Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Reliability of fMRI Signals in Emotion Regulation Task

Recent research (Fröhner et al., 2019; Hajcak et al., 2017) raises serious concerns regarding the reliability of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) metrics. Establishing the reliability of fMRI-based measurements is crucial for their clinical use, particularly in identifying meaningful biomarkers, tailoring personalized treatments, and guiding future research directions. Therefore, we evaluated three forms of reliability of a widely used emotion regulation fMRI task: split-half, test-retest, and spatial reliability. Our sample consisted of forty adult participants with no history of psychiatric or neurologic illness that underwent two fMRI scans 12 weeks apart. During both scans, participants completed an emotion regulation task instructing them to view neutral or distressing images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). In the (1) “Look Neutral” and the (2) “Look Negative” (i.e., Maintain) conditions, participants naturally viewed neutral or negative images, respectively, without attempting to change their emotional response. In the (3) “Reappraise Negative” participants were asked to change their thoughts about the image to alter their emotional response. Between each image, a fixation cross was shown. We extracted BOLD signal from a group of ROIs (10 ROIs) from a meta-analysis (Morawetz et al., 2020) of emotion regulation brain activation. From these ROIs, we then calculated split-half reliability at time 1, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation between time 1 and 2), Euclidean distance between peak voxels (from time 1 and 2), and cluster overlap (dice coefficients). We found that split half reliability was highest for modelling Conditions alone, with the average falling in the “fair” range (average r=0.55, range= [-0.25, 0.82]). Both Condition-Fixation contrasts (average r =0.38, range= [-0.44, 0.74]) and the Condition-Look contrasts (average r =0.24, range= [-1.216, 0.616]) fell into the “poor” range (F (2,78) =13.66, p<0.001). Test-retest reliabilities showed a different pattern, such that the ICC for contrasts between active conditions – fixation were the highest (F(2,78)=20.51, p<0.001); average ICC = 0.40, range =[-0.26, 0.74]), followed by conditions alone (average ICC = 0.24, range =[-0.33, 0.54]), and active condition – look contrasts (average ICC = 0.07, range =[-0.31, 0.38]). We found higher spatial reliability when modelling Conditions alone, such that distances between peak activations during time 1 and 2 were shorter than for Contrasts (b = 2.01, SE = .37, t(704) = 5.45, p < 0.001). Reliability of the BOLD signal from task Conditions alone showed higher internal consistency across condition/contrast comparisons within a given scan whereas contrasts between active conditions – fixation had greatest test-retest reliability. Euclidean distance results show that conditions alone hold higher spatial consistency values at the group level from time 1 to time 2. These results suggest that future research using this task should be careful to select the most appropriate and reliable measures (conditions vs contrasts) based on their question of interest. Additionally, task-based fMRI researchers should consistently evaluate the psychometric properties of their data.No embargoAcademic Major: Psycholog

To Code-Switch is Harmful, to Not Code-Switch is Detrimental: An Analysis of Black Student Attitudes around AAVE and the use of Code-Switching

This thesis examines the practice of code-switching by Black Americans, particularly with regard to personal attitudes and impressions of the practice. Specifically, this experiment investigates the code-switching of language in and out of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). The study is focused on impressions of code-switching and seeks to find the origins of its adoption by Black individuals. Code-switching is a familiar but understudied practice that reflects negative social perceptions of Blackness, and the practice itself presents numerous struggles for its users in the forms of social, emotional, and cognitive disadvantages. Using qualitative methods, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with 6 Black undergraduate students who code-switch at least sometimes between Standard English and AAVE. Interview questions were framed around the past & present experiences of these students’ use of code-switching, future projections, and thoughts on the relevant ethical and moral implications. Participants reported adolescent development of the practice as a reaction to agents of socialization as well as parental influence on the decision to code-switch. Furthermore, participants denounced the existence and necessity of code-switching while simultaneously approving of its usage by Black Americans. The data suggest the generational perpetuation of code-switching as a reaction to the institutionalized oppression of Black individuals, and a fundamental opposition to Black expression in our social institutions. Findings reveal the harsh consequences of a familiar yet overlooked phenomenon, suggest motivations for individuals to code-switch, and highlight the ethical ramifications of the prejudice against Black Americans and AAVE.No embargoAcademic Major: Communicatio

