Digital Commons Network^™

Hershey Vs Mars: The Rise Of Chocolate In America, Jasmine Lutz

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

From the early Americas to the chocolate houses of Europe, chocolate has a long history of being exclusive and expensive. This analysis will show how Milton Hershey and Forrest Mars changed the chocolate industry making it accessible to all, regardless of income. Both these giants got their start during the turn of the turn of the 19th century, a time of industrialization, innovation, and the rise of consumerism. The economic structures of the time allowed for both of these men to build their business into household names. Milton and Forrest’s early lives shaped who they were and how they did …

The Customer Is Always Right Philosophy, Gbassah Doman

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

The philosophy “the customer is always right” has long influenced customer service practices by emphasizing attentiveness, satisfaction, and loyalty. While originally intended to promote respectful engagement and trust‑building, contemporary interpretations of the philosophy often encourage unconditional customer accommodation, raising concerns about employee well‑being, ethical boundaries, and organizational sustainability. This study examines the historical foundations, strengths, limitations, and ethical implications of philosophy within modern business environments.

Using a qualitative research approach, the study analyzes academic literature, industry research, and organizational case studies to evaluate how rigid customer absolutism affects employees, customers, and organizational performance. Case studies of Amazon, Ritz‑Carlton, and Southwest …

Open Wide: Examining Dental Narratives In The Age Of Tiktok, Steve Jacob

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

Over the past few years, TikTok has emerged as a major conduit for health-related information through its wide array of short, emotionally charged videos that shape public perceptions. Within that broader category, this thesis evaluated dental-related content. Studies have investigated educational dental-related content on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook; however, no literature has explored how TikTok’s unique, narrative-driven content characterizes dentistry. For this study, primary research was conducted via content analysis of recently uploaded dental-related TikTok videos across 10 popular oral health-based hashtags. Results underline the dominance of patient voices, the use of personal experience as a messaging format, …

Scrolling, Searching, And Self-Diagnosing: Examining How Social Media Influences Self- Diagnosis And Shapes Mental Health Literacy, Conceptualization, And Identity Development, Sara Elaine Hamilton

DSW Capstone Projects

This capstone examines the influence of social media on the growing issue of self-diagnosis of mental health disorders through three scholarly works: a systematic literature review (SLR), a conceptual paper, and practice application paper. Accessibility, anonymity, and social isolation are identified as contributing factors of self-diagnosis, as individuals increasingly prioritize convenience over traditional help-seeking methods. Research suggests that self-diagnosis is influenced by misinformation and reinforced by validation and a sense of belonging, leading individuals to internalize mental health disorders as part of their identity. Findings further indicate that social media plays a significant role in the dissemination of misinformation about …

Exploring Novice Teacher Readiness For Urban Classrooms: A Phenomenological Study Of Teacher Education Programs, Thomas Virgona

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

This phenomenological study investigates the preparedness of novice educators transitioning from higher education programs to urban school settings, addressing high teacher attrition rates in under-resourced urban communities. Through the lens of Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and a phenomenological framework, the research explores how novice educators perceive their preparedness for urban classroom challenges and which elements of their preparation proved most beneficial. The study analyzes in-depth interviews with 10 novice teachers across four Title I school districts in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York. Findings revealed that participants perceived themselves as underprepared for the socioeconomic realities, behavioral complexities, and cultural diversity of …

Doping And The Discourse Of Crisis: A Communication Case Study Of Paul Pogba, Emmanuel Karikari

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examines crisis communication in elite sports through the case of Paul Pogba’s doping scandal. The study addressed the existing crisis communication frameworks, which primarily focus on strategic messaging and reputation management while giving limited attention to identity and audience interpretation. As a Black Muslim athlete and global sports celebrity, Pogba’s case provides an opportunity to explore how crisis communication, identity, and audience responses interact in contemporary digital media environments.

A qualitative case study design was employed. Data consisted of public statements, interviews, media reports, and audience responses on X/Twitter collected across different stages of the crisis. Public texts …

The Impacts Of Technology-Based Student-Centered Learning On Students’ Perception Of Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning (French, Spanish, And Chinese), Gideon Yeboah

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study investigates the perceptions of 21 university students enrolled in first- and second-year foreign language courses - French 102 & 202, Spanish 102 & 202, and Chinese 102 & 202 - regarding the effectiveness of technology-based learning tools in vocabulary acquisition compared to traditional methods. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire voluntarily completed by participants across three courses taught by four instructors. Findings indicate a generally positive view of digital tools such as flashcards, language apps, and online platforms, valued for enabling self-paced learning, interactive engagement, immediate feedback, and increased motivation, which enhanced vocabulary retention. Traditional methods …

The Sound Design For The Women Of Troy, Anastasiia Didenko

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This Thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the Masters of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts: Sound Design at Minnesota State University, Mankato. This thesis provides an account of Anastasiia Didenko’s process of work on sound design and research for The Women of Troy by Euripides. The show was produced and performed in the Ted Paul Theatre in November of 2025.

