Digital Commons Network^™

History And Constitutional Interpretation: What’S Really “There”?, Thomas C. Galligan Jr.

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

In recent years, under the moniker originalism, the United States Supreme Court has relied heavily upon history to delineate the scope and contour of various constitutional rights.[1] The Court’s justification for that approach is that defining the meaning of the Constitution according to its original or historical meaning limits a judge from engaging in unbridled discretion when deciding a case. The Court’s focus on history continued in its 2023 term. Justice Breyer has called the history-heavy analytical approach a “rigid history-only approach.”

For a number of reasons, the history-only approach is flawed and does not, in fact, limit judicial …

Can Consumers Protect Themselves Against Privacy Dark Patterns?, Matthew B. Kugler, Lior J. Strahilevitz, Marshini Chetty, Chirag Mahapatra, Yaretzi Ulloa

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

Dark patterns have emerged in the last few years as a major target of legislators and regulators. Dark patterns are online interfaces that manipulate, confuse, or trick consumers into purchasing goods or services that they do not want, or into surrendering personal information that they would prefer to keep private. As new laws and regulations to restrict dark patterns have emerged, skeptics have countered that motivated consumers can and will protect themselves against these manipulative interfaces, making government intervention unnecessary. This debate occurs alongside active legislative and regulatory discussion about whether to prohibit dark patterns in newly enacted comprehensive consumer …

Layered Alignment, Spencer Williams

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

Most artificial intelligence (ai) researchers now believe that ai represents an existential threat to humanity. The most dangerous threat posed by ai is an issue known as the alignment problem: the risk that a sufficiently intelligent and capable ai system could become misaligned with the goals and values of its human creators and instead pursue its own objectives to the detriment of humanity, including the possibility of extinction. The tension at the heart of the alignment problem is familiar to scholars of agency, contracts, and corporate law, though it goes by a different name: the principal-agent problem. In the traditional …

Frontier Healthscapes: Competing Narratives Of Disease, Environment, And Wellbeing In Early Minnesota, Aidan Reynolds

Geography Honors Projects

Across settler societies, health narratives were shaped by evolving tensions between lay and expert knowledge, frameworks of disease causation, and perceptions of the environment as both a source of health and a threat. In the decades following Euro-American settlement (1860-1900), Minnesota became a focal point for these debates, with its landscape fostering complex and competing narratives on health, wellbeing, and disease. This paper explores how public health discourse developed in Minnesota through the perspectives of institutions, the public, and economic interests. Combining environmental history with critical discourse analysis of archival materials, this study examines shifts within the Minnesota State Board …

The Mighty C: A Fractal Model For Modern Creativity, Joe Todaro

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The persistent ambiguity surrounding the definition of creativity has hindered its advancement across academic, educational, and professional settings. In response, this paper proposes an updated framework—The Mighty C—which defines creativity as the intrinsic human activity of generating meaningful, novel, and useful outcomes through deliberate process. This model addresses critical gaps in conventional definitions, particularly the frequent omission of meaningfulness, intentionality, and the uniquely human nature of creativity. It further emphasizes the recursive nature of these aspects across different levels of creative activity, represented through the structure of fractals. Drawing from scholarly models such as Rhodes’ 4Ps and Kaufman and Beghetto’s …

Front Line Innovation In Federal Agencies: U.S. Department Of State Passport Services Innovation Portal Engagement Program, Bill Langer

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This project explores strategies for enhancing front-line innovation within federal agencies through employee engagement with the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services Innovation Portal. Rooted in the principles of creative leadership and intrinsic motivation, the project addresses persistent barriers to innovation in federal settings, such as bureaucratic inertia and a lack of feedback mechanisms for idea submissions. Utilizing the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model and a modified 21st-century facilitation framework, the project team designed and implemented an engagement program that included informational briefings and targeted newsletters. Quantitative data from website analytics and idea submissions were analyzed using paired t-tests and …

Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs: “How Can We Better Equip Students, School Systems, And Society For Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs In Career And Technical Educational Environments?”, Mikala A. Highsmith

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce by providing essential knowledge, technical skills, and industry-recognized certifications. As the number of students with disabilities, including neurodivergent learners, continues to rise, CTE programs face increasing pressure to adopt innovative, inclusive educational practices. Integrating creative teaching strategies and leveraging technology are now critical tools in addressing diverse learning needs that promote effective classroom management and enhance student engagement. Moreover, CTE programs emphasize the development of professional competencies, workforce protocols, and transferable skills that strengthen students’ employability across industries. This paper examines …

