Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Elementary Music Scheduling And Vertical Alignment On First-Year Middle School Ensemble Readiness: A Study Of Music Teacher Perceptions, James Mock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students entering middle school encounter many changes in how music is taught and organized. During this transition, music students are introduced to a greater emphasis on ensemble performance. These students enter middle school with diverse backgrounds in musical training and knowledge. Additional factors affecting students’ musical development include funding, socioeconomic background, and demographics. Elementary music scheduling and program vertical alignment may also influence students’ preparedness as they enter middle school. To become highly successful in music ensemble performance, students must have appropriate prior musical training before entering middle school.

This qualitative study will examine how elementary music schedules and vertical …

The Impact Of Direct Democracy On Policy Formation, Tricia Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As political polarization and distrust in elected representatives increases in American politics, voters are turning to direct democracy as a mechanism to drive policy making. Proponents of both legislative mechanisms and the use of direct democracy argue that their means of policy making is the most democratic. The Founding Fathers chose a representative system to limit the influence of faction and try and prevent Tocqueville’s tyranny of the majority. This study examines both direct democracy and legislative outcomes at the state level through the lens of adult use cannabis sales policy. Adult use cannabis sales were first legalized in the …

Employees With Disabilities: Determining If Servant Leadership Moderates The Relationship Between Accommodations And Job Performance, Rachael E. Stout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over 11% of working-age adults have a disability in the United States. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act established accommodations as the gold standard to help disabled individuals perform at work. The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the moderating effect of servant leadership on the relationship between accommodation support and job performance across different types of disabilities. This study used a cross-sectional online survey with NSHD disability types, the servant leadership SLQ-7, a question about the effectiveness of accommodation support, and the IWPQ for job performance. Survey responses were collected anonymously from 248 disabled workers …

The Predictability Gap: A Correlation Study Of Supporting Pillars And Repertoire Success In Abrsm Practical And Performance Grades Piano Examinations, Arthur Chit-Ho Ng

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the structural predictability trajectories within the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) graded piano framework. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the project analyzed a longitudinal dataset (N = 449) to investigate variance in student achievement and the emergence of developmental plateaus, conceptually identified as the “Reading Wall.” Quantitative modeling revealed distinct structural divergences within the syllabus architecture: the traditional Practical Grades maintained a stable correlational signal between technical components and outcomes (r = .826 at Grade 7), whereas the digital Performance Grades yielded a non-significant association (p = .355). Furthermore, Grade 5 Music …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Female College Athletes: A Phenomenological Study On Power Dynamics, Title Ix Noncompliance, And The Need For Policy Reform, Keri A. Miles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand experiences with power dynamics and Title IX noncompliance for female college athletes at public and private colleges and universities across the United States. At this stage in the research, lived experiences about power dynamics were generally defined as the lived experiences of female college athletes as they navigated the power structures, Title IX noncompliance, and policies within their athletic programs. The theory guiding this study was Critical Policy Analysis as it emphasized the social context in which policies are created by considering Title IX’s implications on women in college sports. The …

Exploring Self-Care And Mental Health Resilience Among Black Female Mental Health Therapists In Practice, Rhonda R. Mark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black women who serve as mental health therapists often carry a unique and invisible load, borne from caring deeply for their clients while also navigating the daily realities of race and gender bias, both inside and outside of their profession. In that context, this study examines how Black female therapists working in clinical practice care for themselves and stay emotionally resilient in the face of these challenges. It adopts a qualitative, phenomenological approach, and is grounded in intersectionality and Black feminist thought, with the goal of elevating the personal stories and lived experiences of 10 participants. Their reflections offer a …

Differentiated Instruction For Gifted Students In A North Carolina Title I School System: A Case Study, Kristal Land

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the differentiation of instructional methods used for cluster-grouped gifted students in third through eighth-grade regular education classes at TCSS, a Title I school in North Carolina. For the research, differentiation for cluster-grouped gifted students was defined as students who have been identified as gifted and are grouped together, typically in clusters of three to more than 10 students in a regular education setting. In this environment, teachers differentiate instruction to meet the advanced learning needs of their students. The theory guiding this study is Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. Multiple intelligences …

2026-09-17 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes from September 17, 2026.

Multi-Level Grey Optimization Of Dimensional Deviations And Productivity In Fdm-Printed Pla And Petg Spur Gears, Atidel Ghorbel, Rania Ben Amor, Adama Traore, Sosso Gloire Kondo, Youmni Rakib, Ahmed Elloumi

Babylonian Journal of Mechanical Engineering

This study investigates the multi-level Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) for the simultaneous optimization of dimensional accuracy and productivity in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of PLA and PETG spur gears. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was employed to evaluate the influence of key process parameters, including layer thickness, printing speed, and flow rate. Dimensional accuracy was assessed through multiple geometrical responses, namely internal diameter (Di), head diameter (Da), tooth thickness, and base thickness (Sb). These responses were integrated into a single performance index using Grey Relational Analysis. The results show that the optimal condition for PLA (Exp 9) achieves a maximum …

Bate-Papo | Portuguese Language Conversation Hours, Learning Language Center

LAII Events

Come practice your Portuguese language skills and enjoy Brazilian food and culture with friends!