Education of Nursing Assistants on Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing Treatment

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is caused by pathogenic bacteria or fungi that are often resistant to antibiotics. This situation may lead to prolonged hospital stays, an increased risk of mortality, and higher healthcare costs. To prevent CLABSI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning patients with catheters using a daily wash of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and educating staff about infection control measures. Objective: This quality improvement project aimed to educate patient care associates (PCAs) about the treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). The three objectives were to: (1) decrease the number of patients who refuse CHG treatment by 50%, (2) raise PCAs' knowledge score to 80% or higher, and (3) maintain zero incidence of CLABSI in the unit. Methods: PCAs received in-person education on CHG treatment over one week. The DNP student led 15-minute micro-education sessions with 20 PCAs. Each education session comprised 1) a CHG treatment pre-survey, 2) a presentation of the OSUMC CLABSI bundle using PowerPoint slides and highlighting key takeaway points, and 3) a CHG treatment post-survey completed in paper format by the PCAs. Findings: The results indicated a positive percentage decrease in patients refusing CHG treatment (28.07%); however, this figure fell short of the proposed target of 50%. A comparison of the average scores from pre- and post-implementation surveys of PCAs revealed an increase from 92.5 to 94.6 out of 100. The incidence rate of CLABSI remained at zero, with the last CLABSI case on April 16, 2023.A five-year embargo was granted for this item

Apogee Place

This thesis addresses heavy topics of mental health and well-being with a more lighthearted approach by encouraging people to travel and stay amongst some of the most special natural environments in the United States. The goal was to create a welcoming personality for this brand, and the research that I conducted helped me to design thoughtfully in knowing that nature truly does relieve levels of stress and provides the perfect environment to practice mindfulness. Due to the Pandemic in 2020, there was pent-up demand to get out and explore the world, leading to a surge in travel bookings these past few years. Many people shifted priorities as they reassessed their lifestyles with increased emphasis on experiences, relationships, and personal fulfillment, driving them to travel. In addition, there has been a growing demand for hotels catering to travelers’ desires to connect with nature. Apogee Place is a personalized hospitality experience that prioritizes travelers’ mental health & mindfulness and encourages them to explore nature and its benefits.No embargoAcademic Major: Visual Communication Desig

Implementing an Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Referral Toolkit in a High-Risk Lung Cancer Screening Clinic

Background: Smoking is the leading modifiable risk factor for lung cancer. Although the benefits of smoking cessation are well documented, referrals to smoking cessation programs remain inconsistent. Barriers include a lack of provider knowledge regarding the integration of referral programs into practice and insufficient infrastructure to support tobacco cessation. Ensuring that referrals are made to smoking cessation programs is a crucial step in promoting smoking cessation among high-risk patients. Purpose: This project aimed to implement a provider-driven smoking cessation referral toolkit to increase smoking cessation referrals and improve billing practices within a high-risk population. Methods: A smoking cessation referral toolkit was developed alongside an educational session to (1) train providers on the 5As communication technique to enhance referrals and (2) ensure accurate documentation and billing for cessation counseling. Providers received a templated electronic progress note to facilitate smoking cessation discussions, and a centralized digital repository was created for easy toolkit access. Outcomes: High-risk patient visits offer an ideal chance for smoking cessation education and referrals. Utilizing a provider-driven, evidence-based toolkit improved smoking cessation referrals and enhanced billing practices. Referral rates increased from 12.8% (Jan 2024) to 33.3% (Jan 2025) and from 16.0% (Feb 2024) to 34.5% (Feb 2025). Proper billing for smoking cessation counseling (CPT code 99406) also improved, rising from 70.2% to 85.2% (Jan) and from 76.0% to 100% (Feb). Conclusion: A structured approach, including provider education, communication strategies, and documentation tools, can enhance smoking cessation referrals and optimize reimbursement opportunities, ultimately improving patient outcomes.A five-year embargo was granted for this item

