Digital Commons Network^™

Predicting Sleep And Sleep Stage In Children Using Actigraphy And Heartrate Via A Long Short-Term Memory Deep Learning Algorithm: A Performance Evaluation, Robert Weaver Med, Phd, James White, Olivia Finnegan, Hongpeng Yang, Zifei Zhong, Keagan Kiely, Catherine Jones, Yan Tong, Srihari Nelakuditi, Rahul Ghosal, David E. Brown, Russell R. Pate Ph.D., Gregory J. Welk, Massimiliano De Zambotti, Yuan Wang, Sarah Burkart, Elizabeth L. Adams Phd, Bridget Armstrong, Michael Beets Med, Mph, Phd

Faculty Publications

Children's ambulatory sleep is commonly measured via actigraphy. However, traditional actigraphy measured sleep (e.g., Sadeh algorithm) struggles to predict wake (i.e., specificity, values typically < 70) and cannot predict sleep stages. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is a machine learning algorithm that may address these deficiencies. This study evaluated the agreement of LSTM sleep estimates from actigraphy and heartrate (HR) data with polysomnography (PSG). Children (N = 238, 5–12 years,52.8% male, 50% Black 31.9% White) participated in an overnight laboratory polysomnography. Participants were referred be-cause of suspected sleep disruptions. Children wore an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer and two of three consumer wearables(i.e., Apple Watch Series 7, Fitbit Sense, Garmin Vivoactive 4) on their non-dominant wrist during the polysomnogram. LSTM estimated sleep versus wake and sleep stage (wake, not-REM, REM) using raw actigraphy and HR data for each 30-s epoch. Logistic regression and random forest were also estimated as a benchmark for performance with which to compare the LSTM results. A 10-fold cross-validation technique was employed, and confusion matrices were constructed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess the agreement between research-grade and consumer wearables with the criterion polysomnography. For sleep versus wake classification, LSTM outperformed logistic regression and random forest with accuracy ranging from 94.1to 95.1, sensitivity ranging from 94.9 to 95.9 across different devices, and specificity ranging from 84.5 to 89.6. The addition of HR improved the prediction of sleep stages but not binary sleep versus wake. LSTM is promising for predicting sleep and sleep staging from actigraphy data, and HR may improve sleep stage prediction.

Large Bandgap Observed On The Surfaces Of Euzn2As2 Single Crystals, Dejia Kong, Siavash Karbasizadeh, Ganesh Narasimha, Paras Regmi, Chenggang Tao, Chenggang Tao, Sai Mu, Rama Vasudevan, Ian Harrison, Rongying Jin, Zheng Gai

Faculty Publications

EuZn₂As₂ (M = Zn, Cd, In, Sn etc.) is an excellent material system for studying magnetism-tuned topological properties. However, discrepancies exist between experimental data and theoretical calculations regarding the bulk and surface bandgaps. In this work, cleaved EuZn₂As₂ crystals are studied using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Triangular-shaped defect-induced modifications in the local density of states help distinguish between Eu-terminated and AsZn-terminated surfaces. While large bandgaps ( ~1.5 eV at 77 K) are observed on both pristine surfaces, the bandgap size is found to be highly sensitive to local heterogeneity, tending …

Enhancing Visibility On A Science Dmz With P4-Perfsonar, Ali Mazloum, Elie Kfoury, Ali Alsabeh, Jose Gomez, Jorge Crichigno

Faculty Publications

The Science Demilitarized Zone (Science DMZ) is a specialized network designed to facilitate the transfer of large-scale scientific data. One of the key elements of the Science DMZ is perfSONAR, an active performance measurement device that monitors end-to-end paths over multiple domains. Although versatile, perfSONAR faces limitations such as restricted visibility of events and coarse-grained measurements. This paper proposes a scheme that integrates P4 programmable data plane (PDP) switches with perfSONAR. P4 PDP switches are passively installed and operate on real-time traffic copies, providing flexibility to collect fine-grained custom measurements and report events in the data plane. This integration enables …

A Survey On Security Applications With Smartnics: Taxonomy, Implementations, Challenges, And Future Trends, Serigo Elizalde, Ali Alsabeh, Ali Mazloum, Samia Choeiri, Elie Kfoury, Jose Gomez, Jorge Crichigno

