Digital Commons Network^™

The Impacts Of Wing-Flashing By Northern Mockingbirds On Foraging, Parental Care, And Reproductive Success, Anna Starman, Hayley Ponn

Science Seminar

Foraging efficiency may be enhanced by flashing patches of white wing and tail feathers and has been documented in several avian species. Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos, NOMO) exhibit this "wing-flashing" (WF) behavior while foraging, during displays, and in response to predators. In NOMOs, WF has been hypothesized to increase foraging success, but previous findings are inconclusive. To further investigate the biological role(s) of WF behavior in NOMOs, the ventral surface of white primary feathers of male NOMOs were artificially darkened and the foraging and provisioning rates of undarkened (control) males and their mates were compared. While foraging, undarkened males performed …

Using Action Research To Inform Graduate Research Theories, Methods, And Praxis Among Master’S And Phd Multilingual And International Students, Thomas Maldonado

Frontera Retórica Symposium

In an attempt to provide multilingual and international graduate students food for thought, this work-in-progress presentation examines a day in the life of a multilingual PhD student’s use of action research during the teaching of RWS 1301 in both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 to better inform his data collection via student questionnaires.   Action research, “generally involves inquiring into one’s own practice through a process of self-monitoring that […] includes entering a cycle of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting on an issue or problem in order to improve practice” (Farrell, 2007, p.94).   My research question answers how using action research …

Building A Course-Specific Genai Chatbot: A Comprehensive Tutorial And Comparison, Elias Gil, David Han, Joseph Mendez

TxDLA Journal of Digital Learning

This practitioner article presents a step-by-step guide for designing and embedding a course-specific generative AI chatbot using the Botpress platform. Aimed at digital learning practitioners and instructional designers, the article demonstrates how curated knowledge bases, carefully crafted prompts, and seamless LMS integration can create AI-powered teaching assistants that support student engagement and learning. Drawing on recent scholarship, the work highlights opportunities and challenges in leveraging generative AI for higher education, including accuracy, trust, and ethical considerations. A comparative analysis of alternative platforms such as ChatGPT and Google Dialogflow, further contextualizes Botpress within the broader landscape of AI-enabled educational tools. By …

Decentralized Multilateral Netting Engine For High Frequency Autonomous-Agent Transactions, Harshwardhan Tripathi Mr., Harsh Agrawal Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for decentralized multilateral netting of autonomous agent transactions. The method comprises receiving a signed IOU from a plurality of autonomous agent devices, where the IOU represents an obligation from a first agent to a second agent. The method further comprises publishing the validated IOU to an event stream upon validating a digital signature associated with the IOU. The method further comprises constructing a directed weighted graph based on validated IOUs. Further, the method comprises executing one or more cycle detection algorithms on the directed weighted graph to identify circular obligations. …

Test-Driven Generation Of Validated Llm Prompts Via Iterative Refinement, Artur Hibner

Defensive Publications Series

A system can assist large language model (LLM) outputs in adhering to specific coding styles, potentially reducing a need for manual prompt engineering or model retraining. This disclosure describes a system for automated, test-driven generation of prompts. The method may use a reference artifact, such as a source code commit, as ground-truth data. An LLM can be tasked to generate an initial prompt intended to reproduce the reference. The system can then enter an iterative loop of executing the prompt, programmatically comparing the output against the reference, and using any resulting differences to instruct the LLM to refine the prompt. …

Real-Time Large Language Model Refinement Via Machine Learning And Human Learning Architecture, Saloni Priya

Defensive Publications Series

Large language models face challenges in maintaining accuracy and relevance due to the emergence of new information and the limitations of offline training data. Existing methods, such as reinforcement learning from human feedback or standard retrieval augmented generation, often lack real-time correction capabilities or rely on static data sources.

A method is disclosed for real-time model refinement using a combined machine learning and human learning architecture. Vetted domain experts are integrated into a live feedback loop to provide grounded data for model outputs. A consensus-based review system is utilized to validate corrections through a required number of expert approvals. Contributions …

Eco Cell Ir Drop Signoff Using Machine Learning, Praphulla Pandey, Vaibhav Gupta

Defensive Publications Series

Traditional Engineering Change Order (ECO) cell verification may require a full‑chip Electro‑Migration and IR (EMIR) analysis to confirm that newly integrated cells do not induce excessive IR drop failures. For large‑scale integrated circuits, this comprehensive simulation creates significant bottlenecks due to high turnaround times and intensive storage requirements. A machine learning‑based methodology is disclosed to predict dynamic IR drop specifically for ECO instances. A partition‑specific model is trained using data from a preceding stable EMIR execution. Physical and electrical parameters, including resistance, slew, load, and peak current, are extracted for new ECO cells and processed by the trained model to …

