Digital Commons Network^™

Seed 1001 Critical Issues In Us Education, Roberto Martinez

Open Educational Resources

All levels of public education in the United States today have become the focus for often competing political, economic, social, and cultural visions of how and why we should educate the nation’s youth. This course offers students the opportunity to become knowledgeable about critical issues in American education and the controversies surrounding them, while considering the historical, political, sociological, and economic dimensions of each. Among the issues the course will address are a) the purpose of public education in a democracy; b) the private/public split in education, with a focus on home schooling, charters, parochial, and private K-20 schools; c) …

Tartans: Weaving A Warped History With Myths, Heritage And A Whole Lot Of Heather., Bethany Sassen

LSU Master's Theses

Scotland has many tartans throughout the whole of the country. Each has a different meaning and is used for different clans and purposes. Tartans are the plaids that are seen throughout the Highlands and the patterns and colors have a wide range depending on where and when the tartan was created. The purpose of this research is to investigate the history of the tartans and how they interact with our current culture. I also built two outfits to show how tartan is still being used. One a more traditional outfit and the other more avant garde. Tartans have a long …

Real Money On Virtual Games: The History And Potential Ways Forward For Esports Gambling Regulation, Roger Davis-Jahnel

The International Law Review Association Student Forum

Electronic sports, “esports,” is a rapidly growing industry throughout the world. The global gaming market was valued to be worth approximately 221.24 billion USD in 2024 and is expected to reach 424.23 billion USD by 2033. It is expected that as technology continues to improve and there are less barriers to access gaming, such as cloud gaming which allows players to access games without expensive hardware, the market for games will continue to grow. In addition to technological advancements, investments the esports industry, such as teams, media rights, and sponsorship deals are expected to help drive growth in the gaming …

Being Muslim In European Football: Defining Spaces Of Muslimness, Leif Stenberg, Ridha Sheikh, Esen Kaya

Abdou Filali-Ansary Occasional Paper Series

This paper explores the intersection of football and Islam, looking especially at European contexts, and with particular focus on the experiences of Muslim footballers in the UK. By examining the stories of UK Premier League player Cheikhou Kouyaté and amateur footballer Yasmin Abdullahi in London, the paper investigates how these individuals navigate their Muslim identities in the context of their sporting careers. The paper reflects on the broader cultural and societal implications of Muslimness in football, considering how both Muslims and non-Muslims contribute to defining Islamic spaces within the sport. The research also touches on the evolving perceptions of Islam …

Implementing Home Blood Pressure Monitoring To Identify Essential Hypertension: A Quality Improvement Project, Julianne Peterson

DNP Projects

Background White coat hypertension (WCH) affects around 12-15% of the population and may lead to a misdiagnosis of hypertension (HTN) and unnecessary treatment. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend home BP monitoring (HBPM) to aid in differentiating between WCH and HTN. A HBPM program was implemented in a primary care office.

Project Goals

1. Educate providers about the ACC/AHA guidelines promoting HBPM to assist in differentiating between WCH and HTN in patients with elevated office blood pressures (BP).

2. Implement a HBPM algorithm for patients presenting with a BP > 130/80 mmHg.

Methods The …

Implementing Breast Milk Expression Education Protocol: A Quality Improvement, Brenda Balarezo

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Prematurity related complications (PRC) are the second leading cause of death for children under the age of five. Breast milk (BM) contains bio-actives that reduce PRC. However, delayed BM expression (BME) reduces BM availability. Adherence to Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’s recommendation for BME within 6 hours in mothers of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants remain poor without a standardized BME protocol.

Purpose: To increase the percentage of NICU mothers initiating BME within 6 hours of birth. To educate labor and delivery nursing staff on early BME.

Methods: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Model for Improvement Plan-Do-Study-Act …

An Exploration Of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels After Unstable Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures In Community-Dwelling Elderly, Hakan Zora, Gökhan Bayrak

