ScholarWorks (California State University)
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The mechanics of breathing. A review on the type of breathing mechanics and how it affects performance
Full text linkIt is well known that respiratory mechanics greatly affect homeostasis in humans. This literature review analyses the current existing research on how the way humans breathe impacts performance. Incorporating studies from across many different areas of knowledge that explore how humans breathe, how to breathe for performance, and examining the experimental methods to improve function. The review identifies key themes like why mouth breathing is bad and how breathwork improves psychological and physical performance. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current research, this review aims to help future studies learn about how vital breathing is to body performance and different ways to improve performance output through breathwork. This review also identifies directions for future studies to harness full potential though the method of breathing
Improving Energy Efficiency at CSUN Through Data-Driven HVAC Optimization
Full text linkEnergy efficiency plays a critical role in academic institutions that are aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. At California State University, Northridge (CSUN), we calculated the Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metrics for 36 campus buildings and identified the Sustainability Center, designed to be a net-zero energy building, as not meeting its goal due to a positive EUI. The purpose of this research is to investigate effective strategies for improving energy efficiency in this building by implementing innovative technologies and optimizing existing processes and infrastructure. An energy audit revealed an HVAC scheduling issue, which was corrected. One promising solution is the future implementation of Komfort IQ, an advanced system utilizing AI algorithms and occupancy sensors to optimize HVAC operations. Komfort IQ has previously demonstrated a 12% to 20% reduction in energy usage at CSUN's Lilac Hall. The data analyzed revolves around energy consumption before and after the HVAC correction, occupancy data, the temperature on campus, and the project's economics, with Lilac Hall's results used to project potential savings. The recurring themes of the study include factors contributing to high energy consumption, financial feasibility, and energy savings post- implementation. This study will help CSUN stay on target with its ten-year sustainability plan and provide a model for other large institutions seeking to improve their energy efficiency
Reassessing soft power: China's Belt and Road Initiative goals in Tanzania
No full textSoft power is a foreign policy tool used by countries to influence another country into doing something that aligns with the national interests of the influencing country. Countries do this in several ways, most notably through development aid and cultural influence. (Nye, 1990). Soft power has become increasingly common among larger countries like China as the use of hard power, which is forced coercion of one country by another, has fallen out of favor (White, 2004). This project focuses on a case study of Chinese utilization of soft power in the African country of Tanzania. China has implemented the Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious project of creating new relationships across Africa and Latin America. Among the goals of the BRI are to extract resources, create new trade routes through the construction of infrastructure, and invest in emerging economies through Chinese companies moving into Tanzania and other countries. China is utilizing soft power tactics to meet these objectives. This paper examines the objectives and how they are being met in Tanzania through a soft power approach. It analyzes the subtle ways that China is slowly influencing Tanzania to meet Chinese national interests by obtaining much of the resources extracted from the country and dominating Tanzania's economy with Chinese companies that outcompete local Tanzanian companies. This paper will argue that soft power is much more effective as a foreign policy tool to be used for long-term objectives because of its ability to foster a relationship while still meeting goals, instead of creating unnecessary hostility, which turns into instability
Greener Grass
No full text"Greener Grass" is about an unemployed millennial's vivid, drug-induced nightmare that reveals the hollow path of sudden wealth, but when he awakens to an unclaimed $100 million lottery ticket, he faces the ultimate dilemma: embrace the riches or redefine success on his own terms
Ladies in Waiting
No full textTo achieve her lifelong dream of knighthood, a courageous fighter must defy her kingdom to earn the chance to defend it, but her deceit leaves her under the thumb of the ambitious new queen
Analyzing the impact of GDP and employment dynamics on income inequality
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Problem Statement / Research Objective:Income inequality poses a significant barrier to inclusive growth and economic stability. Understanding the extent to which GDP growth and employment dynamics influence inequality is crucial for designing effective economic policies. This project aims to analyze the relationship between macroeconomic indicators—specifically GDP trends and labor market variables—and their collective impact on income inequality across regions and time periods. Proposed Approach (Brief): We adopt a mixed-method approach combining statistical data analysis and machine learning techniques. Using international datasets, we evaluate key indicators such as GDP growth rates,unemployment levels, labor force participation, and wage distribution. Machine learning models (regression and classification) are trained to assess feature importance, identify patterns, and predict income inequality levels. Time series models are also explored to track evolving trendsand forecast future inequality scenarios.Expected Outcomes & Contributions: This study is expected to deliver actionable insights into how economic growth andemployment structures affect income distribution. We aim to (1) provide empirical evidence highlighting the most influential economic indicators linked to inequality, and (2) build predictive models to support forward-looking economic policy planning. The findings will contribute to the academic literature on economic inequality and provide data-driven foundation for policy recommendations targeting more equitable growth
Data-Driven Insights on Economic Growth, Public Debt, and Social Development
