Digital Commons Network^™

Examining How Disability Resource Professionals In Higher Education Enact Whiteness In Maintaining Power And Privileged Structures, Paula Possenti-Perez

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation examines how Whiteness operates with the delivery of disability-related accommodations on US college campuses. The research in this study focused on three questions: (a) How do disability resource professionals individually begin to make sense of their Whiteness personally? (b) How do disability resource professionals recognize and account for their White racialized frame and Whiteness in their individual professional judgment and decision-making? (c) How do disability resource professionals describe the ways Whiteness as ideology manifests in the field of disability resources, through its professional norms and systemic practices across disability resources in higher education? Twelve White disability resource professionals, …

Three Essays On Trust In American Society, Devin Caramma

Dissertations - ALL

Social and political trust are paramount for healthy, democratic functioning, with social trust mattering for cooperative behavior or political action and political trust weighing more heavily for policy compliance, democratic satisfaction, and political participation. Across the last half century, trusting attitudes between citizens and towards government declined precipitously, but this decline has been less dramatic among partisans. What drives the relationship between partisan identification and social trust? Does perceived value congruence with a group cause social trust to increase? Do objective signals of ambient air pollution affect trust in state government? These questions are interrogated and tested across three papers …

Examining The Formation, Participation Dynamics, And Leadership Of Cross-Sectoral And Intergovernmental Networks For Collaborative Watershed Management, Nicholas Oesterling

Dissertations - ALL

Public policies are increasingly relying on collaborative networks of governmental and non-governmental actors to address complex problems for the achievement of policy goals. Public administrators, therefore, are now often facing critical questions of how to collaborate across boundaries (e.g., sector, jurisdiction) in networks for policy implementation. In this dissertation, I address unresolved questions regarding these networks for cross-boundary (i.e., cross-sector, intergovernmental) collaboration. Specifically, this dissertation’s three essays tackle questions regarding how external factors may influence when and where networks form, how voluntary participation occurs within networks over time, and how network leadership may shape network composition and purpose. The first …

Climate Impacts Apple Pollination, Yield And Economic Outcomes Of Farmers, Clémence Riva, Stella Gachoki, Noureddine Adjlane, Danilo Bevk, Yamina Haider, Fani Hatjina, Šimun Kolega, Marin Kovačić, Ioannis Manthos, Zlatko Puškadija, Thomas Sotiropoulos, Bojan Stipešević, Fabrice Requier

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Animal-mediated pollination is crucial to global food production but is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, habitat loss and climate change. The extent to which temperature affects pollination services and crop yields is poorly understood. Using standardised monitoring in 33 apple orchards across Europe and Northern Africa over two years, this study assessed how ambient temperature affects flower visitors, fruit set, fruit quality and economic outcomes. Observation-time warm temperatures increased pollinator abundance, particularly of honey bees, while long-term mean annual temperatures enhanced pollination services for apple weight. Apple yield and the economic benefits to farmers increase with temperature, while the role …

Southern Adventist University Commencement Program Spring 2026, Southern Adventist University

Commencement Programs

Program for Southern Adventist University Winter 2026 graduation. The commencement service took place on May 10, 2026 at 9 am and 1 pm in Iles Physical Education Center.

“The Least You Can Do Is Start A Meeting With A Karakia”: Challenging The Culture Order In A New Zealand Cricket Organisation, Stephanie Foxton, Tame Pere

Journal of Global South Sport Studies

Previously, it was documented that cricket operated as a tool of colonisation, serving to spread British culture and values across the empire, reinforcing British identity and asserting cultural superiority (Baucom, 1999). In places like Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), cricket became a cornerstone of colonial social life, solidifying the dominance of British culture. Employing the Colonial Matrix of Power framework (Mignolo, 2007; Quijano, 2007) alongside the concept of the culture order (Holmes, 2018), this article aims to understand how Aotearoa NZ’s ever-evolving cricket culture sustains, and in some cases challenges, the dominance of Pākehā/British norms. By weaving these theoretical …

