Digital Commons Network^™

The Parthenon, February 18, 2026, Baylee Parsons, Kaitlyn Fleming, Abby Ayes, Ella Hatfield, Davina Synder, Scott Price, Trista Honaker

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

The Relative Strength Of Paternal Absence, Strong Black Woman Schema, And Self-Esteem In Predicting Resilience Among Black Women, Aqueelah Wheatley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The continued rise in single-mother households within Black communities has led to an increase in hyper-independence among Black women, a phenomenon referred to as the strong Black woman schema. Studies have found an association between hyper-independence (i.e., excessive self-reliance and emotional invulnerability) and absent fathers (i.e., due to incarceration or abandonment), forcing Black women to assume the roles of financial provider, caregiver, and community agent. Though studies have found a link between the strong Black woman and negative health outcomes (e.g., emotional distress), other studies have found that strong Black women characterize themselves as independent, empowered, and content individuals, feelings …

Protecting ‘Punks’: The Shortcomings Of The Prison Rape Elimination Act, Rachel Goldsmith

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Prisoner-on-prisoner sexual abuse is widespread in US male prisons, with inmates “turning each other out” by sexually assaulting each other. While the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) received unanimous support in Congress in 2003, motivated by the Human Rights Watch Report “No Escape: Male Rape in Prisons,” scholars argue that the PREA fails to protect prisoners from prison rape: for example, its standards may be ineffective or criminalize consensual sex between prisoners. This essay will examine the shortcomings of the PREA, drawing on current legal scholarship, and propose solutions to enhance the law's effectiveness in protecting prisoners. The US government …

Educator Retention And Director Practices In Early Childhood Education Settings, Katherine Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood education (ECE) educators leave their profession at a rate 14% higher than K-12 educators, resulting in multisystemic issues that affect children, families, staff, and the ECE industry. Research has shown a connection between leadership practices and ECE educator turnover intentions; however, there is limited research on the relationship between the servant-leadership (SL) practices of ECE directors and ECE educators’ turnover intentions. Grounded in Greenleaf’s theory of servant-leadership, the purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship between ECE director SL practices and its seven dimensions, measured using the SL scale, and ECE educator turnover intentions, measured …

Model Free Sliding Mode Control For Uavs, Aashrita Mandalapu

Theses

Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is a robust and adaptable control strategy recognized for its ability to withstand uncertainties, disturbances, and parameter variations. Although the straightforward implementation of SMC along with its insensitivity to modeling inaccuracies make it effective for a wide range of applications, it still relies heavily on an accurate system model. In dynamic environments where system characteristics vary over time, a model-independent SMC framework becomes necessary. So, a Model-Free Sliding Mode Control (MFSMC) approach is proposed as a compelling solution for complex nonlinear systems where deriving an accurate model is difficult. In contrast to conventional SMC approach, MFSMC …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Physics

No abstract provided.

Scalar Hybrid Meson B̄Gc, Bi̇rten Barsbay İnaç

Turkish Journal of Physics

The scalar hybrid meson H_bc, containing both heavy b and c quarks, represents an intriguing exotic state in QCD. In this article, we investigate its strong decay properties using three-point QCD sum rules. We focus on the two leading decay channels, H_bc → B⁺ D⁰ and H_bc → B⁰ D⁺, which are expected to dominate the decay dynamics. The B and D mesons produced in these decays each consist of one heavy and one light quark. The strong coupling constants at the corresponding vertices are extracted, and the partial decay widths …

The 1/C Expansion Of General Relativity In A 3+1 Formulation, Revisited, Mahmut Elbi̇stan

Turkish Journal of Physics

We study the 1/c expansion of general relativity within a formulation that is compatible with both the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner and the Kol-Smolkin decompositions. The Einstein-Hilbert action takes a common form for those decompositions as they are dual to each other. We first develop a method to expand this generic form and then push the expansion up to c−3 order within this novel approach. Next, we apply our technique to the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner decomposition and expand it up to c−3 order explicitly. In order to demonstrate the applicability of our method and to highlight the duality at the level of expansion, we also …

Outburst Characteristics Of Transient  Low-Mass X-Ray Binary 4u 1608-52, Can Güngör

Turkish Journal of Physics

We present a detailed analysis of the long-term X-ray light curve of 4U 1608–52, focusing on fast-rising exponential-decay (FRED) outbursts, low-intensity states, and quiescent intervals. By calibrating the onset times of the outbursts, we identify three distinct classes for the FRED-type events: (i) the long-high outbursts, exceeding ~50 d in duration with peak count rates above ~40 cnt s-1; (ii) the short-medium outbursts, with durations of ~20 d and peak count rates of ~30-50 cnt s-1; and (iii) the short-low outbursts, also lasting ~20 d but reaching only ~20-30 cnt s-1 at peak. Furthermore, we examine the relation between preoutburst …