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: Inadequate vitamin D is related to increased fall risk, which leads to hip fractures among the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to explore vitamin D levels and the variables potentially influencing the total hospitalization time of community-dwelling elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: Between 2020-2024, 75 elderly patients treated with total hip replacement (THR) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the deficient (<20 ng/mL, n=46), insufficient (20 to 29.99 ng/mL, n=16), and normal (≥30 ng/mL, n=13) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) groups. Presence of delirium status, postoperative intensive care entrance, number of chronic diseases, preoperative waiting, and total hospitalization time after THR were recorded. Results: The cohorts’ mean serum 25(OH)D level was 20.11ng/mL. The deficient, insufficient, and normal serum 25(OH)D level groups displayed no significant difference in the postoperative intensive care entrance ( p =0.547) and the presence of delirium ( p =0.947). The multiple linear regression model indicated that elderly patients’ total hospitalization increases with the coefficients as the preoperative waiting time (β=0.466, p =0.001) and the number of chronic diseases (β=0.263, p =0.011) increase. Serum 25(OH)D level did not impact patients’ total hospitalization time (β=-0.072, p =0.474). Conclusion: This study indicated that community-dwelling elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures had significantly decreased serum 25(OH)D levels. Reducing preoperative waiting time and monitoring and addressing chronic diseases may decrease total hospitalization. Efforts should focus on achieving and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation post-hospitalization.

Can Advanced Chatbots Help Us Navigate Educational Advocacy? Understanding The Potential Of Large Language Models As Assistants And Guides Within An Iep (Individualized Education Program) Meeting Context, Nava Bahrampour

IPHS 300: AI for Humanity

Hundreds of thousands of parents and students in New York City’s school district alone (Fancsali and Farley 2018) go through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process every year, attending meetings and evaluations in order to determine adequate services and students with disabilities’ educational trajectories. However, most parents, especially those new to public education policy, report difficulty navigating the system or acquiring the resources necessary to successfully advocate for their children at IEP meetings (Advocates for Children 2025, Kurth et al. 2020). The rise of generative artificial intelligence and increased linguistic capabilities of interactional chatbots provokes questions about such technologies’ ability …

Changemakers : Jeremey Love And Samantha Armstrong : Juris Doctorate : Defending Dreams In Challenging Times, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Stats: Empirical Analysis Of The Impact Of Performance Metrics And Nationality On Major League Soccer Player Salaries: A Panel Data Analysis, Daniel Pereira

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the possibility of how player in-game individual performance and nationality shape the salary system in Major League Soccer (MLS). The objective is to evaluate the direct relationship between key performance indicators (KPIs) such as field position, goals, assists, appearances, and defensive contributions, and how these factors are different between domestic and international players.

Equipping Secondary Teachers In Trauma-Informed Practice, Lisa Andrewjeski

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in the capstone is, “How can new teachers be equipped to navigate the behavioral, developmental, and academic challenges of children and teens impacted by trauma?” The foundational paper explores the escalating volume and intensity of the impact of trauma on children and teens, specifically the impact of trauma on the brain and learning. The lack of teacher training in Trauma-Informed Practice nationally is also evaluated within the body of literature. The review of the literature informed the development of a year-long teacher mentorship professional development program aimed at Early Career Teachers (ECT) and their veteran peers. …

Best Practices For Improving Early Literacy Outcomes For Dual Language Learners, Kelsie Tyrrell

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project focuses on the question, What are the best practices for improving early literacy outcomes for dual language learners? The project is a three-part professional development series that is focused on supporting early childhood educators. The project emphasizes the importance of early literacy, equity, culturally responsive teaching practices, and partnering with parents. Early literacy plays an important role in developing foundation skills for children. Not only does early literacy support learning to read and write, it also is connected with a child's ability to critically engage with the world around them. Empowering families to support early literacy skills …

Strategies To Combat Plagiarism And Ai Misuse In The Online School, Brian Isles

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Since ChatGPT became available to the public in November 2022, students learned to use the website to plagiarize written assignments. Educators scrambled to determine the best solution, and through trial and error, systems formed to combat this new phenomenon. Unfortunately, online schools experienced a heightened version of this problem that researchers have not fully articulated. This capstone project navigates the question: What proactive and reactive strategies can be utilized by teachers, administrators, and caretakers to prevent plagiarism and AI misuse in the online environment where resources like ChatGPT and Brainly can readily provide responses for students without their active participation? …

Implementation Of Storylines In Science Education, Jacob Cooper

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

State standards are constantly changing and it is the job of the teacher to keep up with those changes. Science standards have recently gone through a major change, shifting toward storyline based education models. This had led to confusion among educators. This research and subsequent professional development sessions seek to answer the research questions: Why are we moving to the storylining model? How is the storylining model best implemented in the classroom? The literature review covers the where and why surrounding the origins of storyline based education models, both within traditional education settings and within indigenous communities. It then analyzes …

