California State University, Monterey Bay
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White Supremacy In Music Theory Academia
Full text linkThis paper explores the history of music theory academia in the West, and examines the hierarchical power structures from which music theory pedagogy was constructed
Benefits of Parental Involvement on Kindergarten Through Third Grade (K-3) Students’ Education
Full text linkThe purpose of this senior capstone project is to show the benefits of parental involvement in grades K-3 students’ education. Parental involvement plays an important role in the students’ academic success in the early years of elementary school. Schools, teachers and parents should be aware of the impact parent involvement does to K-3 students. Through the use of teacher interviews, and parent surveys, and literature review, the result findings revealed that parent involvement was a critical component of students\u27 education, leading to higher test scores, and academic achievement in the students\u27 education. Strengthening parental involvement in schools could increase K-3 students’ academic success that lay the foundation for their lifelong learning
Impact of Parental Involvement on the Academic Performance of Elementary School Students
Full text linkThis senior capstone project examines parental involvement\u27s impact on elementary school students\u27 academic performance, focusing on the roles that teachers, school liaisons, and parents play in fostering engagement. The study utilized qualitative methods, including interviews with a kindergarten teacher, a school liaison, and a parent, to explore the various dimensions of parental involvement and its influence on student success. Key findings reveal that early involvement, such as practicing foundational academic skills at home, is critical for academic readiness. Ongoing support throughout the school year, including communication between home and school, enhances student learning outcomes. However, challenges such as time constraints, lack of familiarity with the curriculum, and insufficient notice about school events hinder broader parent participation. Despite these barriers, school-based programs and digital communication platforms were found to be practical tools in encouraging parental engagement. The study concludes that increased parental involvement positively impacts academic performance, but more flexible and accessible opportunities are needed to enhance participation further. These findings highlight the importance of fostering home-school partnerships and creating supportive structures that encourage parents to be actively engaged in their children’s education
A method for quantifying uncertainty in spatially interpolated meteorological data with application to daily maximum air temperature
Full text linkUncertainty is inherent in gridded meteorological data, but this fact is often overlooked when data products do not provide a quantitative description of prediction uncertainty. This paper describes, applies, and evaluates a method for quantifying prediction uncertainty in spatially interpolated estimates of meteorological variables. The approach presented here, which we will refer to as DNK for “detrend, normal score, krige”, uses established methods from geostatistics to produce not only point estimates (i.e., a single number) but also predictive distributions for each location. Predictive distributions quantitatively describe uncertainty in a manner suitable for propagation into physical models that take meteorological variables as inputs. We apply the method to interpolate daily maximum near-surface air temperature (Tmax) and then validate the uncertainty quantification by comparing theoretical versus actual coverage of prediction intervals computed at locations where measurement data were held out from the estimation procedure. We find that, for most days, the predictive distributions accurately quantify uncertainty and that theoretical versus actual coverage levels of prediction intervals closely match one another. Even for days with the worst agreement, the predictive distributions meaningfully convey the relative certainty of predictions for different locations in space. After validating the methodology, we demonstrate how the magnitude of prediction uncertainty varies significantly in both space and time. Finally, we examine spatial correlation in predictions and errors using conditional Gaussian simulation to sample from the joint spatial predictive distribution. In summary, this work demonstrates the efficacy and value of describing uncertainty in gridded meteorological data products using predictive distributions
From Microbes to Molecules: Synthetic Biology Approaches for Advanced Materials Design
Full text linkTraditional materials synthesis often involves energy-intensive processes with significant waste generation and limited control over material properties. This review examines synthetic biology as a sustainable alternative for designing advanced materials with enhanced precision and versatility. It explores microbial biomineralization, detailing how microorganisms influence the formation of mineral deposits and participate in key biogeochemical cycles. It highlights recent research advancements in using a wide variety of microorganisms for the synthesis of inorganic materials such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and thin films. The review also discusses the production and properties of various biopolymers. Important factors that can influence the size, morphology, and uniformity of these biomaterials are covered in detail. Emphasis is placed on advancements utilizing synthetic biology tools, such as protein engineering and genome editing, and recent research for creating smart and responsive materials. Considering the present limitations of synthetic biology, challenges related to scale-up, yield, and uniformity are discussed, and suggestions for future research are detailed
Bridging the Gap: Culturally Responsive Bereavement Support in Latino Families
