Digital Commons Network^™

Sensemaking In The High School Science Classroom, Matt Bulman

Professional Learning Day

When students investigate phenomena that spark curiosity, science learning transforms. This session highlights how to design lessons where students ask their own questions, construct models, and revise ideas through evidence-based reasoning. Participants will explore real high school examples of sensemaking in action and leave ready to shift instruction from “covering content” to fostering authentic scientific thinking. The session features classroom shifts and resources developed at St. Charles East High School. *Participants may consider bringing a favorite lab, activity, or assessment to this session.*

Csi: Costa Rica--Turning Phenomena Into Engaging Biology Storylines, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

Immerse yourself in a problem-based storyline and work to solve the case of a mysterious illness that has taken over a Costa Rican village. Experience an accelerated student journey as you ask questions, build and revise models, analyze outbreak data, and design investigations. We’ll connect the activities to NGSS performance expectations and explore how anchoring instruction in compelling phenomena increases understanding, engagement, and authentic scientific reasoning.

Violence And Abuse Against Adult Stroke Survivors In The Deep South: Epidemiology, Risk, And Public Health Responses, Dawn S. Mclendon, Shaneka S. Patterson, Shreyas Gangadhara

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Adults living with neurologic disability, particularly stroke survivors, face disproportionately high rates of violence and abuse. This vulnerability is amplified in the Deep South due to elevated stroke burden, structural disadvantage, and persistent community-level disparities in both violence and health care access. We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, along with relevant surveillance and policy reports, to synthesize current evidence on the burden, patterns, risk factors, and prevention opportunities related to violence among adult stroke survivors. The review focused on elder mistreatment, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, caregiver abuse and neglect, and financial exploitation. Findings indicate …

“I’M Going To Get Help”: Violence Prevention And Response Assessment In Higher Education, Leah B.P. Pylate, Lindsey D. Knight, Sristi Subedi, Earnestine Y. Roby

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: College-age students are at risk for violence, and these victimizations can affect academic performance and outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of the current project was to gather information about violence prevention and response in higher education to inform resources and programming delivered to students through an institutional office in the Division of Student Affairs.

Methods: The project was guided by a social-ecological framework. Seven focus groups were conducted with 31 students.

Results: Students identified key issues affecting violence prevention, including personal and relational barriers; limited awareness and access to campus resources; emotional and mental health impacts; and the need for …

Community-Guided Adaptation Of Violence Prevention Strategies: Insights From The Mississippi Violence Injury Prevention (Ms-Vip) Program, Erin Dehon, Masoumeh Karimi, Leila Seidfaraji, Michelle Brassfield, Melinda Todd, Rukia Lumumba, Matthew Kutcher, Matthew Morris, Fredrick Womack, Roy Hart, Lei Zhang

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

No abstract provided.

The Mississippi Violence Injury Prevention Program (Ms-Vip): Building A Community-Driven Model For Healing And Safety, Rukia Lumumba

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

No abstract provided.

Archives And Children's Knowledge, Elliott Kuecker, Ashley Rockenbach

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This article argues for the importance of collecting works created by children—not just about and not just for—in formal archival collections. Framed through the ideas of legitimate knowledge and epistemic injustice, this piece combines notions important to children’s rights activists and childhood studies scholars with the role archives can play in preserving children’s knowledge through child-created materials. The authors describe how researchers struggle to find work created by children within archives, impacting the ability to create child-centered research that centers children’s views of the world as prominently as adult views of the world. Some collections that do include child-created materials …

Accepting And Implementing Virtual Reality In Archives: Archivists' Perspective, Farzaneh Talebhaghighi

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative technology across various domains, including education, entertainment, and cultural heritage institutions. While libraries and museums have actively explored VR’s potential to enhance user engagement and accessibility, its adoption in archival settings remains limited. This study examines the perspectives of academic archivists regarding the acceptance and implementation of VR in archives, identifying key factors that influence their willingness to adopt or reject the technology. Through qualitative interviews with five archivists from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, this research explores the perceived benefits, challenges, and institutional barriers associated with VR integration. …

