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Measuring community and school district readiness for prevention using publicly available secondary data: Findings from a Delphi study

Measuring community and school district readiness for prevention using publicly available secondary data: Findings from a Delphi study

Primary author: Gitanjali Shrestha
Co-author(s): Laura Hill; Clara Hill
Faculty sponsor: Laura Hill

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:
Introduction: Readiness for prevention is an important factor in prevention program success; thus, measuring readiness is a key step in disseminating prevention programs. Existing measures of readiness are time and resource intensive. Thus, the identification of publicly available proxy variables for readiness will not only be more resource efficient, it will also help prevention efforts in which readiness data has not been prospectively collected. The purpose of this study was to use the Delphi technique to identify publicly available proxy variables for community and school district readiness.

Method: We conducted a three-round Delphi study with ten prevention experts across five states to garner expert consensus on publicly available variables that could be considered proxies for readiness. Round 1 consisted of expert interviews, while rounds 2 and 3 consisted of online surveys.

Results: Findings reveal that certain dimensions of community readiness can be assessed using publicly available secondary datasets. Results indicated that 17 variables across eight domains can be considered proxies for readiness. Six of these 17 variables are specific to school district readiness, while the remaining 11 are proxies for both community and school district readiness. The study also yielded interesting insights into readiness such as the distinction between proxy variables for readiness and contextual variables for readiness, as well as the overlap between community readiness variables and school district readiness variables.

Conclusion: The list of proxy readiness variables is especially useful in large-scale evaluations or in circumstances where limited resources prohibit the collection of readiness data.

Deep Neural Network a Posteriori Probability Detector for Two-dimensional Magnetic Recording

Deep Neural Network a Posteriori Probability Detector for Two-dimensional Magnetic Recording

Primary author: Jinlu Shen
Faculty sponsor: Benjamin Belzer, Krishnamoorthy Sivakumar

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The magnetic recording channel in hard disk drives is a binary inter-symbol interference (ISI) channel that typically adopts a linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalizer with partial response (PR) signaling followed by a trellis-based detector such as Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv (BCJR) or Viterbi. In two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR), an array of heads read data from multiple adjacent tracks in order to equalize inter-track interference (ITI), which is severe in high density recording. The multi-track effects combined with pattern-dependent noise inherent to HDD recording channels lead to a trellis state explosion problem, when an auto-regressive model is used for pattern dependent noise prediction (PDNP). The detector complexity grows exponentially with ISI channel length I and noise predictor order L, and becomes impractical for more than two tracks.
As a solution, we propose a novel deep neural network (DNN). The DNN detector replaces the typical Viterbi-PDNP or BCJR-PDNP, directly outputs log likelihood ratios of the coded bits and iteratively exchanges them with a channel decoder to minimize decoded BER. Three DNN architectures are investigated – fully connected DNN, convolutional neural networks (CNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM). The DNN’s complexity is limited by employing MMSE equalizer pre-processing. The best performing DNN architecture, CNN, is selected for iterative decoding with a channel decoder. Simulation results on a realistic media model shows as much as 30.47% detector BER reduction, and as much as 21.72% areal density gain compared to a conventional system.

Straightlining in a Survey Assessing Behavioral Health Treatment Services in Washington State

Straightlining in a Survey Assessing Behavioral Health Treatment Services in Washington State

Primary author: Felix I. Rodriguez
Co-author(s): Rose Krebill-Prather; Kristen R. Petersen; Kent J. Miller

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:
Straightlining, or non-differentiation in ratings across items, compromises the data quality of survey responses by introducing the possibility that satisficing or response bias has occurred. Recent studies on straightlining have examined the effects of demographic characteristics and mode of administration on this type of behavior. This study examines the extent of straightlining in survey responses of a sensitive population, using data from a statewide survey designed to evaluate publicly funded behavioral health services.

The Behavioral Health Enrollee Survey was administered in 2018 using a mixed-mode telephone/web design. Responses were collected from 2,135 randomly selected adults who received publicly funded behavioral health treatment services in Washington State from May through October of the preceding year.

First, the incidence of straightlining behavior is measured on four batteries of survey questions: quality of services, experience with services, perceived outcome of services, and feelings of being stigmatized. Then incidence of straightlining on each of these batteries is compared across groups by age, gender, minority status, behavioral health diagnosis, and mode of survey administration.

Preliminary results suggest straightlining occurs on each of the four batteries of questions. However, the extent to which straightlining is significantly related to other factors of interest varies from one battery to the next. Additional analyses examine more specifically what combinations of factors are related to straightlining. The results will shed light on whether these response patterns may be due to satisficing, or a more general lack of attention or care in survey responses for this population of behavioral health enrollees.

