What Can Better Solar Education Do?

Sustainable Built Environments Senior Capstone ProjectWhile Arizona has abundant solar resources, policy decisions, regulatory changes, and the absence of state level incentive programs has limited the states solar adoption rate. This study examines if better solar education can change the way people in Pima County, Arizona purchase, manage, or make decisions about solar energy technologies. With the counties high solar irradiance of almost 300 days of sunshine (80%) a year, solar power has serious potential, but adoption remains limited due to knowledge gaps, economic barriers, and policy challenges. This longitudinal survey was conducted across two semesters of Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, and there were 68 participants in the first survey and 74 participants in the second survey. Results show that better solar education is supported by over half (56%) of the participants surveyed, because they believe better solar education improves solar purchasing/management decisions. The interviews confirm the survey results, with cost savings as the main consumer driver, distrust in some solar companies, and the affordable option of Power Purchasing Agreement’s for people who cannot afford the cost of solar installation. The study further finds that solar education plays an important role in boosting solar adoption, addressing misinformation, and improving policy. The public’s support for solar education, incentives/rebates, and energy conservation programs, says that Pima County could greatly expand its clean energy sector, providing jobs, and clean energy for the future generations of this region.This item is part of the Sustainable Built Environments collection. For more information, contact http://sbe.arizona.edu

USING FAMILY SCIENCE TO PREDICT RESILIENCE OR CRISIS OUTCOMES IN THE MENTAL HEALTH OF MOTHERS RAISING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Raising a child with symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be stressful in any family. Due to the high caregiving demands and the persistence of symptoms across the lifespan, mothers in particular are at risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and negative emotions. Treatments and interventions for ASD are typically geared toward the child as an individual. However, family systems theory tells us that the effects of a child's diagnosis of ASD can ripple through the entire family unit. The ABC-X Stress Model is a tool used to evaluate how families cope with stress by analyzing (A) the stressor, (B) resources available, and (C) family perceptions, which lead to (X) our outcomes of crisis or resilience. My aim in this paper was to adapt the ABC-X Stress Model to examine factors of maternal stress when raising children with ASD. This allows us to analyze risks of crisis and resilience within mothers' mental health. A literature review of 30 peer-reviewed articles was used to analyze what research has already been done in this area. The results imply that addressing one factor alone is not sufficient for significantly improving mental health in mothers. The findings show how mental health promotion and prevention for mothers of children with ASD can be analyzed through identifying the personal, societal, and social structures that act as preventative factors or put mothers at risk. This allows researchers, policy makers, as well as therapists, to identify ways to reduce stress, social disparities, and encourage resilience by creating programs that support mental health promotion

CHANGES IN APPROACH TO ENGLISH LOCALIZATION OF JAPANESE VIDEO GAMES

Since the emergence of the video game industry with the introduction of Atari's Pong in 1972, the rapid evolution of video games as a medium can be largely attributed to Japanese efforts, particularly in the advancement of the console market and the establishment of the current state of the industry. As a pop culture export alongside anime and manga, video games must undergo the process of localization to be deemed palatable for foreign markets. Strategies regarding this localization process have evolved significantly over time. Initially, Japanese video games were created with a domestic audience in mind before receiving an English localized version some time after its original release. With Japanese cultural exports becoming more mainstream in the West, to ease the process of localization, Japanese video game development has steadily shifted over time to be geared more towards creating something with foreign appeal from the outset. The potential loss of these games' cultural identity raises concerns for the future of the industry

SMART STUDYING: TEACHING STUDENTS HOW TO STUDY THROUGH NEUROSCIENCE

Students consistently report using primarily ineffective and inefficient study strategies when regulating their own learning. While some interventions have been shown to influence student study behaviors, we do not know what factors make these interventions successful or not. To investigate this question, we recruited seventy-five undergraduates in an introductory chemistry course that were randomly assigned to one of two video-based interventions. Both groups learned about four evidence-based study/test-taking strategies-retrieval practice, distributed practice, creating connections, and managing test anxiety-but only the experimental group received neuroscientific explanations for why these strategies work. To assess the intervention's effects, we examined its impact on exam scores, belief in strategy, and self-reported study behavior. Both interventions significantly changed self-reported study behaviors, but the neuroscience-based intervention did not significantly outperform the other intervention. These results support prior research suggesting that it is possible to design study strategy interventions to help college students regulate their learning more effectively, and serves as a pilot study for this new type of neuroscience-based intervention. These findings suggest that while neuroscience-informed framing has theoretical appeal, it may not offer additional benefit over evidence-based interventions without further refinement