New Measurement And Analysis For The 15N + 11B Elastic Scattering System, Nurlan Amangeldi, İsmai̇l Boztosun, Dauren Soldatkhan, Bakytbek Mauyey, Kanat Makhanov, Raimbek Akhat, Aida Anuar, Gani Yergaliuly

Turkish Journal of Physics

New experimental data on the elastic scattering of the nuclear process 15N+11B at an energy of Elab=26.25 MeV were obtained on the DC-60 cyclotron of the INP RK. Based on a semi-microscopic analysis of the interaction of an accelerated 15N ion with 1p-shell nuclei 11B the effectiveness of the new B3Y-Fetal potential was studied. . The difference between the B3Y-Fetal potential and the traditional Yukawa potentials (M3Y-Reid and M3Y-Paris) is that its density-dependent parameters are determined from the saturation condition of nuclear matter at low energy. Analysis was performed on double folding optical model (DFOM) and so no for other …

Hybrid 3d Modelling Framework For Indoor Navigation Using Federated Learning And Internet Of Things-Enabled Edge Devices, Noopur Tyagi, Jaiteg Singh, Saravjeet Singh, Ahmad Ali Alzubi, Farman Ali, Sukhjit Singh Sehra, Babar Shah

All Works

Background There has been a recent trend towards using three-dimensional (3D) models to enhance spatial awareness and maximize resource utilization in complex environments. 3D building model can be used in various applications, such as real-time guidance and tracking the positions of individuals in multi storied buildings. Cities are now being modeled and studied in three dimensions as an improved method of urban planning. Method This study proposes an advanced indoor navigation framework that combines 3D modelling, federated learning (FL), and Internet of Things (IoT) integration to deliver reliable floor-level localization and real-time guidance. In Phase 1, highly accurate 3D models …

Improving Quantitative Support Across An Institution Using An Ecosystem Framework, Laura Muller, Melissa Eblen-Zayas

Numeracy

In our keynote address at the 2025 National Numeracy Network Annual Meeting, we introduced the framework we developed for considering four domains of an institution’s quantitative skills/reasoning support ecosystem that includes bridge programs with a quantitative component, approaches to assessing readiness, curricular on-ramps, and supplementary support. We believe this ecosystem framework has the potential to help campus leaders coordinate institutional efforts around student success in areas connected to students’ quantitative preparation. This keynote highlighted the idea that coordination of stakeholders and their engagement with domains of the ecosystem fall along a spectrum. We provide approaches for using this framework to …

Little Cell, Big Science, Molly Bain, Niki Vermeulen

Creative Nonfiction Magazine

No abstract provided.

A Bedside Screening Tool For Acute Intracranial Hemorrhages In Intubated Children Using Continuous Quantitative Eeg Monitoring, Runi Tanna, Edilberto Amorim, Mauro Caffarelli

Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy

Inroduction: Recognition of intracranial hemorrhage is challenging in children who require deep sedation to tolerate mechanical ventilation. The Correlate of Injury to the Nervous system (COIN) index may enable real-time recognition of intracranial hemorrhage at bedside. Methods: Retrospective analysis of EEG data from children with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage while intubated and sedated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Patients were selected for having normal head imaging at time of EEG start and required demonstration of hemorrhage on repeat imaging following an uninterrupted period of EEG recording. Power spectrum data were analyzed to yield a COIN value and visualization for every …

Developing Critical Thinking Skills In Undergraduate Csd Students Through A Case Study Project, Lydia R. Kruse, Windi Krok

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Critical thinking skills are crucial for Speech-Language Pathologists to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. However, the optimal timing for teaching these skills to future clinicians remains an open question. Most of the current research is focused on developing critical thinking skills in graduate students, though there is some evidence to suggest that students should be working to develop critical thinking skills during their undergraduate education. This work describes the critical thinking skills demonstrated by undergraduate students in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD program) through a case study project, as well as their self-perceptions. Results indicate relative weakness …

George Sturgeon, Metal Fluorides & Vice Chair, Mark A. Griep, George D. Sturgeon

Department of Chemistry: Faculty Interviews

Dr. George Sturgeon was a chemistry professor at the University of Nebraska -Lincoln for 39 years, from 1964 to 2003. During his time at UNL, he spent 15 years as the vice chair. Something in his youth must have sparked an interest in chemistry because he earned a bachelor’s in that subject from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Then, he traveled 870 miles east to Michigan State University in East Lansing where he earned his doctorate. Immediately after graduating, he joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1964 as an assistant professor but was soon promoted to associate …