‘We’re Here to Help’: Students of Color Experiences and Satisfaction with Health and Emergency Services at Washington State University

‘We’re Here to Help’: Students of Color Experiences and Satisfaction with Health and Emergency Services at Washington State University

Primary author: Brianne Posey
Faculty sponsor: Patricia Maarhuis

Primary college/unit: Cougar Health Services/Health Promotion
Category: Physical and Social Sciences

Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Background: People of color may face barriers to care services. Some of these barriers stem from financial and geographic disadvantage, while other barriers stem from negative experiences with practitioners and staff. Patient satisfaction with care services is an important factor in retention. Previous studies have concluded that patient experiences and satisfaction scores significantly predict whether a patient maintains a continuing relationship with a practitioner. Research Objectives: Researchers sought to examine the self-reported experiences and satisfaction scores of minority students at Washington State University. Data: A survey questionnaire was distributed to 200 students of color regarding their experiences and satisfaction with four Washington State University, Pullman campus and community emergency and health care services: 1) Cougar Health Services Medical Clinic (CHS), 2) Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 3) Washington State University Police Department (WSU PD), 4) Pullman Police Department (Pullman PD). Analysis: Quantitative descriptive analysis was performed along with qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Participant experiences such as friendly staff, trauma informed interviewing, and culturally respectful and inclusive language were associated with higher satisfaction scores and students being more likely to return. Oppositely, experiences such as long wait times, incorrect diagnosis, and high cost of treatment were associated with lower satisfaction scores and students being less likely to return. Conclusion: This study provides data about factors important to patient satisfaction with care services for a selected group of college students. Recommendations for improving satisfaction among students of color are provided.

Characterization of Galacturonic Acid Catabolic Genes in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Characterization of Galacturonic Acid Catabolic Genes in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Primary author: Nickisha Pierre-Pierre
Co-author(s): Wei Wei
Faculty sponsor: Weidong Chen

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen causing white mold disease on more than 600 plant species, including many economically important crops. The most prominent symptom of white mold is maceration of host tissue, suggesting the efficiency of pathogen in degrading plant cell wall. Galacturonic acid is the major building block of pectin which is a main component of plant cell wall. Thus, the resulting galacturonic acid after tissue maceration is likely the nutrient source for S. sclerotiorum. The genome of S. sclerotiorum encodes the genes responsible for galacturonic acid catabolism. However, the roles of these galacturonic acid catabolic genes in the biology and virulence of S. sclerotiorum are unknown.
The D-galacturonic acid catabolic pathway in S. sclerotiorum consists of three catalytic steps converting D-galacturonic acid to pyruvate and L-glyceraldehyde. In an effort to characterize the functions of the galacturonic acid catabolic pathway genes, gene deletion mutants of these genes in S. sclerotiorum were generated using targeted mutagenesis.
The wildtype and gene-deletion mutant strains of S. sclerotiorum were tested on media with different carbon sources. For radial growth assays, mycelium of strains were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and as a carbon source either glucose, D-galacturonic acid, citrus fruit pectin, apple pectin or sodium pectate. The significance of the effects of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and the characterization of its virulence in host plants will be discussed in efforts to understand the epidemiology of the disease.

Additive Manufacturing Using Liquid Metal

Additive Manufacturing Using Liquid Metal

Primary author: Steven Peyron
Faculty sponsor: Arda Gozen

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Metal 3d printing has played a role in rethinking our manufacturing methods. Using the study of eGaIn and the numerical model of filamentary metal alloys developed by Dr. Gannarapu et al[1] we are going to evaluate the further nonnoble metals and alloys. We will be examining the oxide skin’s effect on the filamentary shape and strength in the subsequent metals and metal alloys. With that information further research on layer interactions of the oxide skin and the thermofluidic flow of the metal alloys and metals at the mesoscale. We have confirmed the layer interactions of eGaIn act like that of a liquid and the oxide skin does not maintain individual layers while liquid. The next step is to print with a metal that is sold at room temperature. We will start with fields alloy and move on to high-temperature metals.

What pedagogical materials afford students of Spanish as a foreign language with opportunities to develop communicative competence?

What pedagogical materials afford students of Spanish as a foreign language with opportunities to develop communicative competence?

Primary author: Preyadarshini Panday Shukla
Co-author(s): Anne Marie Guerrettaz; Nausica Marcos Miguel; Collin Shull
Faculty sponsor: Anne Marie Guerrettaz

Primary college/unit: College of Education
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Pedagogical materials (e.g., textbooks, PowerPoints, etc.) play an essential role in the teaching and learning of Spanish as a second language (L2) (Tarone, 2014). Many L2 teaching materials aim — in theory — to promote students’ development of communicative competence (Savignon 2017). Nonetheless, few studies have examined how pedagogical materials (Guerrettaz & Johnson, 2013) foster or inhibit students’ development of communicative competence.
This study’s goal was to identify pedagogical materials that: 1) afforded Spanish L2 learners opportunities to develop communicative competence and 2) those that did not — using the sociocultural framework of affordances (van Lier, 2004). This concept acknowledges broader classroom dynamics that influence the learning outcomes of materials: students’ and instructors’ uses of and responses to materials are complex and unpredictable. Fifteen focus groups, five teacher interviews, and fieldnotes from 45 recorded classroom lessons were analyzed qualitatively.
Results revealed that the following materials — frequently used by two expert instructors —afforded opportunities for communicative learning: 1) information gap handouts, 2) process-oriented sets of writing guides for in-class journaling, and 3) games (e.g., Taboo). Additionally, 4) music recordings were variably used with regards to students’ development of communicative competence: sometimes music was effectively used, but in other classrooms ineffectively or not at all. These differences are partially attributed to instructors’ divergent perceptions of music as a material. Lastly, many students paradoxically chose 5) Kahoot, a digital tool, as their favorite material, while acknowledging its failure to promote communicative learning. Findings have implications for L2 classroom practice and teacher development.