Ecofeminist Entanglements, Rachel Benbasat

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

I discuss the environmental philosophical framework known as Ecofeminism and its approaches to challenging patriarchy. The discussion includes its conceptualization of women and nature focused on women’s potential to produce life as well as conceptions of power dynamics related to the aversion of women in society and history. I discuss ecological activism associated with women and its relation to different forms of Ecofeminism. I compare Ecofeminism to other approaches to feminism and to other ecological philosophies, such as deep ecology. I conclude by sharing the present status of Ecofeminism and where it may be heading, addressing questions about how it …

Evapotranspiration Everywhere, All The Time: Towards A Unified View From Earth Observation, Joshua B. Fisher, Martha C. Anderson, Diego G. Miralles, Kanishka Mallick, Paul C. Stoy, Youngryel Ryu, Wim G. M. Bastiaanssen

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Scientists want to know everything, everywhere, and all the time. This is particularly true in Earth science, where we seek to understand processes that span from the molecular to the planetary scale in how the world works, how it affects us, and how we impact it—especially the water cycle. Evapotranspiration (ET) was the last component to be measured in closing the water cycle: for decades, closing the water budget meant adding up all the measurable components, then inferring ET as the residual. Early measurements relied on water loss from pans and weighing lysimeters, followed by sensors inserted into plants to …

Ethical Issues In The Use Of Emerging Technologies In The Library, Funmilola Olubunmi Omotayo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Digital tools and emerging technologies are transforming our world, including library settings. Libraries are shifting their collections from predominantly print publications to digital resources. Librarians have turned from an ethos of ownership and authority to service, guidance, and collaboration. From pedagogy to resource sharing, the success of many libraries relies upon diverse technologies and their widespread adoption. Librarians create technological processes, design resources, manage resources, and make use of diverse technologies to support library administration. Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Data mining and analytics tools are now being adopted for library administration. …

Evidence For Environmental Stripping In The Coma Cluster, Richard T. Pomeroy, Juan P. Madrid, Conor R. O’Neill, Alexander T. Gagliano

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The stability and longevity of globular clusters (GCs) make them effective tracers of the dynamical histories of galaxies in cluster environments. We construct a catalog of 23,351 GC candidates in the Coma Cluster using imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys. We cross-match galaxy data from the SIMBAD, NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database, and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archives to construct a galaxy sample and model their GC populations using the GC specific frequency. We find several galaxies with significantly smaller GC populations than expected from their luminosities, consistent with either tidal stripping or intrinsically low formation efficiencies. We …

Muth's Law: Anticipating Ai Model Collapse, Karl T. Muth

The University of Cincinnati Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal

No abstract provided.

When Knowledge Isn't Free: Legal And Ethical Imperatives Of Protecting Indigenous Intellectual Property, Claire Courter

The University of Cincinnati Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Policing The Perils Of Online Dating: Harassment, Scams, Dark Patterns, Monopoly, And Perverse Incentives, Kevin Chamow

The University of Cincinnati Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Value Of The Non-Enhanced Cardiac Computed Tomography Scan Analysis In Determination Of The Appropriate Coronary Ct Angiography Scan Protocol Improving Image Quality While Minimizing Radiation, Osama A Smettei, Sawsan A Sayed, . Fatin M Ahmed, Tawfeeq H Alharbi, Mohammed Saied, Rami M Abazid

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objective: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a cornerstone in the assessment of coronary artery disease. Despite technological advancements, balancing radiation does with diagnostic image quality remains a challenge. This study evaluates whether assessing preliminary non-enhanced CT scans allows for the optimization of CCTA gating protocols to enhance image quality and minimize radiation exposure.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed 150 patients undergoing CCTA on a 256-slice scanner. Non-enhanced scans were used to identify motion artifacts or anatomical challenges. Based on these findings, a specific gating protocol (prospective, prospective with padding, or retrospective) was selected. This cohort was compared to a …

University Of Minnesota Morris Commencement 2026, Communications And Marketing

UMM Commencement

The University of Minnesota Morris's sixty-third commencement, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1:30 PM.

