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Good and Safe: Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness and Primal World Beliefs on Psychological Well-Being
No full textDispositional mindfulness refers to the ability to intentionally focus on the present moment, which positively affects psychological well-being (PWB). Mindfulness can be practiced through formal interventions—such as meditation or body scan, where individuals engage in structured activities to cultivate awareness—or informal practices, such as focusing on one task at a time where mindfulness is integrated into routine activities. A person’s phenomenological perspective, shaped by their core beliefs about the world (primals), also influences PWB. For instance, those who view the world as mostly safe or good may be more likely to form close relationships and engage more deeply with their environment. Understanding how primals affect stress and PWB is particularly relevant for college students, who are often more vulnerable to the negative effects of stress during this life transition. This study explored the relationships between dispositional mindfulness, primals, and PWB, with a focus on whether primals moderate the relationship between mindfulness and PWB. Results showed a positive link between mindfulness and PWB, as well as between mindfulness and positive primals; however, primals did not moderate the mindfulness-PWB relationship as expected. The findings suggest that individuals with more positive worldviews may be more likely to engage with mindfulness practices, and clinical interventions targeting worldview restructuring could improve well-being, particularly for college students. Future research should examine the development of primals over time and explore interventions aimed at reshaping maladaptive worldviews
The Aid Impact Theory: A Theoretical Framework for Maximizing the Impact and Sustainability of Foreign Education Aid in Ghana
No full textForeign aid plays a critical role in supporting education systems in developing countries, yet its effectiveness varies depending on the presence and interaction of key implementation components. This study applies the Aid Impact Theory (AIT) to comparatively analyze the USAID Partnership for Education: Learning and the World Bank-funded Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP) in Ghana, assessing their effectiveness and sustainability. Using a structured framework, the research examines six essential components: stakeholder consultation, donor coordination and local implementer collaboration, awareness of cultural, political, and institutional contexts, community involvement, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation. The findings indicate that the USAID Learning project achieved strong synergy among these components, leading to measurable improvements in literacy and institutional strengthening. Conversely, SEIP faced implementation challenges due to lack of donor and local implementer collaboration, weak stakeholder engagement, community involvement, and weak monitoring mechanisms, limiting its long-term impact. The study reinforces the central hypothesis that foreign aid in education is most effective when these components interact synergistically across all stages of the aid lifecycle. Policy recommendations are provided to enhance future education aid interventions by ensuring comprehensive integration of Aid Impact Theory principles
Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Syndication Strategy: Partner Selection and Features
No full textLarge corporations often take minority ownership positions in startups through corporate venture capital (CVC) investments to explore emerging technologies and pursue financial returns. CVCs have the option to syndicate with other organizations to leverage their complementary resources and knowledge and mitigate risks. While prior research has extensively explored syndication among independent venture capitalists (IVCs), CVC syndication has so far received only limited research attention. This gap limits our understanding of how different syndication partners add value to the knowledge dimension in the context of CVC investments. This two-essay dissertation integrates the literature on knowledge-based theory and relation-based view of alliance formation and coopetition literature to examine the following research questions:
1) How do the industry and location of startup firms influence CVC syndication formation strategies with other CVC or IVC investors?
2) How do CVC partners’ features influence the CVC’s decision to invest in a different industry?
This dissertation focuses on CVC syndication strategies by investigating two fundamental topics: (1) the CVC\u27s partnership choices between IVCs or other CVCs and (2) the preferred features of the CVC partners. Both essays use all CVC investment deals from 2001 to 2022 that involved at least one CVC partner whose parent corporation is (or was) listed in the U.S. S&P 500 index.
