ScholarWorks (California State University)
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Assessing Spatial Accessibility to Skilled Nursing Facilities for Elderly Hispanic and White Populations in the San Fernando Valley: A Socioeconomic Analysis
No full textThis thesis assesses spatial accessibility to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) for elderly Hispanic and non-Hispanic White populations in the San Fernando Valley, a socioeconomically diverse region of Los Angeles County. The study applies a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method to evaluate access within a 15-minute drive-time threshold. Accessibility scores were generated by combining SNF capacity with local demand at the census tract level. Socioeconomic variables such as income, poverty, disability, and educational attainment were analyzed to understand their relationship with accessibility for each population group. Results indicate that elderly Hispanic populations are concentrated in areas with lower accessibility and greater social vulnerability, while elderly non-Hispanic White populations exhibit distinct patterns shaped by geographic dispersion and income levels. Through the integration of spatial analysis and demographic context, this research reveals uneven patterns of long-term care access across the region
Capturing Wildlife: Changes in Skeleton of Vertebrates with Different Locomotion
No full textHow can the relationships among vertebrate animals, such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, be visually displayed to a group of people that don't have any prior knowledge of vertebrate anatomy? With my Senior Honors project, I will depict visually the skeletal structures of different types of vertebrates to demonstrate structural homology of these animals to reveal that, despite our differences with the animals around us, we're all still interconnected by our relationships to our distant ancestors. After reading some books and articles on vertebrates, I started sketching and seeking inspiration for my art portfolio, which included gathering Pinterest photos to come up with ideas for the sketching and journaling portion. I also examined many reference photos to explore a range of approaches to depict my art (digital, traditional, 3D tools). One of my goals was to showcase the actual process of making art and generating the ideas for the finished pieces because it's a great way to demonstrate the thought processes behind the work and idea generation. I've created a portfolio filled with sketches and finished artwork that show similarities in structure of different kinds of vertebrates from the museum collections at Cal State Fullerton. The visual depictions highlight the morphological similarities among vertebrates have in common but also showcase how vestigial characteristics reveal the distant connectedness that underly the evolutionary relationships between organisms
"The Saints Are His Army": The Stories of the 6th-Century Najrān Martyrs
No full textThis research delves into the history and hagiographical (written texts of saints) accounts of female Christian martyrs, particularly those associated with the 6th-century Najrān massacre, where over 2,000 Christians were murdered. I examined their hagiographies alongside the male accounts to identify differences in emphasis and style and to argue that the women in these accounts were used to inspire other Syrian Christians. This project draws upon translated ancient primary writings from early Christian theologians such as Tertullian, Origen of Alexandria, and Cyprian of Carthage, to showcase what early Christian writers thought about women martyrs as well as how the Najrān martyrologies reflect those ideals
Heat-Induced Phosphatidylserine Changes Drive HSPA1A's Plasma Membrane Localization
No full textHSPA1A is a molecular chaperone crucial in cell survival. In addition to its cytosolic functions, HSPA1A translocates to heat-shocked and cancer cells' plasma membrane (PM). In cancer, PM-localized HSPA1A (mHSPA1A) is associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance, suggesting that preventing its membrane localization could have therapeutic value. This translocation depends on HSPA1A's interaction with PM phospholipids, including phosphatidylserine (PS). Although PS binding regulates HSPA1A's membrane localization, the exact trigger for this movement remains unclear. Given that lipid modifications are a cancer hallmark, we hypothesized that PS is a crucial lipid driving HSPA1A translocation and that heat-induced changes in PS levels trigger HSPA1A's PM localization in response to heat stress. We tested this hypothesis using pharmacological inhibition and RNA interference targeting PS synthesis, combined with confocal microscopy, lipidomics, and western blotting. Lipidomic analysis and PS-specific biosensors confirmed a heat shock-induced PS increase, peaking immediately post-stress. Inhibition of PS synthesis with fendiline and RNA interference significantly reduced HSPA1A's PM localization, while depletion of cholesterol or fatty acids had minimal effects, confirming specificity for PS. Further experiments showed that PS saturation and elongation changes did not significantly impact HSPA1A's PM localization, indicating that the total PS increase, rather than specific PS species, is the critical factor. These findings reshape current models of HSPA1A trafficking, demonstrating that PS is a crucial regulator of HSPA1A's membrane translocation during the heat shock response. This work offers new insights into lipid-regulated protein trafficking and highlights the importance of PS in controlling cellular responses to stress.100092https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstres.2025.10009