Academic Standards Subcommittee Minutes, September 17, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of March 2026 Minutes
• Topics for Discussion
• 1. Proposal to sunset the current Undergraduate Degree Enrichment Policy
• 2. Proposed change to the current Earned Admission Policy
• 3. Proposed Reduced Credit Bachelor Policy (Bachelor of Applied Science)
• Next Meeting: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Academic Standards Subcommittee Agenda, September 17, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of March 2026 Minutes
• Topics
• Proposal to sunset the current Undergraduate Degree Enrichment Policy
• Proposed change to the current Earned Admission Policy (High School Applicants section)
• Proposed Reduced Credit Bachelor Policy (Bachelor of Applied Science)
• Next Meeting: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Evaluating The Physical, Digital, And Sovereign Risks To U.S. Data Centers, Kevin Chen, Katrina Mcdermott

Reports, Projects, and Research

This report is intended to inform DHS officials, law enforcement, critical infrastructure personnel, and the wider Intelligence Community on the urgent physical and digital threat landscape confronting domestic data center infrastructure.

The growth of technologies that are reliant on data centers, most notably AI, has transformed these facilities from passive data repositories into multi-dimensional platforms that are attractive targets for hostile state and non-state actors.

Kenyon Collegian - September 17, 2026

The Kenyon Collegian

No abstract provided.

Spartan Daily, September 17, 2026, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2026

Volume 167, Issue 12

2026-09-17 Faculty Senate Newsletter, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate newsletter from September 17, 2026.

Montana Kaimin, September 17, 2026, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

A Circularly Polarized Wideband H-Slot Microstrip Patch Antenna For 5g Applications, Kenneth Kalan John, Zhang Yixiang

Warith Scientific Journal of Engineering and Technology

A circularly polarized wideband H-slot compact patch antenna for 5G applicational implements is proposed. The structure adopts a three-layer architecture with a perfect electric conductor (PEC) copper foil radiation patch on top, Rogers RT5880 dielectric material in between and copper foil grounding plate. Theoretical analysis is conducted on the characteristics, working principles, and microstrip patch antenna parameters to design a wideband H-slot compact structure to achieve high performance. Simulation and measurement analysis are conducted with antenna modeling and optimization on the essential performance parameters. The proposed patch antenna is circularly polarized at the resonant 2.4 GHz frequency in the operational …

Molecualr Detection Of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Blactx-M, Mcr1, Teta And Sul1 Among Escherichia Coli Isolated From Patients With Nosocomial Infections, Ameer Sabah Tayeh Al-Janabi, Raghad Ali Sahib Al-Musawi

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Nosocomial infections primarily caused by a wide range of pathogenic bacteria that colonize healthcare environments and infect vulnerable patients. These infections are often associated with both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, with Gram-negative bacteria being particularly prominent due to their high levels of antibiotic resistance.
Objectives: To detect antibiotic resistance genes (blaCTX-M, mcr1, tetA and sul1) produced by E. coli isolated from patients with nosocomial infections.
Materials and Methods: A total of 155 specimens were collected from patients with nosocomial infections at Marjan Medical City and Al-Sadeq Hospital in Al-Hillah Province between October 2025 …

Relationship Of Human Zinc-Alpha-2-Glycoprotein (Azgp1) Levels With Metabolic Parameters In Obese Patients After Bariatric Surgery, Lamaa Jawad Hussein, Hanaa Addai Ali, Safauldeen Salim Al Baaj

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Human zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (AZGP1) had concerned rising interest due to its possible connection to obesity-relation metabolic defects. Bariatric surgery is regarded as one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for severe obesity.
Material and Methods: The study enrolled 180 participants who were divided into three groups. The first group included 60 individuals with severe obesity, whereas the second group comprised the same 60 patients reassessed four months after bariatric surgery. The third group consisted of 60 apparently healthy individuals who served as the control group. Venous blood samples were obtained from all participants to evaluate biochemical parameters and the anti-inflammatory …

Historical Chaos Among Tetrabothriideans (Eucestoda) Of Odontocetes (Artiodactyla)—Revising Generic Taxonomy And Species Diversity For Cestodes Among Oceanic Dolphins, Eric P. Hoberg, Kaylen Marie Soudachanh, Robert L. Rausch

