Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Responding To Domestic Violence With Transformative Justice And Community Accountability, Anaiis Nysether

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center (WAFWC) wanted to create a survivor-driven transformative justice program for survivors of domestic violence and the people who caused them harm. The program needed to be customizable enough to suit the specific needs and individual safety considerations of the participants, but also needed enough structure that it could be reproducible from case to case. In order to design a program that was based on these ideas and able to be used in the context of a non-profit organization, WAFWC researched ways other communities had been using transformative justice and community accountability to address issues …

Destigmatize Addiction Through Education, Miranda Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

After interning at Valley Health Associates the problem identified was the lack of education on substance abuse. With much of Salinas being multicultural and spanish speaking, we begin to identify the challenges associated with getting information to the public about substance use and the treatment options. Some contributing factors associated with the lack of education on substance use are family, social, and environmental factors, lack of education overall, and the stigma/shame associated with substance use; however the unfortunate consequences associated with this are misconceptions about drugs overall and an increase of fatal overdoses. The capstone project will focus on individuals …

College Students Rape Myth Acceptance And Men's Objectification Of Women, Samantha Dunlap, Devyn Fries

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand the extent to which college students believe in and adhere to common rape myths and victim blaming beliefs, the extent to which college aged men objectify women, and lastly, the extent to which these two variables are related to one another. Using two groups divided based on gender and sexual orientation, participants responded to the Rape Attitudes Belief Scale (RABS) and the Men’s Objectification of Women Scale (MOWS). The survey questions used on these scales were designed to gather information about a person’s belief of common rape myths as well as men’s …

Police Perceptions And Parenting Styles Among Black Parents Of Miami-Dade County, Amber E. Roach

Masters Theses

A person’s perception of something or someone does not develop without external factors affecting the individual. Experiences and lessons people have learned from a young age have molded their perception of the world. One of those lessons is what is considered correct and what is not. In the Black American community, this is accompanied by the “talk”. This “talk” is shaped by past experiences with the police towards minority groups, specifically, Black Americans. This paper discusses how parenting styles, race, and authority intersect. The purpose of this paper is to examine the beginnings of one’s life, the lessons they are …

Language And Cultural Identity In Post-Soviet Frozen Conflicts, Irina Paquette

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

How we, as humans, define ourselves and our national and ethnic distinction often centers on visible characteristics—physical features, group traditions, and language. Of those, language is both mutable and plays such a central role in daily life that it is often a hotly contested and manipulated factor in defining national identity. This paper examines the role language has played in the formation of crisis situations in the former Soviet Union. Linguistic identity has been used as a basis to establish the legitimacy of independence for both Soviet republics and separatist groups within those republics. As such, it is a highly …

Intimate Partner Violence In The Rio Grande Valley: The Role Of Culture, Tania Diaz

Theses and Dissertations

Mexican culture along the border towns of the Rio Grande dominates views towards women and men experiencing violence in intimate relationships. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies relating to intimate partner violence in the Rio Grande Valley. This study addresses the dynamics of abusive relationship in a Hispanic community that can be influenced by cultural concepts such as familism and marianismo. The author utilized a mixed methods approach for this study that included a sample of (n = 513) surveys and (n = 13) interviews that were analyzed separately. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess …

A Gis-Based Model To Assess On-Site Sewage Facility (Ossf) Contamination Risk To Local Water Resources, Alvaro Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

In a collaborative effort between Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI), Cameron County Public Health (CCPH), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (TAMAE), and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a GIS database that includes relevant OSSF information, such as location, system age, lot size, and other important parameters was created.

This OSSF database, along with publicly available GIS data, was used to create an integrative GIS-based risk assessment model where OSSF risk parameters were assigned a risk factor and combined into a spatial contamination risk for surrounding areas and their receiving waterbodies. Parameters were broken down into two categories: environmental …

Evaluating Disaster Evacuation Plans Of Families With Special Medical Needs (Smn) In The Rio Grande Valley: A Proposal For Providing A Special Needs Disaster Shelter, Jeannette Zallar

Theses and Dissertations

During a disaster, people have the choice of whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The problem with that is that the impact of disasters is never the same; one disaster can cause one to shelter in place, and within the same day, evacuation might be required. For those who are able-bodied, and have financial means, this is not a problem. It is a problem, however, for those who are disabled, struggling with chronic illnesses, or caring for those who have a disability or chronic illness.

This thesis studies these populations, and proposes a potential solution for disaster evacuation: a …

The Effects Of Watching Text-Relevant Video Segments On Reading Comprehension Of Culturally Unfamiliar Texts With Adult English Language Learners Supported By The Schematic Information-Processing (Sip) Model Of Reading Comprehension, Amirreza Karami

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-methods sequential explanatory study was to investigate the effects of watching text-relevant video segments on reading comprehension of a culturally unfamiliar text when technical words are present or absent. Therefore, 44 adult English Language Learners (ELLs) with higher-intermediate to advanced English language proficiency levels from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) School of Languages located in the Dominican Republic were chosen and randomly assigned to two different groups: control vs. experimental.

First, the researcher compared two different types of reading instruction—traditional text-based vs. video-based reading instruction supported by the Schematic Information-Processing (SIP) model of reading …

Public Relations Of Inclusion: A Critical Reframing Of Autism Inclusion With Professors Of Teacher Candidates, Jessica Block Nerren

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

There is a problem when inclusion is broken in our communities and in our schools while preliminary teachers call out for more preparation for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) inclusion in their credential programs (Bryant, 2018; Busby et al., 2012; Finch et al., 2013; Loiacono & Valenti, 2010; Morgan, 2015; Robertson et al., 2003; Walters, 2012). The purpose of this study is to explore the framing of ASD inclusion by professors of multiple and single subject preliminary teacher candidates. At this stage in the research, the framing of inclusion is defined as a pre-conscious sensemaking of inclusion for individuals with ASD …

Spirituality, Inclusivity, Workplace Well-Being, And Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Rebecca Williams

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to better understand how workplace well-being (WWB) and inclusivity may impact the relationship between employee spirituality and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Given the valuable contribution of a diverse workforce, and the importance of fostering spirituality and OCBs in the workplace, this research focused on examining whether WWB would help explain the relationship between spirituality and OCB intentions and the influence of an inclusive climate on spirituality and WWB. Theoretical framework was provided to help explain linkages in the model, which included the broaden and build theory (BBT) and the integrative transcendent models of …

Social Workers Perspective On The Challenges And Rewards Of Working With The Aging Population, Ana Milena Genece

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored social worker’s perspectives on the challenges and rewards of working with the aging population. The study used 23 social worker participants completed a questionnaire focused on the work of gerontological social work. The participants gave their perspective on the need for more social workers to work with this population, and how to promote that need. The entire study was completed using Survey Monkey online, via a link that was provided to a major Southern California hospital through flyers and emails. This study was a descriptive study to gain an understanding of the major concerns and views of …

How Couples Youtube Channels Forge "Friendships" With Their Viewers: A Thematic Textual Analysis, Marisol Botello

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

A “couples YouTube channel” is a YouTube channel where a real-life romantic couple posts videos about their relationship. On YouTube there are hundreds of such channels, and some are so popular that those couples actually make a living creating and sharing their stories. How do they do this? More specifically: what marketing techniques, specifically storytelling practices, do these YouTube couples use to resonate with audiences?

This exploratory, qualitative study seeks to answer this question through a thematic textual analysis of three couples YouTube channels. Using narrative theory and parasocial interaction as theoretical frameworks, the study interpretively analyzes a total of …

Improving Veteran Access; Status Of Operations Of The United States Department Of Veteran Affairs Work-Study Program, Kirk Allen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The usage status of The U.S. Department Veterans Affairs Work-Study Program is examined. Beneficiary numbers from the Global, Unites States, State, and Local/County perspective are reviewed. While of essential value, the program suffers from a lack of scholarly research and government oversight, and is further hindered by restrictive administrative rules lived first-hand. Research suggests that the program is operating outside of accountability to the taxpayer, presents as unnecessarily/overly-restrictive in accessibility, and is underutilized. The program appears to not be serving all veterans to full potential.

The Work-Study Program is codified in Veterans Benefits', Title 38 United States Code, Part III, …

Efficacy Of Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) Utilization In Broiler Diets, Garrett James Mullenix

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a cyanobacteria microalgae that has potential as an animal feed ingredient. Five experiments were conducted to further assess its ability to serve as a protein source in broiler diets. Experiment 1 consisted of an amino acid digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy assay. The results indicated that the standardized ileal amino acid levels of spirulina are comparable with typical soybean meal. Experiment 2 assessed the performance and processing parameters of broilers fed 10% spirulina in low crude protein diets, using published digestibility coefficients. Spirulina inclusion improved footpad quality and increased redness and yellowness of the breast, skin …

