cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Selected Factors Associated with HPV Vaccination Completion among the African American Adolescents in United States: 2012 National Immunization Survey - Teen
Creators: name: Sahu, Vaishali
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2014

description: Background: Human Papillomavirus is the most common STI in United States and is most prevalent among the adolescents and young adults. HPV causes cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, oropharyngeal cancers and ano-genital warts. Certain populations are found to be at higher risk such as African Americans. 3 doses of HPV vaccine are recommended to adolescents before sexual debut to immunize against HPV. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors associated with the completion of 3 dose HPV vaccination series particularly among the African American adolescents.
Methods: National Immunization Survey – Teen 2012 data was used to assess the association of selected factors with the completion of 3 dose HPV vaccination series among the African American adolescents. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was conducted. 
Results: Factors, gender, age and maternal education are associated with the completion of HPV vaccination series among the African American adolescents.  The Black females are 5 times more likely to complete the HPV vaccination than males. The 15 year olds are thrice more likely to complete the HPV vaccination than 13 year olds. Adolescents with maternal education higher than high school are twice more likely to complete the HPV vaccination series.
Conclusion: Among the African American adolescents, socio-demographic factors influence the completion of HPV vaccine series. This study provides a direction to public health practices to focus on Black male adolescents and subpopulations with low maternal education to improve HPV vaccination in US.
Traffic-related Pollution Exposure Assessment of Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools (K-12) in Proximity to Major Highways and Expressways
Creators: name: Carter, David
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2014

description: Background: A number of studies have linked traffic-related pollutant exposures to asthma in children. Health conditions such as asthma can contribute to school absenteeism and missed learning opportunities as well as place a major burden on health resources. Although children spend a significant amount of time in school, few states have adopted school siting policies that prevent the placement of schools near major highways. Furthermore, schools often fail to take appropriate steps (e.g. adequate HVAC and air filters) to address indoor air quality concerns for students. The study was designed to identify the number of schools and the number of children in Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools that attend schools in proximity to major highways and expressways where they are likely to have greater exposure to traffic pollution. The results of this study can be used to build an evidence base for stricter school siting guidelines, for planning safe routes to school, and for mitigation strategies to limit pollutant exposures for children who attend high-risk schools.

Methods: Highway, expressway, county, and school shapefiles were overlaid using ArcMap in ArcGIS version 10.1 (ERSI, USA). A circular buffer with radius 0.5 mile      (~ 800 m) was created for each school. ArcMap geospatial tools were used to identify major highways and expressways with these buffers.

Results: A total of 119 of the 225 schools in Fulton County and Atlanta Public school districts were identified as being located within 0.5 miles of a major highway or expressway. Of the 119 schools meeting the intersection criteria, 72.2% (86 of 119 schools) were designated Title I.

Conclusion: Approximately half of schools were located within 0.5 miles of a major highway or expressway. This may result in elevated levels of traffic-related air pollution on the school campuses and potential increased exposure for students. Proper air filter selection, HVAC maintenance, and air quality programs as well as land use, planning, and assessment measures are recommended for these schools to help mitigate exposures.
An Examination of the Differences in Risk Factors and their Association with Variations in HIV Prevalence between Cameroon, Coted'Ivoire, and Senegal
Creators: name: Accalogoun, Lea
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2014

description: 
An Examination of the Differences in Risk Factors and their Association with Variations in HIV Prevalence between Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal
(Under the direction of RICHARD ROTHENBERG, M.D., M.P.H. FACULTY
MEMBER)
Background: Extensive evidence suggests there are large variations in the prevalence of HIV infection among Sub-Saharan African countries. Some studies associated these variations in HIV prevalence to differences in the rate of HIV spread while others attributed the variations to risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in risk factors for HIV infection between Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal, to determine the association between HIV status and risk factors within and among countries, and identify best predictive risk factors that help explain variations in HIV prevalence.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using nationally representative data from The Demographic and Health Surveys Program. Population-based samples of adults aged 15-49 representing 21,878 in Cameroon (2011), 14,682 in Cote d’Ivoire (2011-2012), and 20,102 in Senegal (2010-2011) were used in the study. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated, and models were explored.
Results: There are statistically significant (p
Conclusion: There are differences in risk factors among the three countries and these differences can explain some of the variations in HIV prevalence. Further research is necessary to help capture variations in HIV prevalence that cannot be explained by differences in risk factors. These findings will help advance prevention efforts.
KEYWORDS: HIV, AIDS, risk factors, HIV infection, HIV prevalence, Sub-Saharan Africa
A study on mathayomsuksa ii students achievement in social studies, religion and culture and critical thinking ability through the instructional methods based on 4 mat and 6 thinking hats
Creators: name: Phinla, Wipada
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2025
Subjects: classificationCode: 390102
subject: Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development

