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Racial and Ethnic Inequalities in Actual vs Nearest Delivery Hospitals
Full text linkIMPORTANCE Minoritized racial and ethnic groups, such as American Indian and Black individuals, often receive lower quality health care compared with White individuals. There is limited understanding of how these disparities extend to obstetric care, particularly when comparing the quality of care at the actual delivery hospital vs the nearest obstetric hospital based on the birthing individual’s residence. OBJECTIVE To examine inequality in care based on the actual delivery hospital and the closest delivery hospital to the birthing individual’s residential zip code centroid. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from 5 states (2008 to 2020 for Michigan, Oregon, and South Carolina; 2008 to 2018 for Pennsylvania; and 2008 to 2012 for California). Individuals delivering a fetal death or a live birth with gestational age between 22 to 44 weeks were included. Analysis was conducted between February and August 2024. EXPOSURE Race and ethnicity. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The obstetric inequality index was calculated using Gini coefficients from Lorenz curves for American Indian, Asian, Black, and Hispanic birthing individuals compared with White individuals, with hospitals ranked by their standardized morbidity ratio for nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity. RESULTS There were 6 418 635 birthing individuals across 549 hospitals (23 050 American Indian individuals [0.4%], 463 342 Asian individuals [7.2%], 807 738 Black individuals [12.6%], 1 645 922 Hispanic individuals [25.6%], and 3 279 315 White individuals [51.1%]). Compared with White individuals, American Indian and Black individuals delivered at lower-quality hospitals, while there was no significant difference for Asian and Hispanic individuals (delivery hospital inequality index: American Indian, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.03 to 0.11]; Asian, −0.02 [95% CI, −0.08 to 0.04]; Black, 0.15 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.19]; Hispanic −0.04 [95% CI, −0.09 to 0.01]). Black individuals lived closer to lower-quality hospitals than White individuals (closest hospital inequality index for Black individuals: 0.11 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.14]). Asian and Hispanic individuals had similar closest hospital inequality indices to White individuals. The inequality index for Black individuals would have been lower if individuals had delivered at their nearest hospital. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found that American Indian and Black individuals delivered at lower-quality hospitals than White individuals. The disparity in care between Black and White birthing individuals would have been reduced if individuals had delivered at their nearest hospital
The Role of Platform Design in Excessive Short Form Video Use and the Resulting Impacts on Cognitive Processes
No full textShort form video (SFV) platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels have rapidly reshaped global media consumption. This thesis investigates how the defining technological elements of SFV platforms contribute to prolonged viewing behavior by inducing flow, a psychological state characterized by deep immersion and diminished self-awareness. Through a review of nineteen scholarly articles, this study examines how features like infinite scroll, auto-play, and algorithmic personalization create a low-effort, high-reward user experience that sustains attention and facilitates continuous engagement. Once immersed, users often fall into a cycle of passive, prolonged scrolling, consuming more content and spending more time than intended. Findings suggest that this pattern of excessive use may impair core cognitive functions, including attentional control, memory, decision-making, and deep information processing. By focusing on platform design rather than content or user motivations, this research addresses a critical gap in the literature on short form videos and highlights the importance of understanding how interface design can influence cognition through negative behavioral patterns. This review not only synthesizes key findings but also offers recommendations for designers, researchers, and policymakers aimed at strengthening digital well-being and promoting accountability in user experience design
Medical Education In The United States And Spain: Comparison Of The Medical Education Systems
No full textThis paper investigates the differences in the medical education systems for physicians in the United States and Spain, focusing on medical schools and their curricula. This investigation was done by a literature review, an evaluation of one medical school in each country, and interviews from medical students in the United States and Spain. The goal of this paper is to highlight the major differences in the medical education programs in both countries, and to determine if one is more efficient than the other. In the United States, medical students attend medical school for four years, and in Spain, medical students are in medical school for six. The curriculum of medical schools in both countries vary widely because of the lengths of the programs, but the content is the similar. The US schools, however, are more expensive and have more admissions requirements. From the medical school interviews, there were similarities between the medical students’ lifestyles and involvements in activities at their schools, and it appears that the student experience would be very similar between both schools. Therefore, the US had a shorter and more efficient medical education, however, more research needs to be conducted in order to determine if the quality of education for physicians in the United States and Spain is equivalent
Developing and Validating Brain Tumor Organoid Models to Evaluate Novel Therapeutics In Vitro
No full textGlioblastoma (GBM), a World Health Organization Grade IV brain tumor, remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant malignancies. It is characterized by rapid proliferation, deep infiltration, and a high level of genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Despite advancements in medical technology and neuro-oncology, GBM remains one of the most treatment-resistant cancers with a median survival rate of only nine months post-diagnosis and less than 5% of patients surviving beyond 5 years of diagnosis. The standard treatment constitutes maximum surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiation. These therapeutic strategies are blocked by significant challenges like the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and intratumoral heterogeneity. These factors promote poor outcomes and help underscore the need for novel and more effective therapeutic approaches.
This study aims to develop and validate GBM organoid models to assess the efficacy of novel therapeutics. Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures which better mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment compared to traditional 2D monolayer cell cultures, offering an improved model for evaluating treatment response and resistance mechanisms. Using a GBM cell line, we will generate organoids and characterize them using imaging techniques. The therapeutic agent in question is microRNA-124 (miR-124), a small non-coding RNA known to be a key regulator of microglial growth.