Use Your Words: Positive Feedback And Engagment, Tracy Townsend

Professional Learning Day

Educators are used to hearing families described as our partners in their students' education, but too often, that partnership is limited to crisis intervention. At IMSA, the role of students' families can be especially uncertain, with limited communication leaving teachers feeling unsupported by those outside the classroom, and families uninformed about life inside it. Come learn about one IMSA English teacher's quest to engage more families and their students in positive communications, and to enhance student engagement. In this blend of presentation and workshop format, you'll see how this process can be adapted to your classroom, how it can improve …

Organizing And Hosting A Climate Summit, Dr. Eric Hawker

Professional Learning Day

A climate summit is similar to a model UN but is entirely focused on climate. During a climate summit students represent different countries, propose resolutions to help solve the problem of global climate change, negotiate with the representatives of other countries, and vote on resolutions.  During this session we will discuss how we prepare for the summit, and then participants will go through a mini climate summit to see what it is like. *Participants should have access to a laptop or tablet for this session*

Learning To Think Like A Scientist; Spooky Lakes!, Felicia Maxa, Sarah Robertson, Stephanie Ryan

Professional Learning Day

This is a workshop that will focus on disciplinary literacy which we define as teaching students to think like scientists! We will take interesting text(s) written for students in middle school and high school and model teaching strategies that allow students to build their ability to think like a disciplinary insider! We will look at how we approach scientific texts from evaluation of reliability, to annotating text; looking for both new understanding and connection to background knowledge, to being curious, seeking answers through asking questions and beyond! *OPTIONAL - Participants may bring a book appropriate for young readers that fits …

Exploring Emotional Management Learning Among Prelicensure Nursing Students Used In The Clinical Setting, Elizabeth Coleman

SoTL Commons Conference

No abstract provided.

Lines In The Sky: American Air Defense Strategy 1950-1958, Jacob A. Battle

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

In August 1949, the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb, abruptly ending the American monopoly on nuclear weapons. While many in the Truman administration had believed that no other nation could construct the bomb, war planners were now faced with the possibility of an "atomic Pearl Harbor". In response, NSC-68 would be published, granting an unprecedented level of attention and investment to developing air defense measures. Throughout the following decade, new command structures coincided with rapid developments in radar, aircraft, and missile technology. Furthermore, the development of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) integrated radar, interceptors, and Nike missile systems …

Impact Of Palliative Care Consultation On Clinical Interventions And Outcomes In A Medical-Surgical Community-Based Intensive Care Unit, Manjot S. Malhi, Jude Tabba, Aunie M. Danyalian, Michele Iguina, Daniel Zapata, Raiko Diaz, Dionne Morgan, Daniel Heller, Sanaz Kashan, Mauricio Danckers

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Integrating palliative care into intensive care unit (ICU) practice is an essential component of comprehensive patient management, ensuring that critical interventions are aligned with patient-centered care objectives. This study aims to evaluate the impact of palliative care consultation (PCC) on clinical interventions, patient outcomes, and decision-making processes in a community-based medical-surgical ICUs.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational, single-center cohort study of critically ill adult patients in a community-based medical-surgical ICU. Patients were grouped by the presence (PCCP) or absence (PCCA) of palliative care consultation. Primary outcomes included differences in clinical interventions (mechanical ventilation, vasoactive medications, renal replacement therapy, …

An Acknowledgement To The Hca Healthcare Journal Of Medicine's Reviewers And Editors For The Second Half Of 2025, Juan A. Sanchez, Graig Donini

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine would like to thank those behind the scenes who make this publication possible. Our journal would not be possible without the assistance of our peer reviewers, authors, and board members.

Electromagnetic Pins For Forest And Landscape Surveying, Djamila Hassan Djibril Professor

Defensive Publications Series

With As technology spreads, it is essential that forest management technologies follow the guiding principles of near-natural forest management, which include using tree species adapted to the site, growing forests that are structurally diverse, mixed and age-appropriate, avoid clear cutting, emphasis stability of the soil, and focus on individual tree growth. Many of the ideas and methods used in near-natural forest management are similar to those of complexity science. Examples include the importance given to diversity and structural differences.[1]. In this review paper we present a new scientific solution for Marker surveying and forest scaling and forest size structure , …

Event-Driven Packet Capture For Automated Latency Root Cause Analysis And Proactive Network Remediation, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