Faculty Publications

Over the last decade, network applications have grown exponentially, demanding high-speed interconnects. Unfortunately, chip manufacturers are approaching the upper limits of silicon-based computing with slow improvements in computational performance and energy efficiency. This trend has forced the industry to shift paradigms, moving from monolithic architectures to heterogeneous, domain-specific designs. Moreover, the ever-evolving threats compromise digital services and demand more scalable and flexible solutions to ensure service continuity in production networks. Smart Network Interface Cards (SmartNICs) are a product of this new paradigm, integrating domain-specific engines and general-purpose cores to offload various network infrastructure tasks, including those related to security. This …

Forced Science: A Critical Appraisal Of The Scientific Rigor Of ‘Force Science’ Policing Research, Ian T. Adams, Seth Stoughton, Brandon Del Pozo, Jr. Irick A. Geary, Marc Olson, Geoffrey P. Alpert

Faculty Publications

Courts regularly rely on scientific expert testimony in police use-of-force cases, and the Force Science Institute (FSI)—a private, for-profit entity—has emerged as an important source of purportedly scientific principles shaping police training, policies, and legal outcomes. Its “peer-reviewed” corpus is presented as scientifically authoritative and feeds into “Force Science Analyst” certification and expert consulting. Employing bibliometric analysis and three validated measures of scientific reliability, we assess a recent volume (Force Science) representing FSI’s claimed knowledge for scientific reliability. Contrary to FSI’s assertions, our findings show its published materials fail to meet the scientific rigor demanded by the Daubert …

When Victims Become Responsible: Deputizing School Personnel And Destruction Of Qualified Immunity, Milija Zgonjanin

The Journal of Law and Education

No abstract provided.

The Tur Nout Effect: Challenging The Median Voter Theorem, George Thomas Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

The classical Median Voter Theorem (MVT) predicts that, in a two-party system with majority rule, candidates will converge toward the ideological center to capture the median voter. This logic, grounded in spatial models of political competition, assumes full voter participation and fails to account for the growing ideological polarization in modern democracies. This thesis reevaluates the MVT by incorporating probabilistic turnout into a utility-based model of voter behavior. It theorizes that turnout is shaped not only by ideological proximity but also by expressive motivations, including both strong affinity and strong aversion to candidates. A novel measure of turnout utility is …

Examining Coping, Individual Resilience, And Family Resilience As Strengths-Based Factors For Lgbtq+ Individuals, Elizabeth Moriarty Combs

Theses and Dissertations

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and More (LGBTQ+) individuals are part of a diverse and complex community that has unique considerations regarding physical and mental health. While there is ongoing health equity research regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, the focus is often on health disparities. A strengths-based approach to helping LGBTQ+ individuals through research and other avenues may be beneficial. This multi-manuscript dissertation includes two studies that explored the current literature on strengths-based factors such as coping, individual resilience, and family resilience within LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as determined the feasibility of utilizing these factors to assist LGBTQ+ individuals with health and …

Effectiveness Of A Telephone-Delivered Walk With Ease Program On Arthritis-Related Symptoms, Function, And Activity: A Randomized Trial, Christine Pellegrini Ph.D., Sara Wilcox Phd, Yesil Kim, Scott Jamieson, Katherine Devivo, Daniel Heidtke

Faculty Publications

Objective

Walk With Ease (WWE) is a six-week arthritis-appropriate evidence-based physical activity program traditionally offered in a face-to-face format. Because many populations encounter participation barriers to in-person programs, WWE was modified for telephone delivery (WWE-T). The short- and long-term effects of this program on physical activity and arthritis-related outcomes were examined.

Methods

Participants (n = 267) with arthritis were randomized to WWE-T or a wait list control. WWE-T participants received two telephone calls per week (one group and one individual call) for six weeks. Group calls focused on arthritis education and social support. Individual calls focused on problem-solving and goal …

Purification Of Uranium Tetrafluoride Using Ammonium Bifluoride, Kyle R. Foster, Juliano Schorne-Pinto, Ronald E. Booth, Annabelle Husek, Mina Aziziha, Hunter B. Tisdale, Bernie W.N. Fitzpatrick, Hans Conrad Zur Loye, Markus H.A. Piro, Theodore M. Besmann