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

Explorations over the past 150 years that have defined the diversity and structure of the tetrabothriidean cestode fauna among Odontocete cetaceans (Artiodactyla) are summarized and reviewed. Persistent errors in interpretation of comparative morphological characters, inconsistent taxonomic decisions, and an understanding of generic-level and species diversity are addressed. We outline a revision of the Tetrabothriidea, which now encompasses 8 genera. Prosthecocotyle is resurrected from synonymy with Tetrabothrius, and Cetaceobothridius n. gen is proposed. A clear basis is outlined for differentiation of generic and species diversity among Cetaceobothridius, Priapocephalus, Prosthecocotyle, Strobilocephalus, Tetrabothrius, and Trigonocotyle that constitute the tetrabothriidean fauna of odontocetes; species …

Exchange Nailing Versus Augmented Plating For Aseptic Tibial Shaft Nonunion After Complicated Intramedullary Nailing: A Comparative Outcome Study, Ashraf Ahmed Alhusseini

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Aseptic tibial shaft nonunion following unsuccessful treatment by intramedullary (IM) nailing is a challenging orthopedic complication.
Objectives: To compare the efficacy of exchange nailing with augmented plating in aseptic tibial shaft nonunion.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative study conducted at Hilla Teaching Hospital. Forty patients (45-65 years) with aseptic tibial shaft nonunion (greater than or equal to 9 months old) secondary to intramedullary rod fixation were included. The patients were grouped at random for exchange nailing (n = 20) or augmented plating using a 4.5-mm LC-DCP over the retained nail (n = 20). Bone grafting and …

Beyond Steroids: How Adding Jaw Exercises And Pnf Therapy Transforms Recovery In Bell's Palsy Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial, Shaima M. Alsabty, Mouamal A. Alsabty, Mohammed Ali Yassen, Raniah Talib Kadhim, Heider Hemeed Abbas, Mohammed Asim Mohammed Ghazi

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Bell's palsy is an acute idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis affecting 20–30 per 100,000 individuals annually. Although most patients recover spontaneously, up to one-third develop synkinesis, including involuntary facial movements that impair symmetry, function, and quality of life. The role of physical therapy as an adjunct to standard corticosteroid-based care remains incompletely defined.
Objectives: This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a structured physical therapy program combining proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), mirror therapy, and progressive jaw exercises enhances recovery beyond corticosteroid treatment alone in patients with acute Bell's palsy.
Methods: Sixty patients presenting within 72 hours of onset were randomized into …

Nutritional Fingerprints: The Future Of Personalized Nutrition And Disease Prevention, Mataz J. Jamai, Mohammed Mahdi Sami, Tamara Ahmed Abd Alkareem

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

A unique methodology in nutrition research, nutritional fingerprints amalgamate metabolomics, gut microbiota characterization, and nutritional markers to ascertain individual responses to various diets. This inquiry focuses on the scientific foundations, therapeutic applications, and integration with pharmacological treatments, challenges, and future possibilities of nutritional fingerprints. Nutritional fingerprints provide individualized dietary recommendations that enhance health outcomes, transcending conventional ``one-size-fits-all'' legislation. Metabolomics clarifies the comprehensive physiological impacts of food, whereas nutritional biomarkers provide definitive evidence of dietary intake. Nutritional fingerprints may enhance personalized meal planning, diabetes and obesity therapy, and nutritional pharmacology. Besides their nutritional advantages, they may also aid in the prevention …

The Role Of Street-Level Bureaucrats In Relieving Food Insecurity Among African American Single Mothers, Andre Bakajika Kazadi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Washington, DC, African American single mothers continued to experience food insecurity despite available assistance, as financial and bureaucratic barriers limited access to and utilization of these programs. This problem is relevant because identifying barriers to food assistance can inform recommendations to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) implementation and effectiveness. Findings from existing literature, conducted primarily from clients’ perspectives, found that food insecurity remained prevalent among African American single mothers. However, limited research has examined the perspectives of SNAP workers, known as street-level bureaucrats, who implement food assistance policies and mediate access to benefits. The purpose of this generic …

Quaker Campus, September 17, 2026 (Vol. 25, Issue 2), Whittier College

Quaker Campus

No abstract provided.

Brittle Bone Disorders Consortium Of The Rare Disease Clinical Research Network, Bettina Willie

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Exceptional Holography (2025 Renewal, Revised Budget), Oscar Varela

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

"The Frontier Years In Florence", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Research Articles

The article presents a brief depiction of the frontier period of Florence, Alabama, including the infrastructure and early impactful figures.

"The Grave Of A Patriot's Widow", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Research Articles

The widow of Revolutionary War veteran, Brigadier General Levi Casey, Elizabeth Duckett Casey is buried in a Lauderdale County cemetery. The article offers a brief overview of her and her husband's lives, as well as information on the degradation of the cemetery she rests in.