Digital Commons Network^™

The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Great Binding Peace, Philip P. Arnold, Sandra L. Bigtree

Religion - All Scholarship

No abstract provided.

On Frand-Ly Terms: Examining The Role Of Juries In Standard-Essential Patent Disputes, Marta Krason

University of Chicago Law Review

Modern society relies on interconnected technologies, and interoperability has become crucial for meeting consumer expectations. Technology standards have emerged to ensure compatibility and interoperability across products. Once an industry selects a standard as the default for consumers and businesses, industry players begin to adapt it, often phasing out alternative—sometimes even superior— technologies. Holders of patents covering technology standards, known as standard- essential patents (SEPs), control the rights to an invention with no commercially viable alternative or that cannot be designed around while still complying with a standard. This gives SEP holders significant leverage in licensing negotiations

Standards development organizations (SDOs) …

Joinder, Not Jurisdiction: Toward A New Theory Of Standing, Adam N. Steinman

Faculty Scholarship

This Article builds on an important development in the Supreme Court’s standing jurisprudence to propose a novel theory that would allow more meaningful access to federal courts while vindicating legitimate separation-of-powers concerns. In its recent decision in TransUnion LLC v. Ramirez, the Supreme Court endorsed a theory of standing based on Article II, writing that litigation between private parties—even when explicitly authorized by Congress—can run afoul of the executive branch’s interest in “how to prioritize and how aggressively to pursue legal actions against defendants who violate the law.” This Article II move has been justifiably criticized. But it is …

Empirical Methods In Contract Law, Monika Leszczynska

Faculty Scholarship

Researchers employ various empirical methods to provide insights into contractual legal issues. For instance, systematic content analysis has been used to examine the terms of contracts or court judgments in contractual disputes. This approach, though different from doctrinal methods, enhances our understanding of legal content. Surveys and experimental methods, on the other hand, provide evidence on people's perceptions of contract terms or contractual behavior such as consent, misrepresentation, or breach. The findings from these studies inform contract law theories, which are based on assumptions about behavior in contractual relationships. Empirical studies also strengthen arguments in normative research by providing evidence …

Montana International Choral Festival 2025, Missoula County, Montana, Matthew Matz, Ava Worbets, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Montana International Choral Festival to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2025 Montana International Choral Festival hosted in Missoula, Montana. Three hundred ninety-four attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that the majority of respondents were relatively local, with 79% of respondents being residents of Montana and 83% of Montana respondents residing in Missoula County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 4.1 nights in Missoula, reporting a total spending of $100,274.00, mostly in rental home/cabin/condo, hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts, and restaurants/bars. Results provide event organizers with useful data for future …

Nature Journaling (Summer 2025), Rebecca Lauck Cleary

Staff Residencies

Rebecca Lauck Cleary, Communications Specialist in the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, went on nature walks and to the Memphis Botanic Garden, then wrote about and painted the natural world around me.

Rowan Oak Fifty Years Later: The Photography Of Bill Connell (Summer 2025), Stella Connell

Staff Residencies

Stella Connell, Manager of Marketing and Communications in the School of Business Administration, curated a collection of approximately 35 photographs of Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner, and the surrounding grounds taken by Bill Connell from 1973 to 1975.

From Strangers To Friends? An Ethnographic Study Of Developing Group Culture During A Short-Term Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program In Ireland, Victoria N. Seeger, Elizabeth Dimmitt, Keely Cline

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This study examined the intersections of relationships that formed during a short-term, faculty-led study abroad programme in Ireland, and the elements of study abroad culture that allowed and fostered those relationships. We selected evidence-based ethnographic research as our approach to examine the sense of place and community in which relationships formed. We used Tuckman’s theory of group development (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977) as a theoretical framework through which to develop the ethnographic portrait of the students and explore the processes of how relationships developed over a relatively short period of time.

