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Pell Grants: Impact on Minority Groups within California
No full textPell Grants are grants given to students with financial need. Students apply for Pell Grants through a financial aid application, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA helps calculate the contribution parents can make towards their children\u27s higher education, which colleges also use to calculate the student\u27s financial aid. Pell grants are paid with taxpayer money, making it essential to determine whether government grants improve graduation outcomes. However, studies have shown that Pell Grants nationwide and statewide are less effective than intended. This study analyzes the effects of Pell Grants on a smaller scale, focusing on students from minority groups who are first-generation and attended the University of California, Irvine, from 2019 to 2021. The study ran a regression discontinuity design and found that Pell Grants are associated with increased graduation rates for Chicano or Mexican-American students who are eligible for Pell Grants and have Cal Grant A. The effect of Pell Grant eligibility on the outcome of Black or African-American students was also analyzed within this study. However, their outcomes were not as significant as Chicano or Mexican-American students. Pell grants do not impact students because other barriers exist
Investor and Corporate Management Reaction to Altman Z-score Changes
No full textThis study investigates the reactions of corporate management and investors to changes in financial distress, measured by changes in the Altman Z-score, a widely recognized indicator of bankruptcy risk. By analyzing a dataset of publicly traded companies from 2016 to 2023, the research explores how Z-score changes influence management decisions, such as long-term debt levels, capital expenditures, and the decision to issue additional equity, alongside investor responses examined through monthly stock returns. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to capture these reactions by managers and investors. Companies experiencing significant Z-score declines employ conservative strategies, reducing capital expenditures and debt while increasing equity financing. These responses suggest a risk-averse strategy to navigating financial uncertainty, rather than employing a growth strategy to work through distress. Investor reactions to Z-score changes are statistically insignificant, with firm size, liquidity, and broader macroeconomic factors demonstrating a stronger impact on stock performance. The study bridges a gap in the existing literature by linking financial distress signals to managerial and investor behavior and exploring the magnitude of these effects
From Cold War Missiles to AI-Driven Defense: Risks, Innovations, and Implications
No full textThis thesis examines the role of weaponry during the Cold War and its relevance to contemporary United States military strategy. It explores key developments, such as the deployment of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and the broader arms race, focusing on the decisions made by Presidents Truman and Eisenhower to surrounding emerging military technologies. The thesis then shifts to the present, analyzing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern military systems. It discusses both the potential benefits and significant risks of AI, highlighting the ethical and security challenges it presents. Drawing lessons from the Cold War arms race, the study emphasizes the necessity of human oversight in AI-driven military operations to prevent past mistakes from being repeated. Ultimately, it argues that while AI is the future for enhancing military capabilities, careful consideration of its ethical implications and potential for misuse is essential to maintaining security and stability
A Guide to Creating Trans and Gender Variant Inclusive Film Sets: For Directors and Department Heads on Non-Union/Low Budget Film Sets
Get PDFThe following thesis explores transgender and gender-variant inclusivity practices in film production. It conducts an overview of information on lgbtq+ and transgender populations, discrimination, and filmmaking practices. From there, a baseline of definitions for terms and worldviews adopted by transgender and gender-variant communities is established. Primarily, this thesis focuses on establishing reasoning for and presenting practical applications of transgender inclusivity that can be implemented throughout the film production process. It accomplishes this by focusing on specific parts of the production process and how the leaders of those subprocesses can put these inclusivity practices into action
Altman Z-Score Relationship with Stock Price Performance After Layoff Announcements
Get PDFThis paper examines the broader implications of such workforce reductions, historically prevalent in corporate environments since the advent of new capitalism in the late 20th century. Characterized by intense global competition, deregulation, and technological advancements, this era saw a surge in corporate downsizing as a means to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Despite the strategic intentions, layoffs often signal underlying organizational challenges, prompting critical inquiry into their short- and long-term impacts on firm performance and investor sentiment. Central to this study is the exploration of whether a firm\u27s Altman Z-Score, a metric predicting bankruptcy risk, influences stock price reactions following layoff announcements. Contrary to expectations, findings suggest that while layoffs generally lead to negative market reactions, the Altman Z-Score itself does not significantly predict these outcomes. Instead, the manner in which management communicates and justifies layoffs appears more influential in shaping investor perceptions and market responses. Empirical analysis confirms a consistent negative abnormal return surrounding layoff announcements, aligning with previous research indicating market anticipation of future performance challenges post-layoffs. Regression models incorporating Altman Z-Scores reveal nonsignificant results, underscoring the limited predictive power of financial health metrics in forecasting market reactions to layoffs. Further investigation into firms with multiple layoff announcements highlights complexities in isolating the impact of individual events on stock prices, suggesting cumulative effects may dilute market responses
Surviving the E-Commerce Tsunami: The Future of Small Retailers in the Digital Economy
No full textThe rapid growth of e-commerce has fundamentally transformed the global retail landscape, challenging the traditional dominance of brick-and-mortar retailers. This thesis examines this very landscape. It focuses on the coexistence of brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce. With e-commerce dominating through convenience, competitive pricing, and economies of scale, traditional retailers are facing significant challenges to remain competitive. This study introduces a conceptual framework that is grounded in a utility-based discrete choice model in order to analyze five key variables—trust, pricing strategies, product differentiation, social interaction, and immediacy. These variables are examined through scenario analysis to explore the conditions under which brick-and-mortar retailers can sustain consumer interest and profitability.
