ECHOVORE

Gabby Beury is a Senior English Writing major with minors in Film and Italian Cultural Studies at DePauw University. She enjoys reading and writing comedic and absurdist works

Birth Outcomes in the Hispanic Population in the United States: Trends, Variation, and Determinants (2011–2021)

Infants born to mothers who self-identify as Hispanic account for a substantial and growing share of births in the United States, yet limited research has examined disparities in birth outcomes across Hispanic origin subgroups. This study aims to document trends and identify important factors associated with Cesarean section (C-section), low birth-weight, and prematurity within the Hispanic population. We use data from the National Vital Statistics System (2011–2021), covering nearly all U.S. births. We compare outcomes across Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black mothers and further disaggregate by Hispanic origin (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central/South American, and Other/Unknown). We use logistic regression and classification tree models to assess associations between maternal, infant, and clinical factors and birth outcomes. We find that Hispanic mothers have birth outcomes similar to non-Hispanic Whites and better than non-Hispanic Blacks. However, prematurity rates among Hispanics have slightly increased over time. Mexican mothers exhibit the most favorable outcomes, while Cuban mothers show higher rates of C-section, and Puerto Rican mothers show higher rates of low birthweight and prematurity. Logistic regression results highlight multiple births, breech presentation, and hypertensive conditions as important factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. Our biomedical approach emphasizes physiological and clinical risk factors such as multiple births, breech presentation, hypertensive conditions, and obesity. In parallel, our biosocial analysis incorporates demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables to contextualize how social determinants interact with biology to influence outcomes. Complementing these findings, our classification tree analysis identifies inadequate gestational weight gain (less than 15 pounds) as a prominent risk factor for both low birthweight and prematurity. Additionally, obesity emerges as a significant factor linked to an increased likelihood of C-section. While birth outcomes among Hispanic mothers are generally favorable, subgroup differences and emerging disparities highlight the need for disaggregated research and culturally tailored public health interventions

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper

Kakuko Ishii Musubu R, 2012 Washi paper (Mizuhiki) and pigment Image courtesy of the artist © Kakuko Ishiihttps://scholarship.depauw.edu/peeler_exhibit/1204/thumbnail.jp

Echoes of Japan: Art in Motion and Stillness

Kawano Kaoru Girl with Prunus Blossom, Early-mid 20th century Color Woodblock Print DePauw Art Collection, 1991.11.41https://scholarship.depauw.edu/peeler_exhibit/1206/thumbnail.jp

CustomFolderSorter

CustomFolderSorter is a Python-based automation tool designed to address the persistent challenge of digital file clutter. By scanning a designated directory—such as Downloads or Documents—the tool extracts file metadata (creation/modification date, size, type, and extension) and then organizes the files into subfolders based on user-selected criteria. In addition to core functionalities, CustomFolderSorter incorporates extra features including customizable file size thresholds, an enhanced graphical user interface (GUI), and a file preview with an undo mechanism, thereby offering users an even greater degree of control over their file organization process. The application is built to be both flexible and user-friendly. Users can define what constitutes small, medium, or large files through adjustable thresholds, view a real-time preview of the sorting outcome before any changes are made, and easily revert actions if necessary. These features not only streamline file management but also reduce the risk of accidentally misplacing important documents. Overall, CustomFolderSorter represents an innovative solution to the everyday challenge of digital organization

QueryPDF AI

QueryPDF AI is a web-based application designed to help users interact with and extract valuable insights from PDF documents using advanced natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI). The platform allows users to upload PDF files and engage with their content by asking text-based questions. QueryPDF AI interprets the context of the uploaded document and provides accurate, context-aware responses, helping users find and analyze relevant information with ease. Whether for academic research, business reports, enterprise records, or other professional uses, QueryPDF AI simplifies document analysis by automatically generating responses to user queries. By eliminating the need for manual searching and reading, the tool significantly speeds up document review, improving productivity for students, professionals, and researchers alike. Users can upload documents, query specific sections, and even request summaries—all through a user-friendly web interface that makes document navigation faster and more efficient

Safe Spaces and Free Speech on Campus: a Guided Tour of Campus Contexts

Contemporary events on university campuses have spotlighted the perceived conflict between free speech and safe spaces. While both values are widely acknowledged as essential, reconciling them in practice remains difficult. In this article, we argue that universities should not be viewed as singular entities but as a constellation of distinct spaces, each with its own normative context. The appropriate balance between safety and speech depends on the specific functions and values of each space. We first survey philosophical literature on campus speech and safety, noting the often-implicit acknowledgment of spatial diversity. Next, we introduce guiding questions to assist in evaluating how speech and safety should be balanced across different settings. Finally, we tour campus spaces using this framework, proposing that speech and safety exist on a continuum: some areas should support robust free expression, while others should prioritize safety and belonging

Expense Tracker

Expense Tracker is a mobile application that helps users manage their finances effectively. It is challenging to keep track of everyday spendings without a smartly designed system; Expense Tracker helps make this process easier, less time-consuming, and more enjoyable. It includes features such as adding expenses, tracking income, budgeting, and analyzing spending through visualization. Expense Tracker aims to provide a user-friendly solution that simplifies financial management even for beginners