Blue Light Exposure, Eye Strain, And Sleep Quality: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Blue-Light Filtering Lenses, Sara Rozalowski

Honors Capstones

This study employs a literature review to critically evaluate the benefits of blue light–filtering lenses and to determine whether their use against eye strain and toward sleep quality is supported by empirical evidence. The aim of this research is to provide evidence-based information to better inform patients regarding the clinical utility and practical applications of blue light filtration in corrective lenses.

Adapting Phonological Awareness To Support Emergent English Language Learners', Hannah L. Zywicki

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examines how phonological awareness instruction can be adapted to better support emergent English language learners (ELLs) in their early literacy development. As classrooms become more diverse, traditional instruction designed for monolingual English-speaking students may not fully address the needs of ELLs. This study explores research to understand how phonological awareness develops in ELLs and how instructional approaches can be better adapted to support their literacy development. This literature review is organized into three overarching themes with the use of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research studies. The first theme is developmental differences between ELLs and monolingual students. The …

Taking Control Of Middle School Behavior: A Structured Approach To Classroom Management In A 7th-Grade Honors English Classroom, Hanna D. Pritchard

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

This research examined a classroom management structure used at the middle school level. It aimed to analyze the teacher’s and students’ perceptions on the protocol, and to evaluate the role of structure and the perceived impact on student behavior. The framework contained a series of strategies, such as noise level charts and positive reinforcement. Research took place in a RLA classroom, observing three seventh-grade honors class periods. The study occurred over four weeks, but the implementation began at the start of school. The research analyzed a survey given to students, a series of interviews with students and the teacher, and …

Laughing Through The Pain: How Dark Humor Meme Culture Normalizes Collective Trauma Among Young Adults, Rusul Abbas

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

This paper examines how young adults use dark humor memes to cope with collective trauma, and whether that humor helps people process painful experiences or gives them a way to avoid dealing with them. Using qualitative content analysis and Huntington's (2013) visual rhetoric framework, three memes from Instagram were analyzed across topics including the COVID-19 pandemic and school gun violence. The analysis found that dark humor memes do not function uniformly. Some help people name and sit with fear, while others package trauma in ways that make it easy to consume and just as easy to ignore. The paper argues …

Impact On Social-Emotional Development When Play-Based Learning Is Integrated Into Curriculum And Practice, Meghan Heller

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examines the impact on social-emotional development when play-based learning is integrated into curriculum and practice. Play-based learning is widely accepted as best practice in early childhood education. Social-emotional learning provides the foundation for student success, equipping them with lifelong skills. Scholarly, peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to interpret the correlation between play-based learning and social-emotional development. The studies selected were published between 2013 and 2026 and selected based on their relevance to the topic of how social-emotional development is affected by play-based learning strategies. The findings of these articles indicate a strong correlation between play-based learning and the development …

A Compilation Of Accounting Studies And Analyses, Annalee Hill

Honors Theses

This thesis includes a study of the food company, General Mills, from the perspective of auditors who view General Mills as a client. Specifically, it is an investigation of General Mills’ extensive efforts to comply with a new political agenda, which may result in subsequent applicable regulation. To develop this analysis, my classmates and I used various sources, including General Mills’s real, current financial statements, over the course of several weeks to produce a three-part compilation on the company itself, its move toward healthier products, and how we could assist them in doing so as their auditors. We performed analyzed …

Cases In Accounting Contexts, Carson T. Kimble

Honors Theses

This thesis examines a series of eight applied case studies that explore contemporary issues in accounting. Rather than focusing on a single research question, this project is a broad set of accounting situations completed through a yearlong thesis class under the guidance of Dr. Victoria Dickinson. These cases explored technical skills, professional judgement, and analytical reasoning in the accounting profession. These cases required professional research, including analysis of financial statements, review of regulations, and evaluation of academic sources. The work also emphasized collaboration among classmates and application to real-world scenarios. The thesis explored a variety of challenges that accountants encounter …

Analysis Of Accounting Through Case Studies, Emily M. Ward

Honors Theses

This thesis looks at accounting principles though a series of case studies. The primary case study used from three parts includes examining Post Holdings financial statements, regulatory impacts, and assurances processes. This case aims to explore how companies operate, report their financial information, and respond to external pressures. The first part of the case involves evaluating the company’s structure, operations, and financial statements. The second part examines industry threats and opportunities, particularly regarding the current Make America Healthy Again agenda under the Trump administration. The third part looks at potential audit plans to enhance decision making. Through this process, the …