description: The purpose of this was to find the studying mathayomsuksa II students achievementin social studies, religion and culture and critical thinking ability through the instructional methods basedon 4 Mat and 6 thinking hats The sample of the study were 80 students of Mathayomsuksa IIof Srinakharinwirot University Laboratory School during the second semester of the 2010 academicyear. They were randomly selected by using cluster random sampling method and assigned intotwo groups, with 40 students in each. The first experimental group was taught through learning using4 Mat where as the second was taught through learning using 6 thinking hats. It took 20 teachingperiods for each group. The research design of this study was Randomized group Pretest-Posttest.The t-test Independent sample and t-test for dependent sample (Different score) was used for dataanalysis. The results of this study indicated that.1. The students approached by 4 Mat methods with 6 thinking hats model had achievementon social studies, religion and culture was not different.2. The students approached by 4 Mat methods had their higher Post-Test achievementon social studies, religion and culture than pre-test criterion at the 0.01 level of significance.3. The students approached by 6 thinking hats model had their higher Post-Test achievementon social studies, religion and culture than pre-test criterion at the 0.01 level of significance.4. The students approached by 4 Mat methods with 6 thinking hats model hadcritical thinking ability was not different. 5. The students approached by 4 Mat methods had critical thinking ability higher Post-Testthan pre-test criterion at the .01 level of significance.6. The students approached by 6 thinking hats model had critical thinking ability higherPost-Test than pre-test criterion at the 0.01 level of significance.
Wirkung von Bodeneigentum auf die Nutzung von Nachverdichtungspotenzialen:  Ein geodatenbasierter Ansatz am Beispiel der Stadt Dortmund
Creators: name: Ehrhardt, Denise
name: Sommer, Felicitas
name: Ndim, Mouhamadou
name: Raimbault, Juste
name: Hartmann, Thomas
name: Jehling, Mathias
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Bodeneigentum
Nachverdichtung
Flurstücksdaten
DFNS 2024

description: Nachverdichtung ist ein weithin etabliertes Planungskonzept zur Förderung einer flächensparenden und nachhaltigen Siedlungsentwicklung. In vielen Innenstädten findet urbane Verdichtung bereits statt. Allerdings bleiben insbesondere im suburbanen Raum große Verdichtungspotenziale ungenutzt – hier befinden sich Baulücken, unternutzte und übergroße Grundstücke. Die Raumplanung hat nur begrenzt Möglichkeiten zur Aktivierung solcher Potenziale. Ob auf einem Grundstück nachverdichtet wird, ist maßgeblich von den Interessen und individuellen Entscheidungen der Grundstückseigentümer abhängig. Diese Interessen und die Eigentumsstrukturen werden von den Kommunen jedoch bislang nur wenig systematisch erhoben und analysiert. Die schwierige Zugänglichkeit zu Eigentumsdaten sowie zu kleinräumigen Verdichtungsprozessen erschweren ein systematisches Eigentumsmonitoring.

Der Beitrag adressiert diese Lücke und hat das Ziel, Zusammenhänge zwischen verschiedenen Eigentümertypen und dezentralen Nachverdichtungsprozessen nachzuvollziehen. Hierzu wird ein geodatenbasierter Ansatz vorgestellt, der Verdichtungsprozesse und Eigentumsstrukturen zusammenführt. Wir nutzen erstmals flächendeckende parzellenscharfe Daten zu Grundstückseigentum zu zwei Zeitpunkten. Zudem wird mithilfe eines neu entwickelten Algorithmus die Veränderung von Gebäuden im selben Zeitraum nachvollzogen, wodurch Parzellen identifiziert werden können, auf denen neue Gebäude entstanden sind oder Abriss und Neubau stattgefunden hat. Der Ansatz wird am Beispiel der Stadt Dortmund für den Zeitraum 2011 und 2021 vorgestellt. Statistische Auswertungen der beiden Datensätze geben Einblicke, welche Eigentümertypen und insbesondere Eigentümerwechsel mit einer spezifischen Form von Nachverdichtung in Zusammenhang stehen. Zudem werden Flächenpotenziale wie Baulücken oder untergenutzte Grundstücke untersucht, die im Betrachtungszeitraum unbebaut bleiben und jenen gegenübergestellt, die bebaut wurden und auf Muster hinsichtlich der Eigentümertypen und -wechsel betrachtet.

