The National University System Repository exists to increase public access to research and other materials created by students and faculty of the affiliate institutions of National University System. Most items in the repository are open access, freely available to everyone.
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Item Text and Audio Classification Enabled Diagnosis for Treatment Applications by Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning (DL)(2025-12)Text and Audio Classification Enabled Diagnosis for Treatment Applications by Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning (DL)Item Isolation During The COVID-19 Pandemic and People with Substance Use and Mental Disorders(2025-07)Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes to daily life, including widespread social isolation, disruption of routines, and limited access to healthcare services. These conditions created a particularly challenging environment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), a population already vulnerable to social and emotional instability. Isolation, uncertainty, and increased psychological stress contributed to a rise in substance use and relapse during this period (Czeisler et al., 2020; Panchal et al., 2021). While quantitative data has captured some of the trends in usage and relapse rates, there remains a critical need to understand the lived experiences of those affected. This qualitative study explored how pandemic-induced isolation affected individuals struggling with SUDs, focusing on their emotional, behavioral, and social experiences during lockdown. The aim was to gain deeper insights into the psychological toll of isolation, coping mechanisms employed, and perceived barriers to recovery support, thereby informing future clinical and policy responses in times of crisis. Guided by operant learning theory, this qualitative study explored the impact of pandemic-induced isolation on individuals with SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders, from the perspective of clinicians. Seven mental health professionals who provided care before, during, and after the isolation period in the United States were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured Zoom interviews and analyzed using a generic qualitative method with NVivo software. Three major themes and ten categories emerged, revealing that isolation exacerbated symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use, even in individuals with no prior mental health diagnoses. Clinicians highlighted the importance of adaptability, the rapid implementation of telehealth, and the need for both client and provider training in digital tools. Findings suggest that clinician experience played a critical role in navigating pandemic-related challenges and maintaining continuity of care. The study underscores the necessity of investing in future preparedness, including increased technological training and strategic planning for mental health professionals and clients alike. Recommendations and future research directions include the development of scalable, flexible treatment approaches to be employed during similar public health crises.Item The Newfound Servant Leader in High-Risk Construction: Leadership Practices Molding Sustainability, Effectiveness, and Human Retention(2026-01)The commercial electrical construction industry operates within a high-risk and highly competitive environment, consistently facing challenges that hinder financial stability and organizational efficiency, thereby limiting growth opportunities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of servant leadership in enhancing profitability within the high-risk commercial electrical construction industry. The research leveraged a mixed-methods design, integrating a qualitative case study and a quantitative survey approach to capture employees’ perceptions and their influence on financial outcomes. The participant pool comprised 13 participants representing multiple organizational levels within a high-risk electrical construction firm. Data were collected during structured interviews and surveys. Thematic analysis using NVivo software revealed convergent patterns linking servant leadership behaviors to enhanced employee empowerment, improved communication, and more effective decision-making. The quantitative findings reinforced these themes. While the study had limitations, including a small sample size and constraints on generalizability beyond the study context, the findings confirm that leadership grounded in empathy and reciprocity enhances operational and financial outcomes. The results indicate that Servant Leadership is a pragmatic, financially relevant leadership style for the high-risk construction sector. This research offers valuable strategies and tactics for industry leaders to traverse the complexities of their business, improve profit margins, and contribute to broader economic growth.Item Hunting the hunter: using GIS to locate a serial sexual predator in San Diego, CA(2003)Forensic evidence, such as fibers, and genetic material, has been increasingly used in the last century to identify offenders of sexual assault or provide exculpatory evidence. A critical turning point for solving these cases is locating the suspect in order to make the positive identification by matching evidence previously collected, analyzed, and identified. Locating the suspect in a stranger rape is an especially difficult task. A geographic information system (GIS) can add value to such an investigation. Commonly known as crime mapping in the law enforcement community, the GIS application has been used in policing for over ten years to support investigations. The purpose of this study is to explore the investigative application of crime mapping in the hunt for a sexual predator. The applications of geographic analysis and geographic profiling will be explored in a case study to attempt to identify the likely location to apprehend the offender.Item Human sex trafficking and the negative impact on national security(2012)This study investigates the connection between National Gang Commercial Sex Trafficking Exploitation (CSE) also known as Human Sex Trafficking, and its negative impact on United States National Security. After thoroughly defining and quantifying the scope of the problem, we will demonstrate how Human Sex Trafficking revenues negatively impact National Security. Our research will identify Human Sex Traffickers’ motives and discuss how and why the revenues generated are leveraged in favor of the national gangs, cartels, and national and international terrorists. Given the severity of the problem, we will conclude with proposed national strategies for combating this lucrative and stealthy form of terrorism. The following research objectives flow from the above statements: (1) Review and examine Human Sex Trafficking, the revenue generated, and the connection to Gangs. (2) Establish the links between gangs and terrorist organizations. (3) Connect the terrorist organizations and the revenues generated from Human Sex Trafficking as a threat to National Security. This study is limited in part by the availibility, reliability, accountibility of testimony, data, records and accounting. The study further restricts the scope to the Southwestern United States, based on the timely availibility of data and the current security impacts. This study greatly relies on first and second hand accounts and information. The validation of certain data may or may not be corroberated, due to the risk of exposing or identifying certain sources. References containing sensitive information will be provided, when feasible.
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