Digital Commons Network^™

The Diamond, October 17, 2025, Dordt University

Dordt Diamond

• Front Page: Raiders Stand Down - Dordt Football Defeats Northwestern for First Time in Program History; Dordt Data Breach Ongoing; Archive Artifacts - Hulst Library Receives Historical Religious Texts
• Feature: Small Bug, Big Bite - No-See-Um Season at Dordt; Music After Midnight; Staying Home; Dr. Dave Mulder Publishes Book on AI in Education; College Coffee Culture in Sioux County; Crossing Borders - Joe Bakker's Journey as an Online and In-Person Educator; Gen Z Men Trending Toward Christianity
• Politics: The Tylenol Debate - Does it Really Cause Autism?; The Federal Government Shuts Down; Students Anticipate Midterm Elections
• News …

Assessing The Cardiac Safety Of A Multimodal Protocol For 'Tranq Dope' Withdrawal: A Retrospective Qtc Analysis, Kory London, Emily Deschler, Sabrina Butt, Steven Graver, Jake Figaniak, Nathan Hersh, Ariana Rucker, Bogdan Popa, Jenna Hoopes, Jennifer Kahoud, Behzad Pavri

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: "Tranq dope"-fentanyl adulterated with xylazine-has complicated the management of opioid withdrawal in emergency departments (EDs). A novel withdrawal protocol was implemented to address these challenges, utilizing concurrent agents to intentionally synergize and potentiate effects. Questions remain about the safety of its components, some of which may prolong the QT interval.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult ED patients with suspected fentanyl/xylazine exposure treated utilizing novel protocol across two urban hospitals in Philadelphia, PA between September 2022 and October 2024. Patients with both pre- and post-treatment electrocardiograms (ECGs) were included. QTc intervals were reviewed by an experienced …

Fort Hays State University Tiger Weekly, October 17, 2025, University Relations

Tiger Weekly Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Cobbler's Corner: Socratic Conversations With Children, Sophia A. Stone

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

Dr. Sophia Stone, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, presented her talk, "Cobbler's Corner: Socratic Conversations with Children," at the XV Prague Plato Symposium in Prague, Czech Republic. It marked the first time international Plato scholars publicly engaged in the inclusive discussion method of gentle Socratic inquiry, as developed by p4cHI—philosophy for children, Hawai'i style.

Following her presentation on Socrates as a public philosopher, seven scholars participated in a live p4cHI demonstration exploring whether new Forms have emerged since Plato's time. Participants praised the method for fostering open, respectful dialogue and contemporary philosophical reflection.

Dr. Stone …

Metabolic Impact Of Dietary Glycine Supplementation In Individuals With Severe Obesity, Hong Chang Tan, Jean W Hsu, E Shyong Tai, Shaji Chacko, Vieon Wu, Paul M Yen, Jean-Paul Kovalik, Farook Jahoor

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Glycine plays a central role in human metabolism, and an adequate supply is required for synthesizing glutathione (GSH), eliminating excess metabolites as acylglycine via the glycine conjugation detoxification pathway, and maintaining 1-carbon cycle activity. However, glycine is deficient in individuals with severe obesity, which may compromise these pathways and metabolic health. This exploratory study examines whether dietary glycine supplementation could correct glycine deficiency and impairments in glycine-dependent metabolic pathways. 19 participants with severe obesity (BMI 38.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2) were treated with dietary glycine (100 mg/kg/day) for two weeks. We found that treatment significantly increased the plasma concentration of glycine …

Pearanormal Reporter, Zakayla Bailey

Game Design

Pearanormal Reporter is a mystery/horror game with a fun twist. Play as a paranormal reporter, Peary the Pear, to figure out what happened at Fruitington Manor. Explore the manor to find clues about the suspect, location and cursed item used. Get all information correct to win the game. Just be careful of the evil Orange Entity that roams the manor. Game created for GAM 56800. Built in Unity.

Minutes Of Graduate College Committee On Curricula, October 17, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate Curriculum Committee.

Minutes - Graduate Curriculum Committee

Minutes of the committee that oversees the development of the curriculum of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate Studies.