Essay 1 examines how the industry and location of the targeted startup firm influence the focal CVCs\u27 partnership selection between IVCs and/or other CVCs. Drawing upon the knowledge-based theory of alliance literature, I argue that the two types of partners play distinctly different investment roles. While CVCs primarily seek IVCs to access their knowledge in investment deals, they syndicate with other CVCs to acquire industry-related knowledge. Specifically, this essay examines three key factors: (1) the industry distance between the CVC’s parent corporation and the startup firm, (2) the technology intensity of the startup firm\u27s industry, and (3) the geographic location of the startup firm (U.S. domestic vs. foreign). I applied multinomial logit models to examine the likelihood of selecting among three investment options: investing alone, partnering with IVCs, or choosing CVC partners over the other two options.
Essay 2 focuses on CVC partners and examines how their features influence a CVC\u27s probability of investing in startup firms\u27 industries that are different from its parent corporation\u27s core business. Building on the knowledge-based theory and relation-based view of alliance formation, along with the coopetition literature, I examine four CVC partner-related features: (1) whether a CVC partners\u27 parent corporation is from the startup firm\u27s industry and (2) whether a CVC partner has more prior investment experience in the startup firm\u27s industry, (3) whether the investors have a repeated collaboration history, and (4) whether a CVC and its partner come from the same or a closely related industry. I applied a logit model to test the hypothesized relationships between CVC partner features and the probability of a CVC investing in a different industry.
This dissertation makes several theoretical contributions. First, it contributes to the under-researched field of CVC syndicate strategies by proposing a framework that examines the factors influencing CVCs’ selection of syndication partners. It also extends the knowledge-based theory of alliance formation by emphasizing the distinct roles of different types of partners associated with the parent corporation in achieving specific knowledge goals. Second, it offers a novel perspective on CVC partner-related knowledge in alliance formation. It extends the theory on how CVC partners facilitate knowledge sharing in syndication, an area that has been underexplored. Third, it adds a novel perspective to the literature on the relation-based view of alliance formation in the CVC–CVC syndication context.
In sum, the purpose of this dissertation is to fill gaps in the under-researched areas of CVC syndication strategy, specifically, CVCs’ partner selection and the features of CVC partners. The overall storyline begins in Essay 1, which investigates the choices CVCs make when they have the option to syndicate with other investors. While prior research has acknowledged CVC–IVC syndication, existing studies have not examined how partner selection decisions are made nor how the knowledge-seeking goals of CVCs influence their choice of different types of partners. Essay 2 builds on this, examining the relatively underexplored phenomenon of CVC–CVC syndication and how the features of these CVC partners influence investment decisions. Altogether, this dissertation aims to explain the CVC decision-making process in syndication, first, whether to syndicate and, if so, with whom; and second, in CVC–CVC syndicates, what CVC partner features drive such collaborations and how they affect a CVC’s decision to explore new industry opportunities
Reproductive Redlining: Unraveling Historical Disparities and Facility Placement in Distance to Licensed Childcare Facilities, Reproductive Health Clinics, & Crisis Pregnancy Centers for Women in the Southern Region of the United States
No full textThis dissertation investigates how historical and structural inequalities shape contemporary access to reproductive health services, licensed childcare facilities, and crisis pregnancy centers across Mississippi, Virginia, and Maryland. Using feminist geography, reproductive justice theory, and historical trauma theory, this research develops the concept of reproductive redlining to explore how race, policy, and space intersect to produce health disparities. By combining GIS mapping with multivariate statistical analysis and redlining data from the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), the study evaluates spatial distributions and demographic correlates of facility access before and after the Dobbs decision. Findings reveal enduring spatial inequities that disproportionately impact Black women and families in southern states. This work contributes to criminological, geographic, and public health literatures by connecting past segregationist policies to present-day reproductive injustices, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable, place-based policy interventions. The results offer critical implications for improving reproductive autonomy and addressing racialized healthcare barriers
Empowering the User Through Inclusive Technical Writing
No full textThis thesis examines the issues in technical writing due to a disconnect between writer and reader/user. I am basing this study on my real-life job. I am a manager at a well-known sneaker retailer. In August 2024, there was a Workforce Management (WFM) software that the sneaker retailer launched in the retail stores. The WFM itself was glitched and unfinished. Not much disclaimer, training or preparation was given other than these procedural documents the sneaker retailer gave. If all the store managers had to depend on was technical documentation to prepare for this already glitched WFM, then I argue there was a severe disconnect the sneaker company and its technical writer had with the store managers. The ultimate goal for this thesis is to make the WFM technical documentation usable by including the store managers in developing the technical documentation.
