Digital Commons Network^™

Contesting Conservatism: Neoconservatives, Evangelicals, And Foreign Policy In The Reagan Era, Emily B. Kissel

All Master's Theses

This thesis explores how foreign policy shaped and destabilized the conservative coalition during the Reagan era. Although historians often portray the conservative movement of the 1980s as unified by anti-communism, this study argues that foreign policy debates exposed significant ideological divisions between neoconservatives, evangelical Christians, and the broader conservative base. These groups shared common goals but disagreed over the moral and strategic direction of American foreign policy. Neoconservatives and evangelical Christians wanted the same muscular assertion of American power abroad, but the factions framed foreign policy differently to appeal to their supporters. These policies and aggressive anti-Soviet rhetoric struck widespread …

Contesting Conservatism: Neoconservatives, Evangelicals, And Foreign Policy In The Reagan Era, Emily B. Kissel

All Master's Theses

This thesis explores how foreign policy shaped and destabilized the conservative coalition during the Reagan era. Although historians often portray the conservative movement of the 1980s as unified by anti-communism, this study argues that foreign policy debates exposed significant ideological divisions between neoconservatives, evangelical Christians, and the broader conservative base. These groups shared common goals but disagreed over the moral and strategic direction of American foreign policy. Neoconservatives and evangelical Christians wanted the same muscular assertion of American power abroad, but the factions framed foreign policy differently to appeal to their supporters. These policies and aggressive anti-Soviet rhetoric struck widespread …

Forecasting The Emotional Cost Of Online Dehumanization, Reyhaneh Bagherian Shamir

All Master's Theses

The use of social media platforms to share, view, and communicate information is now ubiquitous (Crockett, 2017). Given the prevalence of problematic content found on social media (e.g., prejudice, misinformation), this research examines how accurately people predict their responses to such content. Kawakami et al. (2009) found that individuals overestimate their emotional distress and behavior in response to discriminatory actions (i.e., racism) in-person predicting they would be more upset, and more likely to reject a racist confederate than individuals who experienced the incident actually were. In the current research, we built upon the work of Kawakami et al. (2009) to …

Exploring Students' Perceptions Of Active Learning Practices And Their Role In Critical Thinking Development In Undergraduate Biology Education, Kwame Kyeremah

All Master's Theses

As the global landscape becomes increasingly complex and undergoes more rapid changes than ever before, critical thinking has become an indispensable skill for addressing challenges in society, science, and the workplace. Despite its widespread adoption in undergraduate STEM education, active learning remains poorly understood from the student's perspective. This study investigated how undergraduate biology students perceived active learning in a ten-week biostatistics course (BIOL 213) at Central Washington University, and whether those perceptions aligned with critical thinking gains measured by the California Critical Thinking Skills Test with Numeracy (CCTST-N). A convergent mixed-methods design integrated student perception and mindset survey data …

Ultrasound-Derived Liver Composition And Metabolic Flexibility Under Exercise Stress, Rhodes Van Houten

All Master's Theses

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is characterized by abnormal liver fat accumulation in conjunction with metabolic syndromes. MAFLD affects 33% of individuals worldwide, though little is known about how increased liver fat impacts physiological responses to exercise. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between liver composition and metabolic flexibility during a graded exercise test.  Body composition was analyzed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Liver ultrasound was evaluated for echogenicity, where elevated mean gray volume (MGV) indicates abnormal liver tissue. Rates of fat (FATox) and carbohydrate (CHOox) oxidation (g/min), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate concentrations ([LA^-], …

Examining The Effects Of Virtual Nature Exposure And Video Immersion On State Hope With Nature Relatedness As A Covariate, Zachary Arneson

All Master's Theses

Previous work in the field of environmental psychology has shown that virtual nature exposure can produce many psychological benefits for the viewer. Within this literature, however, there has been no examination of the effects of virtual nature exposure on levels of state hope, a goal-directed positive psychological construct made up of two types of thought: agency and pathways. Additionally, there has been no direct examination of the effect of immersion level of the virtual nature exposure on psychological measures. To fill this gap in the literature, the current study examined the effects of virtual nature exposure and video immersion on …