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Although foreign direct investment (FDI) has a significant impact on a nation's economic growth, but the factors behind the FDI inflows and how does it affect to a nation's GDP growth are still the subject of detailed research analysis. This study aims to determine how the significant socio-economic factors such as economic development, literacy rate, employment, trade openness and political stability- impact a nation's ability to attract the amount of FDI it receives and how that leads to affect the GDP growth. The current study uses historical data from the World Bank and other international financial institutions to perform Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) in order to examine these associations. In supplement to estimating the impact of FDI on GDP growth, the MLR model will also determine the importance and quantitatively measure the of significant socioeconomic variables in influencing FDI inflows. Using statistical and econometric techniques, this study seeks to find patterns that explain why some nations obtain more FDI than others and how such an investment spurs economic growth. It is anticipated that the study's findings will give investors, legislators, and economic planners useful information. Understanding the primary drivers behind FDI will assist governments in drafting focused policies to draw in more foreign capital, and knowledge of its effects on GDP will guide economic forecasting and planning. This study multiplies to the bigger idea about sustainable economic growth and foreign investment flows by integrating social and financial data
Data-Driven Insights on Economic Growth, Public Debt, and Social Development
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This study aims to explore the relationship between a country's socioeconomic factors and its ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), while also examining the impact of it on GDP growth patterns. By utilising various analysis methods this research seeks to identify key economic patterns influencing FDI inflows and economic stability. By incorporating these analytical approaches, this research aims to provide a broad understanding of how macroeconomic conditions shape FDI marketability and long-term economic growth course. The results of this study will provide detailed evaluation of the key socioeconomic factors that influence a nation's marketability to foreign investors. By identifying the specific indicators that most strongly impact investor credence, the research will enlighten on how these factors, tend to influence economic growth. This understanding will contribute to refining economic development theories, especially in terms of how a nation's debt sustainability, public spending priorities, and overall macroeconomic stability play significant roles in shaping its investment appeal. By analysing these factors, this study aims to offer a more sophisticated understanding on the dynamic relationship between socioeconomic conditions and FDI flows, ultimately elevating our understanding of the economic development process. Additionally, comparing traditional econometric methods with machine learning approaches will provide important insights into the advantages and challenges of each technique. This analysis will emphasize how machine learning models can enhance forecasting precision beyond what is achievable with conventional statistical methods, thereby offering a more comprehensive tool for economic predictions. The results of this comparison will also have direct implications for policymakers, offering actionable recommendations on how to create conditions that are more favorable for attracting foreign investment. By aligning policies with these findings, governments can promote sustainable economic growth and develop strategies that optimize the potential of FDI for long-term national prosperity
Enhanced Central Node Design for a Wireless Wildfire Detection System with Wind Monitoring and Power Optimization
No full textThe impact of wildfires reaches beyond their immediate location.This project seeks to overcomethe limitations of current wildfire detection systems by developing a smart central node toenhancefirespread detection and reduce wildfire damage risks.It also investigates the integration of firefightingstrategies,such as the 10% rule of thumb,by observing wind speed and wind direction as a part of thesystem's predictive capabilities, thus improving wildfire mitigation efforts.The system uses sensors that measure wind speed and directionto track how wildfires spread—key factors in predicting fire behavior.Since these sensors require reliable power and connectivity, thedesign includes solar panels and a larger battery to ensure continuous operation in remote areas. Thesystem also uses energy-efficient wireless communication to transmit real-time data, helping firefightersmonitor risks faster.The redesigned central node aims to improve reliability, energy efficiency, and environmentalmonitoring precisionandoffer a robust solution for wildfire detection.Enhancing the system'scapabilities to swiftly identify young firesandpredict fire spread patterns
Hope for Change: Exploring the Role of Hope in California Community College Latinx Students Who Experience Academic Probation
No full textCommunity colleges enroll 52% of Latinx U.S. undergraduates and lose 42% of those students within 3 years of enrollment (McPherson & Marrero, 2021). The Latinx community has continued to face academic disparities, with many placed on academic probation due to a variety of factors that can affect their academic success. A student's hope uniquely and positively contributes to college students' academic achievement (Penzar et al., 2021). This study honored the voices of the Latinx student population who experience academic probation in efforts to learn the practices and experiences associated with hope. This study had four key findings: (a) participants on good standing generally had higher hope scores than those in other groups and used counselors as a resource to achieve their educational goals, (b) participants on good standing used a "college break" to actively engage in real-life experiences to support their college major, (c) all participants who persevered described academic probation as a shameful experience, and (d) hope scores over major clarity had a higher influence on student retention. As a result of this study, I made the following recommendations: (a) counselors should adapt a caseload approach to serve students from vulnerable populations, (b) administrators should allocate funding toward a structured 1st-year work experience program, and (c) policy makers should rename academic probation to academic notice to reflect a culture of empathy.https://doi.org/10.46569/n583z467