Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Community In Context: Assessing The Needs Of Lgbtq+ Youth And Families In Box Elder County, Utah, Jaylee Cox, Kaitlin Welsh, Maureen Boyle

Student Research Symposium

LGBTQ+ youth experience significant health disparities as a marginalized population yet their service needs are understudied in rural Utah communities. This research project seeks to assess current health and social support services for LGBTQ+ youth and families living in Box Elder County, Utah. This project is coordinated by the Transforming Communities Institute and takes a community-based approach involving the collaborative efforts of community partners, graduate students and their faculty supervisors in the Department of Social Work, and TCI staff. Using the Theory of Change as a framework, the research process started with a community-identified issue followed by developing a context …

The Effectiveness Of Housing First In Improving Mental Health Outcomes Among Homeless Individuals: A Rapid Review, Nya Harper

Student Research Symposium

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review primary research regarding the efficacy of a Housing First (HF) intervention compared to existing treatments for improving mental health outcomes in homeless adults with mental illness.

Methods: A rapid review was conducted from the PubMed database using a predetermined search protocol and inclusion criteria to identify eligible articles.

Results: HF was significantly more effective at helping homeless adults with mental illness become stably housed. HF groups’ subjective measures of mental health were not consistently higher than usual treatment groups.

Conclusion: Evidence supports the efficacy of HF over existing treatments in a …

Reducing Impulsive Choice In Female Rats, Joshua Jones, Christine Layne, Sofia Sperber

Student Research Symposium

Early and prolonged exposure to reward delays has been found to be effective in reducing impulsive choice in male Long-Evans rats. Replication in female subjects ensures that this effect is generalizable across the sexes. Such studies also expand our knowledge of factors associated with impulsive control. The present study randomly assigned 12 female Long Evans rats into a delayed exposure group (DE) or an immediate exposure group (IE). Groups completed 120 sessions (80 trials each) of training. In each of these training trials, rats pressed a lever to earn a food reward. For DE rats, food was delayed by 17.5 …

Comparing Vasopressin Receptor 1a Density In Paired Vs. Widowed Coyote Brains, Jacey Hopkin

Student Research Symposium

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neuropeptide known for its key role in the formation of social bonds and acts through binding to the AVP 1a receptor (AVPR1a). Most notably, research has demonstrated that monogamous species have higher levels of AVPR1a compared to non-monogamous species. AVPR1a is typically found in brain regions facilitating individual relations, social memory, and interspecies attachment; these areas are closely associated with partner preference and monogamous behavior. In addition, it has been observed in prairie voles that levels of social neuropeptides, such as oxytocin, will decrease when pair-mates are separated for extended time periods. A majority of …

An Evaluation Of U.S. Horseback Riding Instruction Certifications: Availability, Acquisition, Barriers, And Industry Need, Makenna Osborne

Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to analyze the U.S. equine industry’s availability of riding instruction certification options, describe the relationship between professional certification and the self-efficacy of horseback riding instructors in the U.S., and explore the expectations that consumers have of instructors and instructor selection criteria. Four research objectives related to instruction were addressed: identifying the competencies and the process for obtaining skill-based horseback riding instructor certifications of the five most popular third-party certifying organizations that are currently available in the U.S., describing the attitudes towards certification in the U.S., and describing the self-perception of currently certified and …

Delayed Autism Diagnosis In Girls Due To Social Masking, Madeline Abram-Moyle

Student Research Symposium

Objective: To determine if camouflaging social and linguistic skills delays autism diagnosis in girls ages 6-18 years old compared to boys of the same age.

Methods: A rapid review from PubMed database to review relevant evidence.

Results: Evidence that social and linguistic camouflaging lead to delayed diagnosis in autistic girls compared to autistic boys is strong, but evidence is lacking that these forms of camouflaging lead to poor mental health in autistic girls ages 6-18.

Conclusion: Diagnostic criteria for autism should be updated to include female behavior and language patterns.

