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An empirical analysis of factors affecting the commercial adoption of autonomous trucks
Full text linkAutonomous semi-trucks are poised to be a disruptive technology in the motor carrier industry, and many studies extol the virtues of autonomous vehicles. The benefits cited in these studies generally assume high market penetration rates, yet there is a lack of rigorous qualitative studies that investigate the factors that will drive autonomous truck adoption in the commercial transportation sector. This study describes a conceptual model featuring twelve factors that may affect autonomous truck adoption. These factors were identified from a grounded theory analysis of semi-structured interviews with a sample of transportation professionals from different companies, positions, and geographic regions within the United States. The results shed light on what might spur adoption of autonomous technologies in the motor carrier industry and provide information that can guide the development of new technologies, procedures, and regulations
Implementation of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Weekly Visits to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults
Full text linkImplementation of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Weekly Visits to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults
Abstract:
Problem: Social isolation and loneliness have emerged as a significant public health issue for the older adult population. Loneliness has been linked to both physical and mental health effects. According to current literature, there is no standard intervention to treat loneliness in the older adult population.
Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project utilized a descriptive cohort design and the Visit-A-Bit screening assessment instrument. Undergraduate nursing students implemented mindfulness interventions during weekly visits over an eight-week period at an independent living facility located in the Midwest. Descriptive statistics were used for the demographic data and the pre- and post-intervention Visit-A-Bit screening assessment instrument data. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze changes in the Visit-A-Bit screening assessment instrument pre- and post-intervention.
Results: A total of seven participants completed the intervention. Findings demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in loneliness frequency and a statistically significant increase in quality of life. No statistically significant differences were observed in the PHQ-2, LSNS-6, or DJGLS.
Implications for Practice: Implementing weekly befriending visits and mindfulness interventions can help increase social interaction and decrease the frequency of loneliness. The results of this project can encourage other facilities with a similar population of residents to implement or develop a similar program
Motivational Interviewing for Weight Loss: A Review of Evidence-Based Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Adults
Full text linkObesity is a significant clinical problem affecting 41.9% of adults in the United States, with profound implications for individual health and healthcare economics. Standard weight loss interventions, often limited to pharmacological treatments and dietary guidance, frequently fail to achieve sustained adherence and meaningful longterm outcomes. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the integration of motivational interviewing (MI), a patient-centered counseling strategy, into routine clinical practice at Innovafusion, a medically supervised weight loss clinic in Aubrey, Texas. The aim was to enhance adherence to lifestyle modifications, promote intrinsic motivation, and improve weight loss outcomes among adults aged 18–65. Using a retrospective and prospective comparative chart review design, baseline data from standard care alone were compared to outcomes from MI-enhanced interventions over an 8-week period. Weight loss was measured using bioimpedance analysis, and adherence and motivation were assessed with the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire–Short Form (WEL-SF). Although no statistically significant difference in mean weight loss was observed between groups (t(88) = 0.37, p = 0.714), participants receiving MI demonstrated improved motivation and self-reported adherence behaviors. These findings suggest that MI addresses psychological and behavioral barriers that impede sustained weight loss. Clinical recommendations include routine MI integration to strengthen patient self-efficacy and adherence. Future studies should assess MI\u27s longterm impact and explore objective adherence measures to further inform evidence-based obesity management
Holocaust Denial: Revisionist or Conspiracist?
No full textThis research poster investigates Holocaust denial, analyzing whether it represents legitimate historical revisionism or conspiracist ideology. It highlights the tactics and narratives employed by self-proclaimed revisionists. The study explores frequently used rhetorical tactics, false claims of evidence, as well as legal responses. The findings emphasize the importance of legal and educational countermeasures to protect historical truth
Regional Lending Market Structures and Cross-Class Social Capital’s Impact on Small Business Outcomes in the United States
No full textThis study examines whether regional lending market structures—specifically, the availability of capital from local credit unions—affects the success of small businesses in U.S. metropolitan areas. It investigates whether greater local credit union market share of lending capacity improves small business outcomes and whether this relationship is moderated by levels of economic connectedness, a form of cross-class social capital. The analysis further explores whether these moderating effects are especially pronounced for Black-owned small businesses. The study focuses on business outcomes in regions in 2021. Regression models are estimated using cross-sectional data from across 135, 301, and 375 metropolitan statistical areas based on the model being tested. Data draw from the U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, and Opportunity Atlas social capital measures. Findings indicate that higher levels of local credit union market share are generally not statistically significantly associated with small business outcomes and, in one case, negatively associated. Moderation by economic connectedness is observed in two of six models, while both economic connectedness and social cohesion demonstrate direct, and at times nonlinear, relationships with small business outcomes. Results also show that forms of social capital influence Black-owned small businesses differently than small businesses overall. Economic connectedness is found to impact Black-owned small businesses per Black resident in a region more than for small businesses per capita in general. Social cohesion lessons Black-owned small business outcomes in all models, where in some cases it aids business outcomes when looking at outcomes for all small businesses. These findings underscore the importance of considering both financial market structures and differentiated forms of social capital in understanding inclusive small business growth in metropolitan America
