Digital Commons Network^™

De Minimis Non Curat Lex?: Law And Little Things, William Ian Miller

Book Chapters

We are all familiar with the maxim de minimis non curat lex. It is not true at all; a good portion of law is concerned with nothing if not little things. Yes, there are often jurisdictional amounts that purport to deny jurisdiction to disputes too trivial for the courts to get moving. But sometimes these amounts are so minimal that it falsifies the maxim, a maxim which is not classical, apparently being a late medieval modification of de minimis non curat praeter.<.p>

Journeys Through The Lusophone Transatlantic Matrix: Essays In Memory Of Fernando Arenas, Malcolm Mcnee, Ana Paula Ferreira

Spanish and Portuguese: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Knowledge Exchange Efficiency In Academic Virtual Community Based On The Characteristics Of Author Network Structure, Shuqing Li, Tiansheng Zheng

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/Significance]The measurement of knowledge exchange efficiency of academic virtual community has a positive significance for understanding and improving the academic virtual community itself, and also provides a new application analysis field for the evaluation methods of knowledge exchange efficiency. [Methods/Process]This paper proposes a method to measure the efficiency of knowledge exchange in academic virtual community by using networks of blog author. The network node weights are designed by summarizing the total number of views, recommendations, comments and blog category of each blog author. The edge weights in network are designed by the blog author's domain characteristics and blog category. According …

Sdebuddy - Code Documentation Using Large Language Models, Nischay Nagendra

Master's Projects

In this fast developing world of software development, it is crucial to maintain the quality of code and the developers’ productivity. This can be done effectively with good code documentation. SDEBuddy uses the latest generation of Large Language Models (LLMs) and finetuning procedures to create code documentation. In this project, state-of-the-art models such as Llama2 and Llama3 are employed to mimic the behavior of the given code and produce documentation. Such models are tuned for various programming languages and documentation formats using LoRA and QLoRA fine-tuning approaches. These models are evaluated in terms of the BLEU score, ROUGE score and …

Fair Notice And Criminalizing Abortions, Brian G. Slocum, Nadia Banteka

Scholarly Publications

The principle of legality requires that individuals receive 'fair notice" of conduct that is criminal. Courts enforce this fair notice requirement through various interpretive principles and practices, including the void-for-vagueness doctrine. The void-for-vagueness doctrine remains undertheorized, however, despite its centrality to the interpretation of criminal statutes. We offer a new theory of the void-for-vagueness doctrine that accounts for recent Supreme Court decisions. Specifically, we propose a scalar theory that fair notice is a matter of degree, dependent on various factors. We explore the implications of this theory for anti-abortion statutes post-Dobbs and explain why many of these statutes do not …

Personal Traits And Formalization Of Entrepreneurial Ventures: Insights From A Developing Country, Kasimu Sendawula, Shamirah Najjinda, Marion Nanyanzi, Saadat Nakyejwe Lubowa Kimul, Ahmad Walugembe

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to explore how the personal traits of the informal entrepreneurs influence their formalization decisions.

Design/methodology/approach– This study adopted a qualitative approach using a multicase design in which 28 informal entrepreneurs situated in Kampala district, Uganda, were engaged. An interview guide, recorders and note books were used in data collection.

Findings– The results indicate that the traits of informal and semiformal entrepreneurs are distinct. Informal entrepreneurs have been noted to be more courageous and resilient, while their semiformal counterparts have greater passion for their businesses. It is thus observed that the formalization prospects are …

Node-Degree Aware Edge Sampling Mitigates Inflated Classification Performance In Biomedical Random Walk-Based Graph Representation Learning., Luca Cappelletti, Lauren Rekerle, Tommaso Fontana, Peter Hansen, Elena Casiraghi, Vida Ravanmehr, Christopher J Mungall, Jeremy J Yang, Leonard Spranger, Guy Karlebach, J Harry Caufield, Leigh Carmody, Ben D Coleman, Tudor I Oprea, Justin Reese, Giorgio Valentini, Peter N Robinson

Faculty Research 2024

MOTIVATION: Graph representation learning is a family of related approaches that learn low-dimensional vector representations of nodes and other graph elements called embeddings. Embeddings approximate characteristics of the graph and can be used for a variety of machine-learning tasks such as novel edge prediction. For many biomedical applications, partial knowledge exists about positive edges that represent relationships between pairs of entities, but little to no knowledge is available about negative edges that represent the explicit lack of a relationship between two nodes. For this reason, classification procedures are forced to assume that the vast majority of unlabeled edges are negative. …

