Background: Youth in South-side Tucson, a designated food desert, experience elevated rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. ‘Cooking with Purpose' is a culinary education program designed to equip participants with practical cooking skills and nutritional literacy. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and potential scalability of the pilot program using a large-language-model (LLM) pipeline that converts qualitative feedback into quantitative metrics. Methods: Twenty participants (aged 6-20) completed three 90-minute sessions delivered bi-weekly at a public library. Pre- and post- questionnaires (2-3 items each, Likert + open-ended) captured engagement, satisfaction, and behavior-change intent. GPT-4 (temperature 0.0) scored free-text responses on a 1-5 rubric. Nested averaging aggregated item-level scores to participant-level and cohort-level means. Feasibility criteria were ≥80 % completion, post-program satisfaction ≥4.0, and behavior-change intent ≥4.0. Results: All 20 enrolled youths completed every session (100% retention). Post-program satisfaction averaged 4.6±0.5, and GPT-4-derived behavior-change intent averaged 4.2±0.6, surpassing feasibility thresholds. Automated scoring processed all surveys in 5 min (<15 s per participant). Conclusions: High retention and strong engagement indicate that ‘Cooking with Purpose' is feasible for underserved youth. The LLM-powered evaluation pipeline markedly reduces analytic burden, supporting cost-efficient scale-up. Longer-term follow-up and multi-site trials are warranted.

This project uses advanced data analytics to develop a model to predict NBA player salaries using a combination of in season statistics and off the court characteristics of each player. The model aims to help aid general managers by providing them with an unbiased, data driven approach to evaluating NBA player value, to be used in important decisions like trades, free agent negotiations, and contract extensions. It helps by flagging players as "Underpaid" or "Overpaid" based on their performance and experience, helping general managers avoid players with hefty contracts that don't contribute to winning. Outside of the NBA front office, this model has lots of broad applications including helping player agents in contract negotiation and providing insight for sports betting companies and bettors to identify differences in mispriced player lines. Additionally, the model can be leveraged by sports companies to provide insight to audiences as to why a certain NBA player was able to sign a lucrative contract, and if it was an overpay or underpay by the team. Ultimately, this model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the intersection of player performance, salary, and team economics, making it a valuable resource for general managers in and around the NBA.

This fundraising handbook explores an empathy-based, community-centered approach to nonprofit fundraising, emphasizing inclusivity, emotional connection, and meaningful engagement with communities being served. It demonstrates how nonprofits can build deeper relationships by prioritizing the lived experiences of their communities and fostering a respectful and understanding environment. Empathy-driven fundraising moves beyond traditional donor-centered models, focusing on authentic, person-centered interactions. By centering the needs of both attendees and donors, nonprofits can cultivate a culture of giving rooted in trust, compassion, and shared values. This approach highlights communication, transparency, and reflection in fundraising efforts, ensuring that organizations raise funds while building long-term, meaningful relationships. This handbook is the result of applied humanities research conducted for an Honors service-learning thesis in partnership with Drag Story Hour-Arizona (DSH-Az). The research is based on a literature review, internship experiences, a community survey, and analysis of past DSH-Az fundraising events. This handbook provides practical tools for nonprofits like DSH-Az to implement empathetic, community-based fundraising principles. By utilizing inclusive, responsive practices, nonprofits can increase their impact and foster lasting engagement with their communities. Ultimately, this work demonstrates that successful fundraising is not just about raising money—it's about building connections that empower communities, honor their voices, and foster shared purpose.