Die Ergebnisse leisten einen Beitrag für eine evidenzbasierte Diskussion zu planerischen Möglichkeiten, Verdichtungsprozesse zu steuern oder Anreize zu setzen, welche zu Ver­dichtung auf Innenentwicklungspotenzialen beitragen.
Refugee Viral Hepatitis Coalition of Georgia:  An Assessment of Capacity Building
Creators: name: Nurse, Jenelle
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2014

description: Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine the process of capacity building through the formation of a coalition in Georgia to reduce the hepatitis burden in the refugee community. The project sought to identify obstacles in the building of the Refugee Viral Hepatitis Coalition to improve the effectiveness of the initiative. Observations were made in order to inform recommendations for future action.
Background:
There has been a significant decline in the number of hepatitis cases nationally and internationally due to the routine use of vaccines. However, there exists a significant number of cases each year, most of which have been identified in newly arrived refugees in the community. In the past five years, the majority of cases screened for hepatitis B have been identified among this population during screening exams at the local board of health. Public health officials in the state and county have identified many of the major gaps that lead to the persistence and transmission of infection in the community and have begun the process of building a coalition to address those needs.
Methods:
A mixed-methodological approach combining participant observations and semi-structured interviews was used to assess the formation of the coalition. Observations of the quarterly meetings took place from August 2013 to March 2014. Semi-structured interviews were conducted of coalition members within a four day period in order to gain insights about the progress of the coalition. Interviews were conducted in person and over the telephone after an e-mail was sent to coalition members requesting their participation in a study to examine progress of the coalition.
Results:
Observations of the meetings showed that the coalition included community members, public health officials and members from a number of organizations that play a role in the health of refugees. Discussion topics included hepatitis B trends due to public health interventions, the Affordable Care Act and its impact on the refugee population in addition to the value of a support group for those living with hepatitis B. Seventeen members of the coalition were interviewed with a combination of in-person and telephone interviews. Answers were grouped into four themes which highlighted the motivation for the coalition, progress observed and recommendations for improvement of the coalition. Responses indicated that members were interested in improving awareness and treatment in the community, increasing formalization to promote growth of the coalition, increasing civic engagement and continuing to build on the strengths of the coalition.
Conclusion:
This study examined the process of coalition building to respond to the challenge of hepatitis B. Results indicated that members of the coalition play a role in the development of the coalition and influence the direction which it follows. The desire to continue on its current trajectory while improving formalization and recruitment efforts was expressed by members.
“Beyond Merchandise Trading”: Sexual Transactions, Sexual Behaviors, and HIV-Related Knowledge among Angolan Young Women Aged 15-24 on the Angola-Namibia Border
Creators: name: Fidel, Eva
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2014

description: BACKGROUND: Angolan young women involved in transactional sex are at high risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection due to their exposure to several sexual risk behaviors. This study was designed with three main aims. (1) to examine the differences in HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors between female adolescents and young adults; (2) to assess the associations between sexual partners’ occupation and young women’s HIV serostatus; and (3) to describe the effect of Information-Motivation-Behavior skills model of condom use at last month with non-marital sexual partners among women involved in transactional sex in the Angola-Namibia border.
METHODS: This study used secondary data from the first cross-sectional study on HIV and Syphilis Behavioral and Serological Surveillance Survey (BSS) conducted in 2010 in Cunene province, Angola. Participants were recruited using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). A questionnaire was used to collect data. IBM SPSS was used for the univariate and bivariate analysis. IBM SPSS AMOS was used to assess the IMB model.
RESULTS: A total of 500 participants completed their questionnaires. Among them, 439 (87.8%) provided a blood sample for the HIV testing. The results of the t-test showed statistically significant differences on HIV attitudes and sexual behaviors between adolescents and young adults. In addition, it was found statistically significant associations between HIV positive women and an increased likelihood of being in the ages of 20-24, having had a STD in the past 12 months, residing in Namacunde area, having had two or more partners in the past 12 months, and consuming alcohol before or during sexual intercourse. There was not found statistically significant associations between women’s HIV serostatus and their partner’s occupation. Regarding the IMB model, HIV-related knowledge and perceived risk accounted for 20% of variance on condom use at last month. However, none of the paths was significant.
CONCLUSIONS: Compared to adolescents, young adults seemed to have better knowledge on HIV prevention and transmission, more positive attitudes towards PLWHA, but more risky sexual behavior. This study found statistically significant social, demographic and behavioral factors related to HIV that should be targeted on HIV prevention programs. Further research is warranted to develop preventive interventions on the basis of the IMB model to promote condom use as well as other safer sexual behaviors among women involved in transactional sex in the Angola-Namibia border.
Implementation and Outcome of Taiwan Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) Payment System
Creators: name: Wu, Jhih-Jhong
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: The diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) payment system was established in the 1960s. Details of DRG-based payment system vary by country. The Diagnosis-Related Group payments system in Taiwan (Tw-DRG) was established in 2009 in order to contain medical costs and enhance medical efficiency under a universal coverage, single-payment insurance system: National Health Insurance (NHI). This capstone reviews the study literature about the history of DRGs payment system establishment, processes of medical reform, as well as the implementation and outcomes of Tw-DRGS. According to the studies reviewed there were changes of medical behaviors after the implementation of Tw-DRGs which included an increase of medical efficiency and an slightly declining intensity of care which are indicated by the number of order for medication, diagnosis and treatment during hospitalization. No significant change was found in patient health outcomes. The financial impacts on different levels of hospitals, departments or specific clinical items varied. Generally, the profitability was negatively impacted. Another potential problem noted concerns the disease severity and explanatory power of Tw-DRGs. Higher illness severity was related to more medical resource utilization. Due to the lower explanatory power of Tw-DRGs, there exists a lack of accounting for illness severity could lead to cost shifting or patient dumping.
RIVIEW BUKU "Structural Anthropology" Karya Claude Lévi-Strauss
Creators: name: Marpaung, Krisanta Monika
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: pelayanan publik
riview buku
antropologi