Faculty Publications

A method of purification for UF₄ utilizing NH₄HF₂ was investigated to remove oxygen and hydrate impurities from the salt. The original salt exhibited a melting point at 915–920 °C, which corresponds to the eutectic temperature of the UF4-UO2 system, showing clear signs of oxygen contamination. To purify the salt, an air-tight reaction vessel inside an argon glovebox was used to react UF4/NH4HF2 mixtures at elevated temperatures under a continuous flow of inert gas. The process yielded a significantly purer UF4 salt as confirmed via inert gas fusion, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and inductively coupled plasma-optical …

A Tailored Approach To Prep Screening For Awareness And Readiness, Keionda Crumblin Caldwell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious health concern in the United States (U.S). Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a vital intervention in the prevention of HIV, yet its uptake and adherence are suboptimal due to barriers in identifying individuals who are most at risk and would benefit most from this preventive measure.

Purpose: This evidence-based project aimed to evaluate whether implementing a PrEP readiness tool at a walk-in clinic would identify at-risk adults and adolescents and lead to an increase in referrals for PrEP initiation.

Method: A PrEP Questionnaire from the Department of Wisconsin Public Health was given …

Improving Depression Screening Of Correctional Institution Inmates, Thelma Chidimma Ozigbu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem: Depression significantly impacted on the quality of life of incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities, where rates of the disorder far exceed those in the broader community, increasing self-harm and suicide risks.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to improve early identification of depressive symptoms and facilitate timely mental health referrals by implementing the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a screening tool upon admission.

Method: Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice (Iowa Model) as a guiding framework, this project involved training nursing staff to administer the PHQ-9 during initial health assessments. PHQ-9 is a nine-item questionnaire that assesses depression …

Improving Completion Of Diabetes Management Measures In Primary Care, Ashley Tyner Divers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Adults with type 2 diabetes are at a risk of multiple comorbidities that can be prevented with proper screenings performed as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Purpose: Determine if using a checklist on the patient router will improve completion of urine microalbumin, diabetic eye exam, and diabetic foot exam.

Methods: The MA/LPN asked the patient about the last eye exam performed and requested a record from the previous provider if performed within the last year. If the microalbumin was not current, the MA/LPN obtained a urine specimen and placed the order into EPIC. If a diabetic foot …

Enhancing Glycemic Control, Patient Knowledge, And Self-Care Through Structured Diabetes Education, Amanda Suzanne Clark

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly in South Carolina, revealed a significant gap in structured diabetes education programs, contributing to poor glycemic control and elevated A1C levels. In response, this project aimed to assess the integration of a comprehensive diabetes education program into standard care, potentially reducing A1C levels while improving patient knowledge and self-care behaviors in adults with diabetes over four months. The study used a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative intervention by comparing participants' outcomes before and after the program. Purpose: To determine if a comprehensive diabetes education program could reduce Hemoglobin A1C levels …

Action Research To Explore The Use Of Augmented Reality To Support High School Students In Understanding And Creating Art Work In A Drawing Course, Alicia Joanne Cobler

Theses and Dissertations

High school students in Drawing 1 at a high school in South Carolina struggle to understand meaning or make personal connections to their own artwork. The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the implementation of immersive reality technology, specifically augmented reality (AR), in art for high school Drawing 1 students to help them understand meaning in art and create their own meaningful artwork. Creating personally meaningful symbolic works of art is one of the first Visual Art National Core Standards (National Core Visual Art Standards, 2014). Creating meaning in artwork allows students to understand society, provide an opportunity …

William Hogarth's Portraiture: A Vehicle For Social Commentary, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hoff

Theses and Dissertations

William Hogarth is often celebrated for the critiques of eighteenth-century England seen throughout his widely reproduced satirical print series and paintings, however his contributions to portraiture offer a compelling extension of his artistic vision and techniques. This research aims to explore Hogarth’s use of portraiture as a vehicle for social commentary and moral messaging, revealing broader themes of morality, nationalism, and identity among all of his works, comparing this approach to that of both his contemporaries and his own prints.

