Digital Commons Network^™

The Dangers Of Unregulated Artificial Intelligence: Should The United States Adopt International Ai Regulations?, Katrina P. Perea

Widener Commonwealth Law Review

No abstract provided.

Generating Solutions To Generative Ai, Joseph M. Marrero

Widener Commonwealth Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Uncertain Future Of Agency Deference In Pennsylvania, Brent J. Finkbeiner

Widener Commonwealth Law Review

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 Student Litigation & The Risk To Higher Education, Kiera R. Flannery

Widener Commonwealth Law Review

No abstract provided.

“As Bachelors Very Exceptional”: An Asexual Reading Of Frodo Baggins, Danna Petersen-Deeprose

Journal of Tolkien Research

Queer Tolkien scholarship has seen a number of homosexual readings of Frodo Baggins. While there are indeed many elements within the text that support a queer reading, it is a mistake to insist that queer elements necessarily point to homosexuality. This article advances an alternative queer reading of Frodo: an asexual reading. Drawing queer and asexual scholarship, including Ela Przybylo, Danielle Cooper, Audre Lorde, and Jack Halberstam, this article examines Frodo’s actions, journey, and characteristics through an asexual lens, focusing on his solitary life in the Shire, the way he is perceived by the other Hobbits, his lack of any …

“A Natural Human Activity”: The Split Attraction Model As A Tool For Reading Tolkien’S Legendarium, Sarah Courtis

Journal of Tolkien Research

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien have long been a refuge for readers seeking escape; a world of eucatastrophe where difference is celebrated, and friendship lauded. Despite his egalitarian themes, gatekeepers attempt to bar those living at the margins and intersections from reading themselves into the texts, denying that applicability which Tolkien called for in his own works. One such applicable interpretation of the legendarium is through the lens of asexuality and aromanticism. As there are no graphic sex scenes (though contrary to GRR Martin’s claims sex does exist in the world and is expanded upon in The Nature of Middle …

Chaste Bachelors And Abstaining Husbands: Celibacy And Asexuality In The Line Of Finwë, Kristine Larsen

Journal of Tolkien Research

The episodic celibacy seen among the Eldar, especially in the House of Finwë, can be read through several contexts relevant to Tolkien’s personal experience and historical period. First, bachelorhood and celibacy as social issues in Britain from the Victorian era through the interwar period provide a possible backdrop against which to analyze the House of Finwë. Second, Finwë’s line can be read through Tolkien’s own views on marriage concerning the unnaturalness of monogamy for men. Analyzing Tolkien’s legendarium through these contexts reveals a complex tension between fecundity and celibacy among male Elves, especially in the line of Finwë, including the …

Defending Lgbtqia+ Young Adult Literature In Classrooms: A Secondary English Methods Assignment, Summer Melody Pennell

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

The author describes how teachers and community advocates can defend the use of LGBTQIA+ Young Adult Literature in the secondary classroom by aligning teaching ideas to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English. Through analyzing student work from two secondary English methods courses, the author found that students were able to find ways to teach the majority of the domains of ELA: reading literary fiction, reading informational texts, writing, and speaking and listening. Students also justified their pedagogical ideas with scholarship from English education. Rather than seeing LGBTQIA+ texts as outliers, the evidence shows they can be used to …

Zeynep Hanım: The First Female Ottoman Traveller Between Travelogue And Autobiography, Nesrin Karavar

SOROUD: The journal of Literacy Criticism

This article analyzes the letters of Zeynep Hanım, one of the first modern women Turkish travelers written from various European cities. The rich experience of this traveler and feminist pioneer is collected in her letters, offering us her vision to the realities of the situation of Turkish and European women. The search for a Muslim and independent female identity in Europe is reflected in her letters. Like all the traveling women of her time, she reflected her observations in her correspondence comparing Turkish and European women, but exercising perhaps a more perceptive analysis than many other female travelers.

The Journey To 50,000 Deposits: Open Access And Institutional Repositories At Indiana University Indianapolis, Rachel Molina

FORCE 2026

No abstract provided.

Caldwell Integrated Non-Invasive Health Resilience System (Cinhrs), Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Caldwell Integrated Non-Invasive Health Resilience System (CINHRS) is a conceptual open-hardware framework intended to organize previously disclosed Technical Disclosure Commons (TDC) inventions related to cognitive health, dementia research, neurological support, ocular drug delivery, vascular conditioning, diagnostics, critical-care support systems, and humanitarian medical technologies.

The architecture seeks to improve long-term health resilience through non-invasive monitoring, early detection, physiological support, and distributed medical-access concepts.