description: Buku Structural Anthropology merupakan karya seminal Claude Lévi-Strauss yang memperkenalkan dan mengembangkan pendekatan strukturalisme dalam antropologi. Dalam karya ini, Lévi-Strauss menyelidiki struktur mendasar yang membentuk pola-pola budaya manusia, dengan menekankan bahwa elemen-elemen budaya—seperti mitos, kekerabatan, dan bahasa—dapat dipahami melalui prinsip-prinsip yang serupa dengan struktur dalam linguistik. Melalui analisis mendalam terhadap mitologi, sistem kekerabatan, dan simbolisme, Lévi-Strauss menunjukkan bahwa pikiran manusia memiliki kecenderungan universal untuk mengorganisasi pengalaman melalui oposisi biner seperti mentah vs. matang, alam vs. budaya, atau hidup vs. mati. Buku ini juga menyajikan refleksi metodologis tentang bagaimana etnografi dan pendekatan ilmiah dapat bersatu untuk menyingkap struktur tak kasatmata dalam masyarakat manusia. Structural Anthropology menjadi fondasi penting dalam teori antropologi modern dan berperan besar dalam pergeseran paradigma dalam studi budaya dari pendekatan fungsionalis menuju pendekatan struktural.
Diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native Populations
Creators: name: Godwin, Courtney
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Diabetes is the cause of a major health burden in the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in the United States.  While rates have been rising throughout the U.S. over the last two decades, the incidence of diabetes among AI/AN individuals remains higher than for any other racial or ethnic group.  In fact, AI/ANs are now over two times as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-hispanic whites in the U.S.  Despite improvements in healthcare delivery and access diabetes continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among AI/AN people across the country.  With such a vast disparity in effect, it emphasizes the need for a more focused attention on the AI/AN population in order to better understand how this has occurred and how it can be addressed.  The purpose of this study is to explore the depth of the diabetes burden in the AI/AN population in a way that will inform and support future efforts in prevention in AI/AN communities.  Key questions will surround diabetes and its risk factors, the extent of disparity, the history of the AI/AN people as it has influenced this disparity, and whether or not there exists evidence of successful prevention and intervention in the AI/AN population.  This paper will also identify the national organizations at the forefront of the fight to improve the health and diabetes-related health outcomes of the AI/AN population, as well as existing gaps in knowledge, promising findings from the literature, challenges, and recommendations for future efforts.
Optimising the displays of the future : strategies for the improvement of the emissive properties of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for organic light-emitting diodes
Creators: name: Lee, Oliver Sebastian
Publisher: name: The University of St Andrews
Year: 2025
Subjects: OLED
TADF
MR-TADF
RTP