The present disclosure relates to automated network diagnostics and remediation within large-scale cloud and virtualized network environments. Specifically, it describes a system and method for automatically differentiating between network-induced latency and application-server-induced latency without manual intervention. The system utilizes an event-driven workflow where an anomaly detection engine triggers a programmatic, flow-specific packet capture session on a network switch upon detecting performance symptoms. Captured data is automatically routed to an analysis server which executes scripts to measure and compare Network Round Trip Time (RTT) against Server Response Time. Based on this comparison, the system generates a definitive root cause verdict. Furthermore, …

Architectural Design Generation Using Graph-Based Constraint Optimization And Conditioned Generative Models, Arpit Goyal

Defensive Publications Series

Generative models for architectural design can have difficulty adhering to complex constraints, such as directional rules from specific cultural frameworks, which may result in layouts with functional or symbolic limitations. A computational framework can address this by integrating rule-based logic with generative models. The system can translate user requirements and geospatial data into an abstract graph where rooms are represented as nodes. A logic engine, which can utilize a component such as a graph neural network, can optimize the placement of these nodes according to predefined adjacency and directional rules. The resulting optimized spatial graph can be used to create …

Communication-Free Distributed Task Scheduling Using Stabilized Time, Joseph Pingenot

Defensive Publications Series

Scheduling periodic tasks across distributed systems can present challenges, as methods relying on central coordinators or inter-node communication for scheduling decisions may introduce performance bottlenecks and single points of failure. The disclosed technology describes a system where independent nodes can deterministically select a task executor without requiring direct communication for the selection decision. Each node can compute a stabilized timestamp from a synchronized clock, combine it with a task-specific value to create a seed, and use the seed with a deterministic pseudo-random number generator to select an executor from a shared list. This approach can facilitate coordinated, probabilistic task execution …

The Distributed Verification Of Geospatial Events Via Passive Audio And Local Swarm Consensus, Dhandapani Shanmugam

Defensive Publications Series

Systems for collecting geospatial event data may be subject to challenges associated with active user input and the latency of centralized verification. A decentralized framework may passively detect and verify such events. For example, a client-side agent operating on a user device (e.g., a smartphone, wearable device, or in-vehicle system) can monitor ambient audio for predefined keywords. Upon detecting a trigger, the system may cross-reference the audio event with data from onboard physical sensors for potential local validation. If validated, the device may initiate a distributed consensus protocol, broadcasting a verification request to proximate peer devices. These peer devices may …

System And Method For Sensory Substitution Via A 360-Degree Multi-Modal Haptic Interface, Kshitij Suresh Gaikar

Defensive Publications Series

The innovation relates generally to assistive technologies for the visually impaired. More specifically, it pertains to systems and methods for sensory substitution that can translate a 360- degree visual and depth data field into a comprehensive, full-body haptic map, thereby providing comprehensive situational awareness and navigation capabilities.

Standards-Based Grading In Technical Theatre, Tetta M. Askeland

Essays in Education

This paper explores the implementation of standards-based grading in theatrical education as an alternative to traditional grading methods. The background section discusses the limitations and biases of conventional grading scales, highlighting issues such as the emphasis on point collection over knowledge acquisition and the problematic use of zeros. The paper then introduces standards-based grading, outlining its key features and benefits, including a focus on learning standards, clear feedback, and emphasis on mastery. A detailed explanation of how to integrate this approach into a theatrical classroom is provided, along with a grade translation system to align with traditional letter grades. The …

Evaluating Regularized Logistic Regression And K-Nn On Mnist Under Increasing Random Missingness, Daniel Markwei

Data Science and Data Mining

This paper investigates the effect of random missingness on the performance of regularized multinomial logistic regression and the k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) classifier for handwritten digit recognition on the MNIST dataset. In particular, we study L1-regularized (LASSO) logistic regression and L2-regularized (Ridge) logistic regression alongside k-NN. Varying percentages of random missingness were introduced into the original dataset, and each model was evaluated in terms of its classification performance. The results show that random missingness degrades the performance of all three classifiers. Overall, k-NN consistently achieves higher accuracy than both L1- and L2-regularized logistic regression across all missingness levels; however, its performance …

Implementing Handwritten Notetaking : An Action Research Study Of Efl University Students’ Practices, Engagement, And Grammar Retention, Haifa Al-Amri