Religion, Death, And Journalism In The Christian Science Monitor, 1908-1918, Natalie Hammill

All Master's Theses

The Christian Science Monitor was created in 1908 by the Christian Science Church and its founder, Mary Baker Eddy, with the goal to “injure no man, but to bless all mankind.” The question arises, how does a religion that does not believe in physical reality produce a newspaper, and how does that newspaper treat subjects like sin, sickness, and death, subjects Christian Science teaches its adherents to ignore? This thesis argues that the Christian Science Monitor used the inherent flexibility of Christian Science beliefs around physical reality in combination with popular ideas about non-sensationalism and “clean journalism” as the basis …

Low Energy Availability And Dietary Factors In High School Runners, Natalie E. Allik

All Master's Theses

Context: Low energy availability (LEA) is associated with adverse health and performance outcomes in athletes and may be particularly concerning during adolescence when growth and bone development are ongoing. Although inadequate carbohydrate (CHO) intake has been proposed as a contributor to LEA, limited research has examined this relationship in adolescent endurance athletes. Objective: To examine dietary intake, bone mineral density (BMD), and eating disorder (ED) risk in adolescent distance runners with and without LEA. Methods: Eighteen adolescent distance runners (15.7 ± 1.2 years; 7 males, 11 females) completed baseline assessments including anthropometrics, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a 24-hour dietary recall, …

Music-Based Smart Digital Interventions For Health : A Scoping Review, Jin Hyung Lee, Juri Yun

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This scoping review systematically maps and synthesizes empirical research on smart, digital technology-delivered music interventions for health. Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines, a comprehensive search of six electronic databases yielded 30 included studies spanning four clinical domains: psychological and mental health, neurological and motor rehabilitation, aging and cognitive care, and acute care and symptom management. Studies employed four primary technology categories: mobile applications, artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, wearable biosensors, and alternative interface platforms. Findings demonstrate that smart digital music interventions are broadly feasible and acceptable, with preliminary efficacy across diverse populations. The field …

Traditional Music Kongkil : The Meaning Of Philosophy And The Challenges Of Contemporary Life, Harpang Yudha Karyawanto, Moh Sarjoko, Heri Murbiyantoro

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Traditional Kongkil music from Bungkal Village, Ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia, constitutes a form of local cultural heritage imbued with philosophical and social meaning. As a bamboo-based musical tradition employing slendro and pelog scales, Kongkil reflects the relationship between humans and nature while articulating values of social harmony within the community. This study aims to examine the philosophical meanings embedded in Kongkil music and to analyze its transformation in response to contemporary social and cultural change. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review. The data were analyzed comparatively to identify patterns …

Beyond The Headlines : Investigating Media Framing Of Malaysian Human Trafficking In Southeast Asia During Covid-19, Muhammad Asim Imran, Kah Choon Ng, Cheng Kin Meng

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of human trafficking involving Malaysians in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Employing a systematic review approach based on the PRISMA methodology, the study examines 63 news records from The Star, covering the period from March to September 2022. The findings reveal a notable increase in media coverage during this time, signaling heightened awareness of Malaysian human trafficking issues. The COVID-19 pandemic emerges as a critical factor exacerbating vulnerabilities and contributing to a surge in trafficking incidents. Malaysians were identified as victims of forced labor in diverse industries, including …

The Subjectivity And Conformity Issues In Contemporary Practices Of Algorithmic Creativity, Tetiana Sovhyra, Larisa Babushka, Tetiana Andrushchenko, Olena Onischenko, Mykola Brovko

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article examines the issue of subjectivity and conformism in algorithmic cultural practices (robotic performances and neurocomputer installations “A3 K3 Dragan Ilic," “Alone Together," “NOOR” and “AIBO”). The focus is on the technological features of algorithmic creativity, which is based on machine learning, stylistic imitation and computational data processing. In this context, ethical and legal issues related to copyright and the recognition of artistic works created by artificial intelligence are analyzed. In particular, mechanized artistic practices create the illusion of autonomous creativity, whilst retaining the decisive role of human subjectivity in the organization and interpretation of cultural processes. Algorithmic creativity …

