Digital Commons Network^™

Extreme Bandgap Al0.63Ga0.37N Quasivertical Schottky Barrier Diodes With A High Baliga Figure Of Merit Of 630 Mw Cm−2, Abdullah Al Mamun Mazumder, Shahab Mollah, Kamal Hussain, Abdullah Mamun, Seongmo Hwang, Tariq Jamil, Grigory Simin, Asif Khan

Faculty Publications

"Extreme bandgap n-Al_0.63Ga_0.37N quasi-vertical Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with doping densities of ≈8 × 10¹⁷cm⁻³ (Sample A) and ≈2 × 10¹⁷cm⁻³ (Sample B) are grown on an AlN/sapphire substrate using metalorganic-chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Sample A achieves a high forward current density of ≈59.5 kA cm⁻² at 10 V with an I_ON/I_OFF ratio of ≈10⁸ (calculated from the forward current at + 3.8 V and the reverse current at −1 V) and an ideality factor of 2.8. Sample B has a forward current …

Show And Tell: Writing Constitutional Law Casebooks When The Law Doesn't Matter, William D. Araiza

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Writing a constitutional law casebook today presents significant challenges. One reason among several stands out: law matters less—indeed, sometimes very little—to those charged with interpreting our constitutional law and implementing our constitutional system.

This Essay examines this challenge and explains how my contribution to the constitutional casebook genre attempts to answer it. It argues that the current moment requires instructors, and the books they use, to “show”—that is, to demonstrate to their students both the handiwork of those interpreters and implementers and alternative pathways. Sometimes, however, practical considerations preclude such showing. In those situations, “telling” may be required. But regardless …

What Should A Constitutional Law Casebook Be?, William Funk

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

What is the purpose of a “casebook”? It is not a “hornbook,” designed to summarize or explain the law in a specific area, generally aimed at law students or lawyers to provide a straightforward statement of the law. It is not a “treatise,” a comprehensive, systematic exposition of the law in a particular field, involving an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the law. And it is not a “study aid,” supplementary material designed to help students do better in their classes. It is the book used by professors in their classes. For professors of constitutional law, it is a tool …

Third-Person Direct-Object Anaphora In Translation From English Into Brazilian Portuguese: A Corpus-Based Study Of Juvenile Texts Reflecting Orality, Marcella Cascione Cerqueira Netto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The third-person accusative clitics in Brazilian Portuguese (BP) are virtually extinct in spoken language and informal writing, although formal texts and contexts still retain them. Speakers often mark third-person direct objects using the stigmatized full pronouns (syncretic with the nominative forms), null objects, or full noun phrases (NPs), also referred to as lexical NPs. The realization of these forms is not arbitrary; it is influenced by the semantic properties of the referents, particularly animacy (mainly humanness) and specificity. Animate referents [+animate] tend to be realized with overt pronouns, whereas inanimate [–animate] ones tend to be used with null objects. This …

Asking Nicely: Americans’ Perception Of Jordanian Arabic Speakers’ Politeness When Making Requests In English, David Henen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Arabic-speaking Jordanian male graduate students at an American university in Mississippi employ request directness strategies and modifications as polite devices in oral English, and how American native speakers perceive these requests. Drawing on Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory and the Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realization Project taxonomy (Blum-Kulka et al., 1989a, 1989b), this study employed a mixed-methods design to examine request production and perception. Data were collected from six American English native speakers from Mississippi and six Arabic-speaking Jordanian international students, all at the same university, through six discourse completion tasks, six role-plays, and semi-structured interviews. …

The Effects Of Intervention With Prewriting By Drawing Approach On 9th Grade Students’ Writing, Leigh Sewell Pacileo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of an intervention, which included a prewriting planning with a graphic organizer and individualized feedback on writing. To improve the writing skills of ninth-grade students (N=30), a quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups of students. While both groups were instructed to complete a writing task based on reading texts and responding to a writing prompt, the intervention group was also instructed to complete a graphic organizer as a planning tool and was provided with both oral and written feedback. The one-way ANOVA results indicated no significant difference in writing performance between the two groups …

The Nature Of Nasal Discharge In Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Using Patient-Reported Outcomes, Ethan M. Kallenberger, Asher T. Ripp, Shaun A. Nguyen, Erin Briggs, Alexander N. Duffy, Isabella V. Schafer, Jess C. Mace, Timothy L. Smith, Zachary M. Soler, Rodney J. Schlosser

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to answer the question "What is the most common and severe type of nasal discharge in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) at baseline as measured by patient-reported outcomes?".