Various Cases Studies On Kraft Heinz, Thomas Sowell, And More, Aidan K. Bitting

Honors Theses

This thesis is composed of various case studies that were completed throughout the course of the Honors Accounting 420 class. Over the course of the school year, these cases covered diverse topics related to accounting and finance. Each case has a different format which requires different solutions. Some cases were focused on the analysis of a 10-K, while other cases were focused on the effects new laws and regulations can have on the way a company conducts business.

Most of the cases were completed in groups. This helped emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The groups varied case by …

Identifying And Coping With Failure In Human Anatomy & Physiology I And Ii Students, Annie R. Mueller

Honors Theses

Human Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is a two-semester course that focuses on the structure and function of the human body systems. For many students, A&P could be their first challenging undergraduate course and their first experience with academic difficulty. Students must learn to adapt their study habits and respond productively to academic failure. The purpose of this study was to examine how students in the A&P courses at the University of Mississippi perceive and cope with academic failure, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention method. Students enrolled in BISC 206 and BISC 207 participated in three …

Enhancing K-2 Teacher Effectiveness In Reading Instruction: An Improvement Inquiry Into The Roles Of Self-Efficacy, Growth Mindset, And Evidence-Based Practices, Kellie F. Dawson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

School districts across the United States have increasingly adopted structured literacy initiatives in response to growing concerns about early reading outcomes and policy mandates grounded in the science of reading. Despite substantial investments in professional development, less is known about how teachers experience implementation demands within authentic classroom contexts. This improvement study examined how evidence-based professional development influenced K–2 teachers’ self-efficacy, the barriers teachers encountered during structured literacy implementation, and the supports teachers perceived as most critical for sustained instructional change within Eagle Stone School District.

Grounded in Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory and Dweck’s Mindset Theory, this qualitative study explored teachers’ …

From Exploitation To Healing: Mental Health And Resilience Among Native American Survivors Of Sex Trafficking, Katelin A. Stoebner

Honors Thesis

The mental health impacts of sex trafficking on Native American survivors and pathways to resilience are important to understanding healing. Native Americans are disproportionately affected by sex trafficking due to systemic inequities, historical trauma, and socioeconomic vulnerability. Using interviews with 47 Native survivors conducted as part of a larger Office on Violence Against Women project, this study analyzes the mental health challenges and recovery strategies identified by participants. Findings reveal that survivors commonly experience significant psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Among participants, PTSD emerged as the most frequently reported condition, followed by depression and anxiety, …

Confederate Women In The Field Of Nursing And Their Impact On Southern Women’S Roles In Society, Laura Leigh L. Prater

Theses

During the Civil War, Confederate women had the opportunity to go to work as nurses. The majority of these women had never been allowed to take on roles beyond the domestic sphere in antebellum society.  Despite most of these women having limited medical training, they developed an expertise in nursing, extraordinary organization skills and gained respect for their achievements.  Their achievements proved that women were able to do far more than many in the South believed prior to the war.  This paper will show how the demands of war opened doors of greater opportunity for women in the South for …

The Paradox Of Perfection: Hidden Risks Of High-Performing Ai In Human-In-The-Loop Governance, Chen Zhong, Alper Yayla, Xueping Liang

Proceedings of the Cognitive Innovation Conference (CognoCon)

As AI systems achieve near-perfect accuracy in high-stakes decision-making domains, governance frameworks risk overlooking a critical paradox: superior AI reliability may render human oversight ceremonial rather than functional. This paper presents a theoretically grounded experimental research design to investigate Automation Complacency—the cognitive degradation of human vigilance triggered by sustained streaks of accurate AI outputs. Grounded in Dual-Process Theory and the competency trap literature, we hypothesize that consistent AI reliability shifts operators from analytical (System 2) to heuristic (System 1) processing, significantly impairing error detection when AI eventually fails. Using a simulated phishing detection task (N=200), we plan to test how …