Digital Commons Network^™

The Steelerville Case: Applying Criminological Theory To Crime And Police Morale, Shamus Smith

Open Educational Resources

Students use a fictional town’s economic decline and rising crime to evaluate at least two criminological theories and their implications for policy. Role-playing as consultants, they develop research-supported recommendations to reduce crime and improve police morale.

Cross-Domain Antimicrobial Resistance In Poultry Farming: A One Health Assessment Of Antimicrobial Use And Multidrug Resistance In Kiambu County, Kenya, Ann Kangai Munene, Peter Muiruri Mwangi, Lilly Caroline Bebora, Christine Minoo Mbindyo, John Muthini Maingi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major One Health threat driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) in humans, animals, and the environment. Poultry production is recognized as a key reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, yet few studies in Kenya examine AMU and AMR across interconnected human–animal–environment domains. This study assessed AMU patterns among poultry farmers in Kiambu County and characterized phenotypic resistance in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from humans, chickens, and chicken environments. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2024, involving 102 poultry farms. Farm demographics and AMU data …

Effects Of Temperature On The Life-History Traits Of Myzus Persicae And Its Efficiency In Transmitting Potato Virus Y (Pvy) In Potato Crops, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Henri E. Tonnang, Heidy Gamarra, Pablo Carhuapoma, Jan Kreuze, Leah R. Johnson, Ali Arab, Peter A. Armbruster, Oswaldo C. Villena

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Aphids are highly sensitive to temperature changes and play a crucial role in transmitting plant viruses, accounting for the transmission of more than 50% of viruses that cause disease in crops. Among them, Myzus persicae is a major global pest, affecting over 400 plant species and transmitting more than 100 plant viruses, including potato virus Y (PVY), which poses a severe threat to potato crops. This study examines how temperature influences the life-history traits of M. persicae and its efficiency in transmitting PVY. Our research revealed that temperature significantly affects developmental duration, survival, and fecundity of M. persicae. The aphids …

Digital Docent: An Analysis Of Accessibility In The Digital Music Space, Erin L. Fowler

Theses and Dissertations

The world is constantly changing and growing, most often seen through advances in technology. When it comes to the world of music, the same can be said, and digitization of musical material is moving at a faster rate than ever before. With the influence that music has on society and considering new ways of making music more accessible to the general public through the public-facing museum format, I wanted to examine how digital music museum exhibits and experiences can be made accessible and if it is possible to fully represent what an in-person exhibit can offer. In 2010, Smithsonian created …

Evaluating Rate Of Perceived Exertion And Heart Rate In High School Weight Training Students For Assessing, Enhancing, And Maintaining Health-Related Fitness, Nicholas Searcy

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study evaluated the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) among high school weight-training students during circuit training sessions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RPE could serve as a practical method for gauging moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among high school weight-training students while allowing students to assess and enhance their health-related components of fitness. Participants were high school students enrolled in weight-training classes who completed upper- and lower-body circuit training sessions over a 4-week period, or a total of 16 school days. RPE was self-reported using Borg’s CR10 …

Determining Knowledge Gaps In Natural Disaster Preparedness: An Exploratory Analysis Of Socioeconomic Variables And Response Quality, Michelle S. Repass

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory study examines potential knowledge gaps in natural disaster preparedness across socioeconomic groups in Lee County, Alabama and identifies communication barriers affecting response behavior through the lens of the knowledge gap hypothesis. Survey data from 20 residents were analyzed using an objective socioeconomic status (OSES) score based on household income and highest level of education. Results indicate that while most respondents reported access to weather alerts and favorable behavioral responses that align with current guidelines from the National Weather Service, gaps are present in comprehension, response timing, and engagement in risky behavior that could delay protective action. Findings suggest …

Machine Learning For Predicting Prosthetic Limb Movements, Jessica Alexandra Cegarra Arraiz

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops and evaluates a deep learning-based prediction model capable of identifying intended limb movement from surfaced electromyography (sEMG) signals using sequence learning techniques. sEMG signals change over time due to multiple factors such as muscle fatigue or user variability. Traditional prosthetics control methods rely on static feature extraction, ignoring how signals change over time, thereby limiting their ability to capture the temporal changes of muscle activity. As a result, these approaches often lead to poor accuracy, robustness, and generalization. Limited experimental validation has been conducted on sequence-based machine learning approaches using temporal sEMG data from publicly available datasets …

Representation In Black Media And How It Affects Generational Mental Health, Amiya Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This article examines how negative media portrayals of Black Americans have harmed their mental health. It traces the impact of persistent stereotypes and the lack of recognition for Black achievements in the media. Each chapter explores how media—from social media to movies—reinforces outdated stereotypes originating in the antebellum era and discusses how Black Americans have challenged these narratives to assert their identity. The article also highlights positive shifts in representation within the media industry, as well as research on how racial discrimination and media depictions influence the mental health and self-esteem of Black adolescents.

Evaluating Hybrid Quantum-Classical Models For Image Classification In The Nisq Era, Utku Binkanat

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a systematic empirical evaluation of quantum machine learning performance under noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era constraints. Through 670 controlled experiments, it evaluated quantum kernel support vector machines and variational quantum classifiers against classical baselines on MNIST binary and multiclass classification tasks with systematic variation of problem difficulty, feature dimensionality (4, 8 qubits), and training set size (n ∈{100, 250, 400, 500, 2000, 4000}). Statistical rigor was ensured through five random seeds per condition and comprehensive significance testing. During the testing with binary datasets, classical methods (SVM, logistic regression, k-NN, neural networks) achieved 85.9% to 99.6% accuracy with …

Ai And Its Impacts On Modern Theatre, Micaiah J. Byrd

Theses and Dissertations

What do you think of when you type a question into a search engine, and the “AI Overview” pops up without your having to request it? What may happen if theatre students and theatre industry professionals have that same ability to type in a prompt into an AI generator, and it has the ability to produce an output of a theatrical design concept with that same level of ease. Is this even possible with the programs that we have now, or could it be anticipated that this could be possible in the future. Would this be a benefit or would …

Affects Of Ai In The Arts, Carolina D. Maldonado Faria

Theses and Dissertations

Art is an essential part of society, shaping culture, communication, and the digital world through forms such as music, writing, film, and animation. However, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created conflict in the creative industry. Many AI systems are trained using artists’ works without consent, raising concerns about copyright infringement, intellectual property theft, and the loss of artistic value. While AI was originally intended as a tool for innovation, it now threatens artists’ careers and profits by imitating human creativity. This issue highlights the need for ethical regulations, stronger copyright protections, and fair compensation systems so AI and …

Unmasked And Unprotected: An Autistic Poet's Journey Of Imperfect Confession, Cynthia Short

Theses and Dissertations

Cynthia Short’s thesis analyzes the consumption and contortion of neurodivergent experience across the clinical, personal, and artistic stages. Combining intersectional memoir with clinical research, traditional poetics, and spoken word experience, she weaves a first-person narrative of consumption and redefinition by systems that did not understand her. Yet, she argues that imperfect confession -done without self-knowledge, resources, or proper self-worth to resist consumption – still has its place. Her collection of twenty-nine self-authored poems serves as a testament to the growth her imperfect confession allowed, outlining her struggles with identity, clinical experimentation and economic survival in a world not meant for …

The Importance Of Multi-Component Strategies And Healthcare Worker Compliance In Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Systematic Review, Michelle Northcut

Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a preventable threat to patient safety and are linked to morbidity, mortality, antimicrobial resistance, and increased healthcare costs (CDC, 2024; AHRQ, 2024). Evidence suggests that 30–70% of HAIs may be prevented through consistent application of infection prevention practices; however, implementation and adherence gaps persist (CDC, 2024). This systematic review examined the relationship between healthcare worker compliance with infection prevention practices and infection outcomes and explored how institutional and organizational factors influenced both compliance and infection outcomes.

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2015 and …

Understanding Maternal Morbidity And Mortality Rates In Georgia, Ebony Hall

Theses and Dissertations

The United States continues to have a significant concern for public health regarding the maternal morbidity and mortality rates. In contrast, women of African American descent and other marginalized populations maintain a disproportionately higher rate of pregnancy-related disparities. More specifically, in Georgia, a persistent number of disparities can correlate to a lack of access to adequate prenatal care, insurance status, and many other social determinants of health that are linked to the contribution of adverse maternal health care outcomes. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate various maternal health experiences during pregnancy, while focusing on the occurrence of …

A Pipeline For Creating Obfuscated Binary Samples To Train Ai-Powered Detection Models, Luka R.H. Wilmink

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of binary files is a critical component of antivirus software and is one of the most important tools for incident response teams across the industry. In the field, malware is often obfuscated, a practice in which the compilation process is transformed with different techniques to hinder decompilation and reverse engineering. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques can assist, but models need to be trained on well constructed datasets first. This paper outlines a pipeline for creating such a dataset and builds a proof-of-concept machine learning classification model. All associated data and code are supplied in the project GitHub …

Servant Leadership: A Directing Approach, Charles Hearn

Theses and Dissertations

When involved with traditional stage directing, the process may feel very hierarchical, and only a few voices are heard when decisions are made; such is the method of the directing approach. Servant leadership, ideals argue that it is more beneficial to rely on others and dismantle unnecessary hierarchies when available, to not just enhance the product but the people and the process itself. Stage directing from a leadership perspective can not only perform the task at hand, directing, but also enhance the people involved with the production using a process like that found in servant leadership. This thesis focuses on …

Edge Guided Channel Attention In Fsrcnn: A Novel Approach For Depth Super Resolution, Yagneshkumar Jayantilal Parmar, Paresh M. Dholakia

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Depth images from low-cost sensors often suffer from blurred edges and structural distortions when processed with standard super-resolution models. While FSRCNN is efficient for RGB images, it struggles to handle the unique geometric requirements of depth maps. To solve this, we propose the Edge Guided Channel Attention FSRCNN (EGCA FSRCNN). This method incorporates an edge-guided modulation mechanism to preserve object boundaries and a Squeeze and Excitation (SE) block to focus on critical structural features. A major benefit of this framework is the use of frozen, pretrained FSRCNN weights, which bypasses the requirement for retraining. Our evaluation on the UTKinect, Middlebury, …

Understanding Phishing Susceptibility Through Expert Consensus Using Digital Marketing Parallels And A Machine Learning-Based Implementation, Mansoor Ahmad

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Phishing remains one of the most effective attack vectors for gaining unauthorized access to organizational systems, yet defenders often lack systematic methods to assess their exposure before an attack. This study develops a framework that uses machine learning to encode the collective expertise of cybersecurity practitioners into a portable phishing susceptibility assessment tool, with the goal to help security teams proactively identify patterns, prioritize awareness training, and strengthen detection controls. The study surveyed 27 practitioners with extensive experience in social engineering, red teaming, penetration testing, and threat analysis to identify which factors most influence phishing susceptibility. Practitioners provided quantitative ratings …

Stories That Wound, Stories That Heal: Navigating The Effects Of Performing Traumatic Experiences In Collegiate Forensics, Manuel Reyes

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This thesis explores the student's motivation for performing traumatic experiences in forensics and what considerations come with the performance of choice. The literature review highlights the intricate nature of trauma, emphasizing benefits of storytelling in recovery, and the current state of forensics when it comes to performing traumatic experiences on judges and spectators. The research examines the motivation on students for performing traumatic experiences and how the students navigate the tensions before, during, and after performance. Through semistructured interviews with current and former competitors, the research delves into the justification and the impacts of performing traumatic experiences. The thesis shows …

Evaluating Soil And Plant Health In A Wide-Row Maize (Zea Mays L.) Production System Integrated With Perennial Cover Crops And Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo), Sovika Bhattarai

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In regions dominated by intensive maize (Zea mays L.) production systems, such as the US Midwest, sustainable agricultural practices such as cover crops and livestock integration are gaining interest for their potential to improve soil, plant, and environmental health. Traditionally, annual cover cropping systems (ACCs) have been used to maintain soil quality and crop performance without compromising ecosystem services. However, the high establishment and management costs of ACCs highlight the need for alternative approaches, such as perennial cover crops (PCCs). Grown as companion crops with maize, PCCs provide extended soil cover and can improve soil biochemical properties (e.g., total C …

From Diet To Deviance: Exploring The Link Between Eating Habits And Delinquent Behaviors In Early Adolescents, Mingxi Tong

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Theses

This study examines associations between dietary habits and delinquent behaviors among U.S. adolescents, guided by biosocial and social bond theories. Using multilevel logistic regression analysis of 6,274 participants (ages 11-15) from the 2009/10 Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey, the research investigated relationships between four dietary patterns (breakfast consumption, fruit/vegetable intake, sweets consumption, and soft drink consumption) and five delinquent behaviors (bullying perpetration, physical fighting, alcohol use, cannabis use, and tobacco smoking). Results demonstrate partial support for the hypothesis that healthier dietary habits are associated with lower delinquency. Breakfast consumption emerged as a consistent protective factor across all behaviors (7-15% …

Establishing An Advanced Practice Provider-Led Transient Ischemic Attack Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Brittany A. Young

DNP Projects

Background: Due to lack of subspecialized neurological care in many rural community settings, care in tertiary hospitals is in demand. Insufficient care pathways can lead to lack of bed and provider availability. Advanced Practice Provider Transient Ischemic Attack clinics have been shown to be safe alternatives to hospital admission, for patients who meet criteria. This study targeted practice change at a 1000 bed tertiary academic hospital.

Methods: The quasi-experimental study sample inclusion criteria included Transient Ischemic Attack patients presenting to the emergency department with an ABCD2 < 4, complete symptom resolution, and no new cardiac changes on monitoring. A pre and post survey with educational PowerPoint intervention was provided to all emergency department and Neurology providers and nurses. A Transient Ischemic Attack clinic was established with a corresponding order set to be utilized for streamlined outpatient work up.

