Digital Commons Network^™

Challenges And Best Practices For The Development Of Coastal Hazard Decision Support Tools, Noah Hallisey

Open Access Dissertations

There is growing interest in developing Decision Support Tools (DSTs) supporting emergency managers and other decision-makers during coastal storm events. Yet many tools fail to inform decision-making due to challenges associated with their development and transition into operational tools for real-time decision-making. This dissertation investigates these challenges and offers best practices for their development and implementation for real-world decision-making through a literature review, interviews with subject matter experts in the United States, and a real-world case study.

Manuscript 1 reviews existing published literature to understand whether and how tool developers are incorporating emergency managers in the development of DSTs and …

Information Asymmetry: A Configurational Perspective In Buyer-Supplier Relationships, Soode Vaezinejad

Open Access Dissertations

Information asymmetry in buyer-supplier relationships has been linked to several influencing factors. However, these factors are often examined in isolation, limiting understanding of their synergistic effects. Grounded in agency theory, signaling theory, and transaction cost economics, this study adopts a configurational perspective to examine which combinations of factors lead to high information asymmetry. Using a three-part study design, we first conduct a systematic literature review to identify relevant factors, which are then refined and prioritized through a Delphi study. Building on this foundation, fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) is applied to survey data from 385 buyer managers to uncover equifinal …

Compositional And Functional Shifts In Fish Community Structure In Response To Low-Head Dam Removals, Joshua D. Bruegge

Masters Theses

Low-head dams serve as intermittent barriers to aquatic connectivity and directly alter both upstream and downstream habitats and biotic communities. In 2018 and 2019, two low-head dams in the Vermilion River watershed of eastern Illinois were removed, reconnecting over 1,700 kilometers of upstream habitat within the basin. To determine the impacts of these dam removals, fish community surveys were conducted at 12 fixed sites across three reaches in two rivers from 2012-2022. This study assessed reach-specific temporal responses of the fish community and habitat characteristics. I linked trait expressions within the fish community to abiotic variables using the co-inertia RLQ …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Proactive And Reactive Behavior Management Strategies, Anna Wilzbach

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to expand the praise literature by examining K-12 teachers’ preferences for proactive behavior management strategies (e.g., praise, acknowledgement, rewards). In addition, teachers’ opinions on the efficacy of proactive strategies were assessed to see if efficacy of strategies decreased as grade level increased. Teacher opinions of efficacy and preferences for proactive strategies and reprimand were collected through the Teacher Praise and Reprimand Preference Survey (TPRPS). A total of 93 teachers from rural and suburban school districts completed the TPRPS survey. Results indicated as grade level increased, teachers found praise less effective for managing student appropriate …

You’Re Gonna Be Popular: A Semiotic Exploration Of Meaningful Tools Used To Promote Popular Music Artists, Maya Raye Kurth

Masters Theses

I have been to dozens of concerts, but after experiencing The Era’s Tour I became a Swiftie so quickly and passionately that I was looking for comparable concerts and fan experiences and found very few. It made me wonder how and why this fan experience stuck with me and what made it so special. With that question in mind, I started this project with the question of how successful indie music is marketed.

To answer this question, I used semiotics as the driving theory behind this study. Semiotics allowed me to establish a binary between organic and manufactured and allowed …

The Role Of International Student Office Directors In Facilitating The Transitional Adjustment Of International Students In U.S Higher Education, Agnes Afi Yigah

Masters Theses

This qualitative study explored how International Student Office Directors facilitate the transitional adjustment of international students in U.S. higher education institutions. Guided by Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (1981) and Schlossberg’s Mattering and Marginality Theory (1989), this study examined the challenges international students face, the support strategies implemented by International Student Office Directors, and the institutional factors influencing student adjustment and well-being. International students experience challenges related to housing and logistical adjustment, financial and immigration-related stressors, academic system adjustment and self-advocacy, and social integration and emotional adjustment. Proactive and holistic support approaches, including pre-arrival communication, orientation programs, academic support, emotional support, and …

“If He Did It, I Can Do It, Too. I Can Change My Life Around”: The Social Model Of Recovery Within The Context Of Recovery Homes Accepting Residents Prescribed Medications For Opioid Use Disorder, Jodie M Dewey, Kathryn R Gallardo, Meenakshi S Subbaraman, Amy A Mericle