Supporting Independent Readers In The Middle School English Classroom By Visiting Their Local Library, Jennifer Murray

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

When students engage in independent reading, which is reading a book of your choice for pleasure, they do better in school. Many studies have positively correlated independent reading with higher grades, higher graduation rates, and more advanced reading and writing skills. The challenge for teachers is to nurture joy in reading, as this does not come naturally for all students. Some of the proven ways to foster independent reading for students, specifically middle school students, is to teach them about different types of books, give them a variety of books to choose from for independent reading, give them time to …

Enhancing School-Home Communication Through High-Quality Translations For Somali Parents With Lep, Abdiqadir Dahir

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The central research question guiding my capstone project is: How can professional development for school translators be enhanced to improve the quality of translated communications from schools to Somali parents with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)? This study explores how professional development for school translators can be enhanced to improve the quality of translated communications delivered to Somali parents with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Effective communication between schools and families is essential for fostering student success, yet language barriers often lead to misunderstandings and disengagement. This project draws on best practices in translation training, cultural responsiveness, and meaning-based communication. It develops …

Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Environmental Education: Creating Culturally Responsive Curriculum To Foster A More Inclusive And Holistic Approach To Science Learning, Emilie Potocki

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This project explores how elementary science curriculum can be adapted to become more culturally responsive (CR), with a particular focus on integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into 4th-grade instruction. Grounded in the belief that many Indigenous cultures have long held deep ecological knowledge and sustainable practices, the curriculum seeks to challenge the dominant, Eurocentric framework of traditional science education. Research highlights that culturally responsive teaching not only affirms students’ identities but also improves engagement, academic achievement, and long-term retention of scientific concepts. However, few curricular models at the elementary level meaningfully incorporate Indigenous perspectives in ways that are respectful, authentic, …

The Importance Of Gender Inclusive Language In Spanish And English Dual-Language School Settings, Rachel Schmitt

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Trans activist and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights trailblazer Marsha P. Johnson famously said, “no pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” One crucial step on this journey to liberation that Marsha P. Johnson spoke of is gender inclusive language, or speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes (United Nations, n.d.). Language is constantly changing and evolving, and it is up to educators to reflect these changes and model gender inclusive language when working with students. This paper seeks to identify …

How Can Teachers Effectively Integrate Social-Emotional Learning In A Third-Grade Classroom?, Hilary Turpin

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project presents a thoughtfully developed professional development course to facilitate the effective integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) within educational environments. By emphasizing the importance of social and emotional competencies, this initiative seeks to enhance the overall educational experience and foster an inclusive and productive atmosphere that benefits educators and students alike. Each session is carefully structured to establish a solid foundation for educators, empowering them to weave SEL strategies into their teaching practices seamlessly. The project underscores the importance of social-emotional learning for students and educators, acknowledging that nurturing these skills in teachers is crucial for them to …

Best Practices For Integrating Technology Into The Classroom For Kindergarten Through Second Grade Multilingual Learners, Shawna Nielson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in this capstone project is: “How can educators better integrate technology into in-person instruction for K-2nd grade multilingual learners?” This paper and project was inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting transition to distance learning and its effect on multilingual learners (MLs). This document looks at the ways in which MLs have dealt with systemic barriers to learning, and effective pedagogical practices to combat those barriers. It then explores how educators can effectively use digital learning resources to enhance in-person learning. A website was created to present these findings for any stakeholder to gather information …

You Can Never Have Too Many Flowers: Nature As A Support For Survivors Of Genocide, War, And Conflict, Adam Hettler

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

One in five children around the world are surviving war or other violent conflicts. The trauma of disruptions to community, safety, and loss of friends, family, and home can have wide-ranging and life-long impacts on children who survive. While impacts will vary from individual to individual, the trauma can impact mental health, feelings of safety, relationships, ability to learn, and many other aspects of their lives. Many educators in the US and globally are working with refugee students or other students who are navigating the impacts on their brains and bodies of different traumas. This project seeks to answer the …

What's Love (And Belonging) Got To Do With It? Negative And Positive Conative Elements Underlying Gritty Faith, Maria Waggoner

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

The Mediating Effects Of Disability Impact, Job Satisfaction, And Social Support In The Relationship Between Core Self-Evaluations And Life Satisfaction In Employed People With Disabilities, Rachel Friefeld Kesselmayer, Alexandra M. Kriofske Mainella, Susan Miller Smedema, Paola Cátala Villanueva

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a mediation model of the relationship of core self-evaluations (CSEs) and life satisfaction in employed individuals with disabilities. This was a quantitative descriptive design using Hayes’s (2012) PROCESS macro for SPSS and multiple regression analysis. Two-hundred fifty-nine employed individuals with disabilities were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed an online survey. Job satisfaction and social support were found to partially mediate the relationship between CSE and life satisfaction. The direct effect of CSE on life satisfaction remained significant after controlling for the effects of the mediators. Functional disability was not a …

April 2025 Faculty Senate Packet, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Packets

No abstract provided.