Transformation in the Desert: A Journey in Search of Identity in Leslie Marmon Silko's Gardens in the Dunes
No full textThis thesis explores the theme of capitalism in Leslie Marmon Silko's novel Gardens in the Dunes, through the actions and development of two secondary characters, Delena and BigCandy. I argue that these characters initially represent destructive elements of a rampant capitalism, with each participating unwittingly in the unrestrained accumulation of wealth during a frantic quest for money and power. In terms of narrative structure, Big Candy embodies the linear narrative of Self Made Man's promise of wealth and status, whereas Delena is a trickster figure who unveils the dark side of Big Candy's capitalist desire. Moving from the central premise of the destructive capabilities of capitalist desire, this thesis argues that Big Candy and Delena evolve from a capitalist individualistic mindset to embrace revolutionary change with the desert acting as a catalyst for this metamorphosis. As Delena's presence destabilizes the narrative and opens it to unexpected, transformative shifts that culminate in a desert chase, Big Candy and Delena do battle in this desert environment with each other and their personal demons forpossession of their desires. They survive and emerge from the desert reborn, having left their former selves in the desert, each with a new sense of identity and purpose
Slitter trim collector & compactor upgrade
No full textThe current trim collector is exposed to the environment, resulting in the generation of metal (Al) particles in its surroundings. A recent process study revealed that over 150 metal particles, including 49 larger than 100 µm, accumulate daily near the trim collector in the Anode Slitter and Cathode Slitter areas. This project involves upgrading the trim collector and compactor to address this issue. The electrical control panel design will be created and reviewed using EPLAN, with a focus on Factory Acceptance Testing, Risk Assessment, and compliance with safety standards, specifications, and the Bill of Materials. Additionally, the project aims to secure TÜV certification for the compactor. Expected outcomes include a compact design that enhances accessibility, a reduction in trim waste volume by compressing and collecting it efficiently into tube bags, and an overall improvement in system efficiency. The upgrade is based on the current trim collector, which only collects trim without reducing the number of aluminum particles in the air. In contrast, the new Trim Compactor features various motors (granulators), a VFD, and a pressure sensor for different applications, ensuring the collected trim is compacted and packed, thereby significantly reducing airborne particles in the manufacturing area. In this project, we compare the behavior of a legacy Trim Compactor with a updated one placed in the facility
The significance of muscular strength in uphill performance in well-trained cyclists
No full textStatement of Problem:Uphill sections are prevalent in many cycling races. Though increased muscular strength has been shown to increase cycling sprint performance and economy, it has not been shown if muscular strength is a significant performance variable in uphill performance in well-trained cyclists.Sources of Data:Ultrasound measurements of the vastus medialis muscle (VMO) for muscle fiber pennation angle, isokinetic max voluntary contractions (MVC) in one-legged knee extension, VO2peak measured via graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer, and time-to-completion (TTC) in a simulated uphill time trial course on a cycle ergometer.Conclusions Reached:There was not a significant effect between the independent variables (F(3,1) = 5.890, p = .292), VO2peak (M = 43.50, SD = 11.82), MVC (M = 33.09, SD = 4.42), or pennation angle (M = 23.34, SD = 2.27) on TTC. Muscular strength nor muscle fiber pennation angle had a significant effect on time-to-completion in simulated uphill time trials in well-trained cyclists
Storytelling Across Cultures: Enhancing Oral Language Skills in Kindergarten English Learners Through Culturally Responsive Practices and Family Engagement
No full textThis curriculum development project addresses the need for culturally responsive oral language instruction in kindergarten classrooms serving English Learners. In many early childhood education settings, traditional literacy curricula emphasize foundational skills but often overlook the cultural and linguistic of students, resulting in disengagement and limited oral language growth. The project proposes a series of storytelling lessons designed to affirm students' cultural identities, promote oral language expression, and strengthen home-school partnerships through active family involvement. The curriculum includes bilingual storytelling kits and adaptable lesson plans. Intended for use by early childhood educators, this project provides a flexible, research-informed framework for enhancing oral language development in diverse learning environments. The work is supported by literature on culturally responsive teaching, storytelling in education, and the role of family engagement in early literacy development