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: This paper provides an in-depth examination of examines four recovery residences, that serve individuals prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The study has two primary aims: first, to deepen understanding of how recovery residences adopt and operationalize Social Model of Recovery principles; and second, to identify gaps in staff integration of residents receiving MOUD-gaps that may either support or undermine the integrity of the social model within these settings.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 residents receiving MOUD living in four participating recovery homes. The interviews were conducted between August 2022 and January 2024 using a semi-structured …

Plasma Proteomic Profile Of Dietary Potassium And Incident Ckd, Jiaqi Yang, Lauren Bernard, Jingsha Chen, Valerie K Sullivan, Bing Yu, Eugene P Rhee, Paul A Welling, Casey M Rebholz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background:: There is a need for objective biomarkers of dietary potassium. The mechanisms through which dietary potassium influences kidney health are incompletely understood.

Methods:: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants at visit 3 (1993–1995) with dietary and proteomics data were randomly divided into discovery (N=6,814) and replication (N=3,380) sets. We examined associations between dietary potassium and 4,955 aptamers using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, with a false discovery rate of 0.05. Then, we tested the prospective associations between potassium-related proteins and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results:: …

Adapting A Smartphone-Based Auricular Point Acupressure Self-Management Program For Rural Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Qualitative Study, Jungkyung Min, Peiyin Hung, Jane N Bolin, Rupsikha Bora, Sarah Pace, Patricia Pitones, Hulin Wu, Jennifer Kawi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is more prevalent in rural areas where access to pain interventions, including complementary approaches like Auricular Point Acupressure (APA), remains limited. APA is a non-invasive, needle-free approach, and its smartphone-based self-management delivery model has not been optimized for rural contexts.

Objectives: To explore the perspectives of rural partners on adapting a smartphone-based Auricular Point Acupressure-Self-Management (APA-SM) program to better meet rural needs. Study objectives were to: (1) refine the APA-SM program for rural adults, (2) identify implementation barriers, (3) understand practice workflows and engagement, and (4) identify strategies to integrate the APA-SM program into rural pain …

Carbon Nanotube/ Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Cnt/Tpu)-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator With Self-Charge Pumping For Implantable Knee Load Sensing And Energy Harvesting, Osama Abdalla, Maryam Hosseini, Milad Azami, Amir Ameli, Emre Salman, Milutin Stanacevic, Ryan Willing, Shahrzad Towfighian

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Scholarship

Aseptic loosening and joint instability remain the primary modes of failure in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To provide real-time biomechanical load monitoring, this study presents a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) utilizing a carbon nanotube/foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (CNT/TPU) composite dielectric layer paired with a Kapton tape between dual electrodes. By leveraging the triboelectric effect, the device functions simultaneously as an energy harvester and a self-powered load sensor. To overcome power density limitations, a self-charge pumping mechanism via a multi-stage voltage multiplier circuit (VMC) was integrated and evaluated under physiological cyclic loading (2100 N at 1 Hz). The system’s charge dynamics were further …

Subgroup Identification Of Disparities In Buprenorphine Discontinuation In Opioid-Use Disorder: A Virtual Twins Machine Learning Approach Using Nationwide United States Claims Data, 2006–2022, Kehe Zhang, Paula A Jaimes-Buitron, Wanru Guo, Yanmin Gong, Yuanxiong Guo, Carolina Vivas Valencia, Cici Bauer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Buprenorphine retention is crucial for effective treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), yet disparities in treatment discontinuation persist. This study aims to identify and quantify disparities in buprenorphine treatment retention using a machine learning framework adapted from Virtual Twins approach focusing on disparities related to sex, age, insurance type, geographic region, mental health status and community-level Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Using a nationwide longitudinal cohort, we applied a two-stage machine learning approach. In Stage one, we trained classification models to estimate the counterfactual differences in treatment discontinuation across disparity types. Model performance was assessed using C-statistics and precision-recall curve. In …

Relationship Between Foraminiferal Assemblages And Cassiopea Coverage Across A Gradient Of Human Influence In Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Puerto Rico, Nylah Barber, Angelique Rosa Marín, Natalia López-Figueroa, Darma Ramos-Negrón, Xiomara Cruz-De León, Andrea Acevedo Colón, Pamela Hallock

Making Waves REU

Ecological Relevance: Foraminifera and Cassiopea (upside down-jellyfish) are symbiont-bearing organisms that respond rapidly to environmental changes in tropical systems, hence potential candidates as bioindicators to support ecological monitoring at JBNERR. Purpose: By using foraminiferal assemblages and Cassiopea as potential bioindicators, we can assess environmental conditions and contribute to management needs in the reserve. Hypothesis: Foraminiferal assemblages and the percent coverage of Cassiopea will reflect the habitat conditions of sites with varying levels of human influence at JBNERR.

