Globalization, Conflict, and the Effects of the Rate of Change of Globalization: An Empirical Analysis

The world is becoming increasingly more interconnected with technological advances leading to more and more globalization. It is important to see how globalization affects society, especially in the lesser developed post-conflict regions of Africa. The theories of liberalism, Marxism, and realism all offer plausible, yet strikingly different theories on the relationship between globalization and conflict. This paper conceptually examines the dominant theories of globalization and conflict, then uses open-source panel data on globalization and conflict in Africa to empirically test which theory is supported by the data, then tests if there is a correlation between the rate of globalization and conflict. [MG1] The purpose of this paper is to offer an explanation for the lack of theoretical cohesiveness on the topic through analysis of panel data. The study reports three main findings: globalization and conflict have a negative correlation, the rate of change of globalization and conflict have a positive correlation, and, while neither are statistically significant, the rate of change of globalization is overall more significant and more impactful than the level of globalization

A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation of Participant Perceptions of the Residency Portfolio Component of the Education Doctorate at Marshall University

This mixed-methods study explored student, graduate, and faculty perceptions of the residency portfolio process in Marshall University’s Ed.D. Program and the degree to which the portfolio met the stated goals of the program. Data was collected via online surveys, student/graduate focus groups, and individual faculty interviews. One hundred eighteen students/graduates and 14 faculty members completed the survey. Eleven students/graduates participated in the two focus groups, and eight faculty members participated in individual interviews. The seven stated program goals were further divided into 21 indicators. The survey asked participants to rate the degree to which the residency portfolio developed students’ abilities to achieve each of the 21 indicators using a Likert scale. Participants indicated that all seven program goals were met “to a great extent” (5), the highest distinction available. Few statistically significant differences were found based upon demographics such as sex, age, program, role, cohort involvement, stage in the program, completion year, vocation, job change, motivation, or faculty years of experience with the portfolio. Focus group and faculty interviews offered confirmation of survey findings and additional examples and anecdotes to support and explain the survey data. The study offers an example of portfolios functioning as a qualifying assessment in a doctoral program for other universities considering alternatives to comprehensive examinations

3D Modeling Techniques for Print and Digital Media

In developing my thesis, I looked to gain skills using ZBrush to create 3D models, 3D scanning, and 3D printing. The models created compared the hearts of several vertebrates and were intended for students attending Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy . I used several resources to create a model of the human heart and was able to work from life while creating heart models from other vertebrates. I successfully learned ZBrush and 3D scanning, and successfully printed 3D heart models. ZBrush allowed me to create several intricate models for use in both animation and print media. The 3D scanning technique did not fit my needs for the project, but may be of use for later projects. I was able to 3D print using two different techniques as well

Sex Discrimination in Healthcare: Section 1557 and LGBTQ Rights After \u3cem\u3eBostock\u3c/em\u3e

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) banned sex discrimination in health care. In June of 2020, however, the Trump administration finalized a rule that explicitly removed sexual orientation and gender identity from Section 1557’s safeguards. That same month, the Supreme Court held that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are forms of sex discrimination for purposes of Title VII employment discrimination in Bostock v. Clayton County. Following the Court’s decision in Bostock, this Article argues that sex discrimination under Section 1557 necessarily encompasses gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination