise, which aims to strengthen the industry and enhance its performance. Nonetheless, the capacity of insurance companies in Nigeria to compete effectively remains challenging. Hence, this study analysed the impact of competition on the financial performance of insurance companies in Nigeria. Secondary data were obtained from companies' financial reports and analysed using OLS regression. The findings indicated that competition significantly influences the performance of insurance companies. Consequently, the study recommended that regulatory authorities and insurance companies implement measures to foster healthy competition.

Making Markets Work For Rural Women: Exploring Barriers And Policy Options, Bukar Mustapha Phd

Bullion

Rural women are the backbone of small-scale agriculture in Nigeria, yet their connections to formal markets are minimal, which undermines the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5.  This study identifies the barriers inhibiting rural women markets paritciaption and explores strategies for sustaining women's economic empowerment programmes.

A survey approach and desk review methods were applied fr the analysis. The findings revealed that poorer representation in producer organisations, strict cultural norms, limited access to credit, and inadequate infrastructure are the major barriers. This suggests that policies and reforms are crucial for addressing gender-based constraints and enhancing the market participation of rural …

Assessment Of Development Traps In Nigeria: 1985-2021, Aminu Alhassan

Bullion

This article conceptually and theoretically examined the phenomenon of development tarps in Nigeria by adopting stylised facts and a trend analysis approach. Essentially, the findings revealed that the Nigerian economy is ensnared in governance, poverty, and corruption traps. Thus, the poverty trap persists due to many years of persistent poor governance and its impact, while corruption has persistent, domineering, and predictive power on Nigerians. Therefore, the Nigerian elites, especially the political elite, must rise to become the Patriots of Development. Additionally, the Nigerian government should further empower the anti-corruption agencies so that they become effective, rather than merely bark.

Medical Professionals' Perceptions Of Healthcare Artificial Intelligence, Falon M. Costigan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether medical professionals across different levels of expertise show differences in their perceptions of healthcare artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, the researcher hypothesized that participants with more expertise and experience would have greater negative perceptions associated with AI in healthcare compared to participants with a lower expertise level. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating their perceptions of healthcare AI across four components: long-term negative consequences of AI, need for AI safeguards, positive perceptions of AI, and AI control. Participants also completed demographic questions evaluating participants' age, sex, ethnicity, years working in a healthcare setting, medical …

Tolerance Of Homonegativity And Transnegativity Predicts Negative Evaluations Of Lgbt People And Lgbt-Supportive Policies Among Us-Based Heterosexual, Cisgender Participants, Abigail M. Folberg, Jennifer S. Hunt, Ellen D. B. Riggle

Gender and Women's Studies Faculty Publications

Many people in the United States express anti-LGBT attitudes and oppose LGBT rights. These views are perpetuated when others, including allies, tolerate expressions of anti-LGBT bias. In this study, we adapted and validated a measure of tolerance of homonegativity and transnegativity (TOHT), and assessed its associations with evaluations of LGBT people, straight people, support for LGBT rights, and system-justifying ideologies among heterosexual, straight, binary-gendered/non-trans (i.e., cisgender) women and men who identified as liberal, moderate, or conservative (N = 295). Participants completed measures of TOHT, evaluations of LGBT people, support for LGBT rights, authoritarianism, religiosity, and contact with LGBT people. Analyses …

Supreme Court Gives States The Green Light To Go Ham: The Dormant Commerce Clause In Renewable Energy In Light Of National Pork Producers, Ellie Carl

Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law

Two years ago, the Supreme Court slaughtered the Dormant Commerce Clause in its decision in National Pork Producers v. Ross. While the case is not explicitly about environmental law, it significantly affects environmental laws and policies, especially pertaining to state renewable portfolio standards. These state policies are especially prone to Dormant Commerce Clause litigation, given the interstate nature of electric grids. This paper argues that the scope of the Dormant Commerce Clause in light of this decision is appropriate for ensuring that states have adequate wiggle room in renewable energy regulation, but not an excessive amount of leeway so …

Investing In Maryland Safety: Engaging Public Resources And Community Partnerships To Prevent Crime And Violence, Jeffrey A. Butts, Rebecca Balletto, Patricia A. Cobar

Publications and Research

The Research and Evaluation Center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice conducted a review of two innovative initiatives developed by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services: The Thrive Academy (TTA) and the Safer Stronger Together (SST) intervention strategy. The study involved document analysis, online resource review, and interviews with agency staff and leadership. These efforts aimed to understand the design, implementation, and alignment of TTA and SST within Maryland’s broader public safety and crime prevention strategy. Key themes included program effectiveness, operational progress, and community-level impact, providing valuable insights into the Department’s evolving approach to juvenile justice and public …

Navigating Challenges: Public Community College Leadership In The Face Of Existential Crisis, Sarah Lynne Lupton-Houston

School of Public Service Theses & Dissertations

This study answers the question: "When faced with an existential crisis, indicated by declines in key performance indicators, how do public leaders make decisions?" The research uses the Garbage Can Model and Incrementalism combined theoretical framework to explore how public administrators navigate crises in complex, hierarchical, and bureaucratic structures where unpredictable challenges often demand adaptive responses. This study offers insights into decision-making processes that blend reactive, opportunistic choices with measured, gradual adjustments.

