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Rafael Chacón makes art accessible
Full text linkDr. Rafael Chacón is a professor of art history and director of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture (MMAC). Rafael shares his journey from Cuba to Indiana, his early love of art sparked by visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, and how he found a home and career in Montana. He and Justin discuss the MMAC’s historic and global collection, its stunning new facility, and 19 Under 39, a new biennial exhibition at MMAC supporting young Montana artists.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/anewangle_podcasts/1391/thumbnail.jp
Intentional Action, Impactful Risk-Taking
Full text linkhttps://scholarworks.umt.edu/grad_portfolios/1456/thumbnail.jp
862(XV_i):068 - Wimp
No full textPolitical Cartoon depicting Cozzens as a child holding a sheriff\u27s hand and a set of balloons calling Baucus a wimp . Baucus is depicted crossing his arms on the right side of the page.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/baucus_artifacts/1057/thumbnail.jp
MAKE-BELIEVE AND MACHINE MINDS: EXAMINING PRETENSE, THEORY OF MIND, AND BELIEFS WHEN MENTALIZING ROBOTS
No full textChildren can infer the mental states of other people and attribute mental states to non-human others. While children may do so by imagining the minds of others, some argue children are merely pretending when they attribute mental states to entities such as robots. The current study examined whether children were pretending in their mental state attributions. Participants (3-5 years; N = 45) were randomly assigned to an agent condition (child, robot, doll) and completed fantasy understanding and mentalizing measures. After participants completed the mentalizing measure (pre-incentive), they completed the measure a second time but were incentivized to provide their actual beliefs with earning a prize (post-incentive). Participants also completed a false belief task and a willingness to engage in pretense task. The current study found children could not be incentivized to change their mental state attributions. However, false belief understanding was important for incentivized change of mentalizing and accuracy on fantasy understanding. Children who were categorized as having a false belief understanding increased their attributions, regardless of the agent. Children who were categorized as not yet developed a false belief understanding were more likely to increase their accuracy on fantasy understanding. Taken together, the current findings suggest the ability to understand the beliefs of others play a role in how children were incentivized in their mental state attributions or fantasy understanding
Analyzing Grizzly Bear Movement Patterns: Identifying Females with Newborn Cubs Using Telemetry Data
Full text linkGrizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) generally den in rugged, remote terrain during winter months. Females give birth to cubs in the den in mid to late winter and emerge in spring with highly vulnerable cubs. Detection of cub presence to date has generally relied on aerial surveys, which are costly and challenging, particularly in denning terrain. An understanding of the presence and survival of grizzly bear cubs after den emergence is thus generally limited. This information gap impedes an accurate assessment of reproductive rates, an understanding of which is particularly important in the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Recovery Ecosystems, where small populations can be particularly impacted by cub recruitment. Using post-den location data from 39 GPS-collared female grizzly bears in these populations, we aim to compare movement patterns using cumulative net displacement in an effort to differentiate females with newborn cubs, older young (1–2 years of age), and no offspring. We hypothesize that females with cubs will exhibit lower cumulative net displacement (a metric to quantify the total distance moved over a period of time) and reduced movements compared to females with older young or no offspring, because more females who localize their space use can conserve energy and improve survival of their cubs. This ongoing research will improve an understanding of grizzly bear ecology in the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Recovery Ecosystems
A Century on the Oval: The Enduring Legacy of the Social Science Building
No full textWe shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us” (Churchill, 1943). Campus architecture significantly influences both academic and social communities. This study examines the architectural and institutional history of the Social Science Building at the University of Montana, aiming to uncover its origins, development, and evolving role within campus life. Constructed in 1921, during a time of postwar academic expansion, the building showcases early 20th-century revival architectural styles. These architectural styles draw inspiration from classical Greek and Roman architecture and Gothic and Renaissance styles. Through archival research, campus planning documents, and ethnographic fieldwork, this project traces the building’s initial construction, its usage over time, and the broader social and academic changes it has witnessed and facilitated. Particular focus is placed on the building’s architectural elements and stylistic decisions, as well as how its spatial design has shaped and enriched student experiences. By situating the Social Science Building within the larger narrative of the university’s growth and mission, this project contributes to the preservation of campus history and offers insights into how academic buildings serve as symbols of university life and progress
Bodies of Water
No full textBodies of Water follows a group of young people growing up in the fictional Alaskan town of Aldyr’s Bay. The three short stories, told through the points of view of three siblings — Cove, Lake, and River Kagan — explore survivors’ guilt, community, and loyalty (or the lack thereof), while also addressing mental health, addiction, and grief. One story takes place on the last day of spring under the looming realization that it is the first season in three years where no one has died. The other two stories navigate deaths of the past and the grief and guilt the characters harbor.