description: In order for an organic light-emitting diode to achieve high efficiencies it is vital that both singlet and triplet excitons are harvested by the emitter into light. One of the best methods to achieve this in an organic emitter is thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), but despite intense research activity many challenges in this field remain. In this thesis, strategies to address these outstanding challenges are discussed. A previously reported but overlooked family of polycyclic aromatic heterocyclic emitters are found to exhibit multi-resonant thermally activated delayed fluorescence in doped films in PMMA, with near-UV emission (λPL = ca. 375 nm), and simultaneous room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) with green emission (λPL = ca. 500 nm). Following an extensive investigation of this novel emission pathway, it is also shown that the TADF can be switched on in cores lacking delayed fluorescence through decoration of donor moieties. Depending on the position and number of donors, the (delayed) fluorescence can be red-shifted to the violet region (λPL = ca. 415 nm) while preserving the RTP, or further red-shifted (λPL = ca. 425 nm) at the cost of switching off RTP. Outcoupling, the propensity of a material to extract generated photons to the outside of a device, is also a crucial parameter for the design of highly efficient devices. To provide greater insight into the molecular features that control this property, a series of increasingly complex machine learning models are trained on a dataset of computational and literature reported values, with the best performing achieving near-quantitative accuracy and a mean absolute error in prediction of 4.4%. Finally, a new computational toolkit is described that automates and manages the entire computational pipeline. The functioning of the program is explored in detail, as is the increase in usability that it offers, particularly for users unfamiliar with computational chemistry.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Coverage Estimates Among Adolescent Females within the Delta Regional Authority Using National Immunization Survey Teen (NIS-Teen) 2008 - 2012.
Creators: name: Yankey, David
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION:  Since 2006, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended routine vaccination of adolescent girls at ages 11 or 12 years with 3 doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer disparities exist for several populations in the United States. The topic is scantly documented in scholarly literature with modest knowledge of the uptake of the HPV vaccine in the Delta region.
AIM: To examine the HPV vaccination coverage estimates in the counties and parishes that comprise the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and compare with other non-DRA counties or parishes and the rest of US. This will provide vaccination coverage estimates for adolescent females in the DRA designated Delta region that will provide public health professionals with data for policy and programmatic decision-making.
METHODS: We combined data from multiple survey years (2008-2012) from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen). We conducted bivariate analyses to describe the distribution across selected socio-demographic characteristics and multivariable logistic regression models to produce adjusted prevalence ratios.
RESULTS: Teens in the DRA had lower HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates compared to Non- DRA counties or parishes and the Rest of the US. The 3-dose HPV vaccination series completion rate among those who had initiated HPV vaccination and had 24 weeks between their first dose and the NIS interview date was 60.9% (95% CI: 55.8 – 65.8) among adolescent females in the DRA compared to 66.9 (95% CI: 63.7-70.0) of adolescent females in the Non-DRA counties and 67.6% (95% CI: 66.2-69.0) in the rest of the US.
CONCLUSION: The low HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents in the DRA showed that it is important to implement additional strategies to increase HPV vaccination coverage that will prevent cancers associated with HPV in the DELTA Region. Stronger provider recommendations and awareness are important for increasing HPV vaccine uptake.
OPTIMIZING WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS THROUGH MACHINE LEARNING-ENHANCED DIGITAL TWINS
Creators: name: Lokesh S
name: K. Suresh Kumar
name: Leeth Hassen Jaseem
name: K. V. S. Prasad
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Machine Learning, Digital Twin, Human-Robot Collaboration, Logistics, Warehouse Management.