THE CYCLE OF FILM AND SOCIETY

What has a greater impact- film on society, or society on film? Over the course of my college experience, through my courses in Film and Sociology, that one question intrigued me more than others. For my thesis, I wanted to explore this question further and in a way that also incorporates and celebrates my love of creative style, dance, and human interaction. I chose the format of a documentary to ask students how film has impacted their world, and how much they feel the world has impacted what they watch. By hearing from a variety of perspectives, it was fascinating learning and discussing this topic with a broader group of people. As members of functioning society, we unknowingly contribute to this cycle. My hope is that when watching this documentary, we are able to reflect on the media-driven world, and recognize the powerful pattern between what we watch and how we live

WHY AMERICA HASN'T ELECTED A FEMALE PRESIDENT: AN ANALYSIS OF HILLARY CLINTON'S AND KAMALA HARRIS'S DEFEATS

This thesis explores the electoral defeats of the two most successful female presidential candidates in American history, Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, where both candidates shockingly lost to the same opponent, Donald Trump. Through a comparative analysis using Clinton as the primary case study and Harris as a secondary reference, this thesis explores the social, cultural, political, and economic factors that shaped both of their campaigns and their losses. The comparative analysis is broken down into four main chapters: (1) the political climate of both election periods, (2) Trump's populist brand and appeal, (3) the role of race and gender in presidential politics, and (4) the influence of social media and misinformation. Ultimately, Clinton's loss revealed the difficulties that women face while pursuing the presidency, laying the precedent for Harris' election defeat, in which Harris encountered a similar but more intensified version of Clinton's experience

SPATIO-TEMPORAL CLASSIFICATION OF WEST COAST WINE REGIONS USING VITICULTURAL CLIMATE INDICES

Climate is a primary determinant of viticultural potential, directly influencing grape phenology, yield, and wine style. In recent decades, climate change has introduced increasingly complex challenges for vineyard managers and the wine industry. The critical objective of modern wine growing is to maximize yield and minimize water consumption without compromising quality. This research aims to assess how viticultural climate classifications have changed over time and what these shifts imply for sustainable vineyard adaptation. Using time series analysis of historical climate records and remote sensing data, vineyard regions are classified annually based on the Winkler Index. The study identifies trends in heat accumulation, temporal shifts in viticultural zones, and evolving regional suitability for grape production. These findings offer insights into the long-term effects of climate change on viticulture and aim to support evidence-based adaptation strategies and business decisions for growers and winemakers.This item is part of the MS-GIST Master's Reports collection. For more information about items in this collection, please contact the UA Campus Repository at [email protected]

THE VOICES OF WATER: DEVELOPMENT OF A PARTICIPATORY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR SPATIOTEMPORAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN THE DOÑA JUANA VOLCANIC GEO-ECOSYSTEM AT NARIÑO, COLOMBIA