I pursue this goal by reviewing available literature on the general disconnect of a group(s) in technical writing. Then, I give my methodological lens on how I will approach this study. Using interviews with actual store managers of the sneaker retailer in the district that was affected, other technical documentation from the sneaker company, and other design-related literature; I examine the issues with and propose solutions for the bad WFM technical documentation. I apply these solutions by remaking one of the bad WFM technical documents. After collaborating and doing several tests of prototypes with actual store managers, we recreated a usable document that was previously deemed by the store managers as unusable
Hypertension Prevalence Time Trends in the US Population: Examination of NHANES 1999 - 2023
No full textBackground: Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and American Heart Association (AHA) suggest that 103.8 million, or 45% of American adults, may meet the clinical criteria for hypertension, posing a substantial public health challenge1 . Over the past two decades, significant efforts have been made in screening, educating, and treating patients for high blood pressure, yet the effectiveness of these efforts may vary across demographic and socioeconomic groups2 3 .
Methods: This study used data from 75,070 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), spanning 1999–2023. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive medication use. Participants with BP in the hypertensive range but without treatment or prior diagnosis of hypertension were categorized as having undiagnosed hypertension. Model adjustments included age, gender, race/ethnicity, family income-to-poverty ratio (FIPR), and survey cycle.
Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.7% (95% CI: 30.0–31.5). Although the unadjusted prevalence appeared to rise from 26.5% in 1999–2000 to 34.5% in 2017–2020, adjusted analyses did not indicate a statistically significant trend. In weighted, adjusted analysis, race, age, and socioeconomic status (evaluated via family income-to-poverty ratio) were statistically significant measures associated with prevalence of hypertension. Black participants, elderly participants (above age 65), and those with those with FIPR ≤1 showed the highest prevalence rates within their respective groups. Despite the overall increase in rates of hypertension, the adjusted prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension showed a decline, from 7.35% in 1999-2000 to 5.24% in 2022-2023 (p \u3c 0.001).
Conclusions: Hypertension remains a significant, pervasive condition in the United States. While overall prevalence of hypertension has increased, the rise appears to be linked to demographic factors including age, race, and socioeconomic status. Despite the overall increase in prevalence of hypertension, the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension has declined, potentially suggesting improvement due to public health initiatives across patient education and screening. Targeted policies and interventions to address disparities across race, socioeconomic status, and age may further reduce the overall burden of hypertension and address the existing gaps in care for higher-risk populations
Identifying Contributing Factors of Black American Females’ Long-Term Persistence in Stem Education: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
No full textThe purpose of this study was to gain insights into contributing factors that have shaped the experiences of eight Black American females who pursued STEM education as they persisted from the secondary education setting to their collegiate setting in a STEM major. This qualitative phenomenological study collected data through in-depth semi-structured interviews with Black American female juniors and seniors studying at four different four-year institutions, all pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields. Demographic surveys and memo writing were incorporated to enhance the data analysis. To explore the lived experiences of Black American females in STEM education and identify factors that contributed to their persistence in their STEM journey, the researcher used Black feminist thought theoretical framework to guide the study.