Objective: In 2023, a single large fire-based EMS agency, transitioned from a Basic Life Support (BLS) fire engine and dual paramedic Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance system, to an all ALS response model, with a paramedic on both the engine and ambulance transport. The impact of this transition from a dual medic (DM) ambulance to a one and one (1:1) system on patient care is unknown. In this same system, administration of morphine and transport by Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance is encouraged as a method to improve ALS ambulance resource utilization. The aim of this study is to describe the impact of this system change on pain management. Methods: This study involved a retrospective analysis of quality improvement (QI) data gathered by the fire-based EMS agency on an ongoing basis. QI data referencing pain management was compared from the DM period (June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023) to the 1:1 period (June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024). Cases during the implementation of the 1:1 system (April 1, 2023, to May 30, 2024) were excluded. Key outcome measures included rates of ketamine and morphine administration, frequency of IV access and rate of ALS and BLS transports in reference to morphine administration. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between system design change and outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: There were 893 patients who received pain management during the DM period and 1054 during the 1:1 period. The median age / percent female was 62 years / 54% and 63 years / 54%. The frequency of ALS transports (Before: 51%, After: 51%; OR = 0.99 95% CI: 1.97, 0.51) did not change. Patients without an IV placed, despite complaints of pain, decreased from 35% to 28% (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.60). Patients who received only ketamine increased from 13% to 22% (OR = 1.94 95% CI: 2.48, 1.52), while patients the number of patients who received only morphine (Before: 50%, After: 48%; OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 1.09, 0.78) or morphine and ketamine (Before: 2%, After: 2%; OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.97, 0.51) showed no significant change. Among patients who received morphine, frequency of BLS transports increased from 38% to 52% (OR = 1.78 95% CI: 2.30, 1.39). Conclusion: In this single agency, the transition from a DM transport to the 1:1 system was associated with higher rates of IV insertion, increased use of ketamine and increased rates of BLS transport after morphine administration. All suggesting that the presence of a paramedic on every call allows for more aggressive pain management. Further research is necessary to determine if these single systems observations can be applied more broadly.

The semiconductor industry plays a major role in modern technology, including consumer electronics and advancing computing systems. As demand for semiconductors continues to grow, the need for efficient and sustainable processes has increased. A critical focus within the industry is optimizing cleanroom environments, which are essential for contamination-free production. Cleanrooms must meet strict standards for air quality, temperature, and humidity, but maintaining these conditions requires significant financial investment, energy consumption, and water usage. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Optimizing HVAC systems in semiconductor cleanrooms provides an opportunity to address these issues. This project focuses on developing and analyzing various HVAC airflow configurations tailored for different cleanroom classifications. The primary objective is to identify the optimal configuration that balances energy usage, cost-effectiveness, water consumption, and environmental responsibility. Through modeling and analysis, various cleanroom HVAC systems were created and evaluated for their ability to supply clean air efficiently while maintaining compliance with air quality, temperature, and humidity standards. Emphasis was placed on reducing energy usage and emissions without compromising cleanroom integrity. This initiative is driven by the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing practices and the continuous expansion of the semiconductor sector. With rising global energy costs and tightening environmental regulations, HVAC optimization can reduce operational expenses and support sustainability goals. Innovative airflow configurations and energy-efficient designs can also help establish new industry standards for cleanroom operation. This report analyzes four airflow configurations, labeled Exhibits A through D, using ISO 4, ISO 5, and ISO 7 cleanrooms to simulate different manufacturing processes. Exhibit A models fully independent cleanrooms with no air reuse. Exhibit B connects the cleanrooms in sequence, recycling air between different classifications. Exhibit C mirrors A but incorporates return air into the feed stream. Exhibit D combines both return and recycled air strategies across interconnected cleanrooms. In Stage 1, all configurations were modeled under extreme hot and cold dry conditions over a six-month period. In Stage 2, daily temperature and humidity data from Chandler, Arizona were used for a more realistic, year-round cost comparison. The economic analysis evaluated financial feasibility using cash flow diagrams that included capital costs, utility expenses (electricity, municipal water, R-32, and ultra-pure water), maintenance, and equipment depreciation. Utility rates were sourced from the City of Phoenix (2024), and water costs from Whitehead (2020). A 12-year Net Present Value (NPV) analysis using a 20 percent minimum acceptable return rate was conducted. In Stage 1, Exhibit D was the most cost-efficient option (NPV: $171,037,327), while Exhibit A had the highest financial loss (NPV: $389,298,169). In Stage 2, Exhibit D again performed best (NPV: $85,822,000), while Exhibit A had the highest loss (NPV: $133,110,000). The use of real daily data in Stage 2 resulted in lower projected losses overall. In Stage 1, heating and cooling dominated electricity usage due to the modeled extremes. Assumptions in equipment sizing and weather profiles introduced uncertainty. Stage 2 results, based on daily climate data, showed greater accuracy, with humidifier operation emerging as a key cost driver. However, using daily averages may obscure fluctuations in heating and cooling demands, especially when temperatures hover near the cleanroom setpoint. This limitation can affect the accuracy of utility cost estimates. Despite these uncertainties, the relative rankings of configurations in the decision matrix are unlikely to change. Refining equipment sizing and incorporating more detailed weather data could improve future modeling. Additional considerations, such as varying air change rates and fan filter efficiencies, may provide further optimization opportunities. Based on this study, Exhibit D is expected to remain the most effective configuration. This work highlights key cost drivers and areas for future refinement in cleanroom HVAC system design.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity across the world. As of 2023, it's been estimated that each year, more than half a billion people are affected, with greater than 20 millions deaths. Although regular exercise is widely known to be a protective factor against CVD, the optimal combination of exercise duration and intensity for cardiovascular health improvement remains unclear. While common exercise regimens over the past several decades have included combinations of moderate and vigorous exercise, new routines include workouts that last a fraction of the time, but promise the same benefits as longer workouts. This literature review compiles current research on how exercise models, ranging from continuous moderate-intensity training to emerging high-intensity, short-duration protocols such as 12-week sprint interval training, affect key cardiovascular health metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, vascular resistance, and myocardial function. This review explores the physiological mechanisms behind the benefits induced by exercise, such as mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis, while also considering the role of afterload and preload on blood pressure. Evidence from large longitudinal studies and targeted clinical trials demonstrates that both increased exercise intensity and duration are associated with reduced CVD risk and mortality, though diminishing benefits are observed beyond certain thresholds of intensity. Additionally, the review evaluates the value of recently popularized, time-efficient exercise routines in comparison to established guidelines. The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of cardiovascular adaptation to exercise and underscore the importance of individualized exercise prescriptions to optimize cardiovascular health in diverse populations.