Draft Final Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Unreclaimed Sites Ur-46 Temporary Best Management Practices Work Plan, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Personalized Frontline Therapy In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Integrating Circulating Tumor Dna For Real-Time Adaptive Treatment Stratification, Vasisht Karri, Samir Dalia

Student Publications

This review analyzed approximately 115 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025, focusing on molecular subtyping and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-guided approaches in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). Evidence was synthesized from retrospective cohorts, prospective clinical trials, and translational studies, highlighting how molecular heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and the tumor microenvironment complicate classification and treatment. While molecular subtypes such as MCD, BN2, EZB, A53, and ST2 have improved prognostication, their routine use in clinical practice remains limited due to cost, complexity, and restricted access to sequencing platforms. Tumor-informed ctDNA assays show promise for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring and adaptive therapy, …

Interventions To Minimize Unnecessary Antibiotic Use For Acute Otitis Media: A Meta-Analysis., Theresa L. Morin, Amy B. Stein, Rana El Feghaly, Amanda Nedved, Sophie E. Katz, Amy Keith, Heather E. Laferriere, Timothy C. Jenkins, Holly M. Frost

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Backgrounds/Objectives: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the leading reason antibiotics are prescribed to children. Despite guidelines advocating for watchful waiting and shorter antibiotic durations, overprescribing remains a concern. This meta-analysis aims to quantify potential reduction in antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) for AOM if prescribers adhered to guidelines. Methods: Cochrane databases were sourced for studies on ear infections, diagnostic accuracy, antibiotic duration, and watchful waiting. Randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and quality improvement reports of children aged 6 months-17 years with uncomplicated AOM published between 2000 and 2024 from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Of 4187 studies, 425 met selection …

Cep76 Impairment At The Centrosome-Cilium Interface Contributes To A Spectrum Of Ciliopathies, Kamal Khan, Erika Tavares, Katherine Bishara, Aysegul Ozanturk, Leila Qebibo, Stephan Frangakis, Daniel G Calame, Isabelle Meunier, Béatrice Bocquet, Rafal Ploski, Mohammad Ayman Al Khateeb, Dana Marafi, Luke Mansard, Lena Damaj, Richard A Lewis, Farid Ullah, Thomas Arbogast, Jackson P Ogden, Madeleine Harion, Marjolaine Willems, Maha S Zaki, Tobias Bartolomaeus, Anne-Françoise Roux, James R Lupski, Malgorzata Rydzanicz, Rami Abou Jamra, Francis Ramond, Elise Heon, Lydie Burglen, Erica E Davis

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Dysfunction at the centrosome-cilium interface underlies a broad range of ciliopathies. Here, we identify biallelic variants in CEP76, encoding a centrosomal protein, in eight unrelated individuals presenting with neurodevelopmental, ocular, and variable additional multisystem features. Proband-derived fibroblasts and CEP76-depleted RPE1 cells display ciliary deficits, including impaired cilium formation and length, disrupted transition zone architecture, and impaired IFT88-mediated anterograde intraflagellar transport. Zebrafish cep76 mutants recapitulate key clinical phenotypes, and in vitro complementation assays confirm pathogenicity for all tested human disease-associated variants. Proteomics analysis identifies CEP76 interactors, including known partners CCP110 and CEP97, and highlights clinically and functionally relevant candidates, including …

The Political Construction Of Anti-Transgender Policy: A Critical Policy Analysis Of North Carolina State Legislators' Discursive Strategies, David Osworth, Morgan Edlin

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

In recent year anti-LGBTQ policy has been cropping up at the state level across the United States. While these policies have been described as unprecedented, they signal a period of retrenchment for the rights of queer and transgender individuals in the United States. This critical policy analysis of North Carolina state legislation that is decidedly homophobic and transgender examines the discursive tactics of policy actors (i.e. North Carolina Legislators) as they argue these policies during legislative sessions. Through our analysis of legislators’ commentary during House of Representative sessions we identified discursive formations that were considered allied with the LGBTQ community …

Whose Right(S)?: Civil Rights Impact Of Cultural Conflicts In The Curriculum, S. David Mitchell

Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development

(Excerpt)

Opponents of anti-woke legislation have challenged the presumption that the topics being taught are divisive or designed to indoctrinate students with a liberal or Left leaning ideology. Instead, they argue that these topics tell the unvarnished history of the United States. Furthermore, opponents have also challenged the asserted legality and validity of anti-woke legislation, arguing that the legislation infringes upon the First Amendment, specifically students’ and teachers’ academic freedom, students’ right to learn, and parents’ right to direct and control the education of their children. Unlike other controversial topics such as sexual education, which are taught in courses that …

A Method And System For Recovering Useable, Secure And Available Key For Blockchain Applications, Panagiotis Chatzigiannis, Shimaa Ahmed, Suvradip Chakraborty

Defensive Publications Series

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for recovering useable, secure and available key for blockchain applications. The method involves receiving an input story from a user that encapsulates a memorable life experience and processing this using a natural language processing (NLP) model to create a semantic embedding vector. Additionally, the method optionally collects a biometric sample to produce biometric embedding, which is combined with semantic embedding. Locality-sensitive hashing (LSH) is applied to this combined embedding to create a fixed-length bitstring, which is then processed through a fuzzy extractor to produce a stable, cryptographically strong key for securing digital …