Critical Participatory Action Research For Revitalizing Local Music And Performing Arts In The Post-Pandemic Transition Of Salaya, Nantida Chandransu, Chanokchakul Surasi

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study employs Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) to examine the adaptive revitalization of local music and performing arts in Salaya's post-pandemic transition. Through the Collaborative Cultural Action Network (CCAN – comprising artists, academics, administrators, and citizens – the research facilitates a collaborative ecosystem for cultural asset co-creation. Implementation operates across two levels: strategic management of intersubjective agreements, and artistic creativity via a dual-track strategy. This strategy combines active conservation of phleng lae, phleng ruea, lakhon chatri, likay, and trae wong with creative deconstruction, specifically the luk thung song “Yu Yen Pen Suk Na Salaya” and the Kanlapaphruek project. Findings …

Destandardization Of Art At Flash Mob Performance In Public Space : A Case Study Of Beksan Wanara From The Yogyakarta Court, Indonesia, R. M. Pramutomo, Sriyadi Sriyadi, Supriyanto Supriyanto

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Flash mob performances in Indonesia emerge in response to urban affluence. Flash mobs, as an activity, explore unconventional performance spaces. The goal of this article is not only to address previous research gaps but also to explain how flash mob art performances have challenged aesthetic standards. Information about traditional dance flash mobs is widely discussed on various social media platforms. Data were collected through an intensive literature study, including desk review and document analysis. The findings suggest that flash mob articles are successful in engaging people of all ages as participants in public space dance performances. Visually, flash mobs provide …

Art In Health : Angklung Musical-Based Interventions For Older Adults In Southeast Asia, Muhammad Asyraf Mohd Bakri, Mohammad Kamal Mohd Sabran, Asrenee Ab Razak

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Arts in healthcare can support emotional, cognitive, and social well-being among older adults. Angklung, a traditional Indonesian bamboo instrument recognized by UNESCO, has potential as a culturally grounded, music-based intervention in older adult care. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA framework, examined Angklung-based interventions for older adults in Southeast Asia. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, with the final search completed on 19 November 2024. English-language studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included if they focused on Angklung-based or Angklung-related interventions involving older adults and reported outcomes related to well-being, cognition, emotion, social engagement, motor …

Developing A Sustainability Framework For Enhancing Public Art Projects In Nigeria Toward Urban Regeneration, Peter Oluwagbenga Odewole, Olanrewaju Timothy Dada

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study examines the role of public art towards urban regeneration, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development, addressing critical challenges in the Nigerian public art sector. It adopts a qualitative research design based on literature review, and Eisenhardt’s theory-building approach, drawing on secondary data to generate insights from case-based analysis. Two contemporary Nigerian public art initiatives were examined using within-case and cross-case thematic analysis. The study integrates placemaking, cultural economics, social capital, place attachment, and regulatory theories to develop a sustainability framework for enhancing public art practice and administration in Nigeria. The study’s findings indicate that sustainable public art interventions for …

Creative Urban Care For Older Adults In Thailand : Drama Therapy And An Innovative Expressive Arts Framework For Better Urban Ageing, Dovrat Harel, Nisara Jaroenkajornkij, Bussakorn Binson, Meytal Fogel Simhony

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article examines drama therapy with older adults across three institutional contexts in Thailand: Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society; Kwong Siew Foundation Hospital; and Sawangkanives Housing, Thai Red Cross Society. Drawing on a practice-based qualitative study involving 60 older adults, facilitator observations, semi-structured interviews, reflective writings, and institutional descriptions, the article explores how drama therapy was adapted across medical, chronic-care, and senior residential settings. The findings suggest that drama therapy supported memory sharing, emotional expression, social connection, belonging, and quality of life among participants. The article argues that drama therapy should be understood not merely as entertainment or supplementary …

Humanizing Education Through Subject-Centered Instruction: A Mixed Methods Case Study Of Engagement And Achievement In An Exploring Hip-Hop As Literature English Elective, Alicia Hyman-Peters

