Digital Commons Network^™

Creating A Calm, Natural Healing Hub, Daniel Cusmano

Architecture Theses and Projects

The sights of this project are aimed at three main concepts: mental health and treatment, seclusion vs. connection, and nature as a healing device. The three will work to create a mental help campus located in Newbury, Massachusetts to provide occupants help and treatments for a wide variety of ailments or cases, both in the short-term and long-term aspects. Being located in Newbury, Massachusetts allows the project to be secluded in the vast, wooded areas to the western portion of the town while still having connections to the public, through the network of public hiking trails on site and the …

Enviromental Dna Analysis Of A Critically Endangered Cavefish, Katelyn Gitner

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Volunteer Urban Environmental Stewardship, Emotional Economies Of Care, And Productive Power In Philadelphia, Alec Foster

Faculty Publications - Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Recent efforts to increase urban forests and greenspaces rely on the volunteer labor of individuals and environmental nonprofits. The estimation of market values has often justified urban greening. These neoliberal approaches to urban environmental governance have been heavily critiqued, revealing the uneven power relationships and urban environments that result. This paper aims to move beyond such critiques by exploring how the reproduction of urban nature can be valued outside of the market. Fieldwork with volunteers participating in environmental stewardship in Philadelphia revealed their participation was motivated by intense emotional attachments to their neighborhoods, other participants, and nonhuman others, leading me …

Assessing Dual Language Learners Of Spanish And English: Development Of The Quils: Es, Jill De Villiers, Aquiles Iglesias, Roberta Golinkoff, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Mary Sweig Wilson, Ratna Nandakumar

Philosophy: Faculty Publications

Introduction and objectives

Developing a language screener for Dual Language Learners presents numerous challenges. We discuss possible solutions for theoretical and methodological problems often encountered in the development of such a test and illustrate possible solutions using a newly developed language screener for Dual Language Learners.

Materials and methods

The process for developing, validating and norming the screener is also offered as a potential model for the development of other assessments for Dual Language Learners throughout the world. The twelve types of subtests are in three categories: Vocabulary, Syntax, and Process.

Results and conclusions

Results from the Tryout and Norming …

Rabble: A Companion To Pwa-Tem (2021)

Rabble, 2014-

Rabble is a companion chapbook publication to the magazine Pwatem. From the preface of most issues: "'Tell the rabble my name is Cabell."- James Branch Cabell to his editor, to help people learn how to pronounce his name. Cabell used the word derogatively but we are taking it back. These pages will showcase the writing and illustrations of our rabble-the ordinary students of VCU."

Ngs Rna-Seq Reveals Bromovirus Encapsidate Native And Recombinant Viral Rnas, As Well As Cellular Rnas From The Host, Nipin Shrestha

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Brome mosaic virus (BMV), Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), and Broad bean mottle virus (BBMV), the members of the genus Bromovirus, are the experimental model viruses in this dissertation research. Packaging of the RNA genome by the viruses is known to be highly selective and specific for the viral RNA but, not 100% accurate. There is evidence that the viruses specifically or accidentally encapsidate viral RNA variants and host (cellular) RNAs. The scope of this dissertation is to identify different types of RNAs that can be packaged by viruses along with the viral RNAs of parental origin.BMV, CCMV, and BBMV …

Death Sentence, Elena Passarello

Sunday Short Reads

No abstract provided.

All Things New : A Theological And Exegetical Study Of Ḥādāš With Special Emphasis On Isaiah 40-48, Deborah Lynn Endean

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Young Disciples In The Marketplace : A Marketplace-Based Discipleship Program For The United Methodist Young Adults Of The Zambales District, Cristine Carnate Atrero

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Spiritual Metrics : Accounting For Spiritual Transformation In International Development, George Nduati Woki

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Colorism On The Hair Experiences Of African American Female Adolescents, Lakindra Mitchell Dove

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article addresses the prevalence of colorism among the hair care narratives of African American female adolescents. Eleven interviews were conducted to explore the connection between hair and sense of self and self-esteem. During data collection and analysis, the theme surrounding colorism emerged, as many participants discussed its influence on hair, recalling traumatic hair and colorist experiences. This article focuses on the analysis of these narratives using the colorist-historical trauma framework. Three themes emerged: (1) colorist experiences; (2) perceptions of good hair; and (3) the influence of White beauty standards. These themes reflect how participants conceptualized the implications of colorism …

Empty World, Samuel Tanner

HCOM 434 Weekly Response Activities

My Week 8 response. A short story based on the prompt, “what would the world look like if humans disappeared?” After visiting my home town and my family recently, I portrayed the town in the aftermath of this mass disappearance, narrated by an extraterrestrial visitor.

