Effectiveness of child protective services interventions as indicated by rates of recidivism

Child maltreatment is a pervasive problem with a number of negative consequences, both in terms of human suffering and economic costs. This issue is compounded by the alarming rates of abuse recidivism (i.e., having a second case of abuse following the original event), which has been linked to even poorer outcomes for children involved. Child Protective Services (CPS) is the government agency charged with intervening in cases of abuse and preventing further maltreatment. While many studies have examined the relationship between background variables and recidivism, fewer studies have examined CPS interventions in this regard. A better understanding of these factors could help inform CPS on which interventions to employ, or which cases may require closer monitoring. Thus, the goal of the current study is to test the predictability of recidivism based on both background factors (e.g., disability status of the child and caregiver, age of the child, type of abuse) and CPS interventions (e.g., providing therapy for the caregiver or child, removing the child from the caregiver temporarily). Two predictors, minority status of the caregiver and providing therapy for the caregiver, were associated with reduced recidivism outcomes, while temporarily removing the child from the caregiver was associated with increased chances of recidivism. It may be concluded that cases involving child placement away from the caregiver may require further monitoring by CPS, and that ordering therapy for more caregivers may help to reduce recidivism rates

Global Engagement in the Academic Library [Poster]

Poster presented at the ALA Diversity & Outreach Fair on June 24, 2017

The University Library as an Incubator for Multicultural Engagement [Poster]

Poster presented at the ACRL Biennial Conference on March 24, 2017

UNCG CHANCE: Collaborating with a Multi-Departmental College Readiness Program [Poster]

Poster presented at the NCLA Biennial Conference on October 20, 2017

No Curs Allowed: Exploring the Subculture of Dogmen

The aim of this research project was to explore and provide some insight concerning the otherwise clandestine, underground, subculture of dogfighting. More specifically, dogmen and dogfighting was examined using cinema, electronic media-outlets, and video websites. Apparently, the dogfighting phenomenon has been identified as a morally depraved subculture by mainstream society and sanctions against individuals identified as engaging in dogfighting is arguably non-utilitarian. It logically follows that the social and legal outcomes associated with the dogfighting phenomenon would force the subculture further underground where it could become a haven for illicit behavior and violence against people, property, and dogs. The results indicate that being a dogman and endorsing dogfighting is related to Pit Bull ownership, relative knowledge of dogfighting, deprivation, and access to the opportunity and willingness to enter the social world of dog-fighting. Additionally, the data suggests that the Pit Bull subculture is far from chaotic. The dogfighting subculture has internal systems and processes designed to regulate how the subculture operates. These systems and processes allow the subculture to not only survive, but to also thrive

Autobiography as a way of knowing : a student-centered curriculum model using Maya Angelou's I know why the caged bird sings

The major purpose of this dissertation is the construction of a curriculum model for the teaching of autobiography. The study is based on the contention that learning is rendered more meaningful when instructional practices attend to both the cognitive and affective development of the student. It offers a methodology which utilizes the personal experience of the learner while teaching a traditional discipline. Chapter One establishes a need for student-centered curricula and suggests autobiography as a viable vehicle for exposing students to conventional subject matter and allowing them to explore their own existence at the same time

Development of an evaluation device to measure quality of workmanship on a blouse

The objectives of this study were to develop, test, and revise an evaluation device for quantitatively scoring the quality of blouses constructed by students who learned to sew by following a self-instructional program. The program was developed as part of United States Office of Education research project No. 5-1042. Various kinds of evaluation devices were studied. Since rating scales are most frequently used in areas where measurement is dependent upon observation, a rating scale was selected as the appropriate device for this quantitative scoring of the blouse. A rating scale in dicnotomous form, on which the judge recorded that the blouse was satisfactory or unsatisfactory with respect to each descriptive phrase, was first tried but later discarded in favor of a three-level scale on which judges could appraise eacn construction process by considering several levels of quality. The three-level scale was then subdivided to form a six point scale

Open Education Resources (OER) and Opportunities [Slides]

Slides from a webinar about open educational resources. Presented on November 14, 2017 for the UNCG Libraries Research and Applications Webinar Series

Impact of Climate Change on the Hydrology of the Upper Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

This study investigated the impacts of climate change on the hydrology of the Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia. A soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was calibrated and validated against observed streamflow using SWAT CUP. The Mann–Kendall trend test (MK) was used to assess climate trends. Meteorological drought (SPEI) and hydrological drought (SDI) were also investigated. Based on the ensemble mean of five global climate models (GCMs), projected increases in mean annual maximum temperature over the period 2015–2100 (compared with a 1983–2014 baseline) range from 1.16 to 1.73 °C, while increases in minimum temperature range between 0.79 and 2.53 °C. Increases in mean annual precipitation range from 1.8% at Addis Ababa to 45.5% over the Hombole area. High streamflow (Q5) declines at all stations except Ginchi. Low flows (Q90) also decline with Q90 equaling 0 m3 s−1 (i.e., 100% reduction) at some gauging stations (Akaki and Hombole) for individual GCMs. The SPEI confirmed a significant drought trend in the past, while the frequency and severity of drought will increase in the future. The basin experienced conditions that varied from modest dry periods to a very severe hydrological drought between 1986 and 2005. The projected SDI ranges from modestly dry to modestly wet conditions. Climate change in the basin would enhance seasonal variations in hydrological conditions. Both precipitation and streamflow will decline in the wet seasons and increase in the dry seasons. These changes are likely to have an impact on agricultural activities and other human demands for water resources throughout the basin and will require the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures

Integrated Borehole, Radar, and Seismic Velocity Analysis Reveals Dynamic Spatial Variations Within a Firn Aquifer in Southeast Greenland

Perennial water storage in firn aquifers has been observed within the lower percolation zone of the southeast Greenland ice sheet. Spatially distributed seismic and radar observations, made ~50 km upstream of the Helheim Glacier terminus, reveal spatial variations of seismic velocity within a firn aquifer. From 1.65 to 1.8 km elevation, shear‐wave velocity (Vs) is 1,290 ± 180 m/s in the unsaturated firn, decreasing below the water table (~15 m depth) to 1,130 ± 250 m/s. Below 1.65 km elevation, Vs in the saturated firn is 1,270 ± 220 m/s. The compressional‐to‐shear velocity ratio decreases in the downstream saturated zone, from 2.30 ± 0.54 to 2.01 ± 0.46, closer to its value for pure ice (2.00). Consistent with colocated firn cores, these results imply an increasing concentration of ice in the downstream sites, reducing the porosity and storage potential of the firn likely caused by episodic melt and freeze during the evolution of the aquifer. Plain Language Summary An integrated geophysical analysis of seismic, radar, and borehole measurements has been completed over a firn aquifer in southeast Greenland. We show the stiffness of the aquifer increases at lower elevations, closer to sea level, which leads to a decrease in pore space for the meltwater to be stored. This corresponds to an increase in ice content within the firn at lower elevations, as observed in borehole measurements, and likely caused by the meltwater refreezing within and below the aquifer