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined how humanizing education through relationally-driven, subject-centered teaching affects student engagement, literacy, and achievement in an Exploring Hip-Hop as Literature English elective at a diverse high school in Northeast Florida. Drawing on Freire’s concept of humanization, Noddings’ Ethic of Care, Palmer’s focus on subject-centered learning, and the culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies of Ladson-Billings, Paris, and Alim, the research investigated how humanized education restores meaning and connection to learning. Using a Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Design, data from thirty students were gathered through surveys, participation and assignment records, standardized assessments, interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations. Quantitative findings …

The Impact Of Censorship On Curriculum And Black Women Secondary English Language Arts Teachers In Florida, Crystal Parker

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the instructional, curricular, and school climate impacts of book censorship on Black women secondary English Language Arts teachers, exploring how they navigate and/or resist content restrictions. Using educational criticism and portraiture, this qualitative study captures the nuanced narratives of these educators. Grounded in Bourdieu’s Field Theory, along with Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Historically Responsive Literacy, Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors, and Cognitive Pluralism, the research addresses the following questions: How do Black women teachers describe the influence of recent book bans on their curriculum choices? In what ways do their identities shape their responses to censorship? Data …

Association Between A Lifestyle Medicine Score And Stroke In U.S. Adults With Hyperglycemia: 2007- 2010 Nhanes, Swarnima Naithani

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between glycemic control and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well- established, however, lifestyle modifications to prevent CVD warrant further investigation. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the six lifestyle medicine pillars promoted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and stroke in U.S. adults with hyperglycemia. A lifestyle medicine composite score (LMS) was developed to quantify adherence with the hypothesis that a higher LMS (greater adherence to lifestyle recommendations) correlates with lower odds of stroke in adults with hyperglycemia. Methods: The study sample (n=2,079) included adult (≥ 40 years of age) participants in the …

Availability And Utilization Of School Library Resources And Its Impacts On The Academic Excellence Of Secondary School Students In Edo State., Iyobosa Ewere Mrs., Ben Asuquo, Glory Mbah Mrs.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examines availability, and utilization of school library resources and its impacts on the academic excellence in secondary school libraries in Edo state. The descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 2162 senior secondary school students from Idia Girls’ College, Boiling Point Academy and UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School. The sampling techniques used for the study was Random Sampling Technique, a total of 216 respondents was used as the sample size representing 10% of the total population. A well structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to respondents .A total of 216 copies of …

Trialing A Novel Method Of Skin Mucus Sampling To Measure Stress And Reproductive Steroid Hormones In Mobula Species Mobula Alfredi And Mobula Munkiana, Bethany Faulkner

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Anthropogenic pressures, exacerbated by exceptionally slow population growth, have led to all mobulid species being listed on the IUCN Red List. Understanding stress and reproductive physiology is essential for improving mobulid conservation strategies. However, few studies have investigated the hormonal processes that underlie stress responses and reproductive physiology in mobulids. Studies on fish species have identified positive correlations between steroid hormone concentrations in blood and skin mucus, the collection of the latter being a much less invasive technique. This pilot study examined the feasibility of using skin mucus as a non-invasive matrix for detecting steroid hormones in two mobulid species. …

En Ritmo: A Praxis In Decolonizing Traditional Dance Spaces, Megan Curet

School of Art, Design and Architecture Theses

En Ritmo: Praxis in Decolonizing Traditional Dance Spaces is an investigation that explores the intersection of bomba, a traditional Puerto Rican song, music and dance form, and North American contemporary dance. This PhD research aims to decolonize culturally hegemonic dance spaces through a cultural syncretism of contemporary dance and the elements of bomba as foundational principles for training both professional and non-professional dancers. This practice challenges traditional Western dance training paradigms. Therefore it is crucial to clarify that this research is not positioned within the realm of pedagogy; rather, it critically interrogates and deconstructs the distinctions between dance practice and …

The Influence Of Historical Technological Constraints On Contemporary Music Practice, Clive Mead