How “Interested” Criticism Fueled The Formulation Of Nineteen Eighty-Four’S Cultural Afterlife, John Cameron Bosch

All Theses

George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four carries a “cultural afterlife” as a result of “interested” criticism, which has a set political/practical barometer or motive. While everyone agrees that the novel presents a frightening dystopia, many also consider it a prophetic piece that illuminates the possible corruption of executive power of a nation thanks to this cultural afterlife; the modern and popular term “Orwellian” resulted from these sorts of analyses and have only escalated in the years since its inception. As a result, within the past decade, multiple scholars, analysts, and journalists have referenced Orwell’s novel as a factual representation of this executive …

Gender Identity And Mental Health Among Undergraduate Students In The United States, Mckenzie Mcnamara

All Theses

This study explores the relationship between gender identity, challenges experienced by students, psychological distress, and suicide behavior for undergraduate students in the United States of America. The quantitative analysis utilizing the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment from Fall 2019, Spring 2020 and Fall 2020. The sample consisted of 78,296 undergraduate participants of which 65.9% identified as female, 30.5% identified as male, and 3.6% identified as non-binary students. The statistical analysis consisted of a multiple regression model controlling for variables of institution type. The major finding of this study is that non-binary undergraduate students had greater psychological distress …

They Say, We Say: A Standpoint Analysis Of Stay-At-Home Mothers’ Engagement With Public Discourse, Ayesha Tanzila

All Theses

The purpose of this research was to study stay-at-home mothers’ engagement with the prevailing discourse surrounding them. Staying home and engaging in "invisible and unpaid" labor has led this group of mothers to be out of public sight and somewhat voiceless. Thus, public discourse about SAHMs without significant input by SAHMs has resulted in a monolithic and static identity. Using standpoint analysis as the theoretical framework and textual analysis as the methodology, I have analyzed opinion pieces written by SAHMs, published on popular magazine portals, and on their blogs, through which they attempt to navigate this public depiction of themselves. …

Traditional And Non-Traditional Gender Role Stereotypes In Children’S Animated Films, Rachael Davidson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As gender stereotypes could lead to adherence to rape myths later in life, it is important to study the potential development of gender role stereotypes. Based on the theoretical approach of Bandura’s social learning, this mixed methods study sought to expand the literature on children observing gender stereotypes through film viewing. A content analysis of verbal and body language of the highest grossing animated films between 2017-2019 was conducted. The results indicated that most main characters displayed both traditional and non-traditional gender role stereotypes, which is indicative of gender role flexibility. This shows promise that there could be a moderating …

Nonprofit Narratives: How Two Organizations Use Social Media And Rhetorical Appeals To Address Issues Of Sexual And Domestic Violence, Samuel Hiester

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Though often seen as a panacea for organizational objectives, nonprofits must be judicious in deploying social media, particularly due to resource limitations. Nonprofits deploy many types and styles of digital texts, including social media. Classical rhetorical appeals can be effective means for achieving positive impact in that context. When used correctly, these ‘digital texts’ can be leveraged for maximum engagement with audiences. This study examines both a large, national organization – the National Sexual Violence Resource Center – and a small, regional one – Branch House Family Justice Center – for not only what sort of digital texts are utilized, …

The Influence Of Social Media On The Tourism Industry: A Content Analysis Of Culinary Tourism Brands Via Instagram, Angela White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The tourism industry in the United States is constantly changing and being influenced by social media, specifically Instagram. Culinary brands use Instagram to advertise their restaurants and dishes in a creative, visual way. As a result, Instagram is now being used as a tool by tourists and both potential and current customers to share their dining experiences and find these locations based on the visual appeal. This study provides a content analysis of Instagram account information and photo composition within eight popular culinary tourism destinations by examining the strategies used by the accounts. 50 randomly selected photos were used from …

The Influence Of Library Orientation On The Library Utilization Of Students At Central Luzon State University, Philippines, Camia Abergos Lasig

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study determines the influence of library orientation on Central Luzon State University students’ utilization of information resources in the university library. A descriptive research method was used in this study, using the survey questionnaire technique. A Slovin’s formula was used to select the number of respondents. A total of 177 respondents were identified in this study. Percentage, mean, Pearson r, and regression were used to analyze and interpret the data. Findings show that students are very aware of the majority of the print resources. However, students are moderately aware of the electronic resources. It also reveals a direct relationship …