The first chapter consists of preliminary research, thoughts on the production and plans for the implementation of the sound design. The second chapter is a historical and critical perspective of the play, which explores the playwright's ideas and …

Lean Service System Optimization In U.S. Automotive Maintenance Centers: A Time Study And Simulation-Based Approach To Reducing Service Cycle Time And Increasing Efficiency, Rakibul Hasan Sarker

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The primary objective of this study is to measure the current service time at a U.S. automobile service center, with the aim of reducing waste and optimizing service operations through time study and simulation modeling. Inefficiencies in those service centers increase service time and labor costs, reduce service quality, and reduce workshop productivity, thereby increasing customer waiting time. In this study, real-world shop floor data were collected from a single service center, namely Jiffy Lube. Over the course of ten working days, 205 vehicle data points were acquired. Service time, bay time, and overall process time were computed and examined …

2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Morehead State University. Registrar's Office.

Morehead State Catalog Archive

2026-2027 undergraduate catalog for Morehead State University.

Aadej Comm 12 1 2026

AADEJ - The Communicator

The Communicator is the official publication of the American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists (AADEJ), promoting awareness of the association’s activities and offering valuable insights for dental editors and journalists to enhance their publications. It is published quarterly, distributed digitally via email to members, and posted on the Association’s website at aadej.org, with archives on ADA Commons. Regular contributions from the Editor-in-Chief, Executive Director, President, and Associate Editor cover various topics.

This issue provides practical strategies for journal growth, such as building sustainable author pipelines and using digital analytics to increase content reach. Features include articles addressing ethical, …

Eight Tips For Securing Authors And Articles That Will Enhance Your Dental Journal Quality And Reach, Lindsay A. Robinson Dds

AADEJ - The Communicator

This feature article offers eight practical tips to help dental editors attract high-quality manuscripts and a diverse range of authors. Key strategies include building pipelines with dental schools, mining material from professional meetings, and specifically encouraging the dental student voice. The author recommends using themed issues with guest editors and leveraging digital media like LinkedIn to discover new contributors. Additionally, the article emphasizes supporting authors through mentorship, utilizing website analytics to guide content selection, and maintaining ethical standards regarding the disclosure of Generative AI. These combined efforts aim to bridge research with practical clinical guidance.

Addressing Author Misconduct, Christopher J. Smiley

AADEJ - The Communicator

This feature article addresses the growing need for clear editorial policies on author misconduct, especially with the rise of Generative AI (GAI). Editors are vital gatekeepers who ensure the accuracy and transparency of dental literature, thereby protecting patient safety. The author distinguishes between unintentional misconduct, such as inadvertent plagiarism, and intentional misconduct, like data fabrication or deliberate non-disclosure of AI use. Remedial measures emphasize author education for honest mistakes, while severe violations require zero-tolerance actions such as formal retraction and institutional notification. Implementing these protocols is vital for maintaining reader trust and upholding professional integrity.

Ditch Those Resolutions! Make A Strategic Plan Instead!, Edward M. Feinberg Dmd

AADEJ - The Communicator

This feature article advocates for using strategic planning as a more effective and sustainable alternative to vague New Year’s resolutions for dental practices and organizations. Strategic planning is explained as a proactive process that involves setting direction, allocating resources, and measuring progress through mission and vision statements. The author introduces the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and the GOST system (Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics) as key frameworks. As President-elect, the author shares his efforts to conduct a Zoom strategic planning session to gather member input and develop a clear, documented plan for the future of the AADEJ.

Spirits Of Seva As A Dental Editor And A Journalist: My New Year Reflections, Cathy Hung Dds

AADEJ - The Communicator

This editorial examines the Hindu concept of Seva, or selfless service, through the author's visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple. The author compares the 12,000 volunteers who built the remarkable structure to the teamwork involved in dental journalism. Just as the temple's detailed carvings required dedication, dental editing requires careful attention to punctuation, formatting, and content. The work of editors is portrayed as a collaborative effort that extends beyond monetary reward, ultimately producing a "masterpiece" that benefits the broader dental community.

Progress Over Perfection: Redefining Balance In Residency, Leadership, And Motherhood, Jasmine Shafagh Dmd

AADEJ - The Communicator

The message from the AADEJ President addresses the complex challenge of balancing an orthodontic residency with motherhood, marriage, and professional leadership. The author argues that balance is not about achieving perfection in every role but rather about prioritizing purpose and being present in each moment. Foundational skills cultivated through dental journalism and leadership, such as clear communication and strategic planning, are essential for managing these responsibilities simultaneously. Ultimately, the author suggests that letting go of perfection allows for meaningful service and contribution. The piece emphasizes that when daily activities are aligned with one's values, life feels more manageable.