METHODOLOGY: Two independent reviewers evaluated studies for inclusion, extracted data from included studies, and performed critical appraisal of studies. Data on the four Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT22) discharge questions, demographic, and comorbidity data was collected. Meta-analysis of single means and proportions was performed for demographic, comorbidity, severity, and prevalence data.

RESULTS: A total of 53 studies (n = 6584) were included for analysis. Postnasal …

Exploring The Relationship Between Exercise, Social Support, And Mental Health, Emma Anderson

Honors Theses

This study explored the relationship between exercise, social support, and mental health in college students. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent among college students. The two components that are experimented with for their potential in decreasing the effects of negative mental health are exercise and social support. This project executed a cross-sectional design by surveying three groups of college students: cycle class participants, independent exercisers, and non-active students. The recruitment process for the three groups of participants were key in measuring the physical activity levels. The participants were individually asked if they completed a specific …

Relationships Among Institutional Betrayal, Adverse Healthcare Experiences, And College Student Health, Saba Mustafa

Honors Theses

Institutional betrayal is defined as the trauma experienced by an individual who feels that their trust in the ability of an institution to keep the individual safe is broken. Healthcare-related institutional betrayal has primarily been explored among working adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and individuals from racially diverse backgrounds. However, healthcare-related institutional betrayal has seldom been explored in college student samples, who may have different healthcare needs compared to other patient populations. The present study explored college students’ experiences with institutional betrayal due to negative healthcare experiences. Survey data were gathered from 157 college students. Measures included healthcare provider trust, …

Hand Injuries In Boulderers Across Various Settings, Experience And Skill Levels., Cole E. Olinger

Honors Theses

Survey-based research was performed to identify risk factors and prevention tactics for finger injuries in boulderers. An IRB-approved survey was distributed and taken by 228 respondents, whose data was analyzed. Risk factors for finger injury were found to include years of experience and skill level. Results indicated stronger, more experienced boulderers were more likely to report history of finger injury than weaker, less experienced boulderers. Findings suggest boulderers may avoid injury by manipulating their grip type in specific ways.

Youth Program Fy2025 Evaluation Report, Madhawa Palihapitiya, Karina Zeferino

Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications

A School Climate Needs Assessment completed by 57 administrators evaluated both overall school climate and the key components that contribute to it. Administrators revealed low satisfaction with overall school climate (25%) and with students’ SEL skills (19%), and most considered these areas important to improve (77% and 79%) and expressed a desire for support (60% and 53%). Similar patterns emerged for academic performance (28% satisfied; 86% considered improvement important; 44% desired support), disciplinary actions (19%; 54%; 49%), and conflict levels—student-student (21%; 79%; 60%) and student-teacher (26%; 49%; 47%). Across these domains, a substantial proportion of respondents—often …

Home Visitors Perceived Barriers To Practicing Self-Care In Personal And Professional Settings, Lexie Yancey

Masters Theses

Home visiting has the potential to support families in increasing their parenting skills, reducing incidents of child maltreatment, increasing school readiness, and improving financial sustainability (HRSA, 2023; Peacock et al., 2013). Retention of home visitors in programming is crucial to retaining families in home visiting (Damashek et al., 2020; Fifolt et al., 2017; Holm-Hansen et al., 2017; Ramakrishnan et al., 2022). While many home visitors struggle with burnout, research has found that self-care strategies are effective for social work students and are even used widely by home visitors (Begic et al., 2019; Siebert, 2008). This nested mixed-methods study examines answers …

Preventing, Delaying, And Managing Chronic Disease, Michele Dinman, Logan Fox

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

We are living longer. Today, men and women who reach age 65 will live another 17 to 20 years, on average. As the human body ages, normal biological changes increase vulnerability to illness, and the risk of developing disease increases. At the same time, advances in public health, medicine, and health care have reduced deaths from acute conditions, like infection and accidents, and have increased our chances of living longer into the human life span. Thus, we now have greater chances of developing one or more chronic diseases. Most (75%) adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic …

Being A Caregiver For A Friend Or Family Member, Nancy Morrow-Howell, Michele Dinman

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

Informal caregivers give assistance to family and friends who have functional limitations that challenge self-care. Most often, caregivers assist younger adults living with a disability and older people with age- associated chronic conditions. Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system in this country, delivering 80% of care. Caregiving is increasing as people live longer with more chronic conditions. Indeed, caregiving is the new norm in our older society. As Roselyn Carter said: "There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, …

Lifelong Civic Engagement, Logan Fox, Emma Ward, Cal J. Halvorsen

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

Civic engagement can be broadly defined as the practice of service (volunteering or informal helping), advocacy, and political participation (voting). Older adults are a large and growing population that frequently engages in these civic activities.