University of Bisha Journal for Educational Sciences

This paper reports on an action research study designed to enhance EFL university students’ grammar retention and increase their engagement through handwritten notetaking, while also examining their current notetaking practices. The study used a mixed-methods approach: The effect on grammar retention was assessed using a pre and post-test, while notetaking practices were assessed through analysis of students’ notes, and engagement was assessed through classroom observation and an open-ended questionnaire. The findings revealed that the intervention resulted in no statistically significant difference in the students’ grammar pre- and post-test scores. Furthermore, an examination of students’ notes revealed a deficiency in critical …

The Reality Of Practicing Proactive Leadership From The Perspective Of Faculty Members At The University Of Bisha: A Mixed-Methods Study, Wafaa Abdullah Farhan Al-Amari

University of Bisha Journal for Educational Sciences

The research aimed to examine the reality of proactive leadership at the University of Bisha from the perspective of faculty members, identify the requirements necessary to activate this type of leadership, and explore the challenges that hinder its implementation. In addition, it sought to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in proactive leadership practices based on academic rank and gender. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to achieve a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to faculty members and administrators (quantitative method), as well as in-depth …

Students, Ai, And Scholarly Integrity: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Of Postgraduate Research Practices In Saudi Higher Education, Maryam Jamal Alharthi

University of Bisha Journal for Educational Sciences

Background: This qualitative study explores how Master’s students in educational psychology at a Saudi university negotiate artificial intelligence AI use in research and coursework. Methods: The study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenological design, drawing on semi-structured interviews with seven eligible students in Medina, and analysed them thematically. The interpretive lens was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model/Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence), Bourdieu’s cultural capital (1977), and a sociocultural perspective (e.g., Vygotsky, 1978) on institutional norms. Findings: Five interconnected themes captured student engagement with AI: (1) patterns of use and functional perceptions, …

Multi-Tiered Sweep Algorithm For Orientation-Based Antenna Tuning, Mickey Chang, Jim Chen, Chien-Ti Hsiao

Defensive Publications Series

The performance of antennas in wireless communication devices, such as smartphones or wearable devices, can possibly be degraded due to the device's physical orientation. Some tuning methods may not address these orientation-based performance variations. A system is described that can dynamically adapt antenna tuning configurations using a software-driven, sweep-based algorithm. The algorithm may systematically evaluate a set of available tunecodes by measuring key performance indicators, such as received signal power for each, to select a configuration favorable for the current device orientation. This process can incorporate a multi-tiered sweep with coarse, optimized, and fine phases to balance a comprehensive search …

Mansion Markets: Re-Evaluating The Treatment Of Customs Unions In Antidumping Cases, Devin Humphreys

Mercer Law Review

Some customs unions look like glorified trade deals, while other customs unions look like nation‑states in the making. Since 1979, U.S. trade law has treated both kinds of customs unions the same, but this state of affairs ignores the variety of ways in which some (though not all) modern customs unions are remarkably economically integrated. Presidents from both parties have treated the European Union as a singular entity in regulating foreign trade with their Section 232 authority, and more recently, the current presidential administration has issued ad valorem tariffs against the European Union as a bloc. But due to a …

Marked For Prosecution: The Use Of Tattoo Recognition Technology In Criminal Trials And The Case For Evidentiary Limits, Marc Consalo

Mercer Law Review

In recent years, tattoos have taken on a new and largely overlooked role in our criminal trial system. Once viewed primarily as personal or cultural expression, tattoos are now treated by law enforcement as biometric data which can be analyzed, codified, and then searched by artificial intelligence (“AI”). Police departments and prosecutorial offices have begun using tattoo recognition software to identify suspects, assume gang membership, and establish guilt based on imagery or symbols. Yet, despite the rapid growth of this technology, its use in the courtroom has received almost no scholarly attention and even less judicial scrutiny.

This Article seeks …

Soil And Sovereignty: An Analysis Of Federal And State Laws Affecting Foreign Investment In U.S. Agricultural Land, Brantley Swindell

Mercer Law Review

Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land has risen significantly in recent years. From 2014 to 2023, the share of agricultural acres owned by foreign interests increased by 67%. Although the share of agricultural acres owned by foreign countries and interests only amounts to just over 3% of the total U.S. private farmland, the U.S. federal government and many states have passed laws to prohibit, restrict, limit, regulate or create requirements for foreign ownership of agricultural land and real property. As of 2025, twenty nine states have passed laws to regulate such foreign ownership.

This Comment outlines the regulations on foreign …