Natural Sugar Substitutes In Sugar Free Ice Cream, Avery Lawes, Cheyenne Davies, Catherine Breitweiser

Student Research Symposium

Artificial sweeteners have become increasingly more popular over the years as good sucrose substitutes but how do these sweeteners affect ice cream? As most of the population is struggling with obesity and diabetes, is there a way to make an ice cream that is both high in nutritional content and tastes good? The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effect on volume, texture, flavor, aftertaste, and meltability when substituting naturally occurring sugar substitutes for liquid Stevia in vanilla ice cream. This was done by mixing 4 different batches of ice cream using different naturally occurring sweeteners (honey, agave, …

Climate Change In South Asia: A Review Of Perceptions, Coping, And Adaptation Strategies, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed

Student Research Symposium

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the entire planet. It has been found that South Asia is highly susceptible to the negative consequences of climate change, making it one of the most vulnerable regions in the world. In addition, agriculture makes up the majority of this region's economy, which accounts for the vast majority of GDP. A handful of individuals also occupy an area of arable land that is smaller than 0.1 hectares in size. As a result, local people in the South Asian region, particularly farmers, have utilized a variety of coping and adaptation tactics …

Do Immigrants' Ever Oppose Immigration?, Aflatun Kaeser

Student Research Symposium

This paper analyses immigrants’ views on immigration, contributing to the behavioral literature on immigration. In particular, it explores the role of statistical discrimination as a cause of possible opposition to immigration in the absence of stringent immigration policies and large volumes of undocumented immigration. We test this hypothesis using US data from the 7th wave of the World Value Survey, finding that successful immigrants in the US (i.e. those who are in the top quintile of the socio-economic classification), who may benefit the most from being perceived as unrelated to unskilled undocumented immigrants, have negative views about immigration, especially with …

Meeting Minutes, Wku Staff Council

Staff Council

Minutes of April 2023 meeting.

Review Of Museum Archives: Practice, Issues, Advocacy, Laura J. French

Journal of Western Archives

Review of Museum Archives: Practice, Issues, Advocacy.

2023 Reday Awards Recipients

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

List of award winners for 2023 REDay.

Program

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

11th Annual Research and Engagement Day Program with descriptions and schedule of events.

Fenway And Crime: Opportunity, Geographic Differences, And Team Rivalry At Boston Red Sox Games, Cole Mcgovern

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

Although hosting professional sports are often seen as a financial benefit for cities, there are also associated costs. This paper investigates the possibility of interdependence between a variety of crimes and home game days of the Boston Red Sox. When adjusting for game attendance and length, minor assaults charges such as disorderly conduct and simple assault increase city-wide during game days. Despite this, all crime around the immediate stadium area decreases in volume. Additionally, this study examines differences in geographical impacts and crime levels, when a game was played, and games played against the New York Yankees, their historic rival.

The Happiness-Income Paradox: A Cross Sectional Analysis, Samantha Sczepanski

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper presents an empirical analysis of how income, education and healthcare affect overall happiness in a country. By using data found through the world happiness report, Statista and the world population review, I was able to analyze the relationship between these three variables and the overall happiness index from 100 counties. The results showed that while all three variables have a positive relationship with the happiness index, mean income had the strongest relationship. I was also able to explore potential other variables that could have an effect which were cost of higher education, percentage of population with secondary or …

Spartan Daily, April 12, 2023, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2023

Volume 160, Issue 30

Exploring The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Teacher Retention Among Rural And Urban Elementary School Teachers In Kentucky, Whitney Shannon Wilson, Edris Barnette Humphrey

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Whitney Shannon Wilson and Edris Barnette Humphrey on April 12, 2023.

Empirical Analysis Of Firearm-Related Deaths In The United States Based On Sex, Race, And Age, Dominik Dacruz

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This empirical study examines firearm deaths via sex, race, and age in the United States. They have a look at making use of information from dependable assets such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Vital Statistics System. Descriptive and theoretical statistical analyzes are used to look at the relationship between those elements and firearm-associated mortality throughout agencies inside the US. The effects display that gun homicides have persisted to rise over the years, with guys and African Americans most tormented by gun violence Suicide is the main motive of gun deaths, observed through homicide and …

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 …

An Empirical Analysis Of The Impact Of Unemployment Rate And Economic Development Level On Income Inequality, Wenyi Gu