School of Art, Design and Architecture Theses

This practice-based research project explores the creative implications of working within historically constrained music production environments. By composing and producing original music using only emulated instruments, effects, and recording technologies from four key eras—1955, 1965, 1975, and 1985—the study examines how technological limitations affect contemporary compositional practice. The project is situated at the intersection of music production, creative practice research, and is conducted by a composer-producer with extensive experience across diverse musical genres.The research addresses three central questions: What occurs when a proficient modern producer is restricted to using tools from earlier periods of recorded music history? In what ways …

Translating Human Emotion Into Music: A Multimodal Machine-Learning Framework Linking Movement, Facial Expression, And Real-Time Generative Composition, Martin Mc Corry

School of Art, Design and Architecture Theses

This thesis investigates whether embodied human expression—captured through facial and full-body motion—can be translated into musically coherent behaviour using time-series machine learning and real-time generative systems. The project develops and evaluates a multimodal framework that links participant-specific emotion inference to an interpretable, artist-configurable generative music system.Across two sensing modalities, personalised BiLSTM-based models achieved ~99%window-level validation accuracy within participants under a strict leak-free protocol, with no evidence of overfitting. These models were deployed within a low-latency real-time inference system. The research introduces a structured translation layer comprising a consensus mapping matrix and a tiered control architecture, mediating between probabilistic inference and …

A Pragmatic Guide To Data Integration For Pediatric Researchers: The Nuts And Bolts Of Mixed Methods Analysis, Kathleen A Knafl, Janet A Deatrick, Veronica M Swallow, Yelena P Wu, Debbe Thompson

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: To provide pragmatic guidance on data analysis, integration, and reporting guidance for investigators new to mixed methods research.

Methods: Three core mixed methods designs (convergent, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential) are described. Key decision points related to data integration-specifying intent, data selection, data preparation, integration strategies, use of analysis software, reporting-are explained, including comparison of decision points across the different mixed methods designs.

Results: Recommendations for addressing key decisions during analysis are provided and supported with published examples from mixed methods studies focused on pediatric populations.

Conclusions: Integration of qualitative and quantitative data is the defining characteristic of mixed …

Helpful Technology Tools, Niki Elliott Ph.D., Sylvia Mac Ph.D.

Inclusion in Postsecondary Education

No abstract provided.

Beyond Survival: Empowering Mental Health Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury, Paige Mackenzie Kozak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently experience psychosocial and cognitive challenges, including depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and identity changes which can significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes and participation in daily occupations. Despite this, outpatient rehabilitation clinicians may feel underprepared to recognize and address these concerns within their scope of practice. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational onboarding program to support interdisciplinary rehabilitation staff in identifying and responding to psychosocial needs of individuals with ABI, while promoting trauma-informed and patient-centered care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to examine common psychosocial and cognitive outcomes following …

Achieving Successful Occupational Performance During Transitions In Eating Disorder Treatment, Elise Kay Ramberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals with eating disorders experience challenges in occupational engagement that stem from contributing meaning, value, and purpose to occupations that support eating disorder behaviors rather than promote quality of life (Mack et al., 2023). Recovery is highly dependent on the transition between both levels of care and back into the patient’s natural environment. Occupational therapists play an essential role in supporting patients as they transition and learn to re-engage in their lives outside of their eating disorder (Mack et al., 2023). The purpose of this project was to create materials for the occupational therapist to employ with eating disorder …

Supporting Inclusion: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Paraprofessional Education For Sensory Processing Difference, Jalen Taylor

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Students with individualized education programs (IEPs) in rural school settings often experience challenges related to sensory processing and emotional regulation, which can impact their ability to engage in classroom routines and academic activities. Paraprofessionals play a significant role in supporting these students throughout the school day, however, many report limited access to formal training, practical strategies, and clear guidance for addressing sensory and behavioral needs. These gaps can lead to inconsistent support and decreased opportunities for student participation in educational occupations and classroom activities.

Purpose: The Paraprofessional Sensory and Regulation Training Program was developed to increase paraprofessional knowledge, confidence, …