Digital Commons Network^™

Crowding, Capacity, And Reform: Exploring The Dynamics Of Correctional Policy, John Ursino

Criminology and Criminal Justice Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the dynamic mechanisms that drive correctional population change and evaluates strategies for sustainable decarceration. Despite widespread calls for evidence-based corrections, methodological tools such as time series analysis remain underutilized for understanding population management. This dissertation addresses this gap through a three-paper design that applies advanced time-series methods to key stages of the correctional continuum. Chapter Two uses interrupted time-series analysis to evaluate the impacts of both proactive (policy-driven) and reactive (COVID-19 and court mandate-related) decarceration events in Washington State on admissions, technical violations, and recidivism outcomes, clarifying how policy design affects prison admission flows. Chapter Three employs …

Carrying The Dream Forward: Intergenerational Hope And Academic Persistence Among Historically Underserved Caregiving Graduate Students, Deborah D. Gaspard

Educational Leadership Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of eight graduate students who serve as caregivers, including those raising children and supporting elderly family members, and how these responsibilities complicate traditional forms of academic engagement. Despite a growing proportion of students with overlapping academic and caregiving roles, institutional structures remain largely oriented toward traditional students with minimal external obligations. Drawing on in-depth narratives, this study explored how caregiving demands shape students’ academic and social integration as well as how institutional policies and practices influence their persistence. Other research has shown that caregiving responsibilities significantly impact students’ time, energy, and access to …

Physical, Environmental, And Psychological Determinants Of Sleep Among Long-Distance South Asian Caregivers Of Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Srujana Chekuri

Gerontology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Long-distance caregiving is an increasingly common yet understudied form of family care, particularly among immigrant communities whose cultural expectations of flial responsibility remain strong despite geographic separation. Among South Asian caregivers of older adults, caregiving across borders is shaped by powerful norms of duty, emotional endurance, and family obligation, creating distinctive patterns of stress that may profoundly afect health. One of the most consequential but underexamined outcomes of this caregiving context is sleep. This mixed-methods dissertation examined the physical, environmental, and psychological determinants of sleep among long-distance South Asian caregivers of older adults living in the United States. Guided by …

A Multi-Layer Graph-Theoretic Framework For Understanding Electric Vehicle Adoption Across U.S. Counties, Fahad Alrasheedi

Computer Science Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

This dissertation develops a multi-layer analytical framework to understand electric vehicle (EV) adoption across U.S. counties by integrating (1) temporal correlation networks, (2) predictive modeling, and (3) similarity networks. Existing research often focuses on coarse geographic units, embeds charging infrastructure (CI) within broad multivariable models, or overlooks structural differences among counties. These limitations leave open key questions regarding the directionality of EV–CI relationships, the determinants of county-level adoption, and whether similar counties exhibit similar adoption patterns. The first component examines temporal correlations between counties for EV adoption and CI expansion, as well as Granger-causality relationships under two scenarios: Early Adoption …

“Gc Flight, Lock The Doors” How Communication Resilience Shapes Crisis Response In Human Space Flight, Jessica Hilt

Communications Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

A precursor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) has been pushing the boundaries of space flight since 1915 (“NASA History – The NACA,” 2024c). Space flight as we know it today began in 1962, with an address given by President John F. Kennedy at Rice University. “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…” (Kennedy, 1962, p. 3). Words of which have inspired generations of children, men, and women who were courageous enough to …

Staff Education To Improve Fall Prevention In A Behavioral-Health Urgent Care Setting, May Nnenna Akalemeaku

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Dissertation: Exploring Asian Mental Health Counselors’ Views Of Their Education After Studying Abroad, Linda Ai Kuramoto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Implementation And Evaluation Of A Screening Algorithm In A Rural Family Practice Clinic, Mollie M. Tate, Whitney Dubas

