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Data-Driven Default Prediction: Insights from Lending Club
Get PDFPeer-to-peer (P2P) lending has transformed consumer credit markets by providing an alternative to traditional banking institutions. LendingClub, a pioneer in this space, facilitates lending between individual investors and borrowers through a data-driven risk assessment model. Our research aims to enhance loan default prediction by developing a more precise classification model based on LendingClub’s historical loan data, ultimately improving risk assessment for investors.
Utilizing a dataset of approximately 650,000 loans from 2007 to 2015, we construct a predictive model to classify loan default risk. Our approach focuses on key financial indicators, including interest rates, borrower grades, debt-to-income ratio, and delinquency history, while introducing a novel binary variable, is_bad_loan, which categorizes loans based on repayment outcomes. By analyzing these features, we assess the effectiveness of LendingClub’s internal grading system and explore alternative risk assessment features beyond traditional credit scoring methods we see traditionally in the United States.
Our findings provide deeper insights into the factors influencing loan defaults, offering comparable results of different predictive models. Ultimately, providing a more nuanced understanding of lender risk in P2P lending as they pose as non-traditional investors in this space
Divided By Design: Race, Roads, and Resistance in Nashville and Memphis
No full textThe construction of Interstate 40 through Nashville and Memphis in the mid-20th century was framed as progress but instead became a tool of displacement, disproportionately harming Black communities. In Nashville, the highway cut through the thriving Jefferson Street corridor, disrupting Black-owned businesses, cultural institutions, and social networks. In Memphis, the proposed route through Overton Park sparked legal battles, culminating in the landmark Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe case, which set a precedent for environmental and community protections in infrastructure planning.
This research examines the racialized decision-making behind I-40’s placement, the legal and grassroots resistance, and the long-term consequences for Black economic and cultural life. Drawing from newspaper archives, peer-reviewed journals, and court records, this study highlights the parallels between the Nashville I-40 Steering Committee’s unsuccessful fight and Overton Park’s legal victory, revealing how race and political power shaped the outcomes. Ultimately, this work contributes to discussions on urban renewal, environmental justice, and transportation equity
History of Fashion: Politics and War
Get PDFFashion has and always will reflect the changes in society, and it is fascinating to learn what politics and war have done to guide these changes. The zeitgeist of the time as reflected in politics and war have an impact on changes in styles, production of textiles, and apparel. This presentation describes historical times when fashion, politics, and war showed obvious connection.
The Rococo era was the time period just before the French revolution from the 1730s to the 1760s. This era is defined by distinctive styles of art and fashion which were heavily influenced by the wealthy nobility at the Palace of Versailles and their desire to communicate their wealth through their look. The abundance of wealth displayed in the upper class caused a revolt in the lower classes.
During World War II, the role of women changed in society, causing a need for change in women’s fashion for the first time. With this, shorter skirts, new makeup trends, and new textiles emerged.
During the 1960s, Mexican American’s used fashion as a symbol to fight for their civil rights. Styles we would recognize today like Zoot suits, high waisted baggy pants, and bandanas were a result of this movement.
The fashion industry is an ever-changing revolving door and politics often contribute to changes in fashion
The Interplay of Self-Compassion, Loneliness, and Personality in Late Adolescent Eating Disorder Behaviors
No full textAbstract
Eating disorders are mental illnesses characterized by disturbances in eating and food-related behaviors, as well as disturbances in the experience of weight and shape (Smith et al., 2018). When considering eating disorders, it is important to understand possible influential factors such as self-compassion (i.e., showing empathy towards one’s own misfortunes and being understanding with oneself; Neff, 2003), loneliness (i.e., feeling alone or socially distant from others; Cacioppo et al., 2015), and co-rumination (i.e., dwelling on negative thoughts and feelings with friends in an intense way; Rudiger & Winstead, 2013). Adolescents who exhibit traits such as being female and having perfectionistic tendencies, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing emotions, in combination with societal pressures to be thin, are more vulnerable to disordered eating behaviors (Kreipe & Mou, 2009). This study aimed to examine how psychological factors such as neuroticism, self-compassion, loneliness, and co-rumination were related to eating disorder behaviors in late adolescents (aged 18-22; M = 20.38, SD = 1.36) diagnosed with eating disorders. Participants (N = 37) completed a survey in Qualtrics measuring self-compassion, loneliness, co-rumination, personality, and eating disordered behaviors. Results showed that bulimia-related behaviors did not have a significant relationship with self-compassion, r(35) = .17, p = .321, r2 = .03, and loneliness was not associated with drive for thinness, r(35) = .16, p = .338, r2 = .03, or co-rumination, r(35) = -.06, p = .730, r2 = .004. Neuroticism did not differ between individuals with anorexia nervosa and those without anorexia nervosa, t(35) = 0.33, p = .327 d = .11. It is important to understand how these psychological factors are impacting vulnerable populations due to the increasing rates of eating disorders
