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Portfolio: Warriors of Equality: The Harlem Hellfighters' Bravery on the Battlefield and Creators of European Jazz/ Double V Campaign And The Impact On The U.S. Military
Full text linkMy Portfolio project is divided into three parts. The first section, presents a historiography on the Harlem Hellfighters, discussing the changes in perception of the unit from its military achievements to its role in shaping European music culture. The paper concludes that the Harlem Hellfighters were essential not just on the battlefield but off the battlefield, influencing social changes in Europe. The second section, "Double V Campaign and the Impact of the Black Press on the U.S. Military," discusses the origin of the Double V Campaign, its aim to promote the message about Black excellence achieved in the military, and opening the door for African Americans to enter various branches of the US military. The paper concludes that the Double V Campaign allowed African Americans entering military service to demonstrate through their actions on the battlefield that they were just as capable as their white counterparts. With support from the Black Press, they sought to demonstrate to white America that all individuals are equal in the face of great evil. The last section is a reflective essay of my overall experience in the Master's program. I reflect on what I have learned and experienced about academic writing and research within the program
Professional Development in Special Education a Study on Applied Behavior Analysis in Vietnam
Full text linkThis qualitative multiple-case study explored challenges and evolving needs of professional development for educators in Vietnam's special education system in the application of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism spectrum disorder. The research investigated how leadership support, educator self-efficacy, and current professional development practices influence ABA implementation. Drawing on Bandura's social cognitive theory, the study emphasizes the role of mastery experiences, mentorship, and culturally adapted instructional strategies in shaping teacher confidence and performance. Interviews with four ABA practitioners were analyzed using Dedoose, revealing emergent themes related to leadership optics, institutional resistance, and the power of structured, hands-on training. Findings demonstrate educators are motivated and receptive to ABA practices, but systemic barriers such as image-driven leadership and lack of long-term mentorship limit their effectiveness. The study proposes a culturally responsive professional development model grounded in direct instruction, fluency-based learning, and project-based application—implemented through the researcher's nonprofit, Myly.org. This dissertation contributes to the understanding of how ABA training can be localized for high-context educational cultures and offers practical recommendations for leadership development, mentorship, and policy reform. Findings have implications for advancing inclusive education in Vietnam and support the development of sustainable, culturally attuned training systems
Boo! You've Been Ghosted: Exploring the Social Acceptability of Ghosting Behavior
Full text linkThis paper explores the social acceptability of ghosting, a common but often criticized relationship dissolution strategy, within the context of college students' experiences. The study investigates how gender and key character traits influence perceptions of ghosting compared to other breakup methods, such as direct communication and de-escalation. The results show that students generally view honest and respectful breakup strategies, such as openly discussing reasons for the breakup, as the most socially acceptable. Ghosting—especially in relationships that are less intimate or short-lived—is seen as sometimes acceptable, particularly when someone feels unsafe or lacks the interpersonal skills to confront their partner directly. Gender differences were notable: men were more likely to view ghosting as acceptable. Women, in contrast, preferred more direct forms of breakup communication. Character traits also played a role in students' perceptions of ghosting. Those who valued honesty tended to reject ghosting as an acceptable method of relationship termination, while students who prioritized kindness were somewhat more lenient toward indirect breakup tactics, such as minimizing contact or giving vague explanations. The study highlights the complexity of ghosting behavior, emphasizing the influence of gender, personal values, and relationship context on its social acceptability. The paper suggests that future research should explore how attachment styles and personality traits further shape individuals' choices in relationship dissolution
Hollow Victory Heaps
Full text linkThis thesis introduces Hollow Victory Heaps, a binary version of Quake Heaps that incorporates concepts from Hollow Heaps. The proposed data structure features simpler operations while maintaining efficiency comparable to the well-known, yet complex, Fibonacci Heaps. It supports the insert and decrease-key operations in amortized 0(1) time, and the delete-min operation in amortized 0(log n) time. Additionally, we believe that Hollow Victory Heaps is an excellent choice for educational purposes, as its hollow concept simplifies the understanding of heap operations and effectively demonstrates key principles of advanced heap structures
Memristor Modeling and Simulation Using Matlab Simulink
Full text linkMemristors—non-volatile elements capable of retaining memory without power—have the potential to revolutionize future memory systems and neuromorphic computing. Despite their theoretical appeal and initial experimental success by HP Labs in 2008, several critical challenges have prevented their widespread adoption. Fabrication inconsistencies, long-term reliability, and difficulties in integrating memristors with existing technologies remain significant hurdles. Moreover, existing SPICE-based models, though valuable, often lack the flexibility to simulate essential parameters such as the normalized doped region width (w/D), non-linear dopant drift, and dynamic behaviors under varying frequencies and voltages. These limitations in literature motivate the need for improved, accessible, and more comprehensive modeling tools. To address this gap, this research focuses on the modeling and simulation of memristor devices using MATLAB Simulink, which offers a more intuitive environment for visualizing and analyzing device behavior. We examine and simulate key memristor models—including the HP, TiO₂, Joglekar, and VTEAM models—to capture non-linear and time-dependent characteristics fundamental to memristor functionality. Specific attention is given to modeling the hysteresis loops, current-voltage relationships, and the impact of the w/D ratio, which is often overlooked in prior studies. By bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical simulation tools, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of memristor behavior and modeling strategies. These insights may guide the development of more reliable and efficient memristor-based technologies, enabling their integration into real-world applications such as resistive memory systems and neuromorphic circuits