Investigating The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Teaching And Learning Communication Skills- Action Research In A Teachers’ College In Kigoma Region., Gerald Simon Russine

Master of Education

This study investigated the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning communication skills at a teachers' college in Kigoma, Tanzania. An action research methodology was used to gain insights from tutors and student teachers. In the reconnaissance stage, observations and a pre-test revealed lack of AI integration and below-average searching skills. The intervention involved introducing ChatGPT, an AI assistant, to augment instruction. Over eight sessions, tutors and students used ChatGPT for asking questions, finding contents for teaching and learning, and facilitating several classroom discussions. The overall perceptions from the tutors and student teachers were positive, noting increased accessibility, …

Exploring Parental Involvement In Children’S Literacy Development: A Study Of A Kenyan Junior Public Secondary School, Daniel Ommila Shilenje

Master of Education

Parental involvement plays a significant role in children's literacy development. This qualitative study explored the opportunities for parental support in literacy growth, parents' challenges, and practical strategies to increase parental engagement. Interviews were conducted with parents, teachers, and students at a public junior secondary school in Nairobi, Kenya. Observational data was also collected through home visits.

The findings revealed various avenues for parental involvement, such as shared reading, maintaining a print-rich home environment, acting as literacy role models, communicating effectively with teachers, and assisting with homework. These opportunities helped strengthen parent-child bonds and fostered a love for reading. However, challenges …

Exploring The Contribution Of Public Pre-Primary School In Promoting Play-Based Learning Environment: Case Of Two Schools In Nachingwea District., Alam Jacob Nsana

Master of Education

Play and children's learning are inherently intertwined, with play serving as children's natural way of engaging with and understanding the world around them. This study underscores the essential role of play in facilitating children's social, cognitive, and emotional development, emphasizing its significance as a foundational aspect of early childhood education. Educationists, parents, and administrators recognize the power of play in allowing children to explore and learn autonomously, providing them with equal opportunities for engagement in learning activities.

However, the study acknowledges the challenge of determining the most effective ways and timing for utilizing play to facilitate learning. It aimed to …

Exploring The Discretion Of Principals In The Implementation Of Language Policy: A Case Of French In Secondary Schools In Kakamega County, Kenya., Samson Oduor Otieno

Master of Education

Principals, as street-level bureaucrats, play a monumental role in shaping policy outcomes through the interpretation and operationalization of policies in schools. They have substantial discretion to modify policies thereby being ‘policymakers.’ The present study explored the discretion of principals in implementing the language policy regarding French in secondary schools in Kenya. A qualitative case study approach was used to examine the principals’ understanding of the language policy in Kenya, the discretion that principals have in policy implementation, and the effects of these discretionary powers in two purposively selected secondary schools in Fierte County, one with a principal trained in French …

Exploring The Contribution Of Storytelling In Preparing Children For Pre-Primary Education: A Study Of Selected Families In Tanzania., Willy Japhet Mhagama

Master of Education

The power of storytelling transcends its traditional role in preserving cultural heritage. This research uncovers the profound impact storytelling has on nurturing young minds. Through focused exploration, it becomes evident that storytelling equips children with essential skills for educational adventures.

Various engaging genres introduce children to diverse perspectives and values, igniting their imagination. Traditional folktales establish connections to cultural traditions, while imaginative myths foster creativity. However, storytelling goes beyond entertainment; it brings learning to life. Immersed in narratives, children's language skills flourish, expanding their vocabulary, and their critical thinking abilities sharpen. Additionally, assuming roles from listener to storyteller empowers self-expression …

Exploring The Integration Of Neuroeducation Principles In Teaching Mathematics In Selected Secondary Schools In Iringa Municipality, Tanzania., Emmanuel Jonathan Kahise

Master of Education

This research explored the integration of neuroeducation principles in the mathematics curriculum of secondary educational institutions in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania, driven by the goal of enhancing learning outcomes and refining instructional strategies. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the study examined teachers' perspectives, the actual implementation of neuroeducation concepts in classrooms, and the challenges encountered during integration. Through observations of form one and form three classes and interviews with three mathematics teachers, inconsistencies between claimed understanding and actual practices were identified. To address issues such as a lack of instructional resources, restricted technology access, and limited professional growth opportunities, specific …

A Makerspace Intervention To Foster Grade 3 Learners' Creative Writing Proficiency., Mary Sada Chanzera