Braving Bluegrass in the Elementary Classroom
No full textThe central focus of this segment is to provide students with a general understanding of the history and style of the bluegrass genre, as well as to remember and recognize the foundation instruments of a traditional bluegrass band. Students will be able to listen for and perform the distinctive beat pattern in the genre. After analyzing the bluegrass genre, students will be able to apply their new listening skills to other genres outside of the classroom. This was achieved by listening exercises, playing exercises, composition opportunities, and music games. Multiple modalities were used when given instruction, from power points, kinesthetic activities, guided notes, and performance opportunities. Students ended the unit by combining all learned skills into a group performance in front of the class and received feedback from their peers and from the teacher before taking a summative test on all the material
Increasing Discharge Efficiency in a Joint Replacement Unit: A Quality Improvement Project
Get PDFAbstract
Title:
Increasing Discharge Efficiency in a Joint Replacement Unit: A Quality Improvement Project
Background:
Patient discharge is a complex process. Lack of discharge expectations, standardized discharge instructions, and interprofessional communication create discharge barriers leading to an increase in post-operative length-of-stay and 30-day readmissions. Discharge delays disrupt unit workflow and increase staff workload. Readmissions within 30 days of discharge are associated with increased hospital costs and lower patient satisfaction.
SMART Aim:
By December 1, 2024, we aimed to reduce the average post-operative length-of-stay for elective joint replacement outpatients from 14.5 hours to 12 hours by implementing a standardized discharge-navigator tool to be utilized by the nursing staff.
Design:
The project implemented the IHI Model for Improvement using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.
PDSA Cycle 1: Education: The monthly unit education PowerPoint presentation introduced the project to the nursing staff. Attended monthly virtual charge nurse and nursing staff conferences to explain the project\u27s purpose and help answer any questions. Leadership engagement: Introduced the discharge-navigator tool to the unit nursing staff and demonstrated how to complete the form. Informally interviewed staff members for discharge-navigator tool improvement. Data collection: Collected interprofessional satisfaction surveys to revise the discharge-navigator tool for PDSA cycle 2. Collected and logged the number of completed discharge-navigator tools weekly. Collected weekly post-op length-of-stay and weekly 30-day readmission data.
PDSA Cycle 2: Tool revision: Incorporated feedback from satisfaction survey and from informal staff interviews to improve uptake of discharge-navigator tool. Leadership engagement: Introduced revised discharge-navigator tool and worked alongside nursing staff to champion the tool. Data collection: Collected and logged completed discharge-navigator weekly. Collected weekly post-operative length-of-stay and weekly 30-day readmission data. Collected post-project survey to assess nursing staff satisfaction.
Measures: Outcome Measure: Weekly average post-operative length-of-stay time. Process Measure: Weekly number of completed discharge-navigator tools. Balancing Measures: Interprofessional staff satisfaction and weekly average 30-day readmissions.
Results: Outcome Measure Findings: The average length of stay for joint replacement outpatients was reduced from 14 hours and 52 minutes to 14 hours and eight minutes. This marks a 44-minute reduction during the project’s implementation phase, excluding Thanksgiving week. Process Measure Findings: 162 discharge-navigator tools were collected. The nursing staff completed one tool for every three outpatient cases. Balancing Measure Findings: The project notes a 36% reduction in the average weekly outpatient 30-day readmission rate. Post-project satisfaction survey revealed that 11 out of 11 nurses were very satisfied or satisfied with the evolution of the discharge-navigator tool. One nurse stated, It was a very good tool and helpful in navigating patient needs. It was very easy to find information when giving a report.”
Conclusions:
The evidence-based discharge-navigator tool reduced post-operative length-of-stay without compromising 30-day readmission rates or staff satisfaction. This project demonstrates that implementing a standardized tool can increase discharge efficiency.