A Qualitative Examination Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Access, Beliefs, And Behaviors Among Adult Males Aged 18–35: Applying The Health Stigma And Discrimination Framework, Jacquelin I Cordero, Louis D Brown, Jesús M Alemán, María E Fernández, Serena A Rodríguez, Eva M Moya

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Males, who disproportionately account for 83% of oropharyngeal cancer cases, are underrepresented in health promotion research, including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination studies. The initial exclusion of males in HPV vaccine research, policies, and interventions has negatively affected male vaccine uptake. Furthermore, stigma, a well-documented barrier to healthcare engagement, has been overlooked in HPV vaccination behaviors. This study aimed to provide a more contextualized understanding of HPV vaccine disparities among adult males by applying the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework (HSDF) to examine how stigma is produced, enacted, and sustained across social systems, which may impact male vaccine uptake.

Methods: …

Religious Radio Broadcasting In Ukraine In The Context Of Digital Mediatisation And Social Transformation, Oleh Sokolovskyi, Olena Yurchuk

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The study carries out a religious studies analysis of contemporary forms of spiritual communication implemented through audio and digital media platforms. The work highlights the particular features of organizing religious broadcasting under conditions of transformation of the information space, when traditional models of transmitting doctrine become integrated into new technological formats. Mechanisms of the formation of religious identity, ways of maintaining spiritual continuity, and strategies of interaction between religious institutions and their audiences are examined. An analysis is conducted of the structures that ensure access to spiritual content, including forms of catechetical communication, mentoring practices, and models of pastoral support …

An Interdisciplinary Approach To Understanding The Social Ministry Of The Orthodox Church Of Ukraine In The Context Of Christian Theology And Socio-Humanitarian Sciences, Rostyslav Didukh

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article presents a comprehensive interdisciplinary scientific and theological analysis of the social ministry of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) in the context of Christian theology and socio-humanitarian disciplines. Modern approaches of Orthodox theology to the social mission of Christianity ensure the integrity of the development of the human and society. The need to ensure the coherence of theological concepts of the Orthodox Church social teaching with the existing church and parish life, church educational mission, theological education, and social work is emphasized. Special attention is paid to the interdisciplinary connections of Orthodox theology, religious studies, psychology, pedagogy and …

Italian Missionary Activities In Georgia: Historical Legacy And Modern Inter-Religious Dialogue, Zaza Tsotniashvili

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article examines the historical development, cultural contributions, and contemporary significance of Italian missionary activities in Georgia spanning seven centuries, from medieval Catholic presence through the traumatic Soviet period to the post-independence revival. Drawing upon Georgian, Italian, and Vatican archival sources, including the manuscripts of Arcangelo Lamberti, Cristoforo de Castelli, and Michel Tamarati, the study provides comprehensive analysis of Italian Catholic missionaries' multifaceted engagement with Georgian society. The research demonstrates that Italian missionaries, particularly members of the Theatine, Capuchin, and Augustinian orders, played roles extending far beyond religious evangelization, functioning as diplomatic intermediaries, medical practitioners, linguistic documentarians, ethnographic observers, and …

Signs Of Life: Interkingdom Communication And The Sympoietic Organism, Scott F. Gilbert

Biology Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

A Glimpse Of Early Ellensburg, Washington From The 1980'S Excavations At 45kt800, Leah M. Shenyer

All Master's Theses

The Robber’s Roost site, located in the town of Ellensburg, Washington, was excavated in a partnership between Central Washington Archaeological Survey and Kittitas County Youth Services in the summers of 1986 and 1988. In 2023, the collection consisted of 110 boxes of artifacts including bottle glass, ceramics, leather, and faunal remains, with no significant prior analysis and little information on the dig itself. The purpose of this thesis is to document this poorly-known excavation project and gain a better understanding of Ellensburg’s history through analysis of the artifacts recovered. I compiled all the available paper records and communicated  with past …

Analyzing Geographic Distribution And Distressed Community Index Trends In Black Dermatologists Of The Southeast United States, Laci Turner, Charlotte Mcrae, Michael Anderson, Lamario Williams, Tiffany Mayo

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2026 research poster

Occupational Identity & Career Preparation, Leah Shea Simpkins, Karen R. Puckett

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Regardless of the profession, having occupational identity is highly important. Students are in need of preparing themselves for their future careers whilst in college. Having a career portfolio is a great tool for students to have upon graduation which showcases their occupational identities regarding future career preparedness.