Measuring Abortion Incidence, Severity Of Complications, And Health Facilities’ Capacity To Provide Abortion Care In Refugee Settings In Ethiopia: Technical Report, Baobab Research Programme Consortium, Guttmacher Institute

Humanitarian Task Force

Humanitarian crises disrupt essential services, making it difficult for people to access basic care, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. While data on SRH services in humanitarian settings is lacking, even less is known about how common abortion is or the severity of abortion-related complications in these settings. Using a modified application of the Abortion Incidence and Complications Methodology (AICM), this study aimed to estimate the incidence of induced abortion, determine the severity of abortion related complications, and assess the capacity of the health system to offer safe abortion and quality postabortion care among refugee women in 23 of …

Nonnative Species Richness And Dominance Reveal Differing Support For Invasion Theory At A Continental Extent, Lily M. Thompson, William K. Annis, Stephen R. Midway, Julian D. Olden, Brandon K. Peoples

Faculty Publications

Aim: Empirical tests of conceptual hypotheses describing species invasions often differ depending on the spatial scale (spatial resolution and extent of study area) at which they were conducted. Some of this disparity may arise from tradeoffs in data quality necessitating the use of different indices of community invadedness among scales. Local-scale studies typically use fine-resolution, descriptive measures of community invadedness (‘dominance’, the proportion nonnative individuals) at limited spatial extents, while macroscale studies often aggregate datasets to cover large spatial extents but use coarser spatial resolution and less descriptive indices (nonnative species richness). We investigated the consequences of using different indices …

The Banner - V. 160, No. 4 - (May 2025), Christian Reformed Church In North America

The Banner

No abstract provided.

But For A Free Press: A Response To Press Freedom Skeptics, Patrick J. Charles, Kevin Francis O'Neill

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

This Article is divided into three Parts. Part I will outline the history-in-law case for why the historical record sufficiently supports recognizing distinct constitutional press freedoms. Part II then provides a history-in-law response to some of the most common arguments made by press freedom skeptics as to why distinct constitutional press freedoms should not be recognized by the courts. Lastly, Part III makes the case for why the recognition of distinct constitutional press freedoms should become a jurisprudential reality and provides a roadmap to accomplish this.

This abstract has been taken from the authors' introduction.

Hunting For Meaningful Boundaries: Virginia's Dog Retrieval Statute And Defining Per Se Regulatory Takings Under Cedar Point, Mason Miller

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

This Note will begin with a summary of the [Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid] decision. Next, it will provide an overview of Virginia’s dog retrieval statute and discuss a recent case challenging the same. The Note will then analyze the statute by applying the Cedar Point standard, with special attention given to the exceptions, to determine if the law constitutes a per se taking. Finally, the Note will conclude by exploring some implications of the analysis, again emphasizing the effect of the amorphous exceptions.

This abstract has been taken from the author's introduction.

Fff Process Parameter Identification With Machine Learning Models, Owen Davis Smith

Honors Theses

Additive manufacturing (AM) has seen increasing popularity in recent times, owing to its efficiency and high speeds, particularly with processes such as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Input process parameters have large impacts on the final part. Incomplete process parameters, which can occur for a variety of reasons, make tasks such as replicating AM studies difficult. A machine learning model can be trained on in-situ layer-wise images collected during a print to combat this issue, predicting process parameters with sufficient data. In this study, two parameters were tested: infill pattern orientation and extrusion width. Twelve parts were produced per parameter and …

Macomb Dental Society Journal Spring 2025

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

In the Spring 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• 2025 Annual Ski Seminar
• Macomb Dental Society Dedicated Dental Sportsman’s Club March 2, 2025 Pistol Shoot
• Caries Management for the Modern Era

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.

May 1, 2024, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2020-

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Famílias Indigenas Entre Mundos: Standing In Pachakuti, Living In Chi’Xi Within The Constellation Of Their Comunidad De Saberes, Ymasumac Marañón Davis

Dissertations

To be Indigenous is to be la luz del mundo, to stand in your light and spread your sunrays, no matter winds or clouds of colonization that strive to dim you. This qualitative study explored ways Indigenous Latine families negotiate a sense of place within onto-epistemological realities and their home culture of learning and Western education. This research is desire-based (Eve Tuck, 2009), creating our own project of modernity, grounded in one Indigenous family’s experience within their Andean community. Drawing from Critical Latine Indigeneities Framework (Blackwell et al., 2017) and Chicana Feminist Epistemologies (Bernal, 1998), using an Entre Mundos methodology, …

Virtual Reality And Nursing Education: A Randomized Control Trial Of The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality As A Simulation Modality, David R. Haigh

Dissertations

Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology being utilized in educational and professional training in fields such as engineering, heavy industry, and the military. VR also has the potential to be utilized in pre-licensing nursing education; however, nursing programs have been slow to adopt VR as a simulation modality to train pre-licensed nurses in clinical skills. As such, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of VR training in critical skills that nurses will utilize in clinical settings. This research is vital because utilizing VR as a training tool can reduce the time and cost of preparing nurses …

Are Community Philanthropic Organizations Planning For Climate Change?, Beth Gazley, Rachel Cash, Laurie Paarlberg

The Foundation Review

Although their role is sometimes overlooked, an Indiana statewide study confirms that most community foundations and United Way agencies directly contribute to meeting local disaster response needs.

Although half of all community foundations and United Ways report past service disruptions due to the more severe weather caused by climate change, the majority have not discussed the need to plan for disasters with their boards of directors to assure business continuity.

Community foundations lag behind United Ways and direct service nonprofits in risk mitigation, and their leaders are more likely to downplay the potential impacts of climate change on state residents. …

Intelligent Crowdsourcing Based On Online Social Networks, Adedamola Adesokan

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

The prevalence of Online Social Networks has completely changed how individuals communicate and cooperate. This dissertation explores the integration of intelligent crowdsourcing mechanisms into OSNs, focusing on game theory, reinforcement learn- ing, and social network dynamics to enhance the allocation of tasks, participation by users, and distribution of rewards. It proposes several models that utilize trust- based models, hedonic coalition games, and influencer dynamics for optimization of crowdsourcing. The major challenges to be addressed include task selection, reward distribution, and incentivizing participation, taking into consideration aspects re- lated to social influence, trust, and user engagement. The models so proposed have …

Examination Of Language Sample Analysis In Children Who Are D/Hh Using Clan, Caroline G. Stewart

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hearing is the building block of developing receptive and expressive oral language skills used to effectively communicate. Children who experience hearing loss typically experience delays in phonological, morphological, semantic, and even pragmatic development. Understanding the specific language challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing (D/hh) young preschool-age children is crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies aimed at optimizing their language development. This research aims to analyze the nuanced aspects of phonological, morphological, semantic, and pragmatic language development among D/hh children, shedding light on areas that may require specialized support. The preliminary research will inform best practices in language assessment …

Assessing Language Skills Of Children Within The Head Start Program Using Language Sampling Analysis, Lynley Bowen

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fluency disorders, including stuttering and cluttering, disrupt one’s natural rate of speech and can cause implications for one’s emotional well-being. This study explores the relationship between language factors and stuttered events in preschool-age children by analyzing a spontaneous language sample using two transcription software programs, CLAN and SALT. A language sample was collected from a child enrolled in a local Head Start program and was transcribed and analyzed using the software programs. Results from CLAN’s KIDEVAL and FLUCALC features offered analysis of the child’s language profile, as well as SALT’s standards measure report feature. This study highlights the importance of …

A Comparative Analysis Of Salt And Clan In The Context Of Analyzing Disfluencies In Preschool-Age Children Who Stutter, Addilin G. Brown

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

This case study compares two widely used language sample analysis (LSA) programs including the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) software and the Child Language Analysis (CLAN) software. The comparison aims to evaluate their effectiveness in analyzing the conversation-based language sample of a preschool-aged child who was reported at-risk for stuttering. A conversational language sample was collected from a four-year-old male at a local head-start program. The sample was transcribed and analyzed using both SALT and CLAN. SALT provided a user-friendly interface with clear results and a comparison to normative data. Some of these results included a maze and word …

Over-Imitation In Adolescents With Autism Compared With Typically Developing Peers: An Expanded Literature Review, Elizabeth Floeck

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background:

Over-imitation, the act of imitating both relevant and irrelevant actions, is a behavior commonly found in human learning and social development. It is often observed in typically developing (TD) children and is believed to play a role in both social and learning development. While the exact motivations behind over-imitation remain a mystery, over-imitation appears to be a socially motivated behavior. Children may over-imitate when they know certain actions are unnecessary, suggesting this behavior stems from social acceptance and norms. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social and communicative behaviors are drastically different from TD individuals. In individuals …

Empowering Through Technology: An Internship Report On Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices, Olivia G. Macdonald

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices play a crucial role in supporting individuals with communication challenges, particularly children with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on AAC and offers a detailed report of an internship experience at the University of Arkansas WE CARE Summer Camp. During the internship, firsthand experiences provided valuable insights into how AAC technologies can be applied to enhance communication, foster social connections, and support behavioral regulation.

The literature review explores the different types of AAC systems, including both aided and unaided options, and discusses the …

Over-Imitation Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared To Typically Developing Peers: An Expanded Literature Review, Josephine M. Stadler

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background:

Imitation, a foundational social and cognitive development mechanism, enables individuals to acquire cultural norms, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies. Over-imitation— the replication of both relevant and irrelevant actions demonstrated by others—plays a critical role in social learning. While typically developing children often engage in over-imitation to promote social bonding and affiliation, the role and underlying motivations for over-imitation in children with ASD remain less clearly understood.

Purpose:

Through a critical synthesis of professional and scholarly literature, this review aims to evaluate the history and development of research on imitation and over-imitation, assess empirical findings regarding typically developing children …

Vicksburg: The Crowning Point Of The American Ulysses, Anthony Gruidl

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Thesis Paper and Presentation on a military analysis of the Vicksburg Campaign from the US Civil War, focusing on the generalship and leadership of General Ulysses S. Grant.

Toward Whole-Person Fit Assessment: Integrating Interests, Values, Skills, Knowledge, And Personality Using The Occupational Information Network (O*Net), Zihan Liu, Kevin A. Hoff, Chu Chu, Frederick L. Oswald, James Rounds

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Measuring person–occupation fit serves many important purposes, from helping young people explore majors and careers to helping jobseekers assess fit with available jobs. However, most existing fit measures are limited in that they focus on single individual difference domains without considering how fit may differ across multiple domains. For example, a jobseeker might be highly interested in a job, yet not possess the requisite skills or knowledge to perform the job well. The current research addresses this issue by evaluating an integrative set of person–occupation fit assessments that measure 88 fit dimensions across five domains: vocational interests, work values, knowledge, …

Assessing Perceived Safety Of Non Motorized Travel With Virtual Reality, Vahid Balali, Sahand Fathi

Mineta Transportation Institute

Cycling is increasingly advocated as a healthier and more sustainable mode of transportation, as reflected in both scholarly literature and policy initiatives. Nonetheless, the escalation in bicyclist crash fatalities underscores deficiencies in extant roadway designs that inadequately safeguard these vulnerable users. A persistent challenge in the examination of bicyclist safety, behavior, and comfort is the paucity of comprehensive cycling data. To enhance understanding of cyclists' behavioral and physiological responses safely and efficiently, this investigation utilizes a bicycle simulator within an immersive virtual environment (IVE). Off-the-shelf sensors are employed to evaluate cyclists' performance metrics (speed and lane position) and physiological responses …

The Use And Implications Of The Visual Presentation In The 2024 Presidential Debates, Emma L. Rasmussen

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, the two 2024 presidential debates were analyzed for a variety of different trends including: who was on screen, the different camera shots used, and camera movement. Looking specifically at who was on screen, coding counted the moderators, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. Six different camera shot types were also analyzed including: wide-overview shot, split-screen format, single medium shot, two-shot head on, two-shot low camera angle, and two shot high-camera angle. Camera movement behaviors were: counterclockwise motion, clockwise motion, zoom-in, zoom-out, and no movement. Video formats of the 2024 CNN and ABC debates were run through …

The Influencer Behind The Adventure: How Social Media Influencers And Ai Affect Consumer Travel Intentions, Preferences, And Behavior, Anna A. Buie, Jee Young Chung

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media influencers have become powerful figures in shaping consumer decision-making, particularly within the travel and tourism industry. Utilizing parasocial interaction theory, this study investigates how various aspects of influencers and content types affect consumer attitudes and behaviors. Especially, a 3 (travel content: family, romantic couple, or solo travel) × 2 (influencer type: real vs. AI) × 2 (content type: emotional vs. logical) between-subjects design was employed. The study examines how these factors influence perceived influencer expertise and trustworthiness, credibility, parasocial interaction, attitude and intention to visit a travel destination. The findings offer insight into which influencer characteristics most effectively …