Susceptibility Profile And Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Of Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella Spp., And Enterococci From Small-Scale Cattle Farms In Tennessee, Goodness Olakanmi, Maureen Nzomo, Bharat Pokharel, Abdullah Mafiz, Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge

Food and Animal Sciences Faculty Research

Antimicrobial resistance in food–animal environments threatens sustainable production and public health, yet small farms remain poorly characterized as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. To address this, we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterococcus spp. from small-scale cattle farms in Tennessee, USA. Methods: Over one year, 153 environmental samples (soil, manure, water) were collected from 17 farms. Target bacteria were isolated and confirmed using selective agar, biochemical tests, and PCR, and tested against 12 antibiotics using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) and multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles …

A. Introduction To The Archive Of The 1980 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey, Robert W. Lankston

1980 Flathead Lake Seismic Survey

This attempts to provide details of the hardware used during the 1980 seismic survey on Flathead Lake beyond the references in the master's thesis that described the survey and the initial use of the data.

Empowering Neurodiverse Talent In Cybersecurity Through Fair And Inclusive Ai Education, Sheikh Rabiul Islam, Yansi Keim, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Maanak Gupta, Ingrid Russell, Mahmoud Abdelsalam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cybersecurity demands creativity, persistence, and sharp pattern recognition—strengths frequently reported among neurodivergent people (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia). Yet AI-driven hiring pipelines can systematically disadvantage neurodivergent applicants by misreading communication styles or valuing narrow proxies of “fit.” Demand for cybersecurity talent is growing, and experts note that neurodiverse individuals are both underrepresented and highly valuable to security teams. However, progress remains uneven without targeted educational interventions [1]. We present a curricular module that simultaneously (a) centers neurodiversity as a strength in the cybersecurity workforce and (b) trains students to audit and redesign AI hiring systems using open-source fairness and explainability toolkits …

Executive Committee - Agenda, 02/17/2026, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Exploring K–12 Teacher Motivation To Engage With Ai In Education, Ethel Tshukudu, Katharine Childs, Gaokgakala Alogeng, Emma R. Dodoo, Douglas R. Case, Tebogo Videlmah Molebatsi

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

While global interest in K–12 AI and ML education grows, many African education systems lack foundational computing education beyond basic computer literacy. This creates unique challenges for AI integration in countries where computer science isn’t part of the K–12 curriculum. Teachers are central to this effort, but little is known about what motivates them to engage with these technologies or how they use them. This study examined what motivates K–12 teachers to engage with AI and ML in Botswana. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 59 teachers using an adapted version of the Motivation to Teach Computer Science (MTCS) scale …

Limit Theorems For Andrews’ Restricted Overpartitions, Tapas Bhowmik, Alex Cao, Jack Frew, John Lehman, Wei-Lun Tsai

Faculty Publications

The study of overpartitions in recent years has been used to great effect in various fields, including hypergeometric series, q-series identities, and mathematical physics. We investigate the limiting distributions of the number of parts in a family of overpartitions of n,  introduced by Andrews, where parts are counted with two different weights. Using Andrews’ identities and the saddle-point method, we establish two central limit theorems (CLTs) for the number of parts as n → ∞, corresponding to these weightings. We also derive explicit formulas for the mean and variance in each case.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda February 17, 2026, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes January 20, 2026
• 3:05 Provost Search
• 3:20 University Business
• 3:35 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:50 Report
• Faculty Development and Educational Leadership
• Parking and Transportation
• 4:00 Information
• EPC Report - February 5, 2026
• 4:10 Old Business
• 4:15 New Business
• Special Faculty Forum
• Adjourn: 4:30 pm

Effects Of Varying Ph, Temperature, And Sucrose Concentration On The Activity Of Invertase Enzyme, B. Rainwater, S. Pratihar

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The purpose of this research is to study the factors that affect the enzymatic activity of invertase, extracted from baker’s yeast, on hydrolysis of sucrose in aqueous medium. Invertase, a glycoprotein, is an enzyme in the glycoside hydrolase family. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose producing equimolar mixture of a-D-glucose and b-D-fructose. Invertase shows high affinity for the substrate, and is capable of both cleaving the glycosidic linkage in sucrose and transferring ab-D-O-fructofuranoside residue to an acceptor substrate. (Toledo et al. 2019). A detailed mechanism of the action of invertase was postulated by Shall et al. (Shall et al. 1971). …

Creating A Flipped-Classroom With Universal Instructional Design In A Hybrid Stem Course To Facilitate Active Learning, Lori L. Dunlop-Pyle

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

The strategy describes using Universal Instructional Design (UID) principles to create a hybrid STEM course to facilitate active learning exercises in class for a diverse group of learners.