The findings from this research contribute to the field of public administration by examining the decision-making strategies used by leaders at public community colleges in Virginia during a …

Law In Bloom: The Roots Of Legal Consciousness And Negotiation In Philadelphia Community Gardens, Vanessa Amsinger , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

This thesis examines how legal consciousness, self-governance, and social networks shape power, participation, and belonging in the Southwark Queen Village Community Garden in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I draw on theories of legal pluralism and network theory to analyze archival documents, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with garden members and leadership. I show that gardeners navigate overlapping formal rules and informal hierarchies, appearing in the form of bylaws, land trust agreements, social ties, and embodied practices, that together produce a complex web of legal consciousness inside the space. Mechanisms of self-governance, like plot assignments and leadership elections, often reinforce social hierarchies …

Disease And Deprivation: Care, Medical Pluralism, And Healthcare Experiences Of Diabetes Patients In Liberia, Prince U.D. Tardeh , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

Equal access to healthcare continues to be a problem across the globe, with people from colonized nations suffering at an even higher rate. Infrastructures and healthcare resources’ limitations in developing nations like Liberia continue to limit how much care citizens, especially low income people can receive for their illnesses. This thesis combines ethnographic fieldwork, history, and quantitative data analysis to describe the issues of access to healthcare in Liberia and the circumstances that have shaped Liberia’s inability to provide adequate care for its citizens. The analysis in this thesis is rooted in weeks long in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, herbalists, …

Agricultural Producers’ Perceptions Of A Regional Extension Agent System, Kimberly Kester-Post, John Rayfield, Dan B. Croom, Paula Burke, Zackary Williams, Brooklyne M. Wassel, Shanna Reynolds, Joshua G. Fuder, Robyn Stewart

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Cooperative Extension in the United States plays a pivotal role in disseminating research-based knowledge to the public. This study investigates the impact of a regional Extension agent system on agricultural producers’ perceived access to Extension resources in Georgia. This research combines quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Results reveal that Georgia agricultural producers strongly prefer locally stationed Extension agents for direct and personal communication. The study indicates that a regional agent system would limit perceived access to Extension resources, potentially leading producers to opt for private scouting services. Participants expressed concerns about restricted access under a regional system. The findings …

Low Tech Hyflex- Implementing Simple Changes To Support Student Engagement, Emmett Tuite

Case studies: Digital Education

This project involved the delivery of hyflex content to a group of part-time work based social care students. All students are currently employed in management roles within the social care sector and are located nationwide. Students attend a 1 year part-time add on level 8 degree in leadership & management in social care. In previous iterations of the programme, students have attended 1 evening per week during the academic semester plus eight Saturdays over the course of the year. Although students are supported by employers to attend (this is a requirement of entry), there have been significant challenges related to …

“To Ponder And Dream”: Gettysburg’S Conflict Heritage And Cultural Constructions Of History In Its Museums, Camryn Counsil

Student Publications

After providing brief historical context and a review of relevant literature, this paper analyzes four overarching concerns that inform the work of Gettysburg’s museums and historical organizations: ensuring commercial success, including underrepresented stories without alienating visitors, balancing scholarly and emotional approaches, and acknowledging the larger political implications of their choices. Using an anthropological approach, this work shows how these larger economic, social, and political concerns influence the construction of history and memory in a conflict heritage site like Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Spatial And Temporal Trends Of Reburns In Western Us Forests, Jackson M. Boyle

Student Publications

In the Western United States, understanding the role of reburns, or repeat wildfires, has become a topic of increased interest as the damages caused by wildfires have risen. While some forests are adapted to frequent burns, others have fire regimes characterized by few or infrequent burns. While all fires alter ecosystems, reburns have been found to specifically lower seeding probability and accelerate or start the shift from forests to shrublands. Despite these ecological impacts, the temporal and spatial trends of reburns remain understudied. Using Google Earth Engine, I analyzed the Composite Burn Index (CBI) dataset to see if reburns are …

Aging In Somerville: A Community Needs Assessment, Ceara Somerville, Caitlin E. Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the City of Somerville. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Somerville residents age 60 or older by engaging the community regarding their experiences and needs relevant to the Council on Aging’s (COA’s) objective to identify and serve the needs of all Somerville citizens 60 and older.