Master of Education

This research project investigates the effectiveness of integrating a MakerSpace intervention to enhance the creative writing skills of Grade 3 learners. Recognizing the importance of developing these skills in early education for communication, academic success, and critical thinking, the study addresses challenges faced by Grade 3 students in expressing thoughts effectively through writing. The proposed integration of MakerSpace technology is positioned as a transformative tool to unlock learners' linguistic potential and stimulate imagination. MakerSpace offers interactive tools, collaborative spaces, and self-directed learning opportunities, providing a comprehensive solution to obstacles hindering creative writing development. By incorporating MakerSpace into the curriculum, Grade …

Examining The Role Of District Education Officers In Implementing Early Childhood Education: A Case Study Of Bukoba Municipality, Leonard Namala Ndyakowa

Master of Education

This research delves into the pivotal role of education officers in implementing early childhood education within Bukoba Municipality. The comprehensive findings unveil the multifaceted responsibilities of these officers, including the identification of children for enrollment, the establishment of conducive learning environments, and the efficient allocation of human resources. Acknowledging challenges such as inadequate classrooms and teachers, the study emphasizes the complexities associated with delivering quality pre-primary education in the region.

Additionally, the research underscores the significance of in-service training, school visits, data collection, and the integration of science and technology in supporting education officers' roles. It sheds light on challenges …

Psychological Energy: Early Theorists In The Analytical Tradition, Michael Da

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Since the dawn of Western psychology, theorists have used variations of the term “energy” to describe the dynamic forces at work within the psyche and the soma and the psychotherapeutic processes of change. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, terms used for psychological energy included “libido,” “psychic energy,” “orgone energy,” “bioenergetics,” and “psycho-energetics.” This paper uses philosophical hermeneutics to compare the major theorists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century: William James, Pierre Janet, Sigmund Freud, C. G. Jung, Wilhelm Reich, Alexander Lowen, and Roberto Assagioli. Analysis reveals these theorists generally agreed psychological energy is (a) a …

Japanese Women In The Workforce: Tradition Versus Equality, Sierra Kehrwieder

International Studies Undergraduate Honors Theses

For decades, women in Japan have advocated for gender equality, especially for increased support in entering the work force. However, it has been difficult to increase women’s rights without compromising traditional ideals. As more women needed to enter the workforce in the 1990s due to economic circumstances, gender equality has become increasingly called into question. The role of the office lady and the role of female politicians reflect the limited role women have in the workplace. This is reinforced by state legislation, which are created by a government overrepresented by men. These policies aim to promote economic development and address …

Wagner (2024) How Did Philosophy Get Back In The Twentieth-Century Pre–High School Classroom?, Paul A. Wagner

IAPC Written Histories

Matthew Lipman befriended me at an APA meeting in 1974. Through more than twenty years of phone calls, I got to chat with, consult with, and learn from Matt the details and challenges of developing philosophy for children. He acknowledged that I convinced him that the program needed “branding,” lest anyone present similar-sounding programs—some of which might be good and others not. He got a snippet of a video of my teaching troubled sixth-graders with his book Harry Stottlemeier’s Discovery on the Today Show with Bryant Gumbel. That did much to shape my future, as did branding for sustaining Matt’s …

Digital Activism Through Humour And Satire: An Analysis Of The Use Of Tiktok And X For Political Accountability In Uganda., Shemei Agabo

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study aimed to analyze the use of satire through TikTok and X networking sites as dialogue tools, specifically for political activism in Uganda. The study looked at the two communication platforms as avenues of expanding the civic space for the citizens, in a country faced with a lot of restrictions for legacy media and traditional online platforms. The study is significant because it analyzes how social media platforms can be used for political activism in a country like Uganda, ruled by stringent rules regarding speaking to power. The method of study was an exploratory study design and the qualitative …

Reconciling Riverside Bayview Homes, Sackett, And County Of Maui, Stephen Johnson

Articles

Near the end of the 2022 term, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Sackett v. EPA. The case has been described as "the most important Clean Water Act case the Court has ever decided, and ... probably ... one of the most impactful environmental decisions in the Court's history."  For the fourth time, the Court interpreted the meaning of the term "navigable waters" in the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Sackett Court narrowed the interpretation of the term in a manner that critics claim will eliminate federal protection for more than 50% of the wetlands in the United …

Chinese Economic Behavior In Southeast Asia: A Historical And Cultural Overview Of The Migration Patterns, Culture, And Business Practices Of The Chinese Diaspora In Southeast Asia, Zachary Szklarz

