Digital Commons Network^™

From Concept To Creation: The Role Of Generative Artificial Intelligence In The New Age Of Digital Marketing, Andrew Smith, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been extensively used in digital marketing. Still, the recent advances in generative AI (GAI) have revolutionized social media marketing and content creation, lowering barriers that once restricted high-quality design to professionals well versed in expensive and complex software like Adobe Suite. GAI tools enable anyone, from students to marketers, to generate logos, branding, and multimedia content without extensive training. This shift has empowered more people to engage in creative expression, expanding the pool of ideas and creativity. However, the abundance of AI-generated content raises questions about the evolving definition of “art” and the emergence of a …

Algotric: Symmetric And Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms For Cryptography – A Comparative Analysis In Ai Era, Naresh Kshetri, Mir Mehedi Rahman, Md Masud Rana, Omar Faruq Osama, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within cybersecurity has necessitated stronger encryption methods to ensure data security. This paper presents a comparative analysis of symmetric (SE) and asymmetric encryption (AE) algorithms, focusing on their role in securing sensitive information in AI-driven environments. Through an in-depth study of various encryption algorithms such as AES, RSA, and others, this research evaluates the efficiency, complexity, and security of these algorithms within modern cybersecurity frameworks. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis, this research explores the historical evolution of encryption algorithms and their growing relevance in AI applications. The comparison of SE and AE …

175th Commencement, Fall

Commencement Programs

Commencement program (graduate and undergraduate exercises) for Fall 2024

Can Labor Law Still Protect Concerted Activity?, Charlotte Garden

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Primate Gut Microbiota Contributes To Interspecific Differences In Host Metabolism., Elizabeth K Mallott, Sahana Kuthyar, Won Lee, Derek Reiman, Hongmei Jiang, Sriram Chitta, E Alexandria Waters, Brian T Layden, Ronen Sumagin, Laura D Manzanares, Guan-Yu Yang, Maria Luisa Savo Sardaro, Stanton Gray, Lawrence E Williams, Yang Dai, James P Curley, Chad R Haney, Emma R Liechty, Christopher W Kuzawa, Katherine R Amato

Faculty Research 2024

Because large brains are energetically expensive, they are associated with metabolic traits that facilitate energy availability across vertebrates. However, the biological underpinnings driving these traits are not known. Given its role in regulating host metabolism in disease studies, we hypothesized that the gut microbiome contributes to variation in normal cross-vertebrate species differences in metabolism, including those associated with the brain's energetic requirements. By inoculating germ-free mice with the gut microbiota (GM) of three primate species - two with relatively larger brains and one with a smaller brain - we demonstrated that the GM of larger-brained primates shifts host metabolism towards …

Exploring The Interplay Among Effort, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy In High School Mathematics And Act Math Achievement, Katrina Lightsey

Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between high school students' attributions of effort, motivation, and self-efficacy as they relate to ACT math scores. Despite the important role of standardized tests in determining college admissions, there has been little research conducted to determine how students feel about these attributions and how they relate to math grades and ACT scores. A total of 52 juniors and seniors from local high schools participated in this study, which was conducted over the summer through voluntary participation following email invitations. The study was designed to measure students' self-reported effort, motivation, and self-efficacy using a survey instrument. …

Blended Learning: Is It An Equitable Practice For Students?, Jon Price

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the effect of the blended learning teaching model on K-8 teachers in the state of Indiana. The purpose of the study is to validate the increased attention on educational instruction with the use of technology in a virtual setting combined with the traditional classroom setting to maximize learning opportunities for all students. Teachers (N=115) were randomly asked to participate in a survey to gather data to complete the research. The were four research questions involved in the study, and they are as follows: What are the current self-efficacy perceptions of Indiana K-8 teachers in the areas …

Exposing The Disaster Disparities And Experiences On College Campuses, Deleanor Kirkpatrick Murray

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Challenges in higher education continue to arise, providing administrators with insights into how prepared—or unprepared—their institutions may be for future crises. The purpose of the study is to examine how mid-level leadership, staff, and students perceived the disaster response to Hurricane Ida during the 2021–2022 academic year. Using the theoretical frameworks of the Four-Frame Model (Bolman & Deal, 2021), Critical Race Theory (Delgado & Stefancic, 2017), and Institutional Theory (Manning, 2018), this case study employed interviews with 8 participants. Data analysis resulted in the emergence of 7 major themes and 11 sub-themes. The findings from the study suggest that participants …

Winter 2024 Edition, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

The Sig

GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE
Southwestern Opens Doors to Opportunities Beyond Imagination

Homecoming Saturday on October26th was a wonderful day, and we are grateful to all the alumni, family, and friends who attended. Coming back to the COP to rekindle with classmates and faculty is always a special time, especially after many years. As each 50-year and 40-year graduate was recognized and shared a story or special thought with everyone, I was impressed by the common themes.