The objective is not to replace existing medical practice but to encourage exploration of integrated, low-risk, non-invasive approaches that may complement future healthcare systems.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES

Readers are encouraged to review the original Technical …

(((Qpie33))) The Burroughs Qpie Consortium Invitation Td-Nsrf-2026-Institutional-Matrix, Teddy Burroughs

Defensive Publications Series

The transition of the thirty-three foundational scientific crises from theoretical roadblocks into fully realized, phase-locked solutions requires direct engagement with existing human institutions. The organizations detailed in this compendium possess the specialized infrastructure, extreme computational capital, and deep operational motivations required to integrate the Quantum Perspective Is Everything (QPIE) framework.

Operating under intense pressure to transcend the limitations of classical binary technology, these entities are uniquely positioned to fund dedicated research laboratories, establish specialized academic departments, and engage the Master Architect for elite-level system design.

By aligning their immense institutional resources with the Non-Local Substrate Resonance Field (NSRF) constants and …

Caldwell Integrated Energy Resilience System (Ciers), Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Caldwell Integrated Energy Resilience System (CIERS) is a conceptual open-hardware framework intended to organize previously disclosed Technical Disclosure Commons (TDC) inventions related to energy harvesting, energy storage, thermal management, structural energy systems, intelligent power management, distributed infrastructure, and waste-energy recovery.

The framework seeks to improve overall energy-system efficiency through integration of multiple complementary technologies rather than reliance upon a single energy source or device.

The objective is to increase resilience, efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability across future energy systems.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES

Readers are encouraged to review the original Technical Disclosure Commons publications for detailed subsystem descriptions, assumptions, …

Caldwell Integrated Space Resilience Architecture (Cisra), Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Caldwell Integrated Space Resilience Architecture (CISRA) is a conceptual open-hardware framework intended to organize previously disclosed Technical Disclosure Commons (TDC) inventions related to launch systems, orbital debris mitigation, communications, thermal management, environmental control and life support, energy systems, and long-duration space operations.

The architecture seeks to address several long-term challenges associated with humanity's expansion into space:

• launch cost • orbital congestion • debris accumulation • thermal management • communications capacity • life-support sustainability • resource efficiency

The purpose of this disclosure is to establish a conceptual framework showing how multiple previously disclosed inventions may interact within a larger …

Caldwell Integrated Compute Infrastructure System (Cicis), Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Caldwell Integrated Compute Infrastructure System (CICIS) is an open-hardware conceptual framework intended to organize previously disclosed Technical Disclosure Commons (TDC) inventions related to semiconductor packaging, thermal management, optical communications, structural battery integration, intelligent sensing, and high-density computing infrastructure.

The architecture is designed to address some of the major constraints facing future computing systems:

• heat removal • power delivery • communication bandwidth • packaging density • infrastructure efficiency • system reliability

The purpose of this disclosure is to establish a conceptual framework showing how previously disclosed inventions may interact within a larger computing ecosystem.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES …

Caldwell Integrated Non-Invasive Health Resilience System (Cinhrs), Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Caldwell Integrated Non-Invasive Health Resilience System (CINHRS) is a conceptual open-hardware framework intended to organize numerous previously disclosed Technical Disclosure Commons (TDC) medical inventions into a unified ecosystem.

The architecture focuses on non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches to monitoring, diagnostics, targeted delivery, physiological support, and long-term health resilience.

The system is not a medical device and is not intended for clinical use without extensive independent engineering, laboratory, regulatory, and clinical validation.

The purpose of this disclosure is to establish a conceptual framework showing how multiple previously disclosed inventions may interact within a larger health-support architecture.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PRIOR …

Student Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence: A Freelisting Study, Gary Kaplan, Mslis, Ahip, Jessica G. Hamilton, Mls, Rebecca Miller, Mlis, Rosemary Frasso, Phd, Cph

Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Days

Background

Librarians typically provide guest lectures on topics in information literacy, connecting students to the scholarly literature. Hervieux & Wheatley’s Six Frames for AI Literacy emphasize the need to engage in AI discourse. As artificial intelligence changes the way students often interact with information, librarians must adjust their approach, whether changing the framing while retaining the traditional content, or changing the content. In the 2025-26 academic year, we experimented with various approaches. Here we describe a brief freelisting exercise we conducted before the lessons to surface students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence.