The efficacy of these treatments will be assessed via cell viability assays and Western blotting to evaluate pathway modulation. By establishing a robust organoid model for GBM, this research aims to enhance preclinical drug testing, paving the way for improved therapeutic strategies and informing future in vivo studies
Transforming the Feminist Movement – How Female Celebrities Influence the Economic Power and Consumer Behaviors of Women
No full textThis thesis explores the evolving relationship between feminism, economic power, and celebrity culture in the 21st century. Through an examination of three key industries—entertainment, athletics, and influencers—this study highlights how female celebrities like Taylor Swift, Caitlin Clark, and Alix Earle act as catalysts for significant shifts in women’s economic and consumer power. Taylor Swift’s impact on the entertainment industry, Caitlin Clark’s role in redefining women’s sports, and Alix Earle’s influence on the social media marketing landscape illustrate the growing authority of women as consumers and change-makers. Utilizing social media, brand partnerships, and unprecedented fan engagement, these women transcend traditional celebrity roles to become businesswoman, advocates, and cultural change agents. This thesis argues that female celebrities significantly influence the economic power and consumer behaviors of women, helping to reinforce a new era of feminism rooted in economic empowerment. The analysis sheds light on how these dynamics challenge patriarchal norms and signal the rise of the “girl economy” in the 2020s
Genetic Counseling as an Emerging Global Profession: Exploring Commonalities and Collaborations Among 15 Countries
No full textSince 1969, the genetic counseling profession has expanded to almost 50 countries and is now considered a global profession. This paper’s goal was to explore the evolution of genetic counseling over time and among varied countries and to identify common themes in the establishment of the profession internationally. Each country known to have practicing genetic counselors was sorted into one of five categories: the first four were by the first training program’s establishment year, and the fifth included countries with genetic counselors but no domestic training program. Three countries from each category were selected to be highlighted based on factors such as geographic location, history of the profession, influential cultural factors, and additional available information. Literature review was the primary source of details, supplemented by website exploration and personal communication with representatives of some countries. Predominant themes included (a) collaborations between countries facilitated the establishment of some training programs and professional organizations representing genetic counselors; (b) laws that recognize the profession were beneficial to the development of the profession, and laws that restrict practice were deterrents; and (c) cultural and social nuances within countries influence the execution of genetic counseling services. Overall, each country is unique in its history of the profession, establishment of training programs, and employment of genetic counselors. This is an early exploration comparing the development of genetic counseling between countries using published data. It is evident that continued collaborations may promote further development of the profession and increase accessibility to appropriately trained genetic counselors globally
Music in the Catholic Church: An Analysis of Hymns and Congregational Singing in Roman Catholic Churches in the United States
No full textThis thesis examines the musical dilemma in the American Catholic Church, highlighting issues such as inappropriate musical selections for the Mass and a profound lack of congregational singing. Through a literature review of Vatican documents, expert opinions, and hymns, I analyze the criteria for music used in the Mass, identify common failures of musical selections presented in many Catholic churches, and offer practical guidance to improve sacred music in parishes and dioceses. I conclude that music used in the Mass must be sourced primarily from Sacred Scripture, in full conformity to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, and easy for congregations to sing. These results offer practical guidance for music directors and clergy to improve the state of sacred music in parishes and dioceses across the United States
Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities: Admissions Equity
Full text linkMany states are now offering parents a choice in where their child attends school, typically offering charter schools as the alternative to public schools. With charter school enrollment on the rise, questions have begun to arise regarding the acceptance rates of students with disabilities, specifically, how do students with disabilities fare in the process of being admitted to charter schools? This research examines the admissions policies of charter schools, the admission rates for students with disabilities, as well as the legality and equity of this topic. Previous research has found that charter schools typically do not accept as many students with disabilities due to increased difficulties in providing education for these students. This topic is of the utmost importance due to the ever-growing number of charter schools, charter school enrollment, and students with disabilities. This topic was researched through a literature review of existing research on the topics of charter schools, charter school admissions, and the education of students with disabilities in charter schools. This research found that many charter schools do not accept students with disabilities proportionally as they are enrolled in public schools; however, this practice is legal in most states. This research adds to previous findings on this topic by suggesting strategies for how charter schools could improve their admissions and education process in order to make education equitable for students with disabilities
Shifting Healthcare in Rural South Carolina: A Study of Media Coverage of the Effects of Hospital Closures
No full textRural hospital closures have become an increasingly urgent issue in healthcare across the United States. These closures have impacted access to healthcare, the job market, and general community health. Most hospitals have been forced to close due to low patient volumes, financial struggles, and corporate ownership. Immediate implications of closures include the displacement of healthcare workers, community concern about lacking a central healthcare facility, and increased travel times to access care.
This thesis examines South Carolina’s healthcare landscape in areas with hospital closures since 2012 and explores the effects of and responses to these closures as discussed in newspapers and academic literature. The emphasis is placed on the current state of the former hospital location, the immediate effects of the closure, and the descriptions of these effects as described by locals and professionals in their respective media outlets. This study seeks to examine how these closures are perceived by the public and academic professionals based on the content of the media they engage with