Whey protein, widely recognized for its superior amino acid profile and high bioavailability, has become a popular dietary supplement among athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals seeking to improve muscle mass and recovery. While its physiological benefits are well documented, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on kidney health, particularly in individuals with preexisting renal conditions. This paper examines the relationship between whey protein consumption and kidney function by exploring physiological mechanisms related to protein metabolism, renal workload, and biomarker changes. A narrative review of the literature, including animal and human studies, was performed to assess the effects of high-protein intake on kidney markers, such as glomerular filtration rate, urinary calcium excretion, and proteinuria. Findings suggest that while high protein diets may transiently increase renal workload in healthy individuals, there is limited evidence linking whey protein intake to long-term kidney damage. In contrast, individuals with chronic kidney disease may be more vulnerable to adverse effects, even with moderate increases in protein intake. Overall, whey protein appears to be safe for healthy individuals when consumed in moderation and, under certain conditions, may offer indirect renal benefits.

The exposure to extreme heat is both an environmental and a social issue. Youth populations are some of the most vulnerable to heat-related illness yet are often omitted in city plans and policies, further increasing their risk of exposure to the adverse impacts of extreme heat. A mixed-methodology approach using social mapping and plan evaluation was used to identify which areas within the greater Tucson area children are most vulnerable to extreme heat. The social mapping process identified a lack of services and areas where youth were particularly vulnerable to heat due to a lack of heat relief areas, like Flowing Wells and southeast Tucson. Evaluation of Tucson's 2024 Heat Action Roadmap demonstrates the city's clear mission to address heat resiliency equitably for vulnerable populations. Despite the inclusion of effective heat-specific strategies, very few were specific to youth populations.

This thesis takes you through West Virginia history, specifically the healthcare of West Virginians. The four health issues represented are: Black Lung Disease, The Opioid Epidemic, The COVID-19 Pandemic, and Maternal Mortality. I inspect each topic by examining current treatment methods and diverse recommended preventative techniques. This thesis promotes education and guidance on health issues plaguing rural West Virginia and those outside its borders. As a West Virginian myself, I believe it is important to discuss, educate, and improve rural healthcare for the millions of Americans that rely on it. This thesis utilizes artistic media to guide the conversation in the four health topics outlined. The major parts of West Virginia's health history will be viewed by interpreting local West Virginia paintings (Ch. 1), poems (Ch. 2), photography (Ch. 3), and sculptures (Ch. 4). This project analyzes our current healthcare practices and sparks conversation on the best ways to improve outcomes for patients -- particularly rural Americans.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal disorder affecting postmenopausal women, characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk (34). This literature review examines nutritional interventions for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, focusing on key nutrients essential for bone health and the impact of overall dietary patterns. The literature review evaluates the roles of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, protein, magnesium, phytoestrogens, and omega-3 fatty acids in maintaining bone density and reducing fracture risk. By analyzing current research and guidelines, this paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into effective dietary strategies for osteoporosis prevention in this high-risk population.