Effectiveness of proprioceptive training on balance in dancers with and without hypermobility
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This study examined the effectiveness of an eyes-opened versus eyes-closed dance-specific proprioceptive training protocol on balance in dancers with and without hypermobility syndrome. Dancers must use optimal pathways of movement to efficiently maintain postural control (PC). The combination of sensory, vestibular and proprioceptive information define the complex phenomenon of sensory-motor integration. When orientation information is not readily available or accurate, the body must reorganize itself during movement in a wide variety of conditions. Dancers with generalized joint hypermobility syndrome (GJH) may have proprioceptive deficits at the joint space that are linked to decreased PC. Exposing dancers to proprioceptive training (PT) methods may reduce sensory error organization by producing a more heightened sensory-motor response in correcting deviation of PC. 18 college-aged dancers, with and without GJH, provided informed consent (Institutional Review Board approved) to participate in baseline GJH screening (Beighton Scale), four weeks of PT and balance testing. Dancers were randomly assigned to eyes-opened or eyes-closed training groups. Outcome measures included path length metrics via force plate of quiet stance test in multiple sensory conditions and single-leg passé test in eyes-opened and eyes-closed conditions. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated a non-significant interaction between hypermobility scoring and training groups. However, those with GJH demonstrated higher mean score in baseline Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration and Balance (MCTSIB) indicating less postural control. There was a significant decrease in path length in all quiet stance and single-leg test conditions in both training groups indicating an increase in balance scores post intervention. Non-significant differences in balance was found between the PT groups. A Near significant difference between PT groups was found in (1) quiet-stance, eyes-opened foam-pad condition, (2) while a near significant interaction between PT groups and GJH groups was observed in single-leg the eyes-closed condition. This study identified that dancers with GJH had decreased PC. Proprioceptive training may be a beneficial means to improve balance. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to explore the influence of eyes-opened and eyes-closed training on PC
Examining the Association Between Marijuana Use and Depression Among Cancer Patients and Survivors in the United States
Full text link[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Background: Cancer patients are more likely to experience depression than the general population, reporting higher psychological distress levels and lower quality of life. Although cannabis is often used to manage symptoms like chronic pain, limited research explores its association with depression in this population. This study investigates the relationship between marijuana use and depression, while assessing the role of medical care affordability among cancer patients and survivors in the United States. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis utilized cancer patient and survivor data from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (N=50,555). Logistic regression models assessed the association between past 30-day marijuana use and depression, examining whether medical care affordability moderated this relationship while adjusting for demographic covariates. Results: Compared to non-users, frequent (AOR: 2.133, 95% CI: 1.66, 2.74, p<0.001), and daily users (AOR: 3.606, 95% CI: 2.92, 4.45, p<0.001) are more likely to report depression. Stratified analyses revealed that among individuals who could afford care, frequent (AOR: 2.319, 95% CI: 1.79, 3.01, p<0.001) and daily users (AOR: 3.798, 95% CI: 3.04, 4.74, p<0.001) had higher odds of depression than non-users. Among those unable to afford care, daily users report significantly higher odds of depression (AOR: 2.319, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.30, p<0.01) than non-users. Conclusion: Findings suggest a strong dose-response relationship between marijuana use and depression, moderated by medical care affordability. Further longitudinal studies should investigate the directionality of this association and explore other moderating factors such as treatment status, cancer type, and stage to refine clinical recommendations and policies
Roxbury Builders: Operational Feasibility for Attraction and Growth
Full text link[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This consulting project evaluated strategies to enhance operational efficiency and support sustainable growth for Roxbury Builders, a multifamily construction firm in Los Angeles County. My role in my team, Blueprint Consultants, centered on conducting a thorough analysis of the company's internal operations, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing practical strategies to support sustainable growth. As they grew, they wanted to ensure operational efficiency and competitiveness while attracting new opportunities. The project involved in-depth research, process mapping, and stakeholder interviews to better understand existing workflows and decision-making structures. I actively led client meetings, facilitated discussions, and made sure that our findings were converted into potential recommendations throughout the project with my teammates. By working closely with the team and maintaining consistent communication