Bmis 526.60: Introduction To Data Analytics, Joanne Nordhagen

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Pt 692.02: Independent Study - Medical Spanish, Andrew J. Kittelson

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Labor Productivity Losses Across Construction Trades: A Machine Learning Approach, Tamima Elbashbishy, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Labor productivity is a major concern in the construction industry. Existing research on construction labor productivity (CLP) within specific trades has produced inconsistent findings due to differences in the factors analyzed. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to identify the most critical drivers of productivity losses across trades. To address this gap, this study adopts a cross-trade analytical approach to systematically identify and evaluate the inefficiencies impacting labor productivity in multiple construction trades. Specifically, the study (1) identified common organizational and project-level inefficiencies that influence labor performance; (2) conducted an expert-based survey to measure the frequency and perceived impact …

The New Professional: What New And Associate Dentists Need To Know About Ai, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article outlines the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, particularly for newer professionals. AI's applications span radiographic analysis (identifying pathologies, enhancing diagnostic precision), treatment planning (simulating outcomes, designing aligners), and streamlining administrative tasks (voice recognition for notes, optimized scheduling). The author emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an augmentative tool to human capabilities, not a replacement for clinical judgment, especially in complex cases. It also highlights the critical considerations of data privacy (HIPAA compliance) and the enduring value of the relationship-driven nature of dentistry. Ultimately, the most successful dentists will be those who combine emerging technologies …

In These Challenging Times: Why Practice Analytics Are Your New Best Friend, Patrick Houlihan Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article argues that financial success is crucial for a thriving dental practice in today's competitive market, despite dentists often lacking sufficient business management training. It introduces practice analytics as a fundamental tool to optimize operations and maximize profitability, enabling dentists to scrutinize outputs, evaluate performance, and implement necessary changes to achieve their goals. Key metrics to track include the number of active patients, monthly collection numbers, the doctor-to-hygiene collection ratio (ideal 65% doctor, 35% hygiene), collection per active patient per year, profit, and various overhead expenses (staff, facility, lab, supply, administrative). The author emphasizes that regular tracking of these …

The Back Page: Building For The Future: How The Mda Is Evolving To Better Serve Members, John Tramontana Ms, Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This message from the CEO/Executive Director outlines the Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) strategic initiatives to adapt and improve member services in response to rapid changes in the dental profession. Key actions include: transitioning to an MDA-managed membership database for enhanced service flexibility; investing in technology, including AI, to streamline internal operations and improve communications and services; advocating for early career dentists by supporting a resolution to reduce ADA dues for new graduates; reintroducing the MDA Journal in print bi-monthly alongside digital content; expanding online Continuing Education (CE) opportunities for affordability and accessibility; and reimagining the Annual Session to be more …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Health-Related Quality Of Life In College Students, Shelia Ann Fritts

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the interaction effects of physical activity levels and race on college students' physical and mental health, focusing on Native American students. A total of 245 students participated, categorized by physical activity levels (low, moderate, and high) and race (Native American and others). Descriptive statistics outlined the sample characteristics and physical activity behaviors. At the same time, a two-way ANOVA was conducted to assess the effects of race and physical activity on health-related quality of life, measured through physical and mental composite scores (PCS and MCS). The results revealed a significant interaction effect between race and low physical …

A Mobility Data-Driven Approach To Analyzing And Modeling Park Accessibility Inequities And Use In U.S. Cities, Michaelmary Chukwu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Urban Park accessibility inequities have been a longstanding issue globally and the United States in particular. Despite the benefits that urban parks provide, use and access is not equitably distributed among the population, often favoring historically privileged populations over others (disadvantaged). Fortunately, improvements have been made in recent years to promote balanced park distribution in some cities; however, evidence still shows that most cities are behind. Interestingly, the rise in human mobility data has facilitated the study of human behavior and use of activity spaces. This thesis advances the existing studies on park accessibility and emerging human mobility to study …

Switching Performance Optimization Of Sic Mosfets With Digital Active Gate Drivers, Liyang Du

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) have extensive applications in high-power density devices, but they exhibit quick switching transients that are problematic, including electromagnetic interference (EMI), voltage overshoot, and current imbalance between paralleled devices. The purpose of this dissertation is to maximize the switching performance of SiC MOSFETs using digital active gate drivers (AGDs). A three-level gate driving approach is presented to improve current sharing in paralleled SiC MOSFETs through turn-on voltage and gate signal delay adjustment. Closed-loop control with real-time feedback ensures high-reliability operation. For better practicability, a compact AGD structure of a single-path Class-B amplifier-based topology is …