In-Depth Project: The Nature Of Now And The Future, Madison N. Mederos

HCOM 434 Weekly Response Activities

Brushfire

Living in the Central Valley, I have become very familiar with hearing about fires. We get very little rain and everything is very dry surrounding the valley, making it very for the land to be set ablaze. I wanted to share a piece that sort of described the setting of how a fire around here starts and the lifespan of the fire.

A Future Without People

I wanted to write about the earth long into the future when humans have died off and it is just animals left to roam the world. I feel like there are so many …

A World With..., Claire Larson

HCOM 434 Weekly Response Activities

A world without humans might sound environmentally better, but a world without humans would also be a world without some amazing moments we love. It’s easy to imagine how green the world might be, but sometimes these thoughts can lead to eco-fascism. Humans can be good, and so are the things we love.

The Earth Won’T Die, Brent Johnson

HCOM 434 Weekly Response Activities

When given a particularly grim outlook on the future of the world without mankind, I wanted to make it clear how I feel about the resiliency of the earth itself. Mankind can succeed in killing itself and all other life on this planet, but nothing it could ever do will stop life from eventually finding its way back. I wanted to focus on the idea that this world has faced total annihilation before, and new life still managed to come after that, the Earth can kill us but we can’t kill The Earth.

After, Ashley Kohaut

HCOM 434 Weekly Response Activities

My piece was inspired by our in class prompt: what do you imagine the world would be like if humans were stripped from its existence. Myself being an existentialist had a field day with this prompt.

Molecular Determinants Of Fetal Tolerance And The Transition To Adult Immunity, Yi Wei Lim

Dissertations

The perinatal immune system is highly tolerogenic and is phenotypically and functionally distinct from the adult immune system. This tolerogenic nature is a double-edged sword for newborns. While it is beneficial to prevent excessive inflammation against the vast array of foreign antigens encountered after birth, it also causes a lack of immune responses to life-threatening infections. My dissertation research aims to investigate the mechanisms by which perinatal T cells contribute to immune tolerance in infants. A deeper understanding of the nature of the perinatal immune system will provide pivotal knowledge to develop safe and effective strategies to protect infants from …

Preserving The Environment By Serving The Notion Of Common Good: Toward A Responsible Investment, Matin Pedram

Emory International Law Review Recent Developments

Our lives on the planet constitute a bigger image defining the relationship with the environment. Hence, it is worth talking about the common good of people worldwide. In this sense, we envisage a borderless good or better to say a shared good that is the environment, and individuals’ activities can be interpreted by their impacts on it. Environmental protection is a hot topic and states have put their efforts to minimize humans’ footprints by introducing regulations and measures because lack of comprehensive measures leads to regulative imbalances among communities. Less-developed communities (LDCs) intend to attract multinational corporations to invest in …

Fundamentals Of Interpersonal Communication, Teresa Fisher

Open Educational Resources

This textbook introduces students to fundamentals of interpersonal communication. It begins with a foundational chapter about communication including models of, definitions for, basic principles of, a focus on interpersonal communication, and the impact of social media on communication. It continues with chapters exploring various facets of interpersonal communication: intercultural communication, the self and communication, perception, verbal, nonverbal, and listening. The final two chapters look at interpersonal relationships and communication as well as conflict in interpersonal communication.

Using Mobile Technology To Promote Higher-Order Thinking Skills In Elementary Mathematics, Debbie Marie Versoza, Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, Jumela F. Sarmiento, Maria Alva Q. Aberin, Mark Anthony C. Tolentino, Mark L. Loyola

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The problem of rote-based learning in mathematics is well documented. Mobile technology can provide a potential solution, especially when application (app) design is based on sound pedagogical principles and gamification elements. However, an inventory of available mobile apps for mathematics reveals that many of the available apps are guided by a behaviorist perspective that favors repetition over meaningful learning. This paper reports on the design of mobile mathematics apps that harness gamification techniques to promote higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) even in basic elementary school concepts such as number comparison, and addition and subtraction. The integration of these apps in the …

Development Of A Gamified Number Line App For Teaching Estimation And Number Sense In Grades 1 To 7, Debbie Marie Versoza, Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, Maria Alva Q. Aberin, Agnes Garciano, Jumela F. Sarmiento, Mark Anthony C. Tolentino