with our client, I helped shape an extensive analysis that aligned with Roxbury Builders' target. Blueprint Consultant looked at both internal operations and external market conditions, determining the feasibility of scaling the business. Our team research focused on identifying opportunities for growth, analyzing operational efficiencies, and providing recommendations to strengthen the company's foundation. I ensured that our client engagement remained strong and that our deliverables were both timely and relevant. I participated in all team meetings, coordinated discussions, and I helped with the analysis that formed the basis of our final recommendations. For this project, I conducted industry research, performed an operational analysis, and engaged in direct communication with Roxbury Builders' personnel as well as its previous clients. I analyzed population growth, housing shortages, and economic trends to better understand the market conditions impacting the multifamily construction industry. I examined competitors in the San Fernando Valley to assess their positioning and strategic approaches. Based on this analysis, I identified several critical operational and strategic issues affecting the company's growth potential. I developed a set of targeted recommendations to improve operational efficiency, streamlining workflows, and enhancing competitive positioning. Understanding internal challenges was just as important as evaluating external opportunities. We reviewed the company's current project management processes and workforce capabilities to identify areas for improvement and potential gaps that may impact operational efficiency. Our goal was to provide insight that could support the team in strengthening operations and improving overall performance. Through this project, I provided the analysis regarding competitive rivalry, bargaining power of buyer using Porter's Five Forces, Threats and Opportunities for Swot analysis. I also conducted and presented research on the Multi-Family Housing Construction and Residential Building Contractors sectors to provide content for the analysis. This included industry trends, identifying risks, and reviewing market forecasts to help the client better understand the external landscape, anticipate future challenges, and uncover potential growth opportunities. I spent at least between 15-20 hours per week doing research, writing, preparing for our meetings since the beginning of this course. I gained valuable insights into the complexities of operational feasibility and business growth in the construction industry through my involvement in this consulting project. working with Roxbury builder alongside my team, gave me a practical experience in market analysis, client communication, and strategic problem solving. this project deepened my understanding of how companies address their growth challenges in a competitive market to ensure long-term success. The project concluded with a formal presentation of our analysis and findings to the client, and provided the client with a written report detailing our recommendations. I gained valuable insights into the complexities of operational feasibility and business growth in the construction industry through my involvement in this consulting project. working with Roxbury builder alongside my team, gave me a practical experience in market analysis, client communication, and strategic problem solving. this project deepened my understanding of how companies address their growth challenges in a competitive market to ensure long-term success. The project concluded with a formal presentation of our analysis and findings to the client, and provided the client with a written report detailing our recommendations
Navigating a book desert: Understanding where Black adults in Palmdale, CA and Lancaster, CA access books in the Antelope Valley
Full text link[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Book deserts reproduce cycles of poverty and exacerbate achievement gaps that produce negative social outcomes for those restricted by obstacles to book access. Book deserts, such as the estimated book scarcity in the Antelope Valley, occur when barriers that vary by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geospatial context, and landscapes of scholarly culture diminish a community's ability to consistently access print books locally. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to gain an understanding of where Black adults in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA can access print books in the Antelope Valley. Eleven archival documents were examined and four interviews were conducted with book professionals who serve the study area - three public library professionals and one bookstore owner - to explore local organizations that provide book access to Black adults living in Palmdale and Lancaster. Statistical analyses produced with ArcGIS Pro mapping software were calculated to investigate if a geospatial book desert, explored through the distance between neighborhoods with concentrations of Black residents and the nearest book sources, significantly impacted Black adults. The data collected led to three themes: public libraries and bookstores provide inner city book access for general patrons; public-private partnerships influence how book access is delivered through libraries; and gaps in book services produce barriers to book access for residents. Additionally, quantitative analysis indicated that the pattern of book sources in relation to ethnic neighborhoods is somewhat random and neighborhoods where populations are 50% Black are closer to book sources than neighborhoods with a lower percentage of Black residents. Given the emerging, decentralized definitions and narrow population considerations for book deserts in prior studies, these themes will be useful in the continuation of scholarly research that seeks to produce a comprehensive definition and understanding of book deserts
Mnemonic Evaluative Frameworks in Scholarly Publications: A Citation Analysis
Full text linkThis poster analyzes how mnemonic frameworks such as CRAAP, ACT UP, SIFT, and CAT (Check, Ask, Think) are cited in scholarly literature. It explores citation trends, disciplinary adoption, and their evolving relevance in AI-driven information environments. The poster highlights how these frameworks support interdisciplinary collaboration among librarians, educators, and researchers in addressing misinformation and promoting critical thinking