Wildfire Smoke And U.S. Law, Michael B. Gerrard

Faculty Scholarship

Many of the most wicked feedback effects of climate change relate to wildfire smoke. In some places the greenhouse gases poured into the atmosphere by wildfires exceed the reductions achieved by all efforts to fight climate change. At the same time, climate change is a major reason why wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense. Climate change and wildfires feed each other. However, environmental law and climate policy have paid relatively little attention to wildfires. The smoke from these fires — a major cause of illness and death, even thousands of miles from the blazes — is mostly unregulated. Efforts …

Understanding Processes That Produce Racial Disparities In California Death Sentences: A Review Of The Literature, Catherine M. Grosso, Michael Laurence, Jeffrey A. Fagan

Faculty Scholarship

A robust and extensive body of empirical research, and a rich historical record, documents a recurring and pervasive influence of race in the application of California’s death penalty. This article reviews the legal and social science research to document multiple paths through which institutions and processes produce these racial disparities over many decisions in many cases across four decades. The article reviews relevant literature by decision, institution, or actor and presents key findings. This includes documenting the history of the broad statutory design of the California capital punishment statue. The review also considers research on policing, including the influence of …

Humanist Copyright, Jane C. Ginsburg

Faculty Scholarship

This exploration of the role of authorship in copyright law proceeds in three parts: historical, doctrinal, and predictive. First, I will review the development of author-focused property rights in the pre-copyright regimes of printing privileges and in early Anglo-American copyright law through the 1909 U.S. Copyright Act. Second, I will analyze the extent to which the present U.S. copyright law does (and does not) honor human authorship. Finally, I will consider the potential responses of copyright law to the claims of proprietary rights in AI-generated outputs. I will explain why the humanist orientation of U.S. copyright law validates the position …

The Limits And Promise Of Global Antitrust Law, Anu Bradford, Adam S. Chilton, Katerina Linos

Faculty Scholarship

A large body of evidence suggests that open, competitive markets are a key driver of economic development. In recognition of this fact, many of the world’s leading economies not only adopted their own antitrust laws to promote competition, but they also urged developing countries around the world to do the same. This resulted in a remarkable proliferation of global antitrust law over the last several decades. Many studies have empirically examined the effect of this development, and, consistent with the hopes of policymakers, they have largely found that adopting antitrust laws produces positive economic outcomes.

In this Article, we reassess …

Approximations And Bounds For Optimal Controls Via Finite Fourier Series, Gabriel Nicolosi, Terry Friesz, Christopher Griffin

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work considers the problem of approximating initial condition and time-dependent optimal control and trajectory surfaces using multivariable finite Fourier series. A modified Augmented Lagrangian algorithm for translating the optimal control problem into an unconstrained optimization one is proposed. A quadratic control problem in the context of Newtonian mechanics is solved to demonstrate the proposed algorithm and various computational results are presented. Use of automatic differentiation is explored to circumvent the elaborated gradient computation in the first-order optimization procedure. Furthermore, mean square error bounds are derived for the case of one and two-dimensional Fourier series approximations, suggesting a general bound …

"What A Good Opr Looks Like": How Air Force Officers Learn To Write Performance Evaluations Without Formal Training, Joanna Kristen Dytuco Kohlhepp

English Theses & Dissertations

Every year, Air Force officers receive an Officer Performance Report (OPR) from their supervisory chain of commands. Air Force regulations state that officers should not write the content for their own reports; however, this is not what occurs in practice as “Ratees” usually compose their own evaluations. At the time of writing, the Air Force has not established a service-wide training or education program to teach officers how to compose these complex and career-altering documents, leaving Ratees to figure out how to navigate the genre’s unique conventions for themselves.

This dissertation examines what rhetorical knowledge Air Force officers must possess …