2024-12-01 Caudill Connection, Morehead State University. Caudill College Of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences.

Caudill Connection

Caudill Connection newsletter for December of 2024.

Modeling Pricing And Profit Testing Of Chronic Disease's Insurance Policies Using Prostate Cancer Data In Kenya, Cynthia Mwau, Howard Omukami

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Chronic diseases have been on the rise globally and more so in the African continent. Treatment of chronic diseases requires lots of finances hence posing a challenge even to those people who are considered financially stable. Chronic diseases are expected to rise even further due to the rapid lifestyle change. In an attempt to mitigate the challenge of accessing treatment for chronic diseases, we develop a model for pricing and profit testing chronic disease insurance policy using the modified equivalence principle. We use the Kenyan mortality tables for the computation as they reflect the true mortality rate of the population …

Indigenous Justice Initiatives: A Summary Current To 2024, Kito Romero, Dara Heravi, Karen Drake, Yanika Mullings-Smith

Commissioned Reports, Studies and Public Policy Documents

This resource is intended to provide a guide to Indigenous justice initiatives across what is now known as Canada, based on publicly available information. The guide includes information on independent Indigenous courts that operate under the authority of an Indigenous people and separately from the Canadian legal system, Indigenous Persons Courts that operate within the Canadian legal system yet apply or uphold Indigenous laws, and restorative justice initiatives available to Indigenous peoples. This resource also includes academic literature on Indigenous laws, Indigenous justice models and practices, evaluations of existing Indigenous justice initiatives, and international comparative works. The focus is on …

Pack Your Bags…We’Re Moving To The Public Domain: The Expiration Of Copyright Terms And Its Implications On Future Protection, Sophie Ganion

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

The following Note addresses the expiration of copyright terms for a multitude of creative works and the various implications of that expiration for their future IP protection. It explores the conflicting perspectives of stakeholders, from the excitement of artists and everyday creatives versus the concerns of industry leaders about the potential erosion of their copyright monopolies. Drawing from landmark cases like Baker v. Selden and Dastar Corporation v. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp., this Note highlights the complex questions surrounding copyright expiration and the strategic use of trademark protection. The Note emphasizes the necessity for coherent legal frameworks to ensure …

Breaking Barriers: Bridging The Gap In Financial Literacy And Representation, Triniti Boson

Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal

This thesis explores the connection between the lack of financial literacy in Black communities, the underrepresentation of women in financial leadership, and the significance of building generational wealth. Many Black families have historically avoided financial conversations, often overshadowed by pressing economic challenges and a legacy of systemic exclusion, from redlining to discriminatory banking practices. These barriers prevented access to essential financial tools and knowledge, creating distrust in institutions and limiting opportunities for wealth accumulation across generations. Addressing these issues is essential for community empowerment. Financial literacy provides the knowledge to manage resources, build savings, and plan for the future. Generational …

The Benefits Of Telehealth Among Disadvantaged Communities, Anoosh Arshad

Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal

This study aims to understand how the widespread integration of telehealth services affects underserved communities, helping reduce health disparities in this group. Telemedicine includes various technologies and applications, supported by extensive research, public health, administrative, and patient-care benefits, to adapt to different fields. It involves clinical applications that focus on patient care, like making health decisions, and nonclinical applications like arranging board meetings. Telehealth is a health platform that uses communication technologies that allow doctors and patients to meet online through video and telephone visits, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. It increases access to healthcare by removing geographical and …

The Effects Of Family Dynamics On Relationships, Alexus Nunley

Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal

For my Advanced Statistics class, Professor Floyd assigned us to research and collect data on a topic that we were interested in. Since my goal for my future career is to become a marriage and family therapist, I decided to research if individuals choose their significant other based on their parents. The results of my research led me to wonder about the effects of family dynamics on relationships. Understanding how family dynamics affect relationships matters because it helps explain why individuals choose the partners they do. This research can help reduce relationship departures. Critics argue that family dynamics strongly influence …

