Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Communication To Enhance Health Literacy And Self-Management Of Heart Failure: Protocol For A Multimethod Study, Neda Karimi, Francesco De Toni, Walter Abhayaratna, Blake Askelin, Philip Currie, Karol Edge, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Elizabeth Fewster, Liza Goncharov, Nisha Jijo, Susy Macqueen, Nilufeur Mckay, Suzanne Raine, Amineh Rashidi, Christopher Rouen, Rosemary Saunders, Peter Schulz, Rhea Tecson, Diana Slade

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Self-care plays a pivotal role in the management of heart failure (HF). Health literacy and empowerment are considered the prerequisites of effective self-care. This project aims to improve self-management in people with HF by describing, analysing and enhancing the communication practices of clinicians and patients to support people with HF to increase their health literacy skills and participate in shared decision-making. Methods and analysis A multimethod research design incorporating an interview component, a concurrent mixed-methods component and a pilot intervention study is used. The study is currently being conducted at two Australian hospitals in metropolitan areas (one public and …

Integrating A “World -Class” Safety System Into Diverse Teams, Mark D. Keller

ASEM Capstones

2025 ASEM 620 Capstone Project

Ract: Ranking-Aware Chain-Of-Thought Optimization For Llms, Haowei Liu, Xuyang Wu, Guohao Sun, Hsin-Tai Wu, Zhiqiang Tao, Yi Fang

Computer Science and Engineering

In information retrieval, large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated remarkable potential in text reranking tasks by leveraging their sophisticated natural language understanding and advanced reasoning capabilities. However, conventional supervised fine-tuning approaches for specializing LLMs in ranking tasks often lead to significant degradation of the models' general-purpose abilities. To address this fundamental challenge, this paper presents a novel methodology that strategically combines Chain-of-Thought (CoT) prompting techniques with an innovative two-stage training pipeline consisting of Supervised Fine-Tuning followed by Ranking Preference Optimization (SFT-RPO). The Chain-of-Thought prompting component encourages models to explicitly articulate their reasoning process during ranking decisions, creating a transparent pathway …

Innovative Offshore Transition-To-Practice Model For International Nurses Using Tele-Simulation, Lisa Mceathron, Christian Striggow, Jose Arnold Tariga

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Empirical evidence underscores the importance of optimal nurse staffing in delivering high-quality patient care, improving outcomes, and enhancing nurse well-being. Internationally educated nurses (IENs) play a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in the United States, yet they face challenges in bridging gaps between varying international nursing standards and US healthcare practices. Innovative approaches are essential to ensure their readiness to integrate effectively prior to arrival.

The International Transition to Practice Program leverages tele-simulation as a pioneering strategy to address these challenges, providing an offshore, immersive learning experience for IENs. This program was implemented from July 2023 to September 2024, …

Ai-Based Claims Assessment For Motor Vehicle Damage Detection, Anonymous

Defensive Publications Series

The insurance industry faces increasing pressure to optimize claims processing efficiency while minimizing claim leakage and fraud. Traditional rule-based and manual approaches are reaching their limits, particularly as market dynamics such as claims inflation and customer demand for faster, self-service experiences accelerate. To address these challenges, we present an AI-driven claims assessment framework that integrates computer vision and generative AI to support human interpretation of visual and textual evidence in vehicle damage claims.

The proposed system comprises two modules: Motor Damage Assessment for analyzing vehicle body damage and Glass Damage Assessment for evaluating windshield damage. The Motor Damage Assessment consists …

Artificial Minds, Alien Experiences: Navigating The Uncharted Territory Of Ai Phenomenology, Kevin H. Smith

University of Memphis Law Review

This Article advocates for a fundamental shift in the way artificial intelligence (“AI”) consciousness is evaluated, moving beyond anthropocentric models that rely on human cognitive benchmarks. Traditional tests, such as the Turing Test, assume that human-like behavior is the ultimate criterion for consciousness, overlooking the possibility of novel, non-human modes of consciousness. Instead, this Article proposes a multi-dimensional framework that assesses AI systems based on their unique architectures and cognitive processes. By combining dimensions such as information integration, autonomous goal-pursuit, metacognitive self-modeling, affective motivation, social communication, counterfactual simulation, imaginative reasoning, and causal modeling, this framework provides a comprehensive and empirically …