Interaction-Driven Dynamics of a Bose-Einstein Condensate in an Optical Lattice

Interaction-Driven Dynamics of a Bose-Einstein Condensate in an Optical Lattice

Primary author: Md Kamrul Hoque Ome
Co-author(s): Peter Engels; Sean Mossman; Thomas Bersano
Faculty sponsor: Peter Engels

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Ultracold clouds of atoms, with temperatures near absolute zero, placed into carefully designed laser fields form an excellent tool for probing the dynamics of interacting, quantum mechanical particles. A laser field shaped in the form of a standing wave provides a periodic array of traps for the atoms, leading to a band structure. In this work, we investigate the existence of peculiar loops in these bands that are predicted to occur for sufficiently strong interactions between the atoms. In our experiments, we apply laser cooling and related techniques to create an ultracold ensemble of atoms called Bose-Einstein condensate. By ramping up laser fields and dynamically changing their frequencies, the band structures can be analyzed. The experiments reveal a non-exponential tunneling of atoms between the individual sites of the trapping potential which is connected to the predicted loop structures. This is a significant finding for this area of research because non-exponential tunneling has not been observed before. In conclusion, this work provides a clear demonstration of the power of ultracold atoms for investigating complex quantum mechanical dynamics.

Does Interactive Advertising Always Effective? An Experiment on the Effects of Interactivity of Advertisement, Task Involvement, and Product Congruity

Does Interactive Advertising Always Effective? An Experiment on the Effects of Interactivity of Advertisement, Task Involvement, and Product Congruity

Primary author: Di Mu
Faculty sponsor: Alexis Tan

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

New technologies are creating new opportunities for the advertising industry. As interactivity – inherent in the hearts of the Internet – becomes a more natural way for manufacturers to connect and communicate with their consumers, some scholars and industry experts believes that interactivity is the key to the success of advertising: the presentation of interactive ads has multiple layers compared to traditional ads, which makes it possible for users to actively choose what they need, in turn, enhance the ads’ effectiveness. This strategy supposes to turn passive viewers into active participants, however, due to the annoying nature of advertising, does interacting actually increase its persuasive outcomes? Some researchers said “yes”, while others stand on the opposite side. In addition, according to the LC4MP model, when individuals are highly involved in a task, they tend to allocate more cognitive resources to the goal-related primary task, and thus less attentional capacity will be available for processing the secondary tasks, like watching ads. Also, there has been a debate on whether congruity between product type and the context in which ads appear may influence product memory. Therefore, this study is aimed at simulating a real-life scenario and measure the effectiveness of interactive advertisements. In order to answer the research questions, a 2 (interactivity: high vs. low) x 2 (task involvement: high vs. low) x 2 (product congruity: congruent vs. incongruent) fully factorial, between-subjects online experiment will be conducted. This study is in the process of submitting the IRB.

Outside director protection, reduced monitoring, and capital structure decisions

Outside director protection, reduced monitoring, and capital structure decisions

Primary author: Yoonsoo Nam
Faculty sponsor: Douglas (DJ) Fairhurst

Primary college/unit: Carson College of Business
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

I assess the effects of increased outside director protection from shareholder lawsuits on debt-to-assets ratio of U.S. industrial firms. Outside directors are non-employees of the firm. As increased director protection is considered to decrease directors’ monitoring efforts, it may reduce debt because mangers prefer having less debt to protect their undiversified human capital and would likely decrease debt in response to reduced monitoring. However, increased director protection may raise debt because firms could use debt as a controlling mechanism to counterbalance reduced monitoring because debt pressures managers to work hard to pay principal and interest payments. This study is important as it highlights this substituting effect of debt.
I use the staggered enactment of the Limited Liability Statutes by all 50 U.S. states between 1986 and 2002 to measure increased director protection. As different states enacted the laws during different time periods, this setting helps draw stronger causal inferences. I measure firm-level characteristics using Compustat database. I implement a difference-in-differences research design.
I find that the laws increase debt-to-assets ratio suggesting that firms raise debt to offset increased director protection. Specifically, firms where debt is more effective controlling mechanism, the interests of managers and shareholders are more closely aligned, managers have more incentives to maximize their human capital, and that are less financially constrained increase debt. Finally, I find that firms raising debt in response to increased director protection engage in activities likely raising firm value while firms that do not increase debt engage in activities likely reducing firm value.