Context-Aware Time Tracking, Activity Categorization, And Recommendation Generation Using Multimodal Artificial Intelligence, Jaime Guajardo, Daowz Sutasirisap

Defensive Publications Series

Time tracking apps and manual time tracking can help users track their activity throughout a day and identify practices that can help improve the way they use their time. However, in many cases, such activity tracking may not be accurate and is not performed across multiple devices that a user may use. This disclosure describes techniques, implemented with user permission, that enable users to accurately track their time across multiple devices, obtain insights into their activities, and recommendations regarding device settings, activity parameters, etc. that can help improve their productivity. With user permission, logs and other low-level granular data from …

Automated Software Service Onboarding And Configuration Through A Conversational Large Language Model Agent, Peng Chen

Defensive Publications Series

Software service onboarding can involve developers manually interpreting integration guides to edit various configuration files, a process that can be time-consuming and prone to error. A system is described that may use a conversational agent powered by a Large Language Model (LLM) to assist in automating this process. The agent can interact with a developer, for example through a user interface on a computing device, to gather parameters. These parameters may then be populated into a templatized prompt for the LLM to generate corresponding configuration files, code snippets, and commands. The system may integrate with existing development frameworks and could …

Learning How To Practice Takes Practice, Micah Killion, Robert Duke

John J. Cali School of Music Scholarship and Creative Works

Effective music learning depends on effective music practice. Although time spent with teachers is an important component of young musicians’ development, time spent alone practicing is perhaps even more consequential. Researchers and teachers have offered many prescriptions about effective music practice, yet observations of young musicians’ actual practice reveal that their behavior in the practice room is often quite unlike what teachers envision. The most important aspects of effective practice are the thinking, perceiving, and decision-making that serve to organize how musicians spend their time. We discuss how to help students focus their attention in ways that lead to the …

Physics 2425 Lecture Slides Volume 1, Chapter 3: Motion Along A Straight Line, Raji Kannampuzha Ph.D.

Physics

This page provides lecture slides for Calculus-based University Physics I (PHYS 2425). Chapters covered in the course are based on OpenStax Physics Volume I and Volume II from Rice University. These materials were created as part of Collin College’s CARES OER Development Grant in 2022. Materials were peer-reviewed by Collin faculty and administrators as part of the grant process.

This work, "University Physics I Lecture Slides," is adapted from "University Physics Volume 1" and “University Physics Volume 2” by William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny, et al., used under CC BY 4.0.

Addressing Language Challenges In Bilingual Neuropsychological Assessments At The South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (Adrc), Stephanie Santiago-Mejias, Gabrielle Hromas, Ashley Laroche, David A. Gonzalez, Robin C. Hilsabeck, Katya Rascovsky, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Amy Werry-Mcfarlin, Claudia Satizabal, Hector Trevino

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Neuropsychological assessment of bilingual (English/Spanish) individuals presents challenges that can impact test validity. Language proficiency influences cognitive performance, yet clear guidelines for determining the appropriate test language are lacking. We describe our experiences at the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (STAC) in addressing these challenges within the context of National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) assessments and broader Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) protocols. We outline steps toward a structured language assessment approach.

Methods: We implemented a process to assess language proficiency, integrating self-reported and objective measures, including the language dominance index (LDI). Case examples …

In Re: Irene Grivas

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Staying Connected To The Vine As A Means Of Leading Worship In A Christ-Like Manner, Paul Edward Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With a society focused on performance-driven worship, most worship leaders today have difficulty maintaining a God-focused, Christ-centered, and Spirit-filled worship experience during worship services. Worship leaders are having difficulty leading worship because they do not follow Christ daily to produce fruit that will help the leader effectively lead worship that honors God. This qualitative research explores the Bible, explicitly using John 15:1-11, Galatians 5:22-23, and 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 as the foundation for the worship leader to remain in Christ to produce the fruit of the Spirit and lead with Godly wisdom and understanding. Worship and leadership textbooks and dissertations covering …

Exploring How Collaboration Between General And Special Education Teachers Affects Self-Efficacy When Teaching Students Diagnosed With Emotional Disabilities In The Inclusive Classroom: A Qualitative Case Study, Liza K. Hyde

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the self-efficacy of general education and special education teachers at XYZ school district. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The central research question was: How does collaboration between general and special education teachers affect their self-efficacy when working with students with emotional disabilities? This qualitative case study explored general and special education teachers’ real-life experiences while collaborating and teaching students with emotional disabilities in the secondary inclusive classroom. The total number of participants (10) were interviewed, allowed to collaborate in focus groups, and completed a reflective letter writing …

Psychologist-Federal Agent Approaches To Supporting Veterans And Police With Mental Health Challenges, Ismith Bocaille