Fostering Durable Skills In A Hybrid Accelerated Program: Insights From Doctor Of Physical Therapy Education For A Practical Approach For Teaching Essential Professional Competencies, Rajiv Dalal, Vicki Lafay, Steven Hammons

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Durable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-management are essential in today’s professional world. These skills should be reinforced through various educational platforms. This application from a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program highlights AI-driven simulations and innovative strategies adaptable across disciplines, offering practical methods to prepare career-ready students.

Teaching Durable Skills In A School Principal Certification Program, Kevin Hub

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers principal certification through a specialized Principal Certification Cohort Degree program. One component within this academic program is teaching durable skills through a deeper dive into curriculum, a broader range of field experiences, and the development of durable skills through a series of experiential learning assignments.

Exploring Faculty And Student Experiences With Languages: Building Durable Skills Through Multilingual Engagement, Ali Yaylali, Cui Zhang, Sara Rico-Godoy

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

This creative activity focuses on students’ and multilingual faculty members' real-life experiences navigating linguistic and cultural diversity. The informal dialogue across multiple undergraduate courses in a third space strengthens student learning by enhancing multiple durable skills such as intercultural communication, career readiness, and the understanding of different cultural backgrounds.

Teaching Transfer: Building Durable Skills For All Learners, Jilliane Mccardle, Jessica Spears, Ty Shouse, Amber Catron

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Transfer tasks in educational settings offer opportunities for durable skill development in areas including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. This article explores research and the implementation of transfer tasks at a university and the affiliated P12 lab school, highlighting the role in fostering authentic assessment and enhancing durable skills.

Book Clubs: Building Communication, Critical Thinking, And Leadership Skills, Erin Eliassen

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

This brief report describes the structure of a book club in the college classroom to build specific durable skills, reflects on an assignment in a nutrition research course, and identifies benefits of a book club in a college classroom. Applications are versatile based on course content and student learning outcomes.

Durable Skill Development Through Creative Audio Projects: Student Podcasting, Meg Gravil, Jeff Reed

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Students in two classes, one face-to-face and one asynchronous online, created podcasts to meet course objectives while engaging in durable skill development. Creating podcasts enabled students to navigate cultural, developmental, and familial differences through discussion with others. Student feedback on podcasting as a course assessment was reflective and positive.

Table Of Contents: 2025 Pedagogicon Proceedings, Russell Carpenter, Kevin Dvorak, Marie A. Mater, Shirley O'Brien, Jamie Shaffer, Melony Shemberger, Sarah Wackerbarth, Jj Wallace

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Harnessing Ai For Medical Education: A Faculty Development Series For Pre-Clinical And Clinical Educators, April Hatcher, Tama The

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

This manuscript describes a faculty development series designed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. Faculty participants discussed practical applications of AI, student perspectives on their use of AI, and innovative collaborative projects with local faculty. This short series was scaffolded as an introduction to AI for medical educators.

Tek Faculty Fellows: Building Faculty Confidence In Teaching Durable Skills Through Transdisciplinary Collaboration, Shawna Felkins, Madeline Aulisio Miller, Trey Conatser, Diane Parr

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

The TEK Faculty Fellows program was created to support faculty in the design of new courses or enhancement of existing courses to engage students in transdisciplinary learning and skill-building. This paper shares early evaluation findings and practical strategies to support faculty in making durable skills more visible in the classroom.

The Fcom (Frist College Of Medicine) Experience: A Faculty Development Strategy In A New Medical School, Jamie Shaffer, Hope Terhaar

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

The FCoM Experience is a faculty development initiative designed to improve teaching quality, technological fluency, and culture at a new medical school. Grounded in peer observation and the Communities of Practice model, it fosters durable teaching skills through simulation, feedback, and reflection—offering a scalable model for medical education innovation.