In examining Hogarth’s portraits alongside other formal portraiture, the socio-political landscape of the time, and existing scholarship, methods such as …

The Impact Of Students' Attendance On Their Academic Success: A Ypar Study, Quennella Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is a collaborative research approach that empowers students to examine issues affecting their lives and communities. This action research aimed to investigate the relationship between students’ attendance and academic success on middle school students, focusing specifically on eighth-grade students based on the theoretical framework of the critical race theory (CRT) in education and the self-determination theory (SDT). Three research questions were explored related to the impact of students’ attendance on their academic success: 1) What do students consider factors that lead to their poor attendance? 2) How do students feel they can be supported in …

The Mediating Role Of Gratifications In Gamified Ai Chatbot Engagement: Astimulus-Organism-Response Approach, Deukmook Bae

Theses and Dissertations

Recent technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences have prompted a substantial shift from live sport attendance to mediated sport consumption, particularly among younger audiences. In response, enhancing the quality of mediated sport experiences has become a strategic priority for sport marketers seeking to maintain consumer engagement and market relevance. Although second-screen usage has been introduced to support this transition, its effectiveness remains uncertain due to limited interactivity, lack of personalization, and the potential for user distraction.

To address these limitations, AI chatbots have emerged as a compelling alternative, offering adaptive, user-centered interactions that promote deeper engagement and enrich the mediated …

An Investigation Of Preservice And Novice Elementary Education Graduate Students’ Self-Efficacy Toward Teaching Engineering Design, Victoria Harkins Cameron

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study examined how an experiential learning–based pedagogical approach influenced the development of teaching engineering self-efficacy in preservice and novice elementary education graduate students. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, the study examined the impact of mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and affective states on shaping participants’ instructional self-efficacy. Data were collected using the Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Scale (TESS), written reflections, and a focus group. Engineering pedagogical content knowledge was the only TESS construct to show statistically significant gains, while qualitative findings indicated broader growth in self-efficacy and emotional readiness. The study’s …

The Effect Of An Interdisciplinary Project On Students’ Understandings Of Mathematical Interdisciplinarity: A Qualitative Action Research Study, Jaime Krause

Theses and Dissertations

The siloed nature of education has likely caused some high school students to not recognize the interdisciplinary nature of mathematics, leading them to misunderstand its relationship to other subject areas. A misunderstanding of mathematical interdisciplinarity can cause issues when these students approach interdisciplinary problems later in life. The purpose of this study was to observe, investigate, and analyze the ways in which students understand mathematical interdisciplinarity following a collaborative and interdisciplinary project. I implemented a descriptive qualitative action research approach to determine how a collaborative interdisciplinary project on NASA technology in a high school mathematics course affects students’ understandings of …

The Impact Of The Flipped Learning Approach On Student Engagement In A High School Chemistry Classroom, Alana Lyn Hicks

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study investigated the impact of the flipped classroom approach on student engagement and attitudes within a science classroom. Data was collected using student-reported responses on the Classroom Engagement Inventory, Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, student journal entries, teacher reflective journals, and an observation tracking chart kept by the classroom teacher. Findings revealed that the flipped classroom model significantly increased affective and cognitive engagement among students in a larger class size, as well as for medium-achieving students and girls. These results suggest that while the flipped classroom has the potential to enhance engagement, its effectiveness is influenced …

Professional Learning Communities And Digital Literacy: A Framework For Elementary Education, Lauren Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

As digital technologies redefine the definition of literacy, elementary teachers face the challenge of effectively integrating digital literacies into their classroom spaces. This dissertation examines how professional development can enhance teachers’ understanding and implementation of high-quality digital literacy practices. Grounded in the New Literacies framework, the study identifies key characteristics of effective digital literacy instruction and explores how professional development that is contextualized, meaningful, and sustained can foster these practices. Using data from classroom observations, professional learning communities, and teacher interviews, the research highlights how individualized coaching and collaboration empower teachers to create authentic, engaging, and critical digital literacy experiences. …

Assessing Health And Academic Disparities In The Deep South: The Enduring Impact Of Segregation And Redlining In Georgia, Bridget Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Within the American South, marginalized Black populations continue to suffer from health disparities. A key resource that could aid in the prevention of health disparities such as teen pregnancy is the school nurse. School nurses are well positioned to assist in the development of independent health maintenance among student populations. However, school nurses remain understaffed and underfunded throughout most of the United States, which limits their effectiveness. It is possible that within southern states there are inequities in how school resources are allocated that have ties to segregation and redlining practices that systemically marginalized Black populations throughout the 1900s. …