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and disproportionately affects rural populations. Although more than 90% of cases occur in adults older than 50 years, increasing incidence among younger adults prompted an update to national guidelines recommending screening beginning at age 45. Rural residents face multiple barriers to colorectal cancer screening (CRCS), including limited access to care, transportation challenges, lack of insurance, and absence of standardized screening processes in primary care. These barriers contribute to lower screening rates, delayed diagnosis, and poorer outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that CRCS reduces CRC morbidity and …

Staff Education Project To Reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections, Andre Augustin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Relationship Between Judges’ Gender And Caseload Clearance In Jamaica’S Parish Courts, Sonia Bertram Linton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Elective Abortion, Moral Injury, And Maternal Bonding To The First Child, Jennifer Marie Lightner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Fall-Prevention Program For A Long-Term Care Organization, Roslyn Y. Heyward

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

An Educational Module On Safe Nighttime Medication Administration In A Correctional Setting, Linda Asongtia Foleke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Can You Buy Success In Major League Baseball?, Jacob Rumberger

Honors Projects

The vast disparity in Major League Baseball team payrolls over the last decade has become a prominent issue of concern for fans, owners, and league management. The belief is that the teams that invest exorbitant amounts of money into their players are paying to win. Teams, such as the Oakland Athletics, have popularized the method of “Moneyball” to find and exploit undervalued players in order to compete with large market teams. This research study aims to uncover whether this claim is based in fact or is unsubstantiated. Using statistical prediction methods like linear regression, logistic regression, and k nearest neighbor …

So All Students Learn And Thrive: An Improvecrit Analysis Of A School’S Multi-Tiered System Of Supports, Rebekah Kang

LMU Theses and Dissertations

Multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is an integrated K-12 educational framework that addresses the needs of all students in a systematic way by focusing on prevention and the implementation of evidence-based practices (California Department of Education, 2023). The “Guide to Implementing California’s Multi-Tiered System of Support” (Orange County Department of Education, 2023) promotes the maxim “All Means All” which paints a picture of schooling where all students are receiving the supports they need to learn and succeed. However, critical MTSS researchers have argued that MTSS failed to address the needs of all students, especially students of color, because it did …

Collins Aerospace Automated Pressure Switch Tester, Joseph C. La Barbera, Kevin Cordero, Brenda Sanchez, Molly Bramm

Honors Capstones

For aerospace companies like Collins, pressure switches are crucial for safety, precise control, and reliability. As such, thorough testing of these switches is an essential step in Collins’ manufacturing workflow. However, current testing regimes suffer from several critical drawbacks. Firstly, they require constant manual supervision, costing precious time and manpower. Existing systems are also only able to test one single switch at a time, which creates backlog and delays. Lastly, current testing equipment has poor integration with the Collins digital ecosystem, hindering the utility of these devices. To solve these design challenges, a new system is required that is self-operable, …

Lunar Regolith Sintered Brick Apparatus, Andrew Fasano, Noah Parayil, Darius Felix Karra

Senior Design Project For Engineers

This project describes the preliminary design and analysis of the Semi-Autonomous Lunar Regolith Sintered Brick Apparatus that will assist in developing permanent infrastructure on the Moon. An issue with permanent lunar operations is the transportation of materials to the Moon. To address this, the designed device uses lunar regolith as the source material for producing bricks. This design considers the constraints set for operation with the Griffin lunar lander: maximum payload mass of 200 kg, power consumption below 5 kW, and limited payload dimensions. The design uses a combination of a laser sintering motion system, a regolith layering subsystem, a …

A Restoration By Mangroves: Marilao And Pasig River Plan For Restoration, Julian Luis Flores

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper discusses the restoration of the Pasig Rivers of the Philippines using the wondrous magic of mangrove trees to bring back various aquatic, flora, and bird species. The Pasig River was once the Philippines’ most beautiful river, spanning the entire Metro Manila, with different floral species blooming, teeming marine life, and being a significant transportation route. However, throughout the years, urbanization has caused the state of the river to decline drastically. Improper waste segregation, disposal, and improper river maintenance have given it the title “Manila’s toilet.” This is why it is essential to restore the river to its status …

Measuring Effectiveness Of A Mobility Aide On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jamie L. Granatowicz, Laura N. Rogers, Leeza A. Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobility aide on a medical-surgical inpatient unit to improve patients’ surgical outcomes, decrease hospital length of stay, and decrease the number of falls.