Strategies Academic Libraries In Nigeria Can Adopt To Curb The Spread Of Covid-19 And Remain Relevant In Post Covid-19 Pandemic., Pauline Iroeze, Pauline Chinasa Iroeze Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the strategies the Academic libraries can employ to help curb the spread of covid-19 and remain relevant in post Covid-19 pandemic with specific focus on State libraries in South Eastern Nigeria. The study reviewed Strategies Academic Libraries in Nigeria can adopt to remain relevant in post Covid-19 pandemic. The study seeks to find out the strategies Academic libraries can adopt to help curb the spread of Covid-19 virus in order to remain relevant and also to identify the challenges that may affect the adoption of these strategies by academic libraries in South East. The population …

The Impact Of Light Intensity On The Subjective Complaints Of Librarians And Users: An Investigation Of An Academic Library, Tri Niswati Utami, Retno Sayekti, Triana Santi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of light intensity on the subjective complaints of librarians and visitiors at an academic library. This research applied both quantitative and qualitative techniques on 696 visitors and librarians. The result suggests that the effects of light intensity include eyestrain, reading difficulty, dizziness, shoulder and back pains, as well as impaired concentration. Also, the frequency of reading and working impacted the subjective complaints. Furthermore, the intensity as well as the frequency of reading and working greatly influenced the subjective complaints. Based on the qualitative analysis, the development of light concepts and …

Librarian’S Awareness On Open Educational Resources In India, M M. Bachalapur Dr., Jayaprakash G. Hugar Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Open educational resources (OER) are freely accessible, openly licensed text, media, and other digital assets that are useful for teaching, learning, and assessing, as well as for research purposes. This paper attempts to know the awareness of librarians in higher educational institution’s such as professional and academic librarians in different states of India. A survey method was adopted to collect the required primary information. Study found that, 55% of the respondents used the OER available in different websites. Further it is found that, they are using it for updating subject knowledge, teaching and learning and research work. 68% of them …

Status Of College Libraries In Tripura, Augustine Zimik, Priyanka Laskar

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Academic Libraries has always played a pivotal role in nurturing a resourceful human resource. The college library in particular introduces the importance of library in achieving decent grade in academic pursued. This paper is an attempt to understand the status of libraries and their services provided in college libraries of Tripura, India. Another major objective of the study is to investigate the status of college library professionals in the state of Tripura. For the study fourteen college libraries were considered for examination. A survey method was employed for the study. For primary data collection, questionnaires were distributed to concerned librarians. …

Movin’ On Up? A Survey Experiment On Mobility Enhancing Policies, Jared Barton, Xiaofei Pan

Economics Faculty Journal Articles

We use a nationwide survey experiment in the United States to measure whether information on intergenerational economic mobility or policy-specific arguments influence support for six pro-mobility policies advocated by political entrepreneurs. We find the information treatments do not affect support, but the argument treatments significantly increase support for three of the policies. We also include a behavioral measure by allowing respondents the opportunity to write their U.S. Senators. We find argument treatments significantly increase the likelihood that letters address economic mobility and significantly promote advocacy for that policy in the letter, but no increase in advocacy from the information treatments. …

Comparing Koha And Software For University Libraries (Soul): A Comprehensive Analysis Of Their Functional Modules, Parbat Chhetri

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In the ever-evolving landscape of library management systems, the choice of the most suitable solution can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of a library's daily operations. This in-depth practical analysis compares the key functional modules of two prominent contenders, Koha and SOUL 3.0, providing valuable insights for librarians and decision-makers in their selection process. Koha, an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), offers a flexible, cost-effective platform with extensive modules for libraries of varying sizes. SOUL 3.0, a commercial system, focuses on innovation and seamless integration, emphasizing user experience and efficiency. The analysis delves into their hardware and software requirements, …

Perspectives Of Knowledge Management Systems Implementation, De-Graft Johnson Dei

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The implementation of systems to manage the knowledge of organizations requires robust technical and non-technical support in other to be successful. Knowledge management systems integrate people, processes, and technology. These systems result in changes in the operations and processes in organizations. The study assessed knowledge management systems from the two main perspectives (technical and non-technical) by emphasizing the technologies that drive the creation, processing, sharing, and storage of knowledge. From the nontechnological perspective, the study focussed on the interaction of people, process and that promote KM. This paved the way for the discussion of the various perspectives or procedures for …

Borderplex Business Barometer, Volume 5, Number 12, Thomas M. Fullerton Jr., Steven L. Fullerton

Border Region Modeling Project

No abstract provided.