Development And Evaluation Of The Sex Positivity Inventory For Counselors, M. Ashley Burks, Jennifer Gerlach, Joshua C. Watson

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

The purpose of the study was to clarify the definition of sex positivity and identify sex-positive attitudes, knowledge, and skills through the development and evaluation of the Sex Positivity Inventory for Counselors (SPI-C). The exploratory factor analysis supported a six-factor, 34-item scale, accounting for 32.9% of the variance within the study. The SPI-C had an excellent internal consistency of 0.96 and consisted of the following factors: 1) Procedural Sex Positivity, 2) Comfortability with Sexuality, 3) Perceived Sex Positivity, 4) Fundamental Sex Education, 5) Sexological Worldview, and 6) Unconditional Positive Sexual Regard. Implications for practice, counselor education, and supervision are discussed.

Semantic Networks In Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Exhibit Reduced Efficiency, Interconnectivity, And Flexibility, Sophia Lall, Jennifer Pardo, Joshua Sandry

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Background

Word-finding deficits are common in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pwRRMS); this may be related to the inefficient organization of semantic information.

Objective

To understand whether the semantic organization and semantic retrieval are impacted in pwRRMS.

Methods

Semantic fluency data from 64 pwRRMS and 73 controls was utilized to (1) derive standard verbal fluency measures using the Semantic Network and Fluency Utility R package and (2) build semantic networks via the correlation-based network approach in the SemNet R package. Subjective word-finding concerns were assessed in a subgroup of the sample. Group differences were evaluated.

Results

PwRRMS endorsed more frequent …

Welcoming Spaces: Parent Leadership And Early Literacy As Community-Based Co-Regulation Supports, Lauren S. Dake

Masters Projects

Many young children exhibit challenging behavior in early childhood settings, often as a response to high levels of stress in their home and community environments. This applied master’s project presents Welcoming Spaces, a parent-led initiative developed to support children’s emotional development, caregiver well-being, and early literacy through informal, community-based experiences. In response to concerns about rising dysregulation and reduced access to supportive environments, the project offers portable play areas hosted by parents at events such as school functions, library gatherings, and local festivals. These spaces include calming sensory activities and opportunities for shared reading, while also providing caregivers with …

Propuesta Curricular Para La Asistencia Médica Bilingüe Orientada A La Concordancia De Lenguas Y La Interpretación Médica En Español, David Sanchez-Jimenez, Noemi Rodriguez, Justin Harnandan, Margarita Perez, Melissa Garcia

Publications and Research

Resumen: El presente trabajo describe el proceso para establecer una especialización secundaria bilingüe centrada en la comunicación y la interpretación médica en una universidad de Estados Unidos designada como Institución al Servicio de los Hispanos. Este nuevo título universitario brindará a los estudiantes bilingües de español e inglés especializados en el área de la salud la oportunidad de mejorar sus destrezas comunicativas para convertirse en competentes profesionales de la salud concordantes de lengua.

Abstract:This paper details the process to establish a new bilingual academic minor in health communication and medical interpretation at a United States university designated as a Hispanic-Serving …

Russian Cyber Disinformation In Mexico And Spain, Isabella Lafranchise

Honors Theses

Disinformation campaigns are being spread throughout Mexico and Spain by Russia, and these campaigns are among the tools most used by a foreign country to manipulate societies, weaken democracies, and deepen divisions. This research seeks to answer the question: How does Russia use cyber tools to spread disinformation in Mexico and Spain? To address this question, the paper will examine government reports and academic research of recent Russian influence operations. Variables will include the types of cyber tools used, platforms used, the narratives/themes being promoted, audiences targeted, and the political or social outcomes observed. Data will be analyzed using a …

U-Glide Program Fall 2025, Unf Office Of Undergraduate Research, Unf Graduate School

Undergraduate – Graduate Learning, Inquiry, and Distinctive Experimentation (U-GLIDE) Symposium Programs

No abstract provided.