Confidant: Choreographing Dramatic Physical Movements in Cross-Cultural Contemporary Dance

In this thesis, I discuss the choreography of dramatic physical movements in socialist-era Chinese dance drama and selected elements from the choreographic approaches of Abby Zbikowski and Pina Bausch, which I incorporated into my work Confidant. Using dramaturgical thinking as a creative method, I explored how movement, structure, and presence shape the expression of despair and support between two performers. Through creative research and reflective analysis, I show how cross-cultural movement vocabularies can generate embodied meaning and relational possibilities of performance. The project contributes a practice-based understanding of how dramatic physical movements operate within cross-cultural contemporary dance choreography.No embargoAcademic Major: Danc

Interview of Randy Rydell by Cory Ackerman

This oral history interview with Randy Rydell explores his career in nuclear nonproliferation and his tenure working for Senator Glenn as a member of the professional staff on the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. Rydell recounts formative childhood experiences abroad that inspired his commitment to international policy, leading to advanced studies in international relations and political science. His expertise in nuclear security, particularly breeder reactors and plutonium policy, aligned with Senator Glenn’s legislative priorities. Rydell discusses Glenn’s leadership on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 and the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1994, emphasizing Glenn’s advocacy for strict export controls and global disarmament norms. The interview highlights Glenn’s bipartisan approach, integrity, and respect for staff, as well as his ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and conviction. Rydell reflects on navigating the complex diplomatic and policy challenges involving Japan, China, and Pakistan, and the challenges of balancing national security with geopolitical interests. Personal anecdotes illustrate Glenn’s humanity, humor, and dedication to public service. Rydell also shares his transition to the United Nations and continued commitment to Glenn’s legacy through support for the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. The interview offers a rich portrait of Glenn’s impact on nuclear policy and the enduring value of principled public service.This oral history was conducted in partnership with History Associates, Inc. and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University

Creating rain gardens to manage stormwater also supports urban bumble bee health

Legacy cities experience long-term population decline, resulting in the creation of vacant land. When managed properly, vacant land has the potential to provide ecosystem services that support the health of humans and wildlife within cities. The city of Cleveland, Ohio converts vacant land into urban rain gardens that aid stormwater management and support environmental health. Rain gardens are designed to capture and filter urban stormwater, reducing stress on grey sewer infrastructure while also providing floral resources for pollinators. As such, the implementation of rain gardens across Cleveland by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) represents a low-cost initiative to manage sewer stress and support pollinator health. Our objective was to compare the ability of rain garden and vacant lot landscapes to provide attractive bee habitats and support bee health. To address this objective, we examined variation in vegetation composition and bumble bee colony health metrics between rain garden and vacant lot sites in Cleveland, Ohio. We deployed 14 commercial Bombus impatiens colonies across field sites for two months, measuring overall change in weight and average worker body size (intertegular distance) for each colony. Additionally, we conducted vegetation sampling to characterize bloom richness and bloom abundance within our sites over the duration of the study period. We found that rain garden sites supported greater bloom richness and abundance than vacant lots. As a result, rain garden colonies experienced greater weight gain than vacant lot colonies, indicating overall greater health. However, we found no significant difference in worker body size between landscape types. Our study ultimately evidences the idea that constructing rain gardens on previously vacant land has short-term benefits for bee health, but long-term impacts of rain garden pollutant accumulation on bee health are yet to be investigated.Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science Internal Grants ProgramNo embargoAcademic Major: Evolution and Ecolog

The Art of Memes in Feminist Digital Culture

Introduction: Countercultural aesthetics and medium specificity in the digital era -- Collage, juxtaposition, and spatial collapse -- Reenactment, nostalgia, and performative ruptures -- Montage and the memetic assemblage of attractions -- Conclusion: Embracing the pleasure activism of joyscrollingItem embargoed for three year