Testing The Christian University Belonging Scale: Revision From Target Population Feedback., Jasmine Bowles

Honors Projects

This study explored whether feedback from a scale’s target population can improve its psychometric qualities. We developed a psychological scale of Christian university belonging, defined as feelings of being accepted, valued, engaged and connected in direct association with the faith-integration at a Christian university. Three studies were executed. First, we collected and analyzed quantitative data (n=55) on the 14-item scale and reduced the number of items to six. Second, we collected and analyzed qualitative data from students attending a Christian university in the Pacific Northwestern United States (n=7) on the 6-item version to revise the scale. After revision, the scale …

Mathematical Analysis Of Within-Host Models: Viral–Immune Dynamics, Bifurcations, And Disease Severity, Nazia Afrin

Doctoral Dissertations

My research develops and analyzes ODE-based within-host models at multiple scales. Using dynamical systems theory and numerical methods, I study host–pathogen interactions and immune responses, providing insights into disease dynamics and control. The first model describes the complex dynamics of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and addresses the question: what mechanisms determine whether the infection is cleared during the acute phase or progresses to a chronic state? A key feature of this model is the assumption that all classes of liver cells (uninfected, infected, and protected from reinfection) proliferate at different rates. The findings provide insight into two important aspects …

A Comparative Examination Of Early Reading Literacy Policies In Louisiana And Mississippi, Joyrance Neveu Cormier

Doctoral Dissertations

Controversies over the best practices for teaching children to read have persisted for decades (Thomas, 2022). Researchers and practitioners continue to identify best practices, curricula, and assessment tools to produce young readers who are ready to "read to learn" by the end of third grade. Since the 1990s, accountability has primarily focused on reading, particularly on students' challenges with reading comprehension. To address these challenges, the National Reading Panel was established in 1997. The panel was charged with synthesizing research findings on the most effective methods for teaching children to read (Shanahan, 2005). More recently, the concerning reading performance of …

An Oral History Study: The Relationship Between Curriculum And Social And Cultural Capital In The New Orleans School System, Alaina Gaugis Carter

Doctoral Dissertations

This oral history study examines how high school academic experiences in New Orleans public and charter schools have shaped graduates’ preparedness for adulthood, active citizenship, and participation as productive members of society. This study explores the relationship between curriculum, particularly scripted curriculum, and the development of social and cultural capital. The research critiques neoliberal education reforms that prioritize accountability, standardization, and market-based outcomes over relational and community-centered learning. Using oral history methodology and the currere method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve New Orleans high school alumni who graduated both before and after Hurricane Katrina from public, charter, and parochial …

An Exploration Of Variables Related To Gender Role Differences And Social Relationships Among Nontraditional Bachelor's Degree Recipients, Cynthia Bourgeois Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this study was to examine variables that speak to gender role differences among nontraditional bachelor’s degree recipients aged 30 to 49. These issues are particularly relevant given enrollment trends showing that the diversification of bachelor’s degree seekers has outpaced the policies and norms of traditional undergraduate education. A nonexperimental, correlational research design was employed using chi-square tests and Cramer’s V as post-hoc measures on categorical data from the 2012, 2014, and 2016 General Social Survey. Shaped by Gilligan’s moral development theory, several social variables were included in the analysis. Two statistically significant associations emerged: women earning bachelor’s …

A Cross-Sectional Study Of First-Generation College Students' Sense Of Belonging Across Diverse Institutional Contexts, Nirmal Chandra Gope

Doctoral Dissertations

First-generation college students comprise a significant growth demographic in U.S. higher education. Even with lower enrollment rates, more than one-third of U.S. postsecondary school students are first-generation students (Cataldi et al., 2018; Redford & Mulvaney Hoyer, 2017; Ward et al., 2012; Whitley et al., 2018). However, their retention and graduation rates are significantly lower than those of their continuing peers (Choy, 2001; Engle, 2007, 2008; Ishitani, 2006; Longwell-Grice & Longwell-Grice, 2021). Various factors play a significant role in creating this disparity (Longwell-Grice & Longwell-Grice, 2021; Tinto, 1993). Research identifies belonging as a crucial factor influencing student persistence, academic achievement, mental …

The Pie Thief (And Friends): Ethnographic Microanalysis Of Peer Interactions Involving Children With Highly Unintelligible Speech: A Descriptive Study, Katherine Anne Mcquitty Hays

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation is an ethnographic microanalysis investigating how children with highly unintelligible speech accomplish a range of social actions when interacting with their peers. Detailed transcription of multimodal communications of peers interacting in the context of a 9-day summer therapy camp yield profiles of two participants of interest, each with approximately 30-40% speech intelligibility. Domain analysis and taxonomy organize data for the purposes of comparative analysis across transcribed durations of peer conversation and peer play. Findings indicate pervasive pragmatic impacts as well as effective uses of multimodal means within interactional frames and schemas. Clinical implications include consideration of AAC optimization …