Group Key Distribution And Group Master Key Rekeying Over Multi-Hop G3-Plc Networks, Jyothi Pesingi, Manish Sharma, Trupti Naik

Defensive Publications Series

The paper describes a Group Master Key (GMK) rekeying approach for Generation 3 Power Line Communication (G3-PLC) smart grid mesh networks, such as Beacon 3200, where the conventional state of the art uses bootstrap-based rekeying with Extensible Authentication Protocol - Pre-Shared Key (EAP-PSK) authentication during key renewal. This conventional approach can disconnect meters from a PLC network, causing some to reconnect to different beacons, increasing authentication delays in multi-hop paths, and reducing overall communication reliability. The method proposed in this paper caches all meter pre-shared keys (PSKs) in advance, prioritizes re-authentication by route cost from farthest to nearest meters, retry …

Cost Analysis Formulation For Pv–Evcs–Dstatcom Integrated Distribution Systems Using Enhanced Hunter–Prey Optimization, Pappu Soundarya Lahari, Varaprasad Janamala

Mansoura Engineering Journal

With the rapid and significant growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Distributed Generation (DGs), such as Photovoltaic (PV) deployment, in the distribution system, it is essential to address the challenges of rising power losses, voltage fluctuations, and reactive power imbalances. Optimal DSTATCOM placement in PV-EV integrated systems to mitigate power quality issues is an effective solution. It is thus necessary to evaluate the economic considerations of such heavily compensated networks. This study proposes Enhanced Hunter-Prey Optimization (EHPO) to assess the net savings of the PV-EVCS-DSTATCOM integrated IEEE-33,69, and 118 bus distribution networks in both single and multi-objective modes. The multi-objective …

Abstract Book (Pdf), Lsu Health School Of Medicine

Medicine Research Day

No abstract provided.

Hybrid Queue Management For Value-Based And Chronological Content, Joshua Chandiramani, Husain Wafaie, Danny Tom, Shreya Sawkar, Dan Padgett, Derek Reiersen

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a method and system for managing a prioritized queue that integrates content items from multiple sources, specifically balancing items assigned a value-based metric with items following a chronological delivery rule. By utilizing a linear data structure and a specialized sorting logic, the system ensures that high-value entries are prioritized for delivery while chronological entries maintain their relative order and predictable advancement through the queue. This dual-logic approach prevents the systematic deprioritization of items that lack a financial metric, thereby satisfying delivery expectations for diverse campaign types.

Keywords: Queue Management, Priority Sorting, Linked List, Mobile Content Distribution, …

Bypassing Distributed Access Control For Subsystem‑Level Debugging, Rohit Sinha, Sumit Jha, Mayank Tutwani

Defensive Publications Series

Distributed access control in modern heterogeneous architectures often leads to debugging complexities during software development. Security enforcement logic is typically embedded across multiple initiators and targets, creating a wide search space when failures occur. It is often difficult to distinguish between functional software bugs and access control misconfigurations, as both may result in similar system behavior or silent failures. A system and method are disclosed for the selective relaxation of access control policies through a hardware‑assisted debug controller. The debug controller may provide granular enable signals to individual subsystems. Each subsystem may include a control status register that, when qualified …

Ai-Driven Pipeline For Automated Prompt Refinement Using Evaluation Feedback, Cristina Elena Budurean, Quinn Halpin, Ibrahim Gunay

Defensive Publications Series

Conventional methods for improving generative artificial intelligence (AI) prompts can rely on manual analysis of evaluation feedback, a process that may be time-consuming, subjective, and may not scale effectively. A data-driven pipeline is described that can facilitate automated prompt refinement. The system may operate in a feedback loop, ingesting evaluation data, for example, rater scores and qualitative comments. The system can then use a large language model to perform a multi-stage analysis that may include sanitizing data, diagnosing response failures, extracting successful patterns, and resolving potentially contradictory feedback to generate a revised prompt. This approach can support a more scalable, …

Active Permeability Control Of A Magnetic Shield For Haptic Actuators, Vincent Chung, Vander Fang, Jianxun Wang, Matilda Lai, Chuck Tally

Defensive Publications Series

Magnetic interference between haptic actuators and sensitive magnetic sensors can present a challenge in compact electronic devices, such as smartphones or wearable devices. While a static high-permeability shield may contain stray magnetic fields from an inactive actuator, it could also impede the magnetic flux during haptic operation, potentially reducing actuator efficiency. Systems and methods can address this by actively controlling the shield's permeability. For example, a shield made from a high-permeability ferromagnetic material can at least partially enclose the haptic actuator. A permeability-modulation circuit and an associated drive coil can be used to selectively drive the shield material into magnetic …