Implications for Practice:
It is essential to continue evaluating the tool\u27s efficacy in improving patient outcomes and staff satisfaction. Education and implementation of the discharge navigator tool improved patient outcomes and unit workflow. Successful integration of the discharge navigator tool into the electronic health record could further increase tool uptake and sustainability
Nursing Education for End-of-Life Oncology Pain Management
Get PDFThe project addresses the lack of confidence and education among nurses in end-of-life care and pain management for cancer patients, specifically regarding ethical concerns related to hastening death. Nurses currently experience knowledge deficits in pain management and symptom control, which contributes to suboptimal care, ethical challenges, and inconsistent use of tools like RDOS and CPOT. The goal is to improve nursing confidence and their ability to efficiently manage pain and provide ethical treatment. By implementing the ELNEC training program, nurses will gain the skills necessary to assess and respond to symptoms of active death, ensuring proper care that reduces suffering. The project will begin with an assessment of nurses\u27 knowledge gaps, followed by three months of targeted education and hands-on patient care, with follow-up surveys to evaluate progress. The evaluation will include self-reported surveys, EHR and EMAR audits, and patient and family satisfaction surveys. For sustainability of the plan, it involves requiring ELNEC training for new nurses and offering yearly re-education for all nurses. Upon the program\u27s success it will be expanded to other units, creating a sustainable model for high-quality end-of-life care throughout the hospital, improving nurse competence and patient care
When Silence Speaks: Understanding the Bystander Effect in the Digital Age
No full textThe bystander effect has long shaped social movements, influencing whether individuals take action or remain passive in moments of crisis. In the digital age, social media has redefined activism, raising the question: Does online engagement mobilize individuals toward meaningful action, or does it foster a culture of passive participation, creating a culture of \u27keyboard warriors\u27 who express support online without taking direct action? This study aimed to explore the intersection of social media and activism, investigating whether digital platforms amplify or diminish the bystander effect. A mixed-methods survey was conducted to examine this relationship by assessing social media engagement, activism levels, and perceptions of the bystander effect. By analyzing these factors, this research seeks to uncover the ever-evolving role of social media in shaping modern social movements and collective action.
Keywords: Bystander effect, digital age, social media, activism, civil rights movement
SPARK Abstract
Get PDFTN NASW Day on the Hill Abstract Submission
Belmont University BSW Program
Contributors: Mackenzie Arnold, Breah Forrester, Sophia Horn, Aliya McClarney, Kayla Willmann
Abstract
Firearms are the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee, and according to Everytown for Gun Safety, from 2015 to 2023, there were 158 unintentional shootings of children in Tennessee. MaKayla Dyer was one of these children. She was shot by her 11-year-old neighbor who obtained access to a loaded, unsecured firearm he found in his home. He was charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to eight years in juvenile prison, while his father, who left the gun out, walks free. Makayla’s Law or House Bill 0167 aims to amend the offense of reckless endangerment, Tennessee Code Title 39, Chapter 13, to specifically include a person’s failure to safely secure or lock a firearm, resulting in a child under 13 gaining possession of the gun and injuring or killing themselves or someone else. MaKayla’s Law acknowledges that it is the gun owners\u27 responsibility to safely secure their firearms, as children are inherently curious and do not yet have the cognitive capacity to consider the consequences of their actions, or the irreparable damage that can be caused by firearms. Research shows that an estimated 30 million children in the United States live in a household with one or more firearms. Out of these households, a staggering 36% of guns are stored unlocked and accessible. The National Social Work Association and our professional values call us to action in the service of vulnerable populations, such as children and youth. We must prioritize a safer Tennessee by holding firearm owners accountable for protecting children’s lives
Food Allergies on the College Campus: Increasing Awareness
No full textProject Title: Food Allergies on the College Campus: Increasing Awareness
Background and Rationale: The prevalence of food allergies in the United States is high and continues to increase, affecting approximately 32 million people (10.8% of the population). Food allergies are a chronic disease, and students transitioning to college are in the age group that experiences the highest rate of lethal anaphylactic reactions related to food allergies. Current best practice guidelines recommend that colleges should have a comprehensive, campus-wide approach to food allergy awareness, management, and emergency protocol. At Belmont University, there was no campus-wide approach to addressing the needs of food-allergic students as a population. Several best-evidence recommendations were missing, including early identification of students with food allergies, resources for these students, and awareness of food allergies among non-allergic students on the campus, including resident advisors..
SMART Aim: This quality improvement project aimed to increase food allergy awareness on the Belmont University campus by 25% as measured by pre-and post-intervention surveys of students, resident advisors, and resident directors by November 30, 2024,
Methods: 1) The campus registered dietician attended and had tabling at the Towering Tradition new student orientation sessions to identify students with food allergies proactively. Identification rates were measured by the Registered Dietician, who documented the number of one-on-one meetings requested by students with food allergies. 2) Resident Advisor education specific to the role during August 2024. 3) Resident Director education specific to the role during June 2024. 4) Peer education was offered at Towering Traditions\u27 new orientation summer sessions in June 2024 and during six Well Core events in the Fall of 2024. Awareness rates for all three groups were measured with pre- and post-education survey questions.
Outcomes: Results indicate a 23% increase in Resident Advisor, 21% in Peer, and 9% in Resident Director survey scores. Students and their families reported an appreciation for the increased awareness across campus. Students without food allergies demonstrated engagement and eagerness to learn during the six Well Core mandatory wellness sessions for undergraduate students