Mathematics Faculty Publications

Fraction knowledge is known to be a gatekeeper to more advanced mathematical learning. On the basis of the literature on early number learning; a number line mobile application called Catch the Carrot was designed to develop students’ knowledge of whole number and fraction magnitude. This paper aims to describe the design of the Catch the Carrot app and discusses the rationale for using number lines as representational scaffolds for developing children’s understanding of numbers; particularly their estimation and number sense skills. The gamification features of the app; as well as strategies for integration in a classroom are also presented. This …

Nonhuman Iapp Variants Inhibit Human Iapp Aggregation, Alissa Oakes, Kate Menefee, Arleen Lamba, Larry M. Palato, Dillon J. Rinauro, Angela Tun, Betssy Jauregui, Kevin Chang, Luiza A. Nogaj, David A. Moffet

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Works

The aggregation of the 37-amino acid polypeptide human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), as either insoluble amyloid or as small oligomers, appears to play a direct role in the death of human pancreatic β-islet cells in type 2 diabetes. hIAPP is considered to be one of the most amyloidogenic proteins known. The quick aggregation of hIAPP leads to the formation of toxic species, such as oligomers and fibers, that damage mammalian cells (both human and rat pancreatic cells). Whether this toxicity is necessary for the progression of type 2 diabetes or merely a side effect of the disease remains unclear. If …

Media, Sports, And Society, Lawrence A. Wenner

Communication Studies Faculty Works

This chapter interrogates a research journey and the trajectory of study on media, sports, and society. Beginning with reflection on both stimulants to and motivations for this journey, the author makes a case for the necessity of interdisciplinarity in the socio-cultural study of mediated sport. Focusing on key theories, methods, and findings interwoven in his research agenda, the author summarizes key considerations in understanding (1) mediasport fan experiences, (2) dirt theory, commodification, and mega-events, (3) mediasport fan narratives, and (4) the mediasport interpellation. Moving to consideration of the larger state of play in media, sport, and society inquiry, the author …

On The Manifold Meaning Of Letting-Be In Reiner Schürmann, Ian Alexander Moore

Philosophy Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Heidegger, Our Monstrous Site: On Reiner Schürmann’S Reading Of The Beiträge, Ian Alexander Moore, Francesco Guercio

Philosophy Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Two Concepts Of Intellectual Humility, Jason Baehr

Philosophy Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Veganic Agriculture In The United States: Opportunities For Research, Outreach, And Education, Alisha Utter, Mona Seymour

Urban and Environmental Studies Faculty Works

A growing number of farmers are excluding animal inputs from crop production, an approach commonly referred to as veganic or stockfree organic agriculture. This research-based article discusses the soil health and fertility strategies reported by a sample of U.S. veganic farmers. These approaches may be relevant beyond the veganic community to farmers seeking innovative methods for produce safety and nutrient cycling. Agricultural outreach professionals (AOPs), including Extension personnel, play a critical role in supporting veganic practices by serving as cross-pollinators between farmers and research institutions. Thus, the article endeavors to expand AOP familiarity with veganic practices and benefits.

Crosswalk Sensor System, Jacob Schandel, Mohammed Alsubhi, Aaron Gloeckler, Samuel Turner

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A number of safety concerns persist with modern crosswalks. People are distracted by things in their car, or their surroundings can make it hard to see oncoming pedestrians. With today’s self-sufficient power technologies, available sensors, and cheap low-power wireless communication protocols, it is possible to create digital signage to warn of oncoming pedestrians. By using distance sensors such as ultrasonic or infrared sensors, systems can detect where objects, or in this case people, are with respect to a sensor on a fixed pole. With low-powered illumination technologies like LEDs and low-powered IoT communication protocols like ZigBee, a system can communicate …

Power Amplification Strategies Across Animals, Rayhan Asif

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Animals use muscles for movement, but some have evolved mechanisms to exceed maximum power used in a motion known as power amplification. In this literature review, I analyzed and compared the evolution of structures capable of power amplification between species. Structures capable of power amplification were broken down into the basic components of the engine, amplifier, and tool. The species analyzed were found to possess necessary structures for power amplification which were relatively similar to each other in morphology, but varied greatly in function. The ease with which these structures evolved was evaluated based on the amount of divergence which …

The Relationship Between Stress And Emotional Eating In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Rachel Gasser, Sydney Dominek

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Nursing students consistently report high levels of stress. This replication study examined the relationship between stress and emotional eating in undergraduate nursing students and compared findings with the original 2012 study. The non-experimental study was guided by the Psychosomatic Theory. Sampling and data collection occurred using three waves of recruitment emails to all sophomore and senior nursing students in spring of 2021. Stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Tool. Emotional eating was measured with the Weight and Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire. Emotional eating was higher in seniors, there was no level difference in stress, and BMI was higher in sophomores, …