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This study used linear regression analysis to inspect influence of unemployment rates and economic development levels on income inequality in the United States and Germany. The results indicate that the level of economic development is the main driving factor for inequality of income in America, while in Germany, high unemployment and inflation can exacerbate income inequality. This study emphasizes the importance of labor market policies, social welfare policies, and tax policies in reducing income inequality. While the analysis only covers two countries, the results have significant policy implications for addressing income inequality. Future research can expand on the factors that …

The Determinants Of Carbon Emission In Asia And Europe: A Panel Data Analysis, Erika Hauser

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the numerous variables that influence carbon emissions in selected Asian and European countries. The study examines the countries with the highest gross domestic product (GDP) in each region, considering the possible impact of economic growth on greenhouse gas emissions. The study also analyzes the role of other variables such as tourism, foreign direct investment (FDI), ecological footprint level (EFL), and agricultural output. The ecological footprint level is modeled by global hectare or the countries’ gha, which is a measure of the impact of human activities on the environment. The study estimates tourism and FDI reduce emissions, while …

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 …

Empirical Analysis Of Institutional Quality And Financial Development On Income Inequality In Central America, Odette Mansour

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the effect of Institutional Quality and financial development in middle income in Central American Countries. The study incorporates information about how inequality in middle income has increased alarmingly and how we should consider improving the institution's quality. The outcomes show a positive relationship between Institutional Quality and financial development regarding middle-income society in Central American Countries, specifically: Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras, which is why we suggested reforming institutional in Central American countries, letting international institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations, and IMF use their financial and political influences to promote strategies aimed …

Empirical Analysis Of Nba Ticket Prices Correlation To Nba All-Stars, Michael Mcneil

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the possibility of a correlation between NBA ticket prices and if NBA All-Stars increase this cost. The model will incorporate the points, rebounds, assists, and minutes an NBA team has, the number of audience members, and how many All-Stars are at the game.

Empirical Analysis Of Nfl Ticket Price Determinants, Kenny Page

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This research paper examines the determinants of revenue for National Football League (NFL) franchises with respect to ticket prices. Using a dataset of ticket prices and various factors such as team performance, stadium capacity, market size, and team revenue, we analyze the relationship between ticket prices and a franchise’s revenue. The results align with past studies in this area of research as they indicate that past team performance and average attendance have the strongest effect on ticket prices. Additionally, the results reveal that stadium capacity and market size most significantly affect team revenue. We find that ticket prices are less …

An Empirical Analysis Of The Effects Of Government Influence On Deforestation In Latin America, Francine Roberge

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates government influence and factors that may increase the rate of deforestation in Latin American countries. An empirical analysis will be conducted to measure the change in deforestation rates based on several potential influences. The analysis will look specifically at countries in Latin America that have a high level of deforestation including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela from 1996 until 2011. Variables studied include accessibility, suitability for agriculture production, corruption perception, government effectiveness, political stability, GDP per capita, foreign direct investment, and trade openness. The results show that as more forest cover is lost, and …

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.

A Granger Causality Test On The Misery Index Effects On Domestic Violence, Talia Vicente

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the possibility of an increase in domestic violence because of high inflation and unemployment rates in the United States. Inflation and unemployment are two factors that add together to contribute to the Misery Index. This index was created in 1970 by Arthur Okan, who used the index as a measure of economic distress felt by everyday people, due to the risk of, or actual, joblessness combined with an increasing cost of living. The data is collected from 1950’s to 2019 on factors such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, education, and GDP per capita. The results show that an …

How International Trade And Government Integrity Affect The Structural Transformation Of Lao Pdr And Cambodia, Yixin Wan

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper explores the how international trade and government integrity affect the structural transformation of Lao PDR and Cambodia. This empirical study is conducted by using the methodology based on Chenery-Syrquin model with several control groups that have impacted on structural transformation in Lao PDR and Cambodia. Moreover, the obtained data is from 1993 to 2021 to find out how these two countries transform from being agriculture dominant economy to being more industry-and services-oriented economy. This study has confirmed non-linear effects of both income and population on the sectoral shares and found that trade has facilitated structural transformation in Lao …

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 …