The Social Side Of Aging In Place: Community, Belonging, And Cultural Fit, Michael Crespo

University Honors Theses

Aging in place, or the capacity of older adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age has been a central tenet of the field of gerontology and the gerontological social policy area. Although access to physical facilities and service provision has been the main focus of traditional studies, contemporary experience demonstrates that social and cultural issues are equally important as determinants of the quality of life. This thesis discusses the influence of social networks, cultural congruence, and community belonging on the aging in place experience. The content of the study is based on the Ecological Model of …

Environmental Risk Assessment Of Textile Waste From Bio-Engineered Fibers In The Fashion Industry, Aayush Pankaj Agarwal, Harshit Soral, Irmak Aktan, Karol Montserrat Gonzalez Saad, Maria Daniela Saa Espinosa, Sheetal Suhas Dhanuka, Yi Yang

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

The global fashion industry generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, a figure projected to increase significantly by 2030. Bio-engineered fibers, including bacterial cellulose, mycelium-based leather, and recombinant protein textiles emerge as sustainable alternatives to conventional fibers. Despite their promise, recent evidence suggests that these fibers may pose environmental risks at the end-of-life stage, such as incomplete biodegradation in landfills, microfiber shedding, and chemical leaching from dyes and coatings. The purpose of this study is to examine how these risks are represented through scientific literature, corporate sustainability reports, and policy frameworks, and to identify strategies for integrating risk …

Expressive Language And Behavior, Bethany J. Butler

Masters Projects

Research has revealed the importance of language and its correlation with behavior. Although language and behavior are both forms of communication, this project explores young children and their relationship with society. Honing in on the essential importance of efficient expressive language to be able to participate in society. Looking at common barriers that may hinder the language process. Exploring Maslow and his hierarchy of needs, and understanding that the basic needs have to be met before having the ability to learn. In summary, the project focused on how to support the increase in language in different stages.

Archival Notations Of The Norwegian Charter Material, Juliane Tiemann

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This paper explores archival notations, primarily from the early modern and modern periods, found on the dorse of Norwegian charters dating from the 13th to the 17th century. By examining the notation practices of two prominent Norwegian archivists and collectors, the study further highlights individual efforts in documenting and preserving these materials across various collections. The archival efforts are contextualized historically, noting a transition to systematic archival management. The findings reveal the significance of this largely unexplored component of Norwegian charters as additional historical sources, emphasizing the role of dorsal annotations in provenance research. The textual and visual analysis of …

Combating Financial Corruption In The Light Of The Prophetic Hadith: An Analytical And Rhetorical Study, Manaa Rajeh Saad Alghamdi

UB Journal for Humanities

This study clarifies the rhetorical qualities and artistic dimensions of the Prophet Muhammad’s eloquence in Hadiths cautioning against the unlawful appropriation of wealth, aimed at combating widespread financial corruption in society. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the research addresses two main questions: How is language employed to counter financial corruption, and how do the Prophet’s expressive modes vary within this context? Through a detailed rhetorical analysis of relevant Hadiths framed by a unifying thematic perspective, the study reveals the subtle intricacies of these expressions. The research is structured into an introduction and four sections that discuss the Prophet’s eloquence on bribery, …

Semiotics Of The Identity Of The Saudi National Day Slogan During The Reign Of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Norah Saad Mohammed Al-Shahrani

UB Journal for Humanities

This research analyzes the semiotics of the visual identity of the Saudi National Day during the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. It aims to analyze the semantic and value dimensions associated with Saudi society and its cultural and civilizational contextual components through the structural elements of the logo: the visual and iconic on the one hand, and the linguistic on the other. The investigation also measures the transformations and changes in the structure of the logo and its advertising production that have evolved over the past nine years. The research utilized semiotic analysis of the logo to explore the …

Restricted Word Order In Languages Without Overt Case Marking: Evidence From Modern Dialects Of Arabic, Mustafa Ahmed Al-Humari