Understanding Software Engineering Practices And Tools In Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Students, Prisha Bhatia, Ramzey Burdette, Titilayo Oshinowo, Michelle Jarvie-Eggart, Stephanos Matsumoto

Michigan Tech Publications

Though software development has increasingly become a part of modern engineering practice, even outside of computing, we lack a sufficiently deep understanding of how engineers in many disciplines learn and use software engineering practices and tools (SEPTs). SEPTs include, but extend beyond, programming itself, consisting of practices (e.g., unit testing) and tools (e.g., version control software) that support the design, implementation, or maintenance of software. While many disciplines outside of computing teach programming in their undergraduate curricula, little is known about how these disciplines use, teach, or adopt SEPTs. We thus conducted an exploratory qualitative study on SEPTs among undergraduate …

Vegetation Enhances Nitrogen Removal In Stormwater Ponds In Coastal South Carolina, Darcy Perin, Annie Bourbonnais

Faculty Publications

Coastal development and the increase in impervious surfaces lead to greater stormwater volumes, a key contributor to nonpoint source pollution. Stormwater ponds are generally highly efficient in eliminating particle-bound nutrients, such as phosphorus, but are often much less effective at removing dissolved nutrients, like nitrogen. Excess inorganic nitrogen can lead to coastal eutrophication, harmful cyanobacterial blooms, and coastal hypoxia. However, inorganic nitrogen can be removed from the environment through several different microbially facilitated processes. This research aims to estimate the rates of nitrogen removal (i.e., by denitrification), the net N₂ fluxes, and internal recycling (DNRA) across the sediment-water interface …

Re: Conditional Approval Letter With Comments For Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final 2026 Interim Site-Wide Surface Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) (Dated February 4, 2026), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

A Photosynthetic–Respiratory Electron Transport Chain Chimera Based On Photosystem I And Cytochrome C Oxidase On Graphene Oxide, Xiaoping Zhu, Matthew J. Kummer, Carolyn E. Lubner, Vasily Kurashov, William Carr, John H. Golbeck, Robert A. Niederman, Lev G. Mourokh, Shelley D. Minteer, Paul G. Falkowski, Michele Vittadello

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Te self-assembly of enzyme proteins on 2D nanomaterials has enabled the construction and functional control of viable biochemical pathways. However, enzymatic cascades, which combine essential components of the photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport chains in tandem, have thus-far remained elusive. Herein, we have investigated a galvanic biohybrid nano system coupling photosystem I and cytochrome c oxidase on the surface of graphene oxide nanosheets in colloidal suspension. Te oriented immobilization of the enzymes was facilitated by Ni-coordination sites tethered to the carbon basal plane, with negligible parasitic O2 consumption. Transient absorption and electrochemical measurements provided evidence of electron transfer between donors …

Satellites, Urban Heat, And Environmental Justice: Community As The Bridge Between Analysis And Action, Joshua B. Fisher, Ambar Rivera, Ava Cison, Ashley Agatep, Kainani Tacazon, Sophia Spiegleman, Alison Mckenery, Rio E. Fisher, Reginald Archer, Jason A. Douglas

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Heat waves are increasing in frequency, intensity, magnitude, and duration, causing a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities exposed to urban heat islands. Newly emerging spaceborne thermal sensing instruments, such as ECOSTRESS and Hydrosat, now have the capabilities to measure urban surface temperatures accurately at the block level (< 100 m) and with enough frequency to capture transient heat waves (daily to subweekly). Such data are critical for monitoring and informing policy and mitigation efforts, such as resurfacing, green space, cooling stations, and medical mobilization. These serve to advance environmental justice and reduce health risks—and deaths—among the most vulnerable: minority, low-income, elderly, those with physical- and mental-health preconditions, unhoused, children, and outdoor workers. While scientists have increasingly used satellite data to quantify urban heat islands and risks to communities, there remains a significant gap in action resulting from such analyses—a figurative and literal “valley of death.” Reviewing over 500 scientific publications, we identify a critical lack of engagement with the communities being analyzed (10.9%; n = 58); yet, community engagement is key to bridging such analysis with subsequent action. Here, we demonstrate how participatory community engagement directly with data and analysis leads to increased policy changes and mitigation efforts. Our framework has immediate implications for how scientists may augment their work and thought processes to achieve …