The View Is “Fuzzy” Ahead, Denise Maihofer

AADEJ - The Communicator

The AADEJ's Executive Director reports recent accomplishments and strategic concerns for the future. Significant achievements include the release of evidence-based guidance on Generative AI and the ongoing success of the Dental Editors University (DEU). However, the author describes the road ahead as "fuzzy," citing challenges such as shifting communication trends, economic instability, and the need for organizational adaptation. To address these issues, the AADEJ has launched a strategic planning committee to develop a roadmap leading toward its centennial celebration. The author encourages membership renewal to support these proactive efforts in a fragile environment.

Communication Is Key To Onboarding, Mali Schantz-Feld Ma, Cde

AADEJ - The Communicator

In her article, the Communicator’s Associate Editor outlines key strategies for onboarding new associate editors to ensure a productive and efficient workflow. The author emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations by reviewing job descriptions and clarifying specific responsibilities, such as tracking author approvals and peer reviews. Successful integration involves training on Content Management Systems (CMS) and providing access to essential style manuals like AMA or Chicago styles. Additionally, the article highlights mentorship and open communication as more effective than micromanagement for building staff confidence. Ultimately, fostering a collaborative team environment helps ordinary people achieve "uncommon results."

A Style Unlike Any Other, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

AADEJ - The Communicator

Regular feature from the immediate past president of AADEJ, Dr. Christopher Smiley, with the key insights impacting the field.

Data Presentation For Dental Authors And Editors: The Convergence Of Message, Audience, Medium, Armamentarium, And Style, Benjamin Chaffee

AADEJ - The Communicator

Tables, figures, and other visuals convey information in ways that are not possible with words alone. When done well, these communication tools make data engaging, make complex ideas accessible, and make idea exchange efficient by sharing information in less printed space and requiring less reading time than standard written text. Poorly done, however, tables and figures can confuse and frustrate readers, distracting them from otherwise sound scholarship. Despite their impact on the reader experience, figures and tables are sometimes afterthoughts in the writing process, including in formal author guidelines and scientific writing courses. Authors and editors can elevate the effectiveness …

Maximizing Networking At The Dental Editor University, Cathy Hung Dds

AADEJ - The Communicator

Regular feature from the editor-in-chief of AADEJ, Dr. Cathy Hung, with the current news from AADEJ.

Plain Language: Is This Style To Be Or Not To Be In Your Journal?, Mali Schantz-Feld Ma, Cde

AADEJ - The Communicator

Regular feature from the associate editor of AADEJ, Mali Schantz-Feld, with useful tools for AADEJ members.

Beyond The Identified Patient: Sibling Attachment, Burden, And Coping In The Context Of Mental Illness, Blaire Fauser M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

A “mental illness” is defined as a condition that causes clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior. Mental illness is growing increasingly more prevalent and has been found to not only impact the affected individual but also the broader family system. This study examined the impact of having a sibling with a mental illness on the non-diagnosed sibling. Specifically, the study focused on the relationship between siblings’ (sibling attachment), coping mechanisms, and caregiver burden. Previous research has shown that siblings of individuals with mental illness are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric conditions themselves, which is due …

How To Create Accessible Osce Exams For Learners With Disabilities, Lisa M. Meeks, Jordan Juliao, Emily Langham, Anne Lewis, Judith Brenner

University Administration Publications

[Introduction] Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are widely used across health professions education to assess learners' clinical skills through structured encounters with standardised patients [1]. OSCEs also present a known barrier to disability access for medical students with disabilities [2-6], a rapidly growing population. Using trained actors, also known as standardised patients who portray the same clinical scenario for all learners, these examinations allow for assessment of medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication skills and elements of the physical examination in a controlled and standardised setting [1]. They may be used for formative feedback, summative assessment or progression decisions, and they …

An Analysis Of Slms For Machine Translation Of Healthcare Documents, Wyatt Clausen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The language barrier creates significant healthcare challenges for patients who struggle with English. While large language models (LLMs) have advanced machine translation, their high computational costs, environmental impact, and risk of data breaches have raised concerns. Small language models (SLMs) can address these concerns and be further adapted to specific tasks through parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) methods, including Quantized Low-Rank Adaptation (QLoRA). This study compares the Spanish-to-English translation quality of two 7-billion-parameter SLMs, Mistral and Llama 2 7B, in the medical domain, using BLEU, chrF, and COMET as evaluation metrics. It further investigates whether QLoRA fine-tuning and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) on …

Secure Base Script Behaviors In Romantic Couples As Predictors Of Romantic Relationship Quality, Ben N. Zigelstein

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Attachment representations guide expectations about the availability and responsiveness of attachment figures during times of need. These representations are shaped by early experiences of consistent, reliable caregiving and influence how individuals seek and receive support from close others across the lifespan. Secure base script knowledge, a temporal-causal sequence of events encompassing the essential elements of seeking and receiving support at times of need, is increasingly used to capture attachment representations. Research indicates that secure base script knowledge significantly predicts the quality of self-reported and observed romantic relationships. However, the extent to which secure base script behaviors (i.e., bidding for support, …

A Few Words From Our Staff

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

True Love, Thaily Jeanty

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Full Issue

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

When Sailboats Fly, Salarah Seymour

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.