Media’S New-Age Opinion Leaders: Audience Perceptions Of Smi Credibility And Opinion Leadership Role, Alyssa Claire Riley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With worldwide technological and communication advancements in the last few decades, everyday citizens can capture, create, and share news through social media platforms. Nowadays, prominent social media influencers (SMIs) influence where and from whom online audiences consume their news and information. This study aims to explore how different SMI attributes – such as attractiveness, expertise, and trustworthiness – and their social media tactics create or add to audience perceptions of SMIs as credible online opinion leaders. Applying Two-Step Flow theory and Source Credibility theory, the study used data from a survey of 115 participants to understand how audiences perceived the …

Exploring The Relationship Between Grit, Burnout, And Academic Success Among First-Year Osteopathic Medical Students During Fundamentals Of Anatomic Science I Course, Heather Guzik

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Burnout is a significant issue among healthcare professionals. Burnout refers to the mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that can develop throughout one’s career or studies. It can affect professionalism and patient care (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: National Academy of Medicine, 2019). Studies have shown that burnout begins early in an individual's medical education and can increase throughout their training (Voltmer et al., 2021). It has been suggested that students with a high level of Grit may exhibit some resistance to burnout (Jumat et al., 2020; Lee et al., 2022). This noncognitive trait measures a person’s ability to …

Synthesis Of Pillar[N]Arenes And Bridge-Functionalized Pillar[N]Arenes Via Cyclic And Acyclic Acetals, Babitha Machireddy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Pillar[n]arenes are macrocyclic compounds consisting of ‘n’ hydroquinone units linked by para-methylene bridges. Since their first report of facile synthesis 17 years ago, pillararenes have attracted significant interest due to their versatile functionality, electron-rich cavity, crystalline nature, and planar chirality. These unique properties have enabled a broad range of practical applications, including small molecule separation, formation of one-dimensional and two-dimensional channels, drug delivery systems, and enhanced emissive and fluorescent properties. The ease of synthesis of pillararenes has been one of the key factors in their widespread adoption and continued exploration in supramolecular chemistry and material science. Despite the efficiency and …

Sound Decisions: The Impact Of Music Genre In Fashion Advertising On Consumer Perceptions And Purchase Intention, Cassandra Thomas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how music genre, brand type, and the perceived congruency between the two influences consumer perceptions of fashion advertising. Guided by Congruity Theory and Attitude Theory, this study employed a 3x3 experimental design in which 252 participants viewed one of nine advertisement conditions varying by music genre (pop, hip-hop, electronic) and brand type (activewear, fast fashion, luxury). A series of one-way ANOVAs, bivariate correlations, and regression analyses were conducted to interpret the effects of music genre, brand type, and perceived congruency on attitudes toward 1) the advertisement and brand, 2) credibility of the advertisement and brand, and 3) …

A Security Worth Having: The Pursuit Of Happiness Through Reading Burney, Radcliffe, And Austen, Samantha Meeks

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the works of three female authors of female protagonists in the long 18th century: Frances Burney’s Camilla and Evelina; Anne Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho and The Italian; and Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice. By following the paths to security the female protagonists of these novels fashion, and identifying the elements of Stoicism and related Hellenism and the aspects of cybernetics, this dissertation delves into the choices female protagonists make along the way regarding their security and how such choices lead to agency and self-fashioning for these women. Emotional, economic, and …

A Word From The Writing Team (September 2025), Pam Walter, Mfa

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Our New Editor!
• Publications Spotlight
• Check out these Free Workshops Wiley is Offering in September
• Sign up for the First Friday Writing Retreat (Online)
• Did you Know Jefferson Provides Funding Support for Article Processing Charges (APC)?