Love, Betrayal, And Death. A Mezzo Motion Picture
No full textIn this recital, I will perform a selection of arias and art songs from various periods and composers. These pieces highlight a range of styles, emotions, and compositional approaches. For each work, I will also share background information about the poets and librettists who collaborated with the composers to bring these pieces to life. My goal is to convey each composer's artistic vision and express the emotional world of the characters as intended in the music. One of the featured composers is Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), whose contribution to the art song repertoire is deeply expressive and powerful. I have selected three of his Lieder: "Frühlingsmorgen," "Hans und Grethe," and "Liebst du um Schönheit." Each song offers a unique perspective, both in tempo and meaning, ranging from playful to deeply sincere. I will also perform "Ah, fuggi il traditor," an aria from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's (1756-1791) opera, Don Giovanni. Mozart remains one of the most enduring and influential composers in the classical canon, and this aria demonstrates his dramatic skill and sensitivity to character. The art form of Zarzuela is a rich and culturally significant tradition from Spain that blends spoken dialogue, operatic singing, and dance. One of the founding figures of this genre was Francisco Asenjo Barbieri (1823-1894), whose work, "Jugar con Fuego," remains one of the most celebrated zarzuelas in the repertoire. Agustín Lara (1897-1970) also composed the masterpiece, "Granada," a song that became widely recognized as an unofficial anthem of the city. From the Italian bel canto tradition, Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) composed "I Capuleti e i Montecchi" in 1830, a retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story, which premiered in Venice, Italy. Bellini's lyrical style and emotive melodies are central to this opera's enduring appeal. In the world of grand opera, Giuseppe Verdi's (1813-1903) "Don Carlo" explores political and personal conflicts with dramatic intensity and lush orchestration. At its premiere, the audience had mixed reactions-some were moved by its powerful story and music, while others found it long and complex. Moving into the twentieth century, Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) and Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) each made significant contributions to modern opera. Menotti's "The Medium" is a powerful, psychologically charged work that explores themes of grief, deception, and the supernatural. Contemporary American composer Jake Heggie (1961-) is best known for his opera, "Dead Man Walking," which has received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and relevance. His work continues to shape the future of American opera. Lastly, the beloved fairy tale of Cinderella has inspired many composers. One of the most famous operatic versions is Gioachino Rossini's (1792-1868) "La Cenerentola," which combines humor, vocal virtuosity, and charm in true Rossinian style
Exploring Support Services for Newly Immigrated Vietnamese Adults: Insights from Huntington Beach Adult School Professionals
No full textThis study examines the landscape of support services available to newly immigrated Vietnamese adults enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) and adult education programs at Huntington Beach Adult School (HBAS) in Orange County's Little Saigon. The research focuses on the lived experiences of working-age Vietnamese immigrants, exploring how HBAS professionals perceive and implement support services that address both educational and personal challenges. The central research question investigates the effectiveness of these services in helping students navigate acculturation stress, language barriers, and the complexities of adapting to life in the United States. Qualitative methods-including archival analysis and interviews with HBAS staff-reveal that language access, cultural understanding, and trusted relationships are critical for effective support. Vietnamese-speaking staff serve as bridges, yet systemic challenges still exist, such as limited office hours, transportation barriers, and inconsistent bilingual resources. The findings highlight the prevalence of acculturative stress, intergenerational trauma, and mental health stigma within the Vietnamese community. Recommendations include expanding bilingual support, enhancing community partnerships, and increasing the visibility of available resources through structured outreach. A community initiative centered on the Tết Trung Thu festival is proposed, inviting community members to share stories of adjustment and belonging through lantern art. This approach leverages cultural traditions and trusted spaces to foster dialogue, empathy, and connection while raising awareness of HBAS services. The study aims to strengthen HBAS's role as a trusted hub, improve service accessibility, and promote holistic well-being among Vietnamese immigrants in Orange County