Does Name, Image, And Likeness Increase Gender Inequality In College Athletics?, Aimee Christenson

Political Science Theses and Capstones

In June of 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association adopted its first interim policy regarding Name, Image, and Likeness. From here, college athletes have been able to benefit from opportunities regarding their brand as an athlete. While this development has been historic in its expansion of rights to athletes, it highlights the inequities between male and female athletes. Title IX requires equal opportunity for male and female students. This research raises questions about whether NIL is increasing the disparity between male and female athletes. To answer this question, I looked at NIL data collected by Kyle Ems on the NIL …

Earth Day - Government Documents, Raquel Estrada

Library Display Posters

United States Government documents celebrating Earth Day. Poster contains fun facts from the U.S. Census Bureau & links to other U.S. Government Resources.

Deaf History Month, Raquel Estrada, Emily Gomez

Library Display Posters

Collection of posters created for National Deaf History Month. Poster topics include: General Books, Streaming Films, and Curated Open Access Research Resources created by UTRGV faculty and graduate students. Book and video covers are hyperlinked.

[Nlw] Drawn To Special Collections & Archives, Millie Resendez, Shannon Pensa

Library Display Posters

People are drawn to our collections, which include books and rare books, newspapers and newsletters, maps, photographs, postcards, and so much more. People are also drawn to our quiet spaces and the help we provide throughout their research journey.

To play on this year's National Library Week theme of “drawn to the library,” this digital exhibit will feature items in our collections that are, in fact, drawn. It will draw upon published and illustrated materials, sketches, maps, yearbooks, and drawings and doodles.

National Library Week (NLW) is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play …

Economic Impact Analysis For The Ut Tyler - Longview Small Business Development Center, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar, Marilyn Young, Sara Maldonado, Pedro Gallardo-Toledo

Whitepapers and Technical Reports

This report analyzes the economic impact of the University of Texas at Tyler–Longview Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on the East Texas region. It examines both the center's operational contributions and the effects of the services it provides to local businesses. Between 2020 and 2024, SBDC-supported businesses generated approximately $49.8 million in economic output, with projections of $34.9 million more through 2027. The center's own operations contributed about $3.5 million, with additional expected output of $2.6 million. Using an input-output model, the study highlights the SBDC's role in fostering regional entrepreneurship and economic growth, demonstrating its importance as both a …

Caroliniana Columns - Spring 2025, University Libraries--University Of South Carolina

University South Caroliniana Society Newsletter - Columns

Have Digital Exhibit, Will Travel: “Forest to Furniture” featured at Sumter Museum in early 2025 … p.3

Officers at War: Rethinking Southern Masculinity, Honor, and Violence in the Civil War Era / Dr. Patrick F. Doyle … p.10

Researching Politics, Finance, and Agricultural Subsidies in the Jim Crow Era / Robert Ferguson … p.14

The Unsung Heroes of History / Beth Bilderback … p.16

Primary Sources: Authors Rely on SCL Holdings for Their Research … p.20

The Cost of the Vote: George Elmore and the Battle for the Ballot … p.20

Empowering Communities: How Electric Cooperatives Transformed Rural South Carolina …

From Theory To Practice: A True-Crime Podcast, Lauren V. Peckham

Senior Honors Projects

The Criminal Element is an innovative, victim-centered podcast that bridges the gap between criminological theory and real-world criminal cases. The podcast is designed as an educational resource for undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice students, alongside general audience members interested in learning more about criminological theory. Through the lens of true crime, this podcast is an engaging exploration of foundational and advanced theories while avoiding sensationalism and exploitation, a prevalent problem among true crime media. Each episode connects criminological theoretical concepts – such as strain, social learning, and social disorganization – to contemporary and historical cases, providing listeners with accessible and …

Hillbilly Resurrection: A Response To Reviving Rural America, Jesse J. Richardson Jr.

West Virginia Law Review

No abstract provided.

Letic Poem, Alexis L. Campos, Ixchel Mireles, Byron Haynes, David Kamal, Zachariah Gonzalez

Team - Mere Wudu - Documents

A poem written by Mere Wudu in Ietic and translated into English

Syntax And Grammar, Alexis L. Campos, Ixchel Mireles, Bryon Haynes, David Kamal, Zachariah Gonzalez

Team - Mere Wudu - Documents

Sentence examples written in Ietic and translated to English. Descriptions of how transformations, nouns, conjunctions and verbs are used in our language.

Swadesh List Dictionary, Alexis L. Campos, Ixchel Mireles, Bryon Haynes, David Kamal, Zachariah Gonzalez

Team - Mere Wudu - Documents

An Ietic dictionary.

Research Poster Ietic: The Language Of Mere Wudu, Alexis L. Campos, Ixchel Mireles, Bryon Haynes, David Kamal, Zachariah Gonzalez

Team - Mere Wudu - Documents

2025 Research Poster of The Language of Mere Wudu, Ietic.