UB Journal for Humanities

The study examines the morphosyntactic strategies used in Arabic language to indicate grammatical functions (subject, object) within a sentence, comparing and contrasting modern dialects of Arabic, particularly Saudi Arabic, and Yemeni Arabic, with Standard Arabic. The empirical observation of the study is that, while Standard Arabic mainly relies on a case marking strategy to determine grammatical functions, the modern dialects of Arabic under investigation are incapable of employing this strategy. This incapability raises questions about how grammatical functions are indicated in the absence of overt case morphology in the mentioned dialects. The paper argues that the absence of overt case …

The Syntax Of Verbless Sentences In Bisha Najdi Arabic, Aeshah Muqbil Saeed Almineeai

UB Journal for Humanities

This study investigates the syntactic structure of verbless sentences in Bisha Najdi Arabic (henceforth BNA). It explores the different types of BNA verbless constructions, i.e., verbless constructions with nominal predicate, adjectival predicates and adverbial predicate. It argues for the nonverbal predicate analysis, as proposed by Benmamoun (2000, 2008), and extends the analysis to BNA verbless constructions within Chomsky's (1995) Minimalist Framework. In addition, the study argues that hnaak in similar constructions is a verb-like element, and accordingly, a syntactic analysis is provided for both BNA affirmative and negative hnaak-constructions. By investigating the syntactic structure of BNA verbless sentences, the study …

Variations In Politeness Strategies Among Native Speakers Of Najdi Arabic And American English In Social Communication: A Cross-Cultural Study, Aeshah Muqbil Saeed Almineeai, Asseel Ali Alshahrani

UB Journal for Humanities

Uncovering what constitutes polite language in each culture and how certain expressions deemed acceptable in one society might be inappropriate in the other is the focus of politeness. Therefore, this study investigates the variations in communication strategies among speakers of Najdi Arabic, as spoken in Bisha City, and speakers of American English. The study basically explores how individuals from these distinct linguistic backgrounds respond to five different social scenarios. The study used qualitative approach to detect the responses of 15 speakers—11 Saudi Arabian natives and 4 Americans on some situations. Findings show there are some similarities in what may be …

The Origins Of The Transformative Generative Theory In Sibawayh’S Book, A Grammatical-Linguistic Approach, Fahad Salem Mohammed Almagloth

UB Journal for Humanities

The study aims to prove that modern linguistics theories emanate from ancient linguistic studies and classical texts. It also highlights the flexibility, reproduction, and growth features of the Arabic language, where endless sentences can be generated from a single sentence through transformational rules, depending on the potential energy behind generating their vocabulary. This was demonstrated by the study through Sibawayh’s book. Among the topics that the study proved concerning the foundations of transformational-generative theory in Sibawayh’s book are the factor, the origin and the subsidiary, estimative parsing, change of parsing diacritics, precedence and posterior-position shifting, disambiguity. The study proceeded according …

Deixis In Explaining Arabic Proverbs: A Study In The Book Of (Jamharat Al-Amthal) By Abu Hilal Al-Askari, Ali Mohsen Ahmad Mashouf

UB Journal for Humanities

This research studied deixis in the book of (Jamharat Al-Amthal) by Abu Hilal al-Askari, as one of the most important research topics in the modern pragmatics. It is also a part of rhetoric research in the contemporary trends that link language and usage, as general rhetoric - which is a branch of the modern rhetoric - relies on the convergence between the imaginary and the pragmatic in one of its descriptions. As for the term (deixis), it is a modern term taken from pragmatics, in addition to a group of other topics such as: speech acts, dialogism, presuppositions, and speech …

The Quest For Connection In A Cold And Isolated World: A Psychoanalytical Study On Edward Albee's 'The Zoo Story', Abdulmajeed Abdulqadir Saeed Alhanash

UB Journal for Humanities

This research paper explores the theme of connection in a cold and isolated world through a psychoanalytical lens. It specifically focusses on Edward Albee's one-act play, The Zoo Story, examining how the characters' struggles with loneliness, alienation, and detachment reflect the broader human condition. It illuminates the underlying psychological motivations, anxieties, and desires that shape their actions and relationships. The psychological approach is used to analyze the social isolation and loneliness of characters in the play. Analyzing this theme psychologically illuminates the factors contributing to Jerry’s sense of isolation: lack of meaningful social connections, societal pressures, and personal experiences that …