Design: A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effects of a mobility aide implemented on a medical-surgical unit. The intent was to ensure the utilization of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for early mobilization before and after implementation. Two-month periods were analyzed before and after implementation.

Findings: The results demonstrated clinical significance for patients when implementing a mobility aide. The mean length of stay was 1.044 days …

Assessing College Tuition And Wage Prospects For Careers In Archaeology, Angelina H. Gutierrez

Honors Capstones

The pressures of rising college tuition are raising questions about whether a degree in higher education is worth the return on investment in today's society and economy. This study aims to acknowledge the issues of affording college and the opportunities granted in the face of college wealth premiums from the perspective of the field of archaeology. The college wealth premium is understood as additionalopportunities and increased salaries offered to those with a degree in higher education compared to those without. Using the Midwestern United States as a case study, I discuss the gender/race wage gap, college debt, loan inequity, and …

Analysis Of Self, Samantha Pugliese

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper presents a self-analysis aimed at deepening self-awareness and understanding how personal history, personality, and lived experience shape the development of a counselor-in-training. Using an integrative framework, it examines relational, academic, mental health, physical health, cultural, and developmental influences on identity and professional growth. Multiple methods were used, including personality and interest assessments, interviews with significant others, and theoretical conceptualization grounded in psychodynamic, person-centered, and somatic approaches. Findings revealed consistent themes of responsibility, introspection, and relational attunement, with feedback highlighting emotional safety and reliability. These patterns were explored in relation to early attachment and trauma, illustrating how adaptive coping …

Communication Through Connection And Identity: Songwriting With People Living With Dementia, Sean Connolly

Expressive Therapies Theses

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with significant changes in communication, which can have profound effects on an individual’s autonomy, self-identity and quality of life. Rising global dementia rates underscore the urgent need to address these issues and expand approaches to care. This literature review examines current research on songwriting methods in music therapy for those living with dementia and investigates how songwriting might support communication for that population. The review explores a variety of music-based approaches, including both neurologic and music-centered frameworks, and highlights a range of songwriting techniques. The findings suggest that songwriting may facilitate communication beyond …

Factors Relating To Memory, Kyra Vanheirseele

Honors Theses

Cognitive and emotional processes are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing memory functioning. In the current study, the associations between depressive symptoms, selfcritical rumination, sleep quality, and cognitive confidence with self-referent memory recall were examined in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 60; 70.0% female, 21.7% male; M age = 19.36 years, SD = 1.21). The sample was predominantly White (73.2%), with additional representation from Black or African American (14.3%), American Indian or Alaska Native (1.8%), Asian (1.8%), and other racial groups (8.9%). Using established self-report measures, participants reported on depressive symptoms (Schmitt & Maes, 2000; Sauer et al., …

Small Businesses: A Comprehensive Investigation Into Data Quality's Impact On Security, Privacy, And Governance, Deveeshree Nayak

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the extent to which deficiencies in data quality, specifically accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, validity, and uniqueness, undermine data security, privacy compliance, and governance effectiveness in small businesses (fewer than 200 employees and annual revenues under $10 million) in Washington State. Although data are increasingly viewed as a strategic asset, empirical research on how poor data quality amplifies cyber risks and regulatory exposure in resource-constrained environments remains limited. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A purposive survey captured practitioner perceptions from nine small-business professionals regarding the impact of data quality on security (CIA triad), privacy (accuracy and transparency …

A Socio-Computational Framework For Understanding Information Campaigns Through A Collective Action Perspective, Sayantan Bhattacharya