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored how federal agents and psychologists collaborate to assist veterans and police officers receive offer mental health care. The study paid attention to the potential interplay of artificial intelligence and faith-informed models. Following IPA-based qualitative interviews with federal agents and psychologists and an extensive literature review, the study pointed out some barriers to seeking mental health services, including stigma, rigidity inside organizations, and less peer support. Intervention models that involve patients intensely have emerged as more effective ideas, which are used sparingly. The results indicate that peer support should be incorporated into departmental policies, and closer contact and …

Generation Z And The Church: A Phenomenological Study Of Perceptions, Barriers, And Opportunities For Church Engagement, Hector Albert Soto

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions, barriers, and opportunities that shape the relationship between Generation Z and the Christian church, with particular attention to how these factors influence patterns of engagement. Recent trends indicated a significant decline in church engagement among Generation Z, contributing to the erosion of vital resources necessary for the sustained vitality of contemporary Christian congregations (Barna, 2020; Braddy, 2021; Earls, 2020). The study was guided by three research questions: 1) What Generation Z variables did the church need to focus on to attract and retain Gen Z (e.g., social concerns, leadership …

Experiences Of A Simulated Medical Malpractice Lawsuit On Nursing Students' Documentation Practices: A Transcendental Phenomenological Approach, Heide Thorne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the perspectives of first semester nursing students participating in a simulated medical malpractice lawsuit and documentation practices. The theory guiding this study is Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT), as it explains the relationship of learning and knowledge transfer through a simulation-based learning activity (SBL). Data collection approaches included observations, anonymous reflective journals, and individual interviews or questionnaire capturing students’ personal experiences and emerging themes. Bracketing enhanced reflexivity, reduced bias, and strengthened the study’s credibility and dependability. Results of the study support the efficacy of a specific, powerful SBL activity …

From Food Desert To Food Security: Implementing Change Through The Augusta Dream Center, Marté Antione Gifford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to design and implement a community garden, supplemented by local farmer partnerships, at the Augusta Dream Center (ADC) to address food insecurity in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) by providing fresh produce, fostering nutrition education, and promoting long-term health equity. This project is driven by the urgent need to reduce health disparities that result from limited access to healthy foods, particularly the elevated risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in low-income and minority communities. The CSRA faces unique challenges as it contains both food deserts, where healthy food options are scarce, and …

The Lived Experiences And Perspectives Of Higher Education Faculty Regarding The Use Of Artificial Intelligence Writing Tools On Students' Coursework: A Phenomenological Study, Kalary T. Driggers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of higher education faculty in the Southeastern United States on student use of artificial intelligence writing tools in their coursework. The theory guiding this study was Rogers’ diffusion of innovations, which considers the acceptance of innovations over time. The central research question for this study was, “What are the lived experiences and perspectives of higher education faculty regarding the use of artificial intelligence writing tools on student coursework in higher education?” This study employed a transcendental phenomenological approach, as the researcher sought to understand the …

Public Administrators’ Role In Law Enforcement Training: How Public Administrators Influence The Communication Gap Between Law Enforcement Personnel And Society, Lori B. Singer-Bare

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Communication training in police academies has historically been lacking across the nation. Prior research indicates that communication skills are necessary for law enforcement professionals. Recent incidents have indicated that a communication gap occurs between law enforcement professionals and community members. Ultimately, public administrators play a role in the delivery of law enforcement services. In Ohio, the 2024 Blue Ribbon Task Force uncovered that communication training for law enforcement professionals is lacking. Public administrators are often charged with making proposals for organizational and law enforcement training to address societal needs. State Attorney Generals often oversee the Peace/Police Officer Training Academy and …

The Effects Of Personalized Learning On High School English Language Arts Students' Self-Perceived College And Career Readiness: A Phenomenological Study, Erica Hyneman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of personalized learning when implemented in a high school English language arts class for students at County High School. The theory guiding this study was constructivist learning theory, as it is the foundation for personalized learning. The central research question aimed to discover the lived experiences of personalized learning in a high school English language arts classroom. This transcendental phenomenological study included 12 participants enrolled in an 11th-grade English language arts class at County High School, a rural, public, Title I school in the deep south. Data was …

A Phenomenological Study Of Transition Services And Self-Advocacy For The Visually Impaired, Catherine S. Holloway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the self-advocacy skills used in transition services for visually impaired (VI) students who graduated from a public school in the southeastern United States. Bandura’s social cognitive theory expands on the importance of self-efficacy. It highlights the self-advocacy skills utilized to empower VI individuals to achieve goals and progress in post-secondary employment or education. The description of VI students’ self-advocacy experiences expanded on the exploratory nature of transition services and how they impacted VI students’ self-advocacy. The study used a hermeneutical phenomenological approach to the lived experiences of VI students from G …