Problems Of Faithfulness In The English Translation Of Tayeb Salih’S Masterpiece Season Of Migration To The North: Revisiting Equivalence Theory, Ali Albashir Mohammed Alhaj

UB Journal for Humanities

Translation is a bi-lingual communication activity that should convey the information similar to the original. Consequently, the translator's target is to be faithful to the original wording and maintain the essence of the source language (SL) when he/she conveys a text in the target language (TL). This study was conducted to cast a new light on the cultural problems encountered by Denys Johnson-Davis in his English translation of Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North, specifically in terms of his faithfulness to the ST, and how these can be addressed from various theoretical and practical standpoints about the equivalence …

Fostering Oral English Skills Beyond Formal Learning In Saudi Efl Setting, Ghazwan Mohammed Saeed Mohammed

UB Journal for Humanities

The increasing research on informal language learning illustrates awareness about out-of-class learning. This study aimed to explore how technological advances are being used informally to enhance EFL learners’ oral skills. The study was conducted at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Employing a survey, data were collected from 191 learners at the university level. The participants were male and female students who were enrolled at different colleges of the university. Findings revealed that learners frequently use a set of strategies for out-of-class oral skills enhancement. The listening and speaking strategies were quite similar, which indicated that learners were aware of …

The Poetry Of The Argumentative Discourse Of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Nami: A Descriptive Cultural Study, Hammdadh Mosharek Alrwili

UB Journal for Humanities

This study aims to identify the concept of arguments, their goals, and functions and to reveal the poetic characteristics of argument in the poetic text of the Abbasid poet Abi al-Abbas, Poetry is considered one of the finest Arabic literary arts since the ancient era, and the poetic text is still a rich resource, to which the efforts of scholars of different studies and curricula are attracted, due to the linguistic and rhetorical characteristics of these texts. This study came in a preface and two sections: the first topic, entitled: The argument in the poetic text, and the second topic, …

Casting Mechanisms In Lady Aisha’S Sermon In Defense Of Her Father: A Critical Rhetorical Study, Abdul Rahman Ahmed Abdullah Al-Maqri

UB Journal for Humanities

This research deals with the manifestations of textual casting and its artistic mechanisms in the sermon of Lady Aisha - may God be pleased with her - in defense of her father, a study from a critical rhetorical perspective. It is not hidden the importance of textual casting in the cohesion of the text and the solidarity of its parts. If its presence in the rhetorical architecture weakens, the meaning weakens and the discourse disappears, and speech becomes closer to incomprehensibility and eloquence. Textual casting is the furthest that modern studies have reached in dealing with and analyzing the text. …

Textual Cohesion In The Article “Our Souls Soared With Resoluteness And Yielded To Hope” By Umaima Al-Jalahma: A Textual-Analytical Approach, Aida Bint Hamdan Al-Harbi

UB Journal for Humanities

This study seeks to find the tools of textual consistency in a model of the collection of articles of the writer “Dr. Umaima Al-Jalahmeh”. The model article is “Our souls flew with firmness and settled with hope”. Researchers were busy studying textual consistency, its tools and its role in achieving text coherence and bonding of different texts, helping the reader to analyze and understand them. In this study, we will analyze the article published by the author on 7/7/1436H. Halliday’s methodological researcher follows good script consistency criteria. The study found that the author Dr. Umaima Al-Jalahmeh was creative in using …

The Book Containing The Triangulation With One Meaning By Mohammed Bin Abdulwali Bin Abi Mohammed Bin Khawlan Al-Hanbali Al-Baali: Studying And Investigating, Mona Bint Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Shamrani

UB Journal for Humanities

This current research aims to study and investigate the book titled: “The Triangle with One Meaning”, by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wali Ibn Abi Muhammad Ibn Khawlan al-Hanbali al-Ba’li (a study and investigation). It is divided into two main parts: the first one includes an introduction to the author, confirmation of the book’s attribution, a description of the three manuscripts, and the methodology of the investigating process. The second section comprises the investigated text, along with the researcher’s annotations on some passages in the footnotes. The study concludes several important findings, most notably that the book of “The Triangle with One …