description: Abstract

In this study, the application of machine learning -enhanced digital twins to enhance human-robot collaboration for intelligent warehouse management is examined, specifically with respect to optimizing workpiece availability in CNC machining processes. Three machine learning models, artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and long short-term memory networks, were implemented to assess their predictive accuracy and suitability for real-time use. Sensor data was collected from the warehouse environment and preprocessed, and the machine learning models were trained to predict workpieces needed based on real-time data. Evaluation results indicated that the artificial neural network model outperformed the support vector machine and long short-term memory networks, underpinning an accuracy rate of 95.675%. The results also show that the use of the deep learning architecture enables such positive outcomes as precision, recall, and F1 scores. Indeed, with the help of the artificial neural network model, the sensor data streams can be analyzed in real time for the purpose of predicting the workpiece demands and optimizing the CNC machining procedure. As a result, machine learning used in digital twins has great potential to change the existing warehouse management practices and create a more efficient operational system with human-robot partnerships, such as that which has been studied through providing a solution to the example of the warehouse workshop. Thus, the analysis demonstrates how the identified problem can be addressed by applying the developed strategy, making an important contribution to researching intelligent warehouse management system.
Persistent Local-Area Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Clusters and Associated Community Characteristics in the Southeastern United States
Creators: name: Scott, Lia
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Background: The sexually transmitted infections (STIs), chlamydia and gonorrhea, disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. Community attributes like poverty and prevalence of STIs, along with residential segregation and its impact on composition of sexual networks contribute to these disparate rates. The Southeast had the highest rates of chlamydial and gonorrheal infection among the four regions of the United States. Because relationships between race and place can confound national statistics, it is important to examine whether racial disparities within the region are associated with higher rates of infection.
Purpose: The study aims to evaluate local geospatial clustering of gonorrhea and chlamydia rates in the Southeast, and their persistence during 2000-2005 and any associations with residential segregation, income inequality, unemployment and uninsured rates, and race.
Methods: Using the Local Indicators of Spatial Association tests of spatial clustering, cluster maps were created for each STI outcome and year. Independent sample t-tests were then used to examine the difference in means of each community level variable across counties composing the high-rate clusters and all other counties in the region.
Results: Over 60% of counties composing high-rate clusters persisted as high rate clusters over time, and were significantly associated with higher levels of community disadvantage than all other counties (p < 0.01). Overall gonorrhea rates decreased from 2000 to 2005 and chlamydia rates increased, while their associations with community disadvantage remained persistently strong over time.
Conclusions: Counties with higher rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea persist over time and experience persistently higher levels of residential segregation and income inequality, as well as higher unemployment and uninsured rates, and higher proportions of blacks in the population. The social environment and segregated sexual networks may play important roles in the persistently high rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea observed for certain regions within the Southeast. Continued surveillance of reportable STIs and their probable predictors is needed in order to better understand the persistent disparities in STI rates across counties in the Southeast.
Pulmonary Function Alternations after Vog Exposure in Hawaii Island Schoolchildren
Creators: name: WU, YANJUE
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island has emitted as much as 6,000 tons of sulfa dioxide (SO2) daily more than 20 years. In 2008. Kilauea’s emissions from its summit and its east rift increased dramatically. SO2 reacts with water vapor to generate “vog”, a mixture of SO2 and sulfate particles which induces respiratory symptoms. Wind patterns and the island’s terrain produce zones of chronic vog exposure. Respiratory health of island’s school children could be affected by “vog”. 
In this project, we will analyze the relationship between air pollutants from volcano emission and pulmonary function alternations in local school children. The effects of air pollutants as environmental risks on children’s respiratory health will be addressed. Results and recommendations will be given to the local public health department and residents on Hawaii Island to prevent further respiratory problems caused by volcano emissions. 
In 2002-2003, we recruited 1,986 children, born 1992-1994, who attended 29 Hawai’i Island schools in all 4 vog exposure zones. Questionnaires of home environment, family and personal medical history, and respiratory health were administered. Height, weight, and spirometric lung function were measured in 2008 – 2009. We conduct multivariate analyses to identify the significant risk factors which affects children’s pulmonary functions.
Our results suggest that pulmonary function of local children in Hawaii Island are affected by race distribution and asthma condition adjusted by height, weight and age. Smoking and vog exposure are not significant risk factors.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: A Policy Review and Recommendations for States
Creators: name: Lee, Christine
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: OBJECTIVE: To review existing PDMP statutes, and to provide recommendations for good legislative drafting that will create effective statutory components that will enhance the function and increase the use of PDMPs.
METHODS: This policy review was conducted from July 2014 to December 2014, using articles dated January 01, 2004 to July 01, 2014. All PubMed searches were artificially limited to peer reviewed articles that were available as “free full text.” To ensure a comprehensive review of the policies, statutes from all fifty states were surveyed using the legal database, Westlaw Next. The search used terms associated with PDMPs. Each statute was reviewed by title and content to determine applicability to the study. The list of statutes compiled from Westlaw Next was compared with existing publications that survey PDMP statutes. The recommendations are based on the investigator’s experience and training in law and public health in consultation with a legislative expert, and supported by peer reviewed articles and legislative drafting guides.
RESULTS: There are twelve main topical components that are addressed in existing state PDMP statutes. The policy brief’s primary three recommendations are to implement an advisory committee with an outlined membership, impose a duty for the committee to routinely review database information and to report on the findings, mandate practitioners to consult the database prior to administering controlled substances, and enact a PDMP educational component for practitioners. Appendix A of this policy review (attached) provides a full list of the recommendations for effective legislation on all twelve topical components.
Medicaid's Postpartum Tubal Sterilization Policy's Effect on Vulnerable Populations
Creators: name: Turner, Katherine
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: After the forced sterilizations of low-income and minority women were exposed in the 1970’s, new Medicaid policies were put into place in order to protect vulnerable populations. The revised policy included a mandatory consent form and a waiting period of 30 days between consent and procedure, as well as a presentation of the form at time of procedure. Although these policies were enacted to protect vulnerable populations, research has shown they are ineffective and act as barrier to women receiving the post-partum tubal sterilization that they desire. The policy has been shown to have a disproportionate detrimental impact on minority populations, and it has created a two-tiered health care system in terms of sterilization. The unfulfilled requests lead to many inadvertent consequences, including higher rates of unintended pregnancies, abortions, loss of self-efficacy, and higher costs for the Medicaid system. In order to ensure equitable treatment of Medicaid patients in regards to tubal sterilization, the 30-day waiting period should be rescinded. Additionally, to confirm that patients are fully knowledgeable of the implications of the tubal sterilization, the form and any ensuing consent should be rewritten to meet literacy standards for the target demographic. This analysis will include a history of the issue, an examination of relevant research, a policy analysis and recommendations to enhance healthcare equity.
title: MEASURING ACCESSIBILITY OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
title: A CASE STUDY IN KENTUCKY
titleType: Subtitle
Creators: name: Fagbohun, Oluwasola
Publisher: name: University of Kentucky Libraries
Year: 2025
Subjects: classificationCode: 2.1
subject: FOS: Civil engineering