In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately one quarter of the 11 million daily volunteers in the U.S. were age 65 and older. Between 2018 and 2021, there was a 10% increase in volunteer hours filled by individuals over age 65. Research shows this trend will be mutually beneficial, improving the quality of life for older adults who are, in turn, positively …

The Lived Experiences Of Clinicians Who Treat Black Males Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Gifty A. Acheampong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue that negatively affects humanity. The harmful effects of IPV often result in lifelong consequences for victims. Researchers have consistently identified women and children as the primary victims of IPV, although men can also be affected. The social stigma around men seeking formal help as victims is that they must endure physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and psychological abuse in intimate relationships. Because psychological abuse is the most common form experienced by male IPV victims, there is a higher prevalence of IPV within the Black community. However, research on help-seeking behaviors among Black men …

Review: Poetter, Thomas S. Curriculum Fragments: A Currere Journey Through Life Processes., Joseph Wiederhold

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Poetter’s book Curriculum Fragments—and the stories shared within— have changed the way I think about education. Redefined it. Recentered it on what matters most—the human experience, the life processes at the center of Poetter’s book: losing, knowing, forgiving, relating, hoping, growing, loving. Each of Poetter’s fragments—reflective narratives written following the Currere methodology (Pinar)—caused me to reevaluate my practice.

...Of Cabbages And Kings, Fall 2025, Emeriti Society, University Of The Pacific

Emeriti Newsletter: "...Of Cabbages and Kings"

"...Of Cabbages and Kings" is the newsletter of the University of the Pacific Emeriti Society. Read more about the Emeriti Society of Pacific by clicking here.

A Faith-Based Approach To Mental Health Challenges, Patrick Leblanc

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This project sheds light on mental health issues within the Black community and the need for faith communities to intentionally address mental health issues in communities of color. Black men are oppressed by an interplay of cultural, historical, societal, and economic factors that impact their well-being. Racial discrimination and oppression are non-medical drivers exacerbating mental health disorders among Black men. The influences of culture and faith fabricate barriers to help-seeking behavior, and mistaken perceptions of masculinity cause many men to suffer in silence. To begin erasing derogatory perceptions of mental health disorders, faith communities need to increase mental health …

Improving The Effectiveness Of The Teacher Professional Learning Communities In Secondary Education, Oscar A. Urieta

Education Theses and Dissertations

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice investigated how to enhance the relevance, effectiveness, and teacher ownership of grade-level Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at a university-affiliated charter school in East Texas. Despite the district’s strong STEM and Project-Based Learning (PBL) emphasis, 60% of high school teachers reported that PLCs felt irrelevant, administratively driven, or misaligned with their daily instructional needs. Using Improvement Science methodologies, including Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, root-cause analysis, a driver diagram, and embedded collaborative structures, this study implemented targeted interventions aimed at shifting teacher perceptions and strengthening PLC practices. Interventions centered on aligning PLC agendas with PBL, implementing structured …

The Past And Future Of Taxing "Incomes", Clint Wallace, Bret Wells

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Chatgpt In Teaching English As A Foreign Language: Teacher And Learner Perspectives, Sameiha Alhussain N Khawaji

University of Tabuk Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences

This study investigates ChatGPT as a supplementary tool in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education through surveys of 150 teachers and 350 learners in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Results show that ChatGPT improves language proficiency by providing personalized feedback, conversational fluency (72% of users reported improvement), writing scores by 22% and vocabulary through contextualized practice. Teachers found it useful for lesson planning and administrative tasks. However, challenges such as plagiarism risks (15% of cases), occasional inaccuracies and cultural insensitivities especially in idiomatic and formal language use require ethical guidelines and human oversight. For example, Asian participants noted mismatches …

Digital Communications Between Firms And Investors: Impact Of Explanatory Responses On Investor Engagement In Online Financial Q&A, Runyu Wang, Zili Zhang, Keng Siau, Ziqiong Zhang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The emerging trend of digital communications between firms and investors through online question-and-answer (Q&A) platforms is recognized as a vital strategy for managing investor relations, contributing to enhanced market efficiency and information transparency through increased information exchange. Potential investors can seek responses from firm managers to address their information needs, thereby mitigating market uncertainties. To provide foundational insights, we conduct a survey of investors to assess their awareness, usage, and perceptions of firm-investor Q&A platforms. In the subsequent empirical study, we specifically focus on the substance of managers’ responses, which are primarily aimed at clarifying firm events or information. In …