This research presents the development and implementation of a cloud-based Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) for spatiotemporal water quality monitoring in the Doña Juana Volcanic Geo-ecosystem, Nariño, Colombia. Building upon prior transdisciplinary research conducted by the author—integrated local and generational knowledge with geochemical analysis of waters around the volcano— this work puts into use the four culturally recognized water types (mudas, orgánicas, tibias, and gordas) identified by inhabitants of Las Mesas and nearby villages within a web-accessible monitoring platform that enables continuous, community-driven data collection. The methodology employs a three-tiered architecture: (1) an ArcGIS Pro geodatabase with customized domains incorporating local water classifications; (2) ArcGIS Field Maps for offline-capable mobile data collection by trained community monitors; and (3) an ArcGIS Experience Builder web application providing real-time 3D visualization and spatiotemporal analysis. Community monitors were trained to use portable multiparameter probes to measure temperature (°C), pH, and total dissolved solids (ppm)—parameters that reflect hydrothermal activity through temperature variations, acidity changes, and mineral content fluctuations. This enables scientific documentation of physico-chemical characteristics in water that they have traditionally observed while maintaining correlations between quantitative data and established classifications for detecting possible volcanic or anthropic related changes. By integrating PGIS principles with community-based water monitoring, this research strengthens volcanic risk management through participatory approaches. Furthermore, this system empowers active environmental monitors capable of identifying anomalous patterns potentially signaling volcanic activity, fosters stronger socio-ecological relationships between inhabitants and their territory, and enhances response capacity. Ultimately, this work contributes to early warning systems research and establishes a replicable framework for community-based volcanic surveillance throughout Colombia and other Latin American regions where water, volcanoes, and communities are deeply interconnected.This item is part of the MS-GIST Master's Reports collection. For more information about items in this collection, please contact the UA Campus Repository at [email protected]

DETERMINING OPTIMAL CELL TOWER LOCATIONS IN RUGGED TERRAIN WITH A VIEWSHED ANALYSIS

As the national telecommunication grid continues to expand it provides millions of Americans with reliable communication services, such as cellphone reception. However, large portions of the country, particularly remote and rugged regions, still lack consistent or any coverage. Addressing these gaps is crucial, especially for emergency response, where instant communication can significantly improve outcomes. This case study focuses on Logan Canyon, Utah, where Highway 89 traverses a region with no existing cell phone reception. This lack of coverage poses safety risks, especially in the event of an emergency. A suitability analysis was performed using line-of-sight methods to identify optimal locations for telecommunication towers. A 3D elevation model was created by melding high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and LiDAR point clouds to simulate both bare earth elevation and canopy cover height. Using the highway centerline as a reference a line-of-sight analysis identified high-visibility areas. The areas of highest visibility were then identified, and a second line-of-sight analysis was performed, accounting for direct signals as well as diffraction and reflection effects, to refine the potential coverage area. Results suggest that strategically placing telecommunication towers within Logan Canyon could significantly improve cellular coverage along Highway 89. However, the analysis also indicates diminishing returns with additional towers, emphasizing the importance of balancing infrastructure costs with coverage benefits. While this study is specific to Logan Canyon, its methodology provides a framework that can be adapted to other regions facing similar connectivity challenges.This item is part of the MS-GIST Master's Reports collection. For more information about items in this collection, please contact the UA Campus Repository at [email protected]

Validation of Cardiomems Pulmonary Artery Pressure Monitor Using the Donovan Mock Tank

Maintenance of HF symptoms requires patients to monitor changes in limb edema, sudden weight gain and edema as markers for progressing or worsening HF. However, these symptoms can occur suddenly and can lead to decompensation and hospitalization if not addressed in a timely manner. The CardioMEMS HF System was developed to monitor patient pulmonary artery pressures and catch worsening heart failure before symptoms of fluid overload manifest. Indeed, the CardioMEMS has been shown to reduce HF hospitalizations by up to 30% with great reliability and reproducibility. Recently, a case report at Banner University Medical Center Tucson highlighted potential pitfalls in treating patients with CardioMEMS based on faulty readings from the Smart Pillow home system, highlighting a need for further understanding of potential biases in CardioMEMS readings against a known pressure. This study aimed to characterize CardioMEMS Hospital System and Smart Pillow (home system) readings against the Donovan Mock Circulation Tank (Mock Tank) – a chamber used to test and validate mechanical circulatory support devices. A series of groups was devised to represent a spectrum of pulmonary artery pressures and readings were taken from the PAP chamber of the Mock tank and compared to readings from the CardioMEMS device using the Hospital System. Linear regressions confirmed great agreement between the two measurement methods (R squared >0.95, p<0.0001) and Bland-Altman plots revealed a negative proportional bias (-1.272mmHg, p<0.0001) that suggested the CardioMEMS underestimation was greater at higher PAP chamber pressures. Biases in CardioMEMS measurements should be considered and additional confirmations of fluid overload should be considered when changing the treatment plan of patients with HF