description: This thesis assesses spatial accessibility to electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Kentucky by investigating methodological approaches to measure accessibility: provider-topopulation ratios, regional accessibility metrics, and several methods in the family of gravity models. The Enhanced Two-Step Floating Catchment Area method was employed to measure electric vehicle charging station accessibility across Kentucky using a network-based approach in ArcGIS Pro. The analysis integrated 2023 American Community Survey 5-year Census block group data, Kentucky road network datasets, charging station locations from the Alternative Fuels Data Center, and Alternative Fuel Corridor designations. We examined existing infrastructure and proposed stations outlined in the Kentucky electric vehicle charging plan, and Spatial accessibility indices were calculated for all census block groups. This research also assessed the accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations across household income categories. To identify underserved areas, spatial accessibility maps were overlaid with the Alternative Fuel Corridor network. Results indicate increased accessibility in urban centers such as Lexington and Louisville, while rural regions—especially Eastern Kentucky and growth corridors like the Audubon Parkway—continue to face charging infrastructure gaps. Shortage areas along major highways are identified for additional charging infrastructure deployment if the opportunity arises. This research identifies ongoing challenges to the reconciliation of infrastructure development with geospatial and socioeconomic needs. With the addition of advanced methodologies to geospatial analysis, the study furnishes a data-driven framework to analyze the accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations and to inform planning of future EV charging infrastructure in the state.
description: © 2025 Oluwasola Elijah Fagbohun
A Comparison between Selected Pre-Final Decision and Completed Superfund Sites in EPA Region 4
Creators: name: Blanton, Natalie
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2014