The data collected were analyzed using an open coding method, followed by axial coding to ensure an accurate interpretation of the findings. The results revealed that both formal and informal participation in STEM programs during the early academic years significantly influenced students’ decisions to pursue a STEM degree at the collegiate level. Key factors contributing to the persistence of the eight participants in STEM education included parental support, encouragement from family members, financial stability, and the presence of positive community networks. Access to and participation in STEM programs during pre-college years are essential for shaping the aspirations of Black American female students, providing critical insights for creating more inclusive and supportive educational environments
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Stay-In-Place Forms to Improve the Tosional Stability of Box Beam Bridges During Erection
No full textCold-formed tub girders provide an effective steel solution for short-span bridges. The girders are often delivered with an open top with stay-in-place forms installed on site. Walkways may be installed to the side of the girder that can induce significant torsion rotations in the open cross section. Full scale tests on girder specimens have shown that installing one or two panels of stay in place forms at the ends of the girder can significantly reduce the torsion rotation of the girder by providing warping resistance. Cantilever tests on the stay in place forms are performed to investigate the influence of different connection conditions and combinations of panels on the inplane diaphragm stiffness of the forms. An analytical model is developed that predicts the warping resistance provided by stay in place forms as a function of the in-plane diaphragm stiffness. This model can thus be used to determine the required stay in place form conditions to limit torsional rotations of tub girders during erection
Synergistic Effects between Nano-Pulse and Cold Plasma to Improve Cancer Treatment
No full textA high-power pulse technology, compressing electrical energy into nanosecond electric pulses (Nano-Pulse) or pulsed electric fields, has been developed at our research center to treat cancer successfully in many animal cancer models and a few clinical trials. However, due to the complexity of animal and human tumors (irregular shapes, heterogeneous physical properties, etc.) and the limitations of required high electric fields, the improvement of this bioelectric technology is necessary to increase the efficacy of tumor ablation and reduce side effects. We propose the combination of Nano-Pulse and cold plasma to address this issue. Our preliminary results support the feasibility of this novel idea. Utilizing Pan02 mouse pancreatic cancer cells, we have shown that a low dose of Nano-Pulse can sensitize cancer cells, making them more susceptible to cold plasma. The synergistic effects on Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells in vitro were assessed by the combination of cold plasma (pulse parameters: 9 kV, 200 ns pulses, 2 kHz and treatment times varied) and Nano-Pulse (pulse parameters:60 ns 50 kV/cm, 1 Hz and pulse numbers varied). Cell cytotoxicity and membrane permeabilization were examined by WST-1 assay and transcellular electrical resistance (ECIS). Results indicated that exposure to cold plasma for 3 minutes led to 42.45% of Pan02 cell death. Applying Nano-Pulse alone, specifically 20 pulses, resulted in 15.32% of Pano2 cell death. Although the cytotoxicity from individual treatments was moderate, the combined application of both treatments demonstrated an 80% of Pan02 cell death—a significant 2.7-to-5.3-fold increase compared to individual treatments. Additionally, ECIS assays showed a significantly more increase in cell permeabilization from the combination treatment than that from single treatments. The combination treatment using the same parameters revealed a 13% increase in overall cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation measured by H2DCFDA, and a 7% increase in superoxide species measured by MitoSox (mitochondrial superoxide indicator). In contrast, individual treatments with Nano pulse and Cold plasma showed more modest effects, with Nano pulse leading to a 1.66% increase in superoxide species and 5.81% in ROS species, and Cold plasma resulting in a 2.66% increase in superoxide species and 6.71% in ROS species. The examination of mitochondrial membrane potential revealed a 65% greater reduction during combination treatments than single treatments. The notable reduction in membrane potential and elevated ROS levels observed in combination treatment implies the potential initiation of diverse cell death pathways.
Ongoing research is dedicated to elucidating the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects between Nano-Pulse and cold plasma. We will investigate how these two treatments induce intracellular changes, especially cell death pathways, the upregulation or downregulation of multiple cellular pathway proteins, etc. Unraveling these mechanisms will enhance our comprehension of this innovative combination therapy, offering potential avenues for refining and optimizing its effectiveness in cancer treatment.