Enhancing Self-Efficacy In Ap Psychology Through Targeted Intervention Strategies, Felicia Jennifer Butler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-method action research case study was to measure the effects of an individualized intervention on academic self-efficacy and academic achievement in an Advanced Placement (AP) psychology class. The study focused on four students who received a failing grade on the first unit test and took place over an eight-week period. Quantitative data was collected in the form of assessment data (both formative and summative), survey questions modeled after the General Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (GASE), and assignment completion. Qualitative data was collected in the form of semi-structured interviews and open-ended reflection questions. The findings suggest that psychology …

Effects Of Science Of Reading Pedagogy On Student Self-Efficacy In The Elementary Intervention Classroom, Emily Marie Robinette

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study investigated the effects Science of Reading pedagogy and curriculum have on students’ reading self-efficacy within the setting of the elementary intervention classroom. The theoretical framework, Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, guided the study’s research questions, review of literature, methodology, and data analysis. The conceptual framework of the Science of Reading theory and educational movement served as the primary source of design and implementation of the intervention. Students participated in pre-, mid-, and post intervention interviews which measured students’ perceptions about their reading self-efficacy throughout the intervention period. They also participated in weekly reading self-efficacy questionnaires, which provided …

Separate But Not Equal: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study Of Adjunct Structural Empowerment, Experiences, And Perceived Needs In A Midwestern Community College, Shauna Sowga

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions are increasingly reliant on contingent or gig-based labor in the form of adjunct faculty. Adjunct faculty make up the majority of community college faculty, yet they tend to receive the least support, resources, and training investments from colleges. This is no different at Metro Community College, a large, urban college in the Midwest. The problem of practice for this study revolves around Metro Community College social sciences adjunct faculty’s needs for support, resources, and training to do their jobs effectively. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study examined these adjuncts’ structural empowerment, experiences, and perceived needs for support …

Lessons In Game Use: Examining Engagement And Content Knowledge With The Use Of Digital Game-Based Learning Lessons In Biology, Rebecca Anne Valencia

Theses and Dissertations

According to both national and local data, students in high school biology classes are disengaged in content learning and do not demonstrate sufficient understanding of the content taught during units focused on the mechanisms of heredity and gene expression. Traditional teaching methods do not hold their interest which leads to disengagement and missed learning opportunities. The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the effect of digital game-based learning lessons on biology 1 students’ engagement and content knowledge application regarding the mechanisms of heredity and gene expression, as well as on the students’ perceptions of their digital game-based learning …

Unveiling Injustices In Theodore Dreiser's “An American Tragedy” And Susan Glaspell's “A Jury Of Her Peers”, Athena Maria Dotsikas

Theses and Dissertations

Crime and its representation in new age media is seeping into every avenue of discussion nowadays. The influence of crime is most notably evident in literature, where real cases inspired fictional novels and short stories that explore social issues and injustices. Since the 16th century, true crime has captivated human curiosity while also shedding light on the United States legal and justice system. Ultimately, true crime narratives provide a deeper understanding of human psychology and the reasons behind a number of gruesome and horrific incidents. This thesis investigates how Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy and Susan Glaspell’s A Jury of …

Impact Of Participation In Extracurricular Activities On Female Students’ Motivation, Noha Ibrahim

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the impact of extracurricular activities (ECAs) on academic motivation among female high school students at a semi-governmental international school in the UAE. It addressed three research questions: (1) the effect of ECA participation on academic motivation, (2) students’ perceptions of how these activities influence their motivation, and (3) teachers’ perspectives on their impact. I conducted this action research in a school of 4,500 K-12 students predominantly local and from high-income backgrounds with an international teaching staff. Participants included grade 11 and 12 female students (ages 16–18) enrolled in one of four clubs (Reading, International, Sports, and Art) …

Cultivating Smiles On The Frontier: The Making Of Brazil’S Soybean Capital And Community Building In Sorriso, 1980-2020, Nathalia Francio Cocenza

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the transformation of Sorriso, a small municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil, into one of the world's leading soybean producers, placing its local history within the broader context of global agricultural and economic shifts from 1980 to 2020. Sorriso represents the unique convergence of local, regional, and international forces that reshaped Brazil's agricultural landscape. This study critically examines the political, environmental, and social dynamics that positioned Sorriso at the forefront of soybean production, illuminating the town's transition from a remote frontier settlement to a global agribusiness hub.

Through a detailed analysis of previously unstudied archival sources, interviews with …