System For Real-Time User Compositing Into Media Streams Using Generative Ai Conditioned On Extracted Scene Context, Dev Daftari, Akash Verma

Defensive Publications Series

A system is described for compositing a user's image into media streams protected by digital rights management (DRM). The system may operate via a multi-stage pipeline, which can begin with context extraction on a user device, such as a smartphone or smart television. Computer vision models may analyze a media stream to create a context packet detailing information such as scene lighting, spatial depth, and artistic style. This packet can then be used to condition a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model, which may synthesize the user's likeness into the scene with corresponding visual characteristics. A resulting composite can be rendered …

Privacy-Preserving Cross-Customer Threat Intelligence Platform With Embedded Ml, Predictive Attack Trajectory, And Multi-Agent Trust Management For Web, Mobile, And Ai Agent Protection, Duncan Ndegwa Ndungu

Defensive Publications Series

This publication discloses twelve platform-scale security intelligence inventions for web, mobile, and AI agent protection. Core platform inventions (B1–B4) include: privacy-preserving cross-customer threat intelligence via a two-layer alias architecture with k-anonymity; SDK-embedded quantized ML inference (<100KB, INT8, sub-5ms) with knowledge distillation and signed over-the-air updates; consent-scoped alias lifecycle management for automatic GDPR/CCPA compliance; and multi-hop AI agent trust chains with configurable attenuation and cascading revocation. Advanced security infrastructure (B5–B10) covers IDOR detection via per-alias resource access baselines, runtime dependency integrity verification via Ed25519-signed manifests, AI agent output exfiltration detection via semantic and entropy analysis, multi-level TLS certificate pinning with safe rotation and air-gapped fallback, constant-time authentication response orchestration, and shadow agent detection via distributed registry and behavioral fingerprinting. Predictive infrastructure (B11–B12) includes DNS hijacking detection via multi-path resolution consensus with challenge-response verification, and a Bayesian predictive attack trajectory engine with pre-emptive countermeasure deployment and outcome feedback learning.

Comprehensive Pre/Post-Authentication Attack Detection And Mitigation Framework For Web, Mobile, And Ai Agent Applications, Duncan Ndegwa Ndungu

Defensive Publications Series

This publication discloses fourteen specialized attack detection modules operating within an SDK event observation pipeline at zero incremental infrastructure cost, covering both pre-authentication and post-authentication phases across web, mobile, and AI agent applications. Pre-authentication modules (A5–A10) detect password spraying via cross-account fingerprint correlation, mass registration abuse, AI agent tool-call sequence violations and infinite loops, OAuth redirect hijacking, and SDK configuration tampering. Post-authentication modules (A11–A18) detect MFA fatigue attacks, session fixation, business logic abuse via learned transaction flow graphs, refresh token theft via device fingerprint binding, indirect prompt injection via pre-ingestion content scanning, feedback poisoning, and clock manipulation via dual-clock comparison. …

Automating The State: Public Sector Ai In India And The Challenge Of Rights-Based Regulation, Medha Garg, Shravani Nag Lanka

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

This article examines the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) by Indian Central and State Governments across key public sectors, namely, healthcare, law enforcement, justice, welfare delivery, and urban governance. AI applications in these domains promise enhanced efficiency and service delivery but also introduce risks such as algorithmic and automation biases, inaccuracies, and accountability gaps. The absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework in India exacerbates these issues, leaving citizens vulnerable to opaque decision-making processes. We discuss the current fragmented regulatory landscape in India and compare it with AI governance models in the European Union, United States, and China. Building on this …

Effects Of Mindfulness Induction Before And After Encoding On False Recognition, Jacob Phillips

Psychology Student Publications

• Mindfulness is a mental state which refers to complete mental awareness of one’s surrounding emotions and events, which if practiced may hold greater implications for improvements in memory and attention (Namias & Huff, 2024).
• Recent studies examined mindfulness on false memory for DRM word list materials (e.g., Alberts et al., 2017; Calvillo et al., 2018; Wilson et al., 2015), reporting mixed findings.
• Practically, if a mindfulness technique were to be administered to eyewitnesses by police, this would occur prior to memory retrieval and concern negative emotional information.
• This study builds on a prior student study (Frederickson, 2022) to examine the …

The Invisible Shield: Why Our Stomach Doesn’T Digest Itself, Kevon Findley

Mathematics and System Engineering Student Publications

The stomach contains highly acidic gastric fluid with a very low pH.  A thin mucus lining protects the stomach from self-digestion and keeps nearby epithelial cells near a pH 7.  A weakened mucus layer is associated with conditions such as Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease.