Lung Cancer Prevention Among Appalachian Kentucky Women, Jessica R. Thompson, Nancy E. Schoenberg, Pamela C. Hull

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Purpose: Appalachian Kentucky (KY) residents experience the highest lung cancer rates in the US with declines lagging among women; we sought to uncover barriers and facilitators to lung cancer prevention for Appalachian KY women and to identify community-specific interventions. Approach: We utilized concept mapping, a participatory mixed method, to generate consensus on perceived barriers and facilitators. Setting/Participants: We recruited 71 adult women from Appalachian KY counties. Method: After collecting online concept mapping data, we used multidimensional scaling to generate a point map of perceived similarities and hierarchical cluster analysis to create a thematic cluster map. We compared average cluster ratings …

Romania: ‘A Country Is Worth More Than Its Gold’: Activists Defeat Canadian Mining Goliath. In, Roxana Maiorescu

Emerson Authors, Researchers, & Creators

For 25 years, Romanians fought to preserve Rosia Montana, a region whose gold and silver amount to 20 billion euros. Their victory was delivered in 2024, as the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington, DC ruled against the Canadian company that aimed to explore the mine. This analysis sheds light on political instability, perceived government corruption, and foreign intrusion, all of which led to intense and monthslong protests that Romania hadn’t seen since its 1989 revolution, when it liberated itself from communism. This case represents a David vs. Goliath-like story, in which a handful of poor families, …

Innocent Fun Or Unhealthy Habit: What's Your Game? Personality And Engagement With Video Games, Derrick Angier

Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis reports two exploratory studies of similar design, both of which investigated which gamers might be at risk for problematic or aggressive gaming. In both Study 1 (N = 480) and Study 2 (N = 761), which served as a replication, four composite scores representing participants’ personality attributes were created from big traits of the HEXACO—Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness, a people-centered intelligence—personal intelligence—and motives for gaming. These composite scores and the subordinate individual variables were used to predict lifespace measures of unhealthy/healthy gaming behaviors and aggressive/pro-social in-game interactions. Lifespace scales capture a person’s reports of their …

From Structure To Specificity: Biophysical Characterization Of Functional Interfaces In Protein Systems, Logan M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

Proteins are nature’s dynamic molecular machines, operating across a spectrum from highly ordered scaffolds to intrinsically disordered systems, and executing functions that depend on both precise structures and conformational flexibility. Yet, the mechanistic rules linking sequence, structure, and activity particularly in disordered proteins and specialized functional adaptations remain incompletely understood. This dissertation addresses that gap by integrating structural biology, biophysics, and protein engineering to dissect molecular recognition, stability, and function across three diverse yet thematically connected protein systems. Building on this understanding of protein structure and function, the following four projects apply these concepts to address diverse biological questions, ranging …

Planning Responses To Drinking Water System Emergencies, Jingyan Huang

Doctoral Dissertations

Despite extensive efforts to ensure clean and safe drinking water, drinking water contamination emergencies remain a persistent challenge in the United States. These events can result in widespread public health impacts, economic losses, and long-term environmental damage, particularly when triggered by hazardous chemical releases. Effective management of such crises requires a dual focus on both technical preparedness and human decision-making. This dissertation addresses these challenges through a two-part investigation that bridges pre-incident planning and post-incident response. It is guided by two core research objectives: (1) to evaluate commonly applied emergency countermeasures from both resilience and sustainability perspectives; and (2) to …

Psychological Factors Of Acting Talent And Success: You've Got "It", Lorelei Tierney Himlin

Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of an actor is to become invisible, bringing a character to life so convincingly that the audience forgets the actor exists outside the role. Different schools of acting often describe differing methods of portraying characters to this same general effect. To followers of the Meisner school, for example, “acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances” (Meisner et al., 1987). The “truthful” part involves creating a comprehensive mental model of a character’s imagined personality in order to fully embody that personality and extrapolate it to a situation. Then the actor uses a variety of acting techniques to think and …

Black Hole-Neutron Star Mergers: Numerical Relativity Studies Of Remnant Matter, Gravitational Waveforms, And Automated Simulation Workflows, Tia Kathleen Martineau

Doctoral Dissertations

Black hole–neutron star (BHNS) mergers are key sources for multimessenger astrophysics, offering insight into strong-field gravity and the behavior of matter at supranuclear densities. This dissertation presents three independent contributions to the study of BHNS systems using the Spectral Einstein Code (SpEC). First, a set of simulations spanning a range of mass ratios, black hole spins, and neutron star equations of state is used to map disruption thresholds and quantify remnant disk masses, unbound ejecta, and ejecta composition. These results are compared to predictions from remnant mass model FNH18, to assess its reliability in accurately predicting the resulting remnant masses …