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

For hundreds of years, ethnic Chinese have set sail in hopes of peace and economic prosperity in Southeast Asia. Over time, these immigrants became paramount to the culture, economies, and politics of their newfound homes. The immense success of these Chinese migrants and their descendants is based on two main factors: maintaining in-group preference in business and social life without explicit discrimination towards outsiders and holding individuals who have achieved wealth through ethical Confucianist means in high esteem. Unique among diaspora groups, the emigrants from China managed to become fully integrated in their adoptive homelands, while still maintaining traditional customs, …

Investing In Critical Consciousness And Civic Engagement In Underfunded Schools, Molly Dailey Andersson

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Throughout this thesis I confront inequity in its pervasive and far-reaching form of American K-12 school finance. By analyzing the inequitable school funding practices of funding formulas and debt repayment structures, I explore how past and present-day school funding practices have evolved through the values and modes of racial capitalism and more recently, neoliberalism. Through Critical Action Research, I challenge the hegemonic hold racial capitalism and neoliberalism have on school funding by critiquing the educational practices and relations it helps produce. Despite the pernicious scale of inequitable school funding practices, Critical Action Research allows for imagining and shaping an education …

From Biology Major To Religion Professor: Personal Reflections On Evolution, Joshua M. Sears

BYU Studies

When I arrived at Brigham Young University as an excited freshman, my plan was to major in biology. I had really enjoyed biology in high school and scored a perfect 5 on the AP exam, so I figured this was something I could be good at. That first year I took courses in general biology, biodiversity, chemistry, and physical science.

Book Of Mormon Grammar And Translation, Stanford Carmack

BYU Studies

This paper discusses some of the Book of Mormon’s nonstandard grammar, showing how in many cases it was not the kind of grammar that Joseph Smith would have been expected to produce, since it was neither his native usage nor a presumed biblically influenced English. In these contexts, if he had been in control of the wording of the text, it is highly likely that he would have expressed things differently. Quite a few examples are provided in support of this claim, along with additional matching examples found in early modern texts.

Entrevista A Carmen Silva-Corvalán, Antonio Medina-Rivera

International Journal of the Linguistic Association of the Southwest

No abstract provided.

U.S. Mexican Spanish West Of The Mississippi. Social Context And Linguistic Features, Michelle F. Ramos Pellicia

International Journal of the Linguistic Association of the Southwest

No abstract provided.

Editorial Advisors, Antonio Medina-Rivera

International Journal of the Linguistic Association of the Southwest

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Roles Storytelling Can Play In Improving The Teaching Of English Language: A Case Study Of A Selected Secondary School In Mityana District, Uganda, Kadondi Sofia

Master of Education

This study explored the roles storytelling can play in improving the teaching of English with specific objectives of exploring students’ response towards the use of storytelling during the teaching and Learning of English language, identifying the challenges faced by the teachers when using storytelling in Teaching English and further exploring the strategies to minimize challenges faced by teachers when using storytelling in teaching English. In finding out these objectives the research encompassed observational studies, focused group discussion, document analysis and interviews with teachers and students to gain insights into how students respond to stories and the challenges teachers face when …

Exploring The Role Music Can Play In Improving The Teaching Of Poetry In One Secondary School In Uganda, Fortunate Letaru

Master of Education

This study explored the role of music in improving the teaching of Poetry. Employing a Qualitative approach through Action Research design, the study utilized interviews, classroom observations, focus group discussions, and document analysis to gather data on students' responses to the music integration, teacher challenges, and strategies for overcoming them. The study found that music increased engagement, interest, and emotional connection, but challenges like lack of gadgets, administrative support, and infrastructure were addressed through strategies like providing technology, involving students, and incorporating diverse genres. These results suggest valuable contributions to the development of innovative pedagogical approaches that seamlessly integrate music …

Mental Resilience And State Anxiety In Bulgarians Living In Their Country Of Origin Or Abroad During Covid-19 Pandemic, Stanislava Stoyanova

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

Comparing state anxiety and mental resilience among people living in their country of origin and emigrants abroad may reveal if they have different experiences of negative emotional states, as well as different resources for coping with changes in everyday life brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 142 Bulgarians living in Bulgaria during COVID-19 pandemic and 142 Bulgarians living in different countries abroad, whose age varied from 21 to 44 years old. The study was conducted online by means of Qualtrics applying Spielberger’s State Anxiety Scale and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale CD-RISC2. State anxiety was significantly lower (t(282) = 3.242, …