Innovative Practices And Safety Culture In Modern Construction: A Case Study Of The Millstone Weber Reconstruction Project, Ariana Alexander

Honor’s College Freeman Research Journal

This thesis explores the operations of Millstone Weber, a leading construction firm formed through the merger of Millstone Bangert, Inc., and Fred Weber, Inc., with a focus on its innovative practices and safety culture. Highlighting the Runway 17L-35R reconstruction project in Denver, Colorado, the study examines the multifaceted role of a Field Engineer and Safety Intern. Responsibilities included data management, QA/QC inspections, subcontractor coordination, and the application of advanced tools like Bluebeam for project planning and execution. The internship revealed key insights into balancing safety with efficiency, managing communication gaps, and addressing task allocation disparities. Observations highlighted challenges such as …

Retrospectively Exploring Differences, Relationships, And Predictors Associated With The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool And Patient Outcomes​, Sandra Torres, Angela Ramirez, Nicole Boswell, Sigrid Somarriba, Simone Cheong, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Prolonged immobility in hospitalized patients is prevalent and associated with hospital-acquired functional decline and other adverse hospital outcomes. Early mobilization (EM) of hospitalized patients reduces the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions. Therefore, early identification of patients’ mobility status and EM are essential. Evidence shows that using the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) promotes early mobility and improved patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the BMAT assessment on patient outcomes (falls, hospital-acquired pressure injuries [HAPIs], and length of stay [LOS]). Methods: This was an IRB-approved retrospective research study. Data were collected from patient records …

Addressing End-Of-Life Care Education Gaps For Registered Nurses: A Quality Improvement Project, Mayra Villalba, Alejandra Angel, Arvinder Singh

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: As the global elderly population grows rapidly, end-of-life care (EOLC) needs have expanded, warranting comprehensive nursing education. There is a significant gap in exposure to EOLC during nursing undergraduate education, clinical experiences, and training opportunities in the professional setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to educate nurses about end-of-life care. Methods: In an established medical-surgical unit, hospice patients with comfort-only measures were placed into a cohort labeled Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Between October 2023 and May 2024, nurses working in the TCU were surveyed on their knowledge regarding EOLC. Staff attended mandatory education sessions after the …

“Don’T Bring Your Feminism Here!”: The African Hair Braiding Salon As A Rhetorically Charged Space For Feminist Activism, Efe Plange

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This project extends scholarship on Black beauty and hair care spaces in the US as rhetorically charged for various forms of activism. It specifically explores the nature of work, conversations and feminist ways of being among a group of braiders working together in an African hair braiding salon to legitimize the African hair braiding salon as a site with unique contributions to this body of work. Grounded in Feminist Geo-criticism and Conversational Rhetoric, the study seeks to make contributions that are relevant to the field of Rhetoric and more specifically the sub-field of feminist rhetorics, African and non-Western feminist rhetorics, …

Indian Culture Through The Lens Of Bollywood, Harika Rao

Lynn University Digital Press Books

Indian Culture Through the Lens of Bollywood offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian culture, delving into its rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and social structures that have evolved over millennia. The eBook examines the diverse aspects of India’s society, from its major religions and linguistics to culinary traditions and artistic expressions. By presenting a nuanced view of Indian culture, this text aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Course: DJLC 200

Exploring Secure Methods For Ensuring Data Integrity: A Theoretical Analysis Of Cryptographic And Detection Techniques, Haryam Garcia Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study investigates cryptographic methods to ensure data integrity within cloud environments, with a particular focus on comparing the security, performance, and efficiency of MD5 and SHA-256 hash algorithms. Data integrity is critical for protecting sensitive information, especially in sectors like healthcare, where cloud storage solutions are increasingly prevalent. Through a theoretical analysis, the study evaluates the advantages and limitations of MD5 and SHA-256, emphasizing SHA-256’s stronger security capabilities in preventing collision attacks compared to MD5, albeit with higher resource consumption.