Revitalizing St. John Nepomuk Church
No full textOur project focuses on the Czech immigrant community of St. John Nepomuk Church in St. Louis, one of the oldest historically Czech parishes in the United States. To promote awareness of the church’s cultural and historical significance, we are creating a dedicated website, informational pamphlet, and social media presence that highlight its history, architecture, and ongoing role in the community. We are also producing a video tour led by a prominent church member to introduce the site, alongside a testimonial video that preserves a personal perspective on the church’s legacy. Through these efforts, we aim to support cultural preservation and foster broader public engagement with this historic institution
The Impact of Role Models on Transgender Young Adults
No full textCurrently, in psychological research, there is a gap regarding research on transgender young adults. The current research about transgender identities mainly relates to challenges being faced and experiences individuals are having with society (Taylor). However, there is limited research regarding how transgender role models influence transgender folks, specifically in the young adult population. This research seeks to add to the existing knowledge of how transgender role models influence transgender individuals by focusing on how role models influence one’s sense of gender identity. The hypotheses to be tested are 1) whether or not the amount of positive transgender role models and one’s sense of their gender identity are positively related and 2) whether or not reflecting on a positive transgender role model will increase one’s sense of their gender identity
Phenotypic Variations between the European Paper Wasps
No full textThe European paper wasp (Polistes Dominula) is a widespread invasive Hymenoptera species in the US, commonly known for their black and yellow markings. Phenotypic variations, primarily in color patterns and size, play a significant role in understanding their interactions among other wasps and effects of environmental factors on the species. In this study, we examined phenotypic variation within and between populations by measuring head width, intertegular distance, and femur and tibia length
The Effect of Diet on Hydrogen Sulfide Tolerance of Extremophile Fishes
No full textPoecilia mexicana are a species of live-bearing fish that have adapted to surviving in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) abundant waters. Sites that are high in toxic H2S are also characterized by low levels of oxygen, making any organism that inhabits these tough conditions to be deemed extremophiles. Tolerance of these multiple stressors is impacted by numerous external environmental factors. The question being addressed in this study is if diet affects how well these fish tolerate H2S. I used 80 laboratory-bred female P. mexicana originating from two sulfidic and non-sulfidic population. Half of the fish from each population were separated into control and low-food groups. The low food group was fed three days per week while the control group was fed daily. The weights of the two groups were measured and compared at 30-day intervals. After a reduction in body mass is observed in fish from the low-food diet, all fish will undergo sulfide tolerance trials and results will be compared of the differing groups and populations. Results of these trials are still underway, but I expect to see higher H2S tolerance in the sulfidic population and for them to be less affected by a poor diet, as fish who naturally reside in sulfidic environments have lesser-quality diets
Fostering Connection and Empowerment: Amplifying Women’s and Indigenous Voices through Place-Based Education, Inclusive Narratives, and Empathy Building
No full textThe diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities of people across groups shape history. Educators and heritage professionals bear the responsibility of teaching historical content in ways that ensure all feel represented, valued, and safe. Despite these aims, the experiences and contributions of women and Indigenous Peoples have long been underrepresented in social studies curricula and heritage programming.
This dissertation integrates two complementary studies that examine how harnessing the power of place and centering the narratives and oral histories of underrepresented groups can advance connection and empowerment through educational experiences. The first study utilized focus group interviews with educators and heritage professionals to investigate the transformative potential of collaboration in designing place-based education experiences that deepen students’ sense of place, foster historical and critical civic empathy, and promote connection and empowerment. The second study draws on Indigenous oral histories and interviews about Federal Indian Policy and Native American boarding schools to explore their history and the role of storytelling in social healing.
Through three interrelated components—two scholarly articles suitable for peer-reviewed publication and a creative nonfiction chapter—this dissertation examines the impacts of place-based education pedagogies with learners and the actions non-Indigenous individuals must cultivate to create conditions for social healing. This research applies a place-based education framework, focusing on women’s histories and stories, to understand how these approaches foster connection and empowerment. Further, it uses a four-truth framework from the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission to reveal the layered truths of Indigenous boarding school history and illuminate ongoing truth-telling and resurgence efforts led by Indigenous communities and heritage sites.
Findings from both studies underscore the essential role of educators, heritage professionals, and community partners in fostering inclusive, place-based environments that acknowledge diverse perspectives, elevate voices, and encourage social healing. Collectively, this research argues that student- and audience-driven experiences, centered in place and grounded in inclusive narratives, cultivate historical and critical civic empathy, nurturing community connection and empowerment among learners. This work positions place-based education as a transformative approach capable of bridging past and present, fostering intergenerational understanding, and advancing educational justice