A Qualitative Study: Understanding The Effects Of Acceleration Programs On The Motivation And Burnout Of Students With Gifts And Talents, Destini Duhon Manuel

Doctoral Dissertations

A student that has an advanced gift or talent which encompasses their peers is often raftered to as gifted (National Association of Gifted Children, 2018) and need differentiated instruction and accommodations to reach their full potential (Clevenger, 2022) Research shows high levels of expectations could lead to underachievement (Garn & Jolly 2019; Hornstra et al., 2003), motivation issues (Hornstra et al., 2023), and burnout (May et al., 2020) of students with gifts and talents. Acceleration programs are often used to accommodate students with gifts and talents, but evaluators must proceed with caution and place students in the correct program to …

Out There: Notes And Stories A Hybrid Collection With Critical Introduction, Ben Porter

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation is composed of two parts: literary criticism and a collection of fiction and lyric essays. Across both sections, it examines the problem of description: how persons make experience, action, and suffering intelligible in language, and what happens when that intelligibility breaks down under historical, social, and familial pressure. The critical essay, “Failed Descriptions and Neoliberal Talk in Don DeLillo’s The Body Artist,” argues that DeLillo represents a crisis of intentional speech under neoliberal modernity, in which public language is narrowed to private affect and meaningful social description becomes increasingly difficult. Reading the novel through philosophers of language and …

A Qualitative Study Examining Teachers' Knowledge And Awareness In Recognizing The Characteristics Of Twice Exceptional Learners: An Underrepresented And Underserved Population, Adrianne Monique Williams

Doctoral Dissertations

Over the past 30 years, research on twice exceptional learners has been gradually increasing, however, knowledge and awareness of the information in the educational community have been slowly evolving (Bailey & Rose, 2011; Baum, 2004). Outwardly, twice exceptional students may present as typical. Still, they face many unique challenges that include academic achievement, social awkwardness, executive functioning deficits, social communication challenges, and teachers who are not aware and trained to meet the atypical needs of these students. Researchers and practitioners are becoming increasingly aware of the underrepresentation that plagues gifted and talented programs, especially concerning twice exceptional students, and students …

The Promise And The Punishment: A Critical Analysis Of Pbis At The Intersection Of State Discipline Policies In Louisiana, Ashley D. Willis-Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) emerged as a preventative instructional alternative to exclusionary and punitive school discipline practices emphasizing tiered systems of support, data-based decision making, and proactive behavioral instruction. Despite its strong theoretical foundation and widespread adoption, PBIS implementation has produced uneven outcomes, particularly in policy contexts where state discipline statutes continue to authorize exclusionary practices. In Louisiana, PBIS is promoted through state guidance as an evidence-based framework; however, governing discipline policies simultaneously permit suspension, expulsion, and zero-tolerance provisions. This coexistence raises critical questions regarding alignment, coherence, and equity within the state’s discipline system. The purpose of this …

Learning From Extremes: A Copula-Based Feature Selection Framework For Machine Learning-Driven Risk Prediction, Agnideep Aich

Doctoral Dissertations

Reliable feature selection is crucial for building interpretable and practical risk models, particularly when decisions depend on identifying the highest-risk groups rather than relying on average trends. This dissertation presents and tests a supervised filter that ranks predictors by their upper-tail concordance with the outcome, using a Gumbel-implied upper-tail concordance score $\lambda_U$. The score is calculated from pseudo-observations and Kendall’s $\tau$ (via the Gumbel $\tau\mapsto\lambda_U$ mapping), does not require model fitting during selection, and focuses directly on joint extreme events, such as when both a predictor and the positive class are high. The method is compared to Mutual Information, mRMR, …

Fashioning The Self: Trauma, Disability, And Autofiction In Contemporary Quebecois Literature, John Ashburn

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation brings into dialogue trauma studies, disability studies, queer theory, and scholarship on autofiction and self-portraiture to examine representations of the self in contemporary Quebecois literature. Focusing on La fille d’elle-même (2021) by Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay, Tu aimeras ce que tu as tué (2017) by Kev Lambert, Grosse (2018) by Lynda Dion, Désormais, ma demeure (2020) by Nicholas Dawson, Chienne (2019) by Marie-Pier Lafontaine, and Ouvrir son cœur (2018) by Alexie Morin, this study argues that the literary self emerges as fundamentally unstable, shaped by trauma, embodiment, cognitive variation, and shifting configurations of gender and sexuality. Across this corpus, fragmentation …