The findings suggest that trust, social interaction, and product differentiation play pivotal roles in high-involvement purchases, while immediacy emerges as a critical factor in time-sensitive contexts. Hybrid models, such as Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods, illustrate how the integration of physical and digital channels can leverage the strengths of both approaches to meet evolving consumer demands.
We bridge gaps in the literature by consolidating studies to envision the future of retail and provide strategies for traditional retailers to stay competitive
The Swaying Equations: An Exhibition of Mathematical and Algorithmic Art
Get PDFAn exhibition of mathematical and algorithmic art took place on 30th September and 01st October 2023 at the Lionel Wendt art gallery in Colombo, Sri Lanka. To our knowledge, this is the first-ever mathematical art exhibition in Sri Lanka. This report contains a brief overview of the artworks and some highlights of the exhibition
From Crisis to Innovation: A Multi-Source Renewable Microgrid for Rural Resilience
No full textThe Greenville rebuild project in northern California represents a paradigm shift in rural energy resilience, following the devastation of the 2021 Dixie Fire. This thesis explores the design and integration of a renewable microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics (PV), biomass combined heat and power (CHP), and other renewable technologies to meet the community’s unique energy demands. With a design capacity of 1.75 MW, the microgrid is 250% of Greenville’s pre-fire electrical load, ensuring redundancy and resilience. Key challenges addressed include the intermittency of solar energy, the complexities of biomass fuel sourcing, and the operational intricacies of microgrid control systems.
Solar PV, projected to produce 1,127 MWh annually, serves as the primary energy source, supported by biomass CHP for high-efficiency energy and heat generation. Local forest biomass fuels not only mitigate wildfire risks but also offset the costs of forest restoration. Advanced technologies, such as reclosers and microgrid controllers, ensure fault isolation and reduce outages, demonstrating scalability for similar rural areas.
This work employs sustainable leadership theory to navigate the complexities of implementing integrative energy systems. The findings highlight the necessity of place-specific solutions that consider environmental, technical, and community dynamics. Greenville’s renewable microgrid offers a replicable model for building resilient, carbon-reduced energy systems in fire-prone regions. By integrating renewable technologies with innovative leadership, this thesis provides a pathway toward sustainable energy futures for vulnerable communities
The Mule As Working Animal, Teacher, Soldier, Legend, Friend
Get PDFMules have played a significant role in the Eastern Sierra region of California, and far beyond. Louis Medina offers a warm appreciation of these legendary animals place in the region and its human community over time
OPENING THE COFFIN: The Weight of Suffering and Survival in Hong Kong’s Coffin Homes
No full textCoffin homes, a visual shorthand for systemic housing failures, offer a unique lens into Hong Kong’s ongoing housing crisis. This paper traces the emergence and persistence of coffin homes by examining the impact of Hong Kong’s colonial legacy, post-war population pressures, and flawed housing policies. It highlights how a combination of factors have left many residents with little choice but to seek refuge in these tiny, windowless spaces. However, what began as a desperate solution has, over time, become a testament to the resilience of these residents, who navigate the challenges of Hong Kong’s housing crisis with remarkable strength. Combining historical analysis, policy critique, and an exploration of residents’ experiences, this paper argues that coffin homes are a direct consequence of urban failures. As a striking symptom of a failed housing system, coffin homes emphasize the urgent need for policy reforms that address the growing divide between the city’s wealthiest and poorest populations