Results: During the pilot period, 29 admissions were deferred with 69% …

Sepsis In Sight: Immersive Vr Simulation For Pediatric Training, Kelsey Wagler

DNP Projects

Abstract

Objectives: This project aimed to decrease the time required to administer antibiotics and fluid boluses to pediatric patients with sepsis by implementing a virtual reality (VR) simulation program. The initiative sought to enhance bedside nurses’ and pediatric residents’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in sepsis assessment, early recognition, and evidence-based management. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR simulation as an educational strategy for nurses in a high-acuity pediatric setting.

Design: This quality improvement project used a quasi-experimental design that incorporated a VR simulation intervention followed by a structured debriefing and targeted education session. Participants completed …

Alignrt In Radiation Therapy, Collin N. Domozych

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

This project focuses on the implementation of AlignRT, a surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) system, and its impact on improving precision, safety, and efficiency in radiation therapy. AlignRT uses real-time 3D surface imaging to monitor patient positioning and detect motion throughout treatment, allowing for accurate and consistent radiation delivery. This study examines how AlignRT enhances clinical workflows by reducing the need for permanent skin markings and limiting additional imaging, ultimately decreasing unnecessary radiation exposure to patients. Emphasis is placed on its role in high-precision treatments such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), where even small positional errors can significantly affect outcomes. …

Perry County Perinatal Access Navigator Program (Pc-Pamp) A Public Health Program Proposal To Improve Timely Prenatal Care Access In Perry County, Kentucky, Amber E. Mcguire-Chun

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Delayed initiation of prenatal care remains a significant public health concern in rural Appalachian communities, including Perry County, Kentucky, where structural barriers such as limited provider availability, transportation challenges, and fragmented referral systems contribute to inadequate access to timely care. This capstone project proposes the Perry County Prenatal Access Navigator Program (PC-PANP), a community-based patient navigation model designed to improve initiation of prenatal care in the first trimester. The program is led by the local health department and leverages partnerships with healthcare providers, the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, WIC, Extension services, and community organizations to support early …

The Nlrb’S Authority To Make Workers Whole, Wanny Mei

Fordham Law Review

In December 2022, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the “Board”) announced a modified make-whole remedial framework in Thryv, Inc.For all standard make-whole relief orders, the Board would order relief for direct or foreseeable pecuniary harms that employees suffer as a result of an unfair labor practice. Proponents of this remedial design assert that this is consistent with the Board’s authority under section 10(c) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). On the other hand, opponents find that this design exceeds the Board’s statutory authority and conflicts with the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.

This Note …

Supporting Functional Independence Through Task-Analytic Instruction: Implications For Skill Acquisition And Generalization In Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Aisha Khan

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Students with moderate to severe disabilities often demonstrate variability in acquiring and generalizing functional skills necessary for independent participation in school and daily life. Although evidence-based practices are widely recommended, less is known about how specific instructional strategies support both skill acquisition and generalization. The purpose of this quantitative single-subject study was to examine the effects of task-analytic instruction on the acquisition, efficiency, and generalization of a functional help-seeking routine among middle school students with moderate to severe disabilities in a self-contained life skills program. Using a multiple-baseline design across three participants, the study measured (a) the percentage of independently …

Evaluating The Factors That Contribute To Lack Of Engagement Of The People Within Community Forest Management Programs, Doraneli Ampudia Parras

Theses & ETDs

Ecosystem loss and degradation around the world are occurring at an alarming rate. This can negatively impact the people that rely on these ecosystems. Community Forest Management is a practice that has been recognized globally to help mitigate these impacts. Community Forest Management (CFM) provides a solution to restoring ecosystems and improving the quality of life of the local people. The different structures and strategies of CFM’s around the world can influence its effectiveness. Researchers have identified several factors that can hinder CFM effectiveness. A crucial factor is participation from the local people. Active participation and support from local people …

Why Queer People Like Horror Films: An Empirical Study, Oscar Garcia

Theses & ETDs

Many queer people hold a particular affinity for horror films, despite the history of harm to queer people that those films have helped to perpetuate. Previous explorations of this relationship have focused on timelines of queer and film history, personal anecdotes, and theorization about these films and the audiences who view them, with no broad study examining how queer people themselves interact with and perceive the media. This study explores how queer people engage with horror films using a multi-method approach that involves a survey and qualitative interviews, examining queer horror fans’ opinions about subgenres, identifications, preferences, impacts of horror …

An Examination Of Potential Mechanisms Underlying Muscle Memory, Santiago González-Quintero

Theses & ETDs

"Muscle memory is generally understood as the mechanism that supports the execution of a motor task during retraining following an initial period of both training and detraining. It can be found in the central nervous system where commands are being sent to accomplish a motor task; however, evidence exists for another type of memory within the myofiber itself. Through the analysis of data from animal and human exercise studies, this thesis examines the notion of muscle memory at different locations proximal to and/or within muscle, including the evidence for and feasibility of myonuclear permanence as a mechanism underlying muscle memory. …