Coresets For Clustering Under Stochastic Noise, Lingxiao Huang, Zhize Li, Nisheeth K. Vishnoi, Runkai Yang, Haoyu Zhao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

We study the problem of constructing coresets for $(k, z)$-clustering when the input dataset is corrupted by stochastic noise drawn from a known distribution. In this setting, evaluating the quality of a coreset is inherently challenging, as the true underlying dataset is unobserved. To address this, we investigate coreset construction using surrogate error metrics that are tractable and provably related to the true clustering cost. We analyze a traditional metric from prior work and introduce a new error metric that more closely aligns with the true cost. Although our metric is defined independently of the noise distribution, it enables approximation …

Digital Solutions For Bridging Language Barriers: Designing And Testing An App For Construction Spanish Safety Communication On Construction Jobsites, Adrian Cappella

All Theses

Language barriers between English-speaking supervisors and Spanish-speaking workers create safety risks on U.S. construction jobsites. Hispanic workers face higher injury and fatality rates, with miscommunication being a major contributing factor. Existing translation tools lack the accuracy, cultural context, and jobsite relevance needed for effective safety communication.

In this study a mobile application with construction-specific safety phrases in English and Spanish was designed and field tested. The research included a literature review, phrase collection and validation with industry experts, application development and design with a computer science collaborator, and usability testing with supervisors and workers. Surveys and field trials measured navigation, …

Reliable-Data-Split (Rds): Maximizing Model Potential With Reinforced Selection Strategy, Hoang D. Nguyen, Xuan-Son Vu, Quoc Tuan Truong, Duc-Trong Le

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The nexus between data characteristics and parametric models is fundamental for developing effective and reliable artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Mismatches in data properties for model development may lead to deleterious effects on AI model performance in machine learning practice. This paper proposes a Reliable Data Split (RDS) procedure to learn how to select data points that will generalise the target domain adequately by employing prior knowledge of the data generative process. We introduce a reinforced selection strategy using deep reinforcement learning with diverse black box predictors in maximising ensemble rewards as the proxy of model performance potential while maintaining an …

Scalable Graph Indexing Using Gpus For Approximate Nearest Neighbor Search, Zhonggen Li, Xiangyu Ke, Yifan Zhu, Bocheng Yu, Baihua Zheng, Yunjun Gao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Approximate nearest neighbor search (ANNS) in high-dimensional vector spaces has a wide range of real-world applications. Numerous methods have been proposed to handle ANNS efficiently, while graph-based indexes have gained prominence due to their high accuracy and efficiency. However, the indexing overhead of graph-based indexes remains substantial. With exponential growth in data volume and increasing demands for dynamic index adjustments, this overhead continues to escalate, posing a critical challenge.In this paper, we introduce Tagore, a fasT library accelerated by GPUs for graph indexing, which has powerful capabilities of constructing refinement-based graph indexes such as NSG and Vamana. We first introduce …

Tools Of The Trade: Exploring Precision Agriculture, Social Media, And Support Services In Modern Farming, Virginia Wayt

All Theses

We need to know more about farmers’ relationships to tools that can help them, including Precision Agriculture (PA) tech from within the field, human service providers (SPs), and social media (SM). To evaluate these relationships, three research projects were conducted. Two were surveys focusing on perceptions - one was on technology and the other was on social media. The technology survey was on vegetable growers and aimed to understand how open and interested they were in PA, which are agricultural technologies that use data to make life easier. They could monitor soil or weather, steer vehicles, limit water, and more …

Financial Well-Being Among Self-Employed Older Americans, Cal J. Halvorsen, Byeongju Ryu

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

As people live longer, there has been growing attention in recent years on extending working lives. Although many older adults fully retire, those who continue to work often turn to self-employment—a broad category that includes entrepreneurs, small business owners, consultants, contractors, gig workers, and people who take on side jobs. Rates of self-employment rise sharply with age, with nearly 30 percent of employed adults in their 70s working for themselves—approximately twice the share of those in their 60s.

Intercultural Competence Among Emerging South Asian Leaders: Preliminary Results Of The 2025 Ysali Cohort Study, Elizabeth J. Sandell, Malaika Azam

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

In today's connected world, young leaders need more than just technical skills—they must be able to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. This study examines intercultural competence (the ability to interact respectfully and effectively across cultures) among participants in the first Young South Asian Leadership Initiative (YSALI) program. Using the Intercultural Development Inventory and follow-up interviews, investigators considered how well these emerging leaders from seven South Asian countries were prepared to lead in multicultural environments. This article presents a preliminary report, based on early survey returns from 15 of 82 participants. This research will provide important insights into …