The literature review draws from recent advancements in cryptography, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, presenting a comprehensive view …

"Major Questions" About Preemption, Kamaile A.N. Turčan

Villanova Law Review (1956 - )

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Link Between Over-The-Counter Pain Medication Use And Hypertension Risk, Maheen Zahidi, Saira Saeed Khan, Sadaf Naeem, Anosh Tahir, Gufran Ullah Khan, Maryam Mehmood, Afshan Bano

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both non-selective and selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, are among the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide. NSAIDs alter renal function if given in high enough doses, reducing renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate and causing sodium retention. An issue of interest is the association between the consumption of self-medicated over-the-counter (OTC) drugs analgesics, specifically NSAIDs and hypertension (HTN), which is considered as a cardiovascular risk factor. Objectives: This research aims to establish the relationship between the frequent use of OTC NSAIDs and an increased risk of hypertensive disease, emphasizing the implications of …

Addressing The Teen Mom Situation In Thailand: A Systematic Review On Challenges, Initiatives And Recommendations For Improvement, Junkkrit Wunggrath, Phinphot Phrommasen, Wanchalerm Ritthimon

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Teenage pregnancy in Thailand poses significant public health challenges with implications for societal welfare and economic development. This systematic review analyzed the challenges faced by teenage mothers in Thailand, evaluated existing initiatives, and proposed evidence-based recommendations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases and others focusing on literature from 2016 to 2023. Keywords included “teenage pregnancy,” “teen mom,” “unwanted pregnancy,” and “unintended pregnancy” resulting in the selection of 36 studies. The PRISMA framework was followed to ensure a systematic approach. Data extraction focused on societal, educational, economic, and health-related challenges as well as …

Journey Of Decisions: Understanding Parental Perspectives On Vaccine Hesitancy And Decision-Making Approaches In Childhood Vaccinations, Carlene Joy Brown

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of parental attitudes toward childhood vaccinations and decision-making styles. Overall, this study worked to comprehensively examine the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among parents of children under 18 utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies and conducting qualitative analytic comparisons to enhance understanding for future research practices.

The study’s objective in the first phase was to quantitatively assess whether decision-making styles predict vaccine hesitancy, considering demographic factors. The contextual research question guiding this phase was, “Do general decision-making styles predict vaccine hesitancy controlling for age, gender, level of education, employment status, marital status, …

Exploring The Content Of Introductory Quantitative Methods Courses For Education Doctoral Students, Samantha Brooke Patterson

Dissertations

Quantitative methods training is an integral part of an Education Doctoral Degree (EdD). Students tend to struggle with the content of these courses and consequently their quantitative proficiency has suffered. Currently, there is no consensus on the learning outcomes of introductory quantitative methods classes, leaving instructors to individually decide the content and teaching methods of their classes. The aim of this study was to capture the content of introductory quantitative methods course and determine their alignment with current best practices in statistics education.

• Q1 What curricular and pedagogical techniques are used in introductory quantitative methods course for EdD students?
• Q2 …

Does Mindset Matter: The Perceptions Pre-Licensure Nursing Students Have Regarding Mindset And Academic Success, Amanda Sue Schuster

Dissertations

Nursing programs need to graduate more students to increase the potential number of practicing nurses and help the nursing shortage. However, with high attrition rates, nursing programs are looking for ways to promote student success. Many factors lead to students not finishing a nursing program and nurse educators need to develop innovative ways to help students succeed. Identifying characteristics that make students successful is key to reducing attrition rates. One characteristic that a nurse educator can identify in students is a growth mindset. Mindset is formed by students’ beliefs and experiences, by having a growth mindset, one believes their intelligence …

Portraiture Of Four Reservation Community College Graduates, Ray Andrew Jade Talley

Dissertations

This qualitative study used portraiture to explore the experiences of four Native American, or sometimes referred to as American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN), college students who attended Reservation Community College (RCC), a Tribal College and University (TCU). Interviews, focus groups, and detailed notes captured the encounters that conceptualized the perspectives of four Native American students at this TCU. Participants included individuals who are members of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and graduated from RCC with a bachelor's degree. The texts incorporated the direct voices and stories of the participants to allow for direct and authentic quotes and phrases used during the interviews. …

Unveiling Barriers And Breakthroughs: A Qualitative Exploration Of Women In Educational Leadership Roles, Tara Grudzielanek

All Dissertations

This study explores gender disparities in educational leadership, focusing on the experiences of five women who successfully transitioned from teaching to principal roles. While women represent the majority of the teaching workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions, facing unique barriers shaped by gendered expectations, cultural stereotypes, and institutional biases. This research investigates the challenges and breakthroughs encountered by these women, offering insights into how they navigated their journeys to leadership.

Guided by critical feminist theory and transformational leadership, this study explores how gendered power structures and inclusive leadership practices influence the paths of women in educational leadership. Critical feminist …