Overall, the characters show that someone can love a place while haunted by the people and events that have happened there and that the world, like water, does not stop flowing in the face of grief. These topics are explored through the interpersonal connections and conflicts between the youth of the town and interwoven histories of the physical landscape. I have long sought to find a way to write for those growing up in small towns where everyone knows everyone and history is only a blessing if one can escape the death grip it often has. Bodies of Water is my answer
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Full text linkChina’s higher education system has undergone rapid expansion since the implementation of the 1999 enrollment policy, transitioning through stages of scale expansion, quality improvement, and program development. While increasing access to higher education, this expansion has also led to challenges such as low student engagement, high dropout rates, and employment difficulties.
This study examined the relationship between student engagement and academic performance, particularly in China\u27s higher education system. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between student engagement and academic performance, in this study there was a focus on how five specific domains of engagement, Level of Academic Challenge, Active and Collaborative Learning, Student-Faculty Interaction, Supportive Campus Environment, and Enriching Educational Experiences, relate to students\u27 self-reported GPA.
The study employed a quantitative, non-experimental design to explore these relationships. Three key statistical methods were used: descriptive statistics to summarize the data, Pearson correlation analysis to assess the strength and direction of relationships, and multiple regression analysis to determine the predictive power of the engagement domains on academic performance. Data were collected from 383 students across four public universities in Inner Mongolia, China using the NSSE-China instrument, and were analyzed using SPSS software.
The results indicated that overall student engagement had a positive, though weak, correlation with academic performance (GPA). Notably, the domains of Active and Collaborative Learning (ACL), Student-Faculty Interaction (SFI), and Supportive Campus Environment (SCE) showed positive correlations with students’ GPA. At the same time, the Level of Academic Challenge (LAC) and Enriching Educational Experiences (EEE) had no correlations. The regression analysis revealed that while student engagement generally impacted academic performance, Active and Collaborative Learning had the strongest positive effect, followed by Student-Faculty Interaction, and then Supportive Campus Environment (SCE).
These findings suggest that improving student engagement, particularly in areas such as collaborative learning and student-faculty interaction, can improve academic outcomes. The study contributes valuable insights for educators and university administrators seeking to improve student success through targeted initiatives. The research provides a foundation for future initiatives to improve academic performance in China’s higher education system by quantifying the specific influence of different engagement domains
The Impact of State-Mandated Certification of Surgical Technologists on Surgical Site Infection Rates: Evaluating Policy, Practice, and Patient Outcomes
No full textAbstract
Chairperson: Matthew Schertz, Ph.D.
Committee Member: Morgen J Alwell, Ph.D.
Committee Member: Jill Davis, M.Ed.
As a surgical technology instructor, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that certified surgical technologists (CSTs) have on patient safety, particularly in the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). This professional paper investigates the relationship between state-mandated certification of surgical technologists and SSI rates, with a focus on how standardized education and credentialing influence clinical outcomes. SSIs remain a significant concern in surgical environments, contributing to increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and greater healthcare costs. The research presented here examines certification requirements across various U.S. states, comparing infection outcomes in regions that require CST credentials to those that do not. Findings from peer-reviewed studies, national data sets, and interviews with CSTs and non-certified surgical technologists reveal a consistent association between certification and reduced SSI incidence. Certified technologists demonstrate higher adherence to sterile technique, better anticipation of surgical needs, and more consistent performance under pressure. This paper also explores the legislative and institutional barriers to nationwide certification mandates, including workforce shortages and cost concerns. Policy recommendations include the implementation of phased certification requirements and the expansion of access to accredited surgical technology programs, particularly in rural areas. Ultimately, this research supports the assertion that certification improves patient safety, standardizes professional competency, and enhances surgical outcomes. As the healthcare field evolves, universal certification standards for surgical technologists should be recognized as a vital component of high-quality perioperative care