No full textHospice of the Central Coast (HCC), a division of Montage Health, delivers high-quality end-of-life care and bereavement support to adults and families in Monterey and select areas of San Benito County. This capstone project sought to address the disparities by developing and implementing an eight-week bereavement support group curriculum translated and adapted for Spanish-Speaking Latino families. Despite the organization’s longstanding commitment to compassionate and inclusive healthcare, internal data reveal substantial gaps in service for the latino population: of 628 patients served in 2023, only 47 patients were of Hispanic or Latino origin. This discrepancy stems from ingrained barriers such as: language differences, limited culturally relevant outreach, and stigma surrounding mental health and grief in Spanish-speaking communities. The consequences include underutilization of bereavement services, increased caregiver fatigue, and heightened risk for unresolved grief and associated mental health issues. By translating and culturally adapting bereavement resources, HCC aims to bridge critical gaps in care, promote healthy grieving among Latino families, and strengthen the organization\u27s role as a resource for underrepresented communities. The intervention provides a replicable model for expanding culturally sensitive hospice and bereavement care, ultimately contributing to improved emotional, mental, and social well-being for Monterey County\u27s Hispanic community
Enhancing Emotional Regulation Skills in Kindergarteners
No full textKindergarten-aged children often have trouble regulating their emotions because emotional regulation is a complex process to comprehend and manage. The development of emotional regulation is crucial in this developmental stage because it sets the child up for academic, career, and social success in life (Schlesier et al., 2019). Failing to learn successful regulation can have negative effects on mental well-being and social behaviors. Therefore, it is essential to teach kindergarteners emotional regulation. For this purpose, I developed two workshops that promoted self-awareness, cognitive reappraisal, and versatility among kindergarteners (4 to 5 years old) at Brookside Christian Little Learners in San Joaquin County, California
Electrocardiographic Assessment of National-Level Triathletes: Sinus Bradycardia and Other Electrocardiographic Abnormalities
Full text linkBackground: High-intensity endurance training induces specific cardiac adaptations, often observed through electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. This study investigated the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in national-level Australian triathletes compared to sedentary controls. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 22 triathletes and 7 sedentary controls. Standard 12-lead ECGs assessed resting heart rate, ECG intervals, and axis deviation. Peak oxygen consumption was evaluated in triathletes to correlate with ECG indices and left ventricular mass, derived via echocardiography. Results: Triathletes exhibited significantly lower resting heart rates (53.8 vs. 72.1 bpm, −34%, p = 0.04), shorter QRS durations (0.088 vs. 0.107 ms, −21.6%, p = 0.01), and longer QT intervals (0.429 vs. 0.358 ms, +16.6%, p = 0.01) compared to controls. Sinus bradycardia was present in 68.2% of triathletes, with varying severity. First-degree atrioventricular block was identified in 13.6% of athletes, and left ventricular hypertrophy was confirmed in 18 triathletes via echocardiography. A significant positive relationship was identified between VO2peak and left ventricular mass (r = 0.68, p = 0.003). Conclusions: National-level triathletes exhibited ECG and structural cardiac adaptations consistent with high-intensity endurance training. Echocardiography is recommended for the accurate identification of LVH. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive cardiac evaluation in athletes to distinguish between physiological and pathological adaptations
Systems Thinking’s Contribution to Youth Empowerment
Full text linkThis capstone project explored how systems thinking can enhance leadership, personal growth, and school engagement among at-risk youth in Watsonville, California. Alongside Growing Greatness, a youth development initiative serving predominantly Latino and first-generation youth, the project centered on a focus group with seven students from New School, an alternative high school. The focus group gathered qualitative data to understand how youth perceive leadership, and community while applying systems thinking. The qualitative data was analyzed utilizing hybrid coding methods. The hybrid method uncovered emerging themes, including growth mindset, community connectedness, youth leadership, and new insights around emotional honesty and shared experiences. The focus group participants demonstrated increased critical thinking and the ability to recognize patterns across personal, social, and educational systems. Youth expressed that systems thinking helped them better understand themselves, navigate challenges, and build stronger community ties. The findings were compiled into a database shared with Growing Greatness to inform future services. The recommended steps include expanding leadership opportunities, increasing collaborative experiences, and incorporating more regular youth feedback. The project affirms that centering youth voices and systems thinking can lead to more meaningful, engaging, and transformative youth development practices
Breaking The Silence: Raising Awareness About Mental Health
No full textThe capstone project addresses the urgent mental health crisis among adolescents aged 12-17, where many experience significant impairments. Luna Y Sol Familia Center in Watsonville serves as a community hub supporting the mental health and well-being of local youth and families. It offers educational workshops, counseling and referrals, aimed at fostering resilience and awareness about mental health issues.The center primarily serves diverse families, many from Hispanic or Latino backgrounds. The project’s purpose was to help the youth better understand mental health, including what it is, how to recognize signs of struggles, healthy coping strategies, and how to seek support. A one-day workshop was held, featuring a Powerpoint presentation, handouts, and mental health resources. Pre- and post-surveys showed a notable increase in participants\u27 understanding and awareness of available support systems.The project met its expected outcomes, with most youth demonstrating increased knowledge about mental health after the workshop. The next steps the learning site can take to address the problem about mental health is to organize workshops for parents to educate them on recognizing signs of mental health issues and how to support their children and collaborate with local mental health organizations for resources and support