Theses and Dissertations

In a time when social media significantly influences public dialogue, grasping the elements that contribute to the success of information campaigns has become vital for understanding modern social movements and political engagement. This dissertation explores the essential factors that affect the efficacy of information campaigns across digital platforms, addressing a notable gap in existing research that frequently neglects the systematic connection between information spread and outcomes of collective action. Instead of viewing these as distinct phenomena, this study constructs an integrated framework that highlights three crucial dimensions of successful information campaigns: the human factor, which emphasizes the role of influential …

Reflective Telemetry Replay For Performance Analysis In Extended Reality, Atit Kharel

Theses and Dissertations

Extended Reality (XR) environments are increasingly used for training, simulation, and skill development. However, conventional feedback mechanisms such as summary performance scores or first-person video recordings often lack the spatial and contextual detail necessary to support effective reflective learning. As a result, users may observe what occurred during an immersive task without fully understanding how their movement strategies and navigation decisions influenced performance outcomes. This work presents DataEcho, a telemetry-driven replay framework designed to capture, store, and reconstruct structured XR session data for interactive performance review and behavioral analysis. The system records frame-level telemetry from Unity-based XR applications, including object …

Monotone Traveling Waves In A General Discrete Model For Populations With K-Generation Long-Term Memory, Austin Kernel Sanders

Theses and Dissertations

We investigate the spatial dynamics of a population modeled by a general discrete integrodifference equation incorporating k-generation long-term memory. While classical models rely solely on the im- mediately preceding state to determine population growth and dispersal, introducing multiple past states causes the associated evolution operator to lose compactness. Consequently, standard fixed- point theorems are insufficient to prove the existence of traveling wave solutions. We overcome this difficulty by constructing a time-independent moving frame operator and employing the monotone iteration method. By assuming the fecundity function is locally Lipschitz, bounded, and nondecreasing on a specified interval, and by relaxing continuity requirements …

The Impact Of The Science Of Reading Initiative On Reading Test Scores Among Rural Elementary Students In Arkansas, Julie A. Ferguson

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

This study examines changes in reading achievement among rural elementary students in Arkansas following the statewide implementation of the Science of Reading initiative. Beginning in 2019, Arkansas required educators in kindergarten through sixth grade to receive training in evidence‑based literacy practices emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Despite these efforts, rural districts continue to face challenges related to staffing, access to professional development, and instructional resources, raising questions about whether statewide reforms have produced measurable improvements in reading outcomes.

Using a quantitative, longitudinal, quasi‑experimental design, this study analyzes ACT Aspire reading assessment data collected from rural Arkansas schools …

Sull'essere Umani "On Being Human", Benjamin S. Woodard

Master's Theses

The thesis describes the essential parts of the compositional process and how music expresses the individual philosophies of the composer. The goal is not to describe an overarching, and therefore overbearing, ruleset for what makes the compositional process human, but to describe it in relation to personal experience, with the rise of large language models in mind—sprouting from this research, composing a piece of music that reflects both the new electronic music that has now been embedded academically and the centuries-old tradition of performing on analog instruments. “Sull’essere Umani,” the English translation being "On Being Human", was the piece that …

Comparative Behavioral Impacts Of Neuroactive Pharmaceuticals On Crayfish Locomotion, Grace Elizabeth Smith

Masters Theses

Pharmaceuticals are increasingly recognized as contaminants of concern in aquatic ecosystems, often entering waterways due to incomplete removal by wastewater treatment plants. Despite frequent detection, the effects of these compounds on non-target, neurochemically sensitive organisms such as crayfish remains underexplored. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that binds to presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels and reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release, is one such emerging contaminant. Given crayfish’s ecological importance and sensitivity to neuroactive substances, exposure to gabapentin may disrupt key behaviors such as locomotion. To place gabapentin’s effects in context, we also examined escitalopram (Lexapro), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that elevates synaptic 5-HT, and …