description: President Bill Clinton created an executive order in 1994 mandating that all Federal agencies incorporate Environmental Justice into their policies and practices. Although the 1994 executive order requires consideration of environmental justice, there is no consensus on how to quantifiably assess the provision of environmental justice in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Low income and minority populations often have disproportionate exposure to hazardous waste sites.
In an attempt to examine the implementation of environmental justice principles, this study examined the differences between populations that lived near pre-final decision and completed hazardous waste sites that were cleaned up through the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act administered by the EPA. This study focused on selected sites in EPA Region 4 (the Southeast US). Using ArGIS mapping, census data was gathered for the population living within a 1-mile radius of the selected sites. Race and income of populations within the radius were compared between the pre-final decision and completed sites. Chi-square analyses were completed to determine if the populations were statistically significant. The total populations for pre-final decision and completed sites across EPA Region 4 was analyzed as well as individual state populations.
The analysis suggests significant differences between population race and income pre-final decision and completed sites. Overall, the pre-final decision sites had a larger minority population and lower income in comparison to the completed sites, but the results varied by state. Of the seven states that were compared, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida had a higher proportion of minority and low-income population living in close proximity to the pre-final decision sites in comparison to the completed sites. Due to small sample size and some study limitations, the results are difficult to draw conclusions from. Additional research should be performed to better understand how sites are remediated and whether or not there is an unequal burden experienced by low-income and minority populations during the clean-up of hazardous waste sites.
Examination of the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and STI/HIV Risk in African American Women in High Risk Areas of Atlanta, GA: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Creators: name: Wendlandt, Rachael
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: In March 2012, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum creating an interagency Federal Working Group to explore the intersection of HIV/AIDS, violence against women and girls, and gender-related health disparities.  Intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV constitute major public health issues for women, particularly African American women who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.  In 2012, the rate of HIV for African American women was four to 20 times higher than rates for females of other races.  This study explores the complex relationship between IPV and STI/HIV risk in African American females. 
In an attempt to examine the intersection of IPV and STI/HIV risk this study used cross-sectional survey data to quantitatively examine the differences between women who had experienced IPV in the previous 12 months (cases) and women who had not experienced IPV in the previous 12 months (controls) in: 1) previous STI diagnosis, 2) accessing HIV testing and 3) mean scores of fear of condom negotiation due to physical violence. Chi-square analyses were completed to determine if the populations were statistically significant in terms of previous STI diagnosis and accessing HIV testing.  An independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the fear of condom negotiation scores for cases and controls.  In addition, qualitative analysis was conducted to further elucidate the mechanisms from experiencing IPV to an increased risk of HIV infection.
The quantitative analysis suggests a significant difference between fear of condom negotiation due to fear of physical violence.  The qualitative analysis suggests that women who experience IPV are often forced to have sex with their partners, experience physical violence in response to condom negotiation and use drugs and/or alcohol to cope with the abuse.  HIV prevention interventions need to address IPV as a possible risk factor.  In addition, an enhancement of IPV screening in healthcare settings is needed.  Future prospective studies are critical to address the issues of temporality and causality.
The Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone - Data Management Implementation and Outcomes for Movement and Monitoring of Travelers at Points of Entry
Creators: name: Washburn, Faith
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Data management in resource-limited settings can be a mountainous problem if not approached with a thorough understanding of those limitations and a mindset prepared for rapid changes in the environment. Data management becomes even more challenging at multiple points of entry, where there are many interwoven parts working together in order to get a potential traveler from his/her first steps into an airport area to boarding a plane, all while ensuring that the traveler has been thoroughly screened for any signs or symptoms of a possible Ebola virus disease infection. This capstone describes the history of the International Health Regulations’ effects on control of disease spread and importation at points of entry, the Do Not Board/Lookout List’s role in disease control in the United States, and the CDC’s International Assistance Team’s unique task in creating and implementing country-specific databases to meet the needs of Ebola-affected countries. The most critical data management need at these countries’ points of entry is specifically to prevent the exportation of Ebola virus disease in order to keep each country’s airspace open and allow goods, personnel and services to continue to be imported into these countries during this sustained Ebola outbreak.
Associations between Butylparaben and Thyroid Levels in Females Aged 12 and over (NHANES, 2007-2008)
Creators: name: Decker, Andrea
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Background: Paraben exposure occurs everyday to most people unknowingly. Parabens are present in most personal care products in varying amounts. Presently, parabens are not listed as endocrine disruptors; however, some research has shown parabens associated with decreases in thyroid hormone levels. The chemical and adsorption mechanism for parabens in association with thyroid hormones is not well understood. Determining whether parabens are associated with a change in thyroid hormone levels can help reduce the incidence of possible adverse health effects with exposure to parabens.

Methodology: The selected study variables were analyzed using SAS version 9.2. Data were obtained from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Analyses were performed separately for adolescent females (12-19) and adult females (20+). Weighted means were performed for the main independent and dependent variables of interest stratified by race/ethnicity groups and by smoking status. Independent samples t-test and ANOVA was used to test significance of differences of weighted means. Weighted bivariate linear regression was performed for each dependent variable (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH], Triiodothyronine [T3], and Thyroxine [T4]) regressed on butylparaben. Weighted multiple linear regressions were performed and parameter estimates with 95% confidence intervals were used to ascertain the measure of effect. Separate regression models stratified by age group (adolescent vs. adult) were ran for each dependent variable (TSH, T3, and T4) regressed on butylparaben level and covariates, race/ethnicity and smoking status (ever smoked).

Results: Weighted bivariate linear regression showed that among adult females, for each ng/ml increase in butylparaben, there was a -1.07 decrease in ng/dL T3 (p
Weighted multiple linear regression showed higher butylparaben levels among adult females were associated with 0.12 ug/dL lower than average T4 levels (p

Conclusion: While parabens are currently not considered endocrine disruptors, the human metabolism of and effects from exposure to parabens are not well understood. Results from this study showing decreased levels of some thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4) associated with increased levels of butylparaben was found, as well as differences in thyroid hormone levels among racial/ethnic groups. Although not many human studies have found significant results, 10 some rodent studies have found butylparaben associations with thyroid hormone changes.4, 6, 19, 54 The results of this study indicating no statistically significant association between butylparaben and decreases in thyroid hormone levels are consistent with results of some rodent studies.7, 8, 54, 55 In light of these findings, additional human studies with paraben exposure and thyroid hormone levels are needed to increase knowledge of the mechanism and effect of parabens in the human body.