How can the protective mucus barrier be maintained and be of stable thickness?

Nocap: Article Fact-Checking With Ai, Thomas Chamberlain, Anthony Ciero, Varun Doddapaneni, Joshua Pechan

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

Fact checking media is important for properly obtaining information

Create a website that uses AI knowledge to allow users to fact check an article

Give these articles an authenticity score and report on what is fact or fiction

Aggregate scores of articles by the same publisher in a database allowing users to view their scores and article authenticity reports

Brainbench - Llm Evaluation, Daniella Seum, Orion Powers

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

As large language models become more widely used, there is a growing need for reliable and consistent methods to evaluate their performance. Existing benchmarks often lack transparency, consistency across runs, or the ability to handle varied answer formats. BrainBench was developed to address these gaps by providing an automated, reproducible evaluation framework that enables fair comparison of models and deeper insight into their strengths and limitations.

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, April 24, 2026, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Narrative Traditions In Francophone Africa And The Caribbean, Elizabeth Kill

Honors Projects

This research paper explores the cultural significance and the roles of folktales in francophone countries in Africa and the Caribbean. By analyzing recurring themes and character types in folktales, this study argues the importance of storytelling and traditional folklore in the shaping of a culture. Through close reading of a selection of folktales from a variety of francophone countries in Africa and the Caribbean, the research highlights themes of wisdom, greed, and explanations of the natural world, among others. Additionally, this paper touches on the historical importance of storytelling in cultures around the world. The research draws on information from …

Public Perception Of Equine Rabies And Its Implications For Future Education And Preventative Strategies, Kya Walton

Honors College Theses

This study examined the rabies knowledge, vaccination, and risks of exposures of horse owners/overseers across the state of Kentucky. Research was conducted to determine the need for public health educators and veterinarians to inform the public on rabies. Survey results concluded that respondents' general knowledge of rabies transmission and mortality rate was respectable, but knowledge relating to equine vaccination was comparatively lower. A weak inverse relationship was observed between general rabies knowledge and concern over an individual’s horses contracting rabies. A weak positive correlation was determined when looking into general rabies knowledge and the likelihood of vaccinating an individual’s horses. …

You Can Be Innocent—Or You Can Be Free: Prosecutorial Power And Dark Pleas In Innocence Litigation, Tori Simkovic, Craig Trocino

University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review

This Article examines the phenomenon Justice Michael P. Donnelly has termed the “dark plea.” A dark plea is a post-conviction guilty plea extracted from defendants who maintain their innocence but accept freedom over exoneration. Through the lens of State of Florida v. Lawrence K. Johnson, this Article exposes how dark pleas operate at the precise moment when newly discovered evidence threatens to unravel a conviction and expose actual innocence in a nearly two decades old wrongful conviction. Johnson’s case illustrates the coercive dynamics of this type postconviction “bargaining.” After eighteen years of incarceration, compelling DNA recantation evidence, and an appellate …

Qualified Immunity: Emerging Fault Lines In The Eleventh Circuit, Ricky J. Marc

University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review

Qualified immunity operates as a central doctrine in federal civil rights litigation, defining the threshold between government accountability and official protection from suit. Within the Eleventh Circuit, this doctrine has developed into a highly structured yet fact-dependent framework that shapes litigation strategy and judicial outcomes. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of qualified immunity in the Eleventh Circuit from 2022 to 2025, drawing on recent precedents involving law enforcement officers and correctional officials. It examines the Circuit’s treatment of clearly established rights, the role of objective reasonableness in determining constitutional violations, and the evidentiary dynamics that influence summary judgment and …

Teacher Perceptions On Technology Integration And Its Impact On Student Writing Skills In High School English/Language Arts Classrooms, Brittany Tischmak

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The rapid integration of technology in educational settings has transformed the landscape of teaching and learning, raising questions about its impact on foundational skills such as student writing. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceptions of high school English/Language Arts teachers with over ten years of experience regarding technology’s influence on student writing. Guided by the Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture educators’ lived experiences and understand their perceptions of how their pedagogical, content, and technological knowledge intersect in the classroom. Findings revealed that while technology offers tools that can enhance efficiency, educators …

Hearing The Mystery: Musical Diversity And The Search For Beauty, John Macinnis

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"By shifting from primary reflection to secondary reflection in our thinking, from problem to mystery, we ensure that our aesthetic lives remain as expansive and vibrant as the diversity of creation."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­music appreciation from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

Hearing the Mystery

Apr. 24, 2026, Bic, Feedback